Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Imagine a day spent floating along the volcanic coastline of Santorini, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on deck while enjoying local food and drinks. This catamaran cruise offers just that—a chance to see some of Santorini’s most iconic sights from the water, combined with a laid-back atmosphere and authentic Greek flavors.

What we love about this experience is the balanced mix of adventure and relaxation—you get to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, soak in thermal hot springs, and enjoy the stunning views of volcanic islands. Plus, the onboard Greek buffet and drinks make it a hassle-free, enjoyable outing. One thing to consider, though, is that the group sizes can be quite lively—some reviews mention the boat can feel crowded at times—so if you prefer quiet or intimate experiences, that’s worth keeping in mind.

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a fun-filled day with scenic views and great food without the hassle of planning multiple activities. It suits those who enjoy social atmospheres, want to see the caldera from the water, or are simply looking for a memorable way to spend a few hours in Santorini.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Santorini’s volcanic cliffs and caldera from the water
• Swim in volcanic hot springs and snorkel in clear seas using provided gear
• Enjoy a freshly prepared Greek buffet and complimentary drinks onboard
• Relax on deck or the nets at the front for sunbathing and scenic lounging
• Well-organized itinerary with stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and Palea Kameni
• Good value for the price, especially considering meals, drinks, and activities included

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Boarding

The journey begins at Vlychada Port, a scenic and less crowded spot on Santorini’s southern coast. When you arrive, you’ll find the meeting point near the mini market behind the port, where a guide will welcome you with a sign. If you’ve opted for pickup, your driver will meet you at your hotel or location and take you to the port comfortably.

Once onboard, expect a brief safety briefing—usually around 15 minutes—covering how to use life jackets, swimming gear, and behavior guidelines for a smooth, safe trip. The crew is generally friendly and helpful, eager to answer questions or assist with gear.

The Itinerary: A Well-Paced Adventure

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, with a carefully curated route that balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing:

• Red Beach: Our first stop, famous for its dramatic red volcanic cliffs, offers about 30 minutes for swimming or relaxing on deck. Many reviews highlight how spectacular this spot is, with Eleanor calling it “a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.” Life jackets are available for those who want to swim comfortably and safely.

• White Beach: Next, the boat passes by the turquoise waters and white cliffs of White Beach. While there’s no swimming here, it’s an excellent photo opportunity, as Emilia notes, “great spot for photos,” and it adds to that feeling of cruising through a surreal landscape.

• Santorini Caldera and Lighthouse: The boat then sails past the historic lighthouse and Indian Rocks, offering panoramic views and a peaceful sailing experience. This part is more about soaking in the scenery than stops, but it provides the perfect backdrop for your photos and mental snapshots.

• Palea Kameni Hot Springs: One of the trip’s highlights is stopping just 10 meters from the volcanic hot springs. You can hop in to soak in the mineral-rich waters—an experience that Taylor describes as “wonderful,” especially if you enjoy natural thermal baths. Keep in mind, hot springs are not recommended for pregnant women, and swimmers should be aware of their own limits.

• Mesa Pigadia Beach: Here, you’ll have around 100 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the onboard local BBQ buffet. You’ll love the fresh grilled chicken, seafood (depending on the day), Mediterranean pasta, and salads. Many travelers, like Karthiga, praise the quality of food, calling it “much better than expected for a cruise.” Drinks like water, soft drinks, and local white wine are included, making it easy to stay refreshed.

• Sailing Back and Drop-offs: The return journey offers more scenic views, with the boat sailing along the caldera for about 30 minutes before returning to Vlychada Port. Drop-off points are flexible, including Thera, Vlyhada, and other nearby locations for your convenience.

What Makes This Cruise Stand Out?

Authentic Views and Comfort: The views of volcanoes, lava formations, and caldera are spectacular. The boat itself is modern and comfortable, with shaded areas and nets at the front for sunbathing—perfect for soaking in the scenery.

Food and Drinks: The onboard Greek buffet is praised frequently—many reviews mention it’s more delicious than expected, with Emilia describing it as “amazing.” The drinks—white wine, soft drinks, and water—are complimentary, adding to the laid-back vibe.

Snorkeling and Swimming: Using supplied gear, you can get in the water at multiple stops. Reviews consistently highlight the thrill of seeing fish and the ease of the equipment provided.

Music and Atmosphere: Many travelers mention how the lively music enhances the experience, especially during sunset cruises. Some mention the crew setting a friendly, party-like atmosphere, which adds to the enjoyment.

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Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While overall positive, some reviews note the cruise can feel crowded, especially during peak season. The boat’s group size, around 20-30 people, means it can get lively or busy on deck. If you prefer a more intimate setting, this might be a consideration.

Safety and comfort should also be noted: slippery decks after swimming require careful footing, and sun protection is essential, as the boat offers limited shade in some areas. Also, hot springs are not recommended for pregnant women, and swimmers should be capable of handling snorkeling activities independently.

The Verdict: Who Will Love This Cruise?

This catamaran tour is a fantastic option for travelers seeking a fun, social, and scenic day. It’s particularly suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with water activities and enjoy an authentic Greek meal without fuss. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find it a lively and memorable experience, especially if they enjoy music, good food, and stunning natural scenery.

If you value a well-organized, reasonably priced adventure that includes multiple stops, hearty food, and drinks, this cruise hits the mark. It offers a great way to see Santorini from a unique perspective without overextending your schedule.

For travelers who may prefer quieter, more exclusive experiences, this cruise’s lively atmosphere and group size might be less appealing. But for most, it’s an enjoyable, scenic, and tasty slice of Santorini life—an ideal way to spend a few hours on the water.

FAQ

What is included in the cruise?
The cruise includes pickup and drop-off (if selected), a freshly prepared meal with vegetarian and vegan options, complimentary water, soft drinks, and white local wine, towels, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and Wi-Fi onboard.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are optional. The crew provides gear and life jackets, but you should be capable of swimming independently. Swimming stops at Red Beach, Palea Kameni hot springs, and Mesa Pigadia Beach.

Is the food onboard local?
Yes, the onboard buffet includes a local BBQ with grilled chicken, seafood (depending on the day), pasta with Mediterranean sauces, salads, dips, bread, and desserts—generally praised for being better than expected for a cruise meal.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 5 hours, with the itinerary including stops, sailing time, and onboard meal. Check availability for specific starting times.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, a jacket for sea breezes, cash, personal medication, and any motion sickness remedies.

Is this cruise suitable for children or seniors?
Children may swim under parental supervision, but swimmers should be capable of handling snorkeling activities. Elderly guests should assess their health, especially around hot springs and swimming. The tour is generally accessible but involves some physical activity.

Final Thoughts

A day on a Santorini catamaran with food and drinks offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural flavor, and relaxed fun. We loved the way this experience combines stunning views of the caldera, opportunity for water-based activities, and a hearty Greek meal—all in a comfortable, lively setting.

It’s a particularly good choice for those wanting a social, scenic escape that delivers great value for the price. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable day at sea, this cruise can make your Santorini visit truly special.

If you’re after a lively, scenic, and well-organized water adventure with excellent food, this trip deserves a top spot on your list. Just remember to bring your sun protection, a sense of adventure, and an appreciation for good company and good eats.

You can check availability for your dates here: