Santorini: Day Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Santorini: Day Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks — A Complete Guide

Imagine gliding over the calm waters of Santorini in a sleek, modern catamaran, feeling the warm sun on your face, and hearing the gentle hum of the sails. That’s exactly what this luxury day cruise offers. A well-rated experience (4.7 out of 5 from 62 reviews), this four-hour excursion combines stunning scenery, authentic Greek cuisine, and relaxing swim stops—all in a well-organized package that aims to give you a taste of the island’s best from the water.

We really appreciate how this tour balances authentic experiences with comfort. The delicious BBQ meal prepared on board, along with unlimited drinks, offers great value, especially considering the small-group feel that many reviews praise. However, a potential consideration is the itinerary’s flexibility—it’s subject to weather conditions, which might slightly alter plans.

This cruise suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and well-catered experience—ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to see Santorini from a different perspective without sacrificing comfort. If you love a good mix of stunning views, good food, and informative stops, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Stunning Views and Snorkeling: Expect clear waters and scenic vistas of the volcanic islets.
• Authentic Greek Cuisine: Enjoy a BBQ featuring fresh fish, chicken, or vegetarian skewers, plus local appetizers.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Sunbathe, listen to music, and soak in the warm Greek sun on a spacious, modern catamaran.
• Flexible Itinerary: Includes stops at Thirassia Island, the volcanic islets, and Ammoudi Bay, with occasional changes due to weather.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water keep everyone refreshed.
• Small Group Feel: Reviews highlight that with fewer guests, everyone gets attentive service and space to relax.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting the Day: From Hotel to Harbour

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in a comfortable, luxury minibus. With 12 pickup locations around popular spots like Oia, Fira, Kamari, and Imerovigli, it’s designed for convenience. The early start—around midday—lets you enjoy several hours on the water, avoiding the midday heat and crowds. Once aboard, the catamaran itself is a sleek, Lagoon model equipped with cabins, toilets, and floating gear, ensuring comfort and practicality for the four-hour trip.

The First Stop: Thirassia Island

The first highlight is Thirassia Island, a quiet, less touristy spot where you can snorkel in the salty, transparent waters. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this peaceful swim in deep blue waters, with some noting the crystal-clear quality of the water. It’s a perfect opportunity to cool off after the sun’s heat and enjoy observing marine life with provided snorkeling equipment.

The Volcanic Islets and the Nea Kameni BBQ

Next, the boat heads toward the volcanic islets of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. The black lava rocks and steaming vents create an otherworldly landscape—an active volcano that’s more than just a photo-op. Here, you’ll get a chance to stroll a bit if weather permits, or simply enjoy the spectacular views from the water.

While on the volcano, the crew serves a Greek BBQ meal—a highlight for many. The main course includes fresh fish, chicken skewers, or vegetarian options, complemented by appetizers like grilled octopus, Greek salads, and Tzatziki. Several reviews praise the high quality of the food, prepared fresh on board, with one guest describing their meal as “delicious” and “prepared right there on the boat.”

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Post-Lunch: Photo Stops and Leisure

After lunch, the cruise takes you toward the Old Harbor of Fira for a quick photo stop, offering stunning panoramic shots of the caldera cliffs. Then, Armeni Bay provides another opportunity to relax or swim. The final stop is Ammoudi Bay, a renowned spot with quaint tavernas and a scenic harbor. Many guests take a minibus shuttle back to their hotels from here, making logistics straightforward.

The Experience’s Verdict: What Travelers Say

Multiple reviewers emphasize the friendly crew and the quality of the food. One mentions that the crew was always attentive, ensuring everyone had what they needed, and that the food was excellent and prepared right on the boat. The small-group setting (some trips have as few as six guests) means more personalized attention and space to relax.

The scenic views of Santorini’s cliffs, volcanic landscape, and charming harbors are consistently praised. Guests also appreciated the unlimited drinks, which kept everyone refreshed, and the music and sunbathing opportunities, turning the trip into a leisurely escape.

Snorkeling and Weather Considerations

While swimming and snorkeling are major highlights, some reviews note that fish sightings near caves or rocky shores can be limited, partly due to local restrictions. Plus, weather can influence the itinerary, with strong winds occasionally causing changes. Travelers should be prepared for a flexible schedule and pack essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and a sunhat.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $135 per person, this cruise offers significant value. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a full meal, and unlimited drinks, making it a convenient, all-inclusive experience. The quality of the food and the small-group atmosphere get high marks, especially considering how much value guests report receiving in terms of scenery, comfort, and service.

Compare it to other options: This isn’t a raft with a few snacks and drinks—it’s a well-organized, comfortable way to see Santorini’s highlights from the water. The included snorkeling equipment, towels, and facilities add to the overall convenience.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for an authentic, relaxed adventure. If you enjoy scenic sailing, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to love here. It also suits those who want a quick, comprehensive taste of Santorini’s marine environment without a long, complicated itinerary.

The Sum Up

This luxury catamaran cruise offers a memorable way to experience Santorini from a different perspective. With its combination of stunning views, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere, it provides an excellent value for the price. You’ll enjoy the comfort of a well-equipped boat, the chance to swim in beautiful waters, and some of the island’s best photo opportunities—all while being well looked after by attentive crew.

While weather can sometimes influence the plan, most guests find the experience to be seamless and enriching. If you’re someone who loves gorgeous scenery, good food, and a laid-back vibe, this cruise is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a balanced day of sightseeing, leisure, and authentic Greek hospitality.

In short: a relaxing, scenic, and tasty way to see Santorini’s volcanic splendors and enjoy a memorable day on the water.

FAQs

What’s included in the tour?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the catamaran cruise, a sit-down meal with appetizers, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, snorkel gear, towels, and onboard facilities.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about four hours, with starting times varying based on availability.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from various pickup locations around Santorini, including popular spots like Oia, Fira, Kamari, and others.

Is snorkeling good?
Snorkeling is available at Thirassia Island and near the volcanic islets. While some guests enjoy the waters, others note that local restrictions and fish sightings can vary.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian skewers are available as part of the BBQ meal, alongside fish and chicken options.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, making flexible planning easier.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old. Be sure to bring Sun protection, swimwear, and a hat for a comfortable experience.

This cruise combines the best of Santorini’s natural beauty, cuisine, and laid-back island vibe—making it a day you’re likely to remember long after you’ve left the caldera behind.

You can check availability for your dates here: