Santorini: Full Day Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Drinks

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Santorini’s legendary landscapes from a new vantage point, a full-day catamaran cruise might just be your perfect ticket. This particular tour from Vlichada Marina is designed to combine scenic beauty, refreshing swims, authentic Greek cuisine, and a touch of local charm — all in one relaxed, well-paced day. While it’s quite a long journey — around 11 hours — the value lies in how much you get to see, taste, and feel of the island’s maritime magic.

We’re especially fond of two things about this trip: first, the chance to swim at iconic beaches like Red Beach and Mesa Pigadia, which are difficult to access otherwise and make for memorable photo opportunities. Second, the opportunity to explore Thirassia Island, a quieter sibling to Santorini that offers authentic village scenes and optional wine tasting. That said, the lengthy duration might be a consideration for some, and those with limited mobility should check the stops’ accessibility.

This cruise suits travelers who love breathtaking views, enjoy a relaxed pace, and want a comprehensive yet comfortable way to experience Santorini’s coastal highlights. Families, couples, or small groups seeking a blend of adventure and leisure will find plenty to love. If you want a full-day experience that combines nature, local culture, and excellent food, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and photo opportunities abound at Red Beach, White Beach, and the lighthouse.
• Swim and snorkel in clear, calm waters at multiple beaches with supplied equipment.
• Visit Thirassia Island for 90 minutes — explore on your own or enjoy a wine tour (extra charge).
• Greek BBQ lunch with local dishes and unlimited drinks, including wine, soft drinks, and water.
• Sunset viewing over the sea — a perfect way to end your day in Santorini.
• Comfort and convenience are included with hotel pickup, drop-off, towels, blankets, and onboard facilities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting the Day: Pickup and Departure

The tour begins with hotel pickup from a selection of locations across Santorini — from Oia and Fira to Pyrgos, Kamari, or Perissa. This is a thoughtful inclusion, especially if you’re staying outside the main towns, sparing you the hassle of arranging transport. Once aboard the boat at Vlichada Marina, you’ll notice the relaxed atmosphere and friendly crew eager to set the tone for the day.

The First Stops: Beaches and Photo Ops

By around 11 AM, you’re heading out into the waters. The first highlight is Red Beach, famed for its dramatic red cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It’s an excellent spot for a quick swim, but keep in mind the swim is limited to about 20 minutes. The striking cliffs create a surreal backdrop that’s perfect for photos and memorable dips.

Next, the boat visits White Beach, an even more secluded and pristine location accessible only by boat. This stop is brief but significant for the photos you’ll take of its white sand and cliffs — a true hidden gem. Swimmers will appreciate the calm waters at Mesa Pigadia Beach, another stop offering a tranquil setting for about 20 minutes of swimming and relaxation.

Passing the Lighthouse

Cruising past the iconic Lighthouse of Santorini is a scenic highlight. This moment offers a great photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the island’s rugged coastline and volcanic history.

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Exploring Thirassia Island

The boat then reaches Thirassia, a quieter island with fewer travelers and a more authentic pace of life. Here, you have about 90 minutes to explore on your own or opt for a wine tour (additional cost). The free transfer from the boat to the village makes wandering around easy, and you’ll find local tavernas, small shops, and scenic views that make this stop special. Many reviews praise Thirassia as a peaceful escape from the busier Santorini, offering a glimpse into traditional Greek island life.

The Final Highlights: Volcanic Islets and a Gourmet BBQ

After Thirassia, the cruise makes its way to Nea Kameni and other volcanic islets. Here, you can enjoy more photo opportunities, with the chance to snorkel and swim in volcanic waters. The cruise what’s known as a “luxury a la carte barbecue” on board, serving appetizers like pita, tzatziki, eggplant salad, grilled octopus, Greek salads, and a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetable skewers for the main course. The meal is complemented by unlimited white wine, soft drinks, and water, making for a laid-back, convivial atmosphere.

Sunset and Return

The tour concludes with a stunning sunset over the Red Beach, a moment many travelers find unforgettable. Watching the sky change colors over the sea, with the cliffs glowing in warm hues, caps off a day filled with natural beauty and authentic experiences.

Practical Aspects

• Duration and Timing: The tour runs approximately 11 hours, starting around 11 AM — so it’s a full day but offers rich experiences.
• Inclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off, onboard buffet, drinks, towels, blankets, snorkeling gear, and onboard facilities. These add value and convenience, especially the pickup service.
• Price and Value: While the tour isn’t cheap, the comprehensive itinerary, included meals, drinks, and ease of transport make it a good deal if you want a seamless, all-in-one day trip.

What Reviewers Say

Many travelers rave about the stunning views and the chance to swim in places that are otherwise hard to reach. One reviewer noted, “The scenery was incredible, and the boat was comfortable with plenty of space and amenities.” Others appreciate the friendly crew and the flexibility of optional activities like the wine tour. The only minor critiques relate to the length of the day — some mention it can feel long, especially in summer heat — but overall, the experience is highly rated for value and authenticity.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want to see Santorini’s most iconic sights without the hassle of organizing individual transportation or multiple separate excursions. It’s perfect for those enthusiastic about swimming, photography, or enjoying a leisurely day at sea with a good meal and drinks. Families, couples, or small groups will find the pace comfortable, especially since the stops are short but well-paced.

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and social day out, this tour hits the mark. However, if you prefer more flexible, independent exploration or dislike long group tours, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In short, this full-day catamaran cruise offers a blend of stunning scenery, authentic island stops, delightful food, and the fun of being out on the water. It delivers a comprehensive experience that captures the essence of Santorini’s coast — from striking beaches to charming villages.

The included amenities, comfortable boat, and well-planned itinerary make it a great value for the money, especially if you want to relax and let someone else handle the logistics. The opportunity to see the sunset over the sea, combined with swimming and exploring, creates a memorable day that many travelers find well worth the price.

This cruise is perfect for those eager to combine leisure with a touch of adventure, scenic beauty, and local flavor. It’s an authentic way to experience Santorini’s maritime side — ideal for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a cruise, onboard buffet meal with appetizers and main courses, unlimited white wine, soft drinks, and water. It also provides snorkeling equipment, towels, blankets, a map of Santorini, and onboard facilities including toilets.

How long does the cruise last?
The entire experience lasts about 11 hours, starting around 11 AM, with various stops and activities throughout the day.

Is there a stop at Thirassia Island?
Yes, there is a 90-minute stop at Thirassia, where you can explore the village or join an optional wine tour (extra charge).

Can I swim at the beaches?
Absolutely. The cruise makes stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and Mesa Pigadia Beach, with swimming time of about 20 minutes at each location.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited white wine, soft drinks, and water are provided onboard. Tips for the crew are appreciated separately.

What if I want to participate in the wine tour?
The wine tour at Thirassia is available at an additional cost, and the transfer from the boat to the winery is included.

Does the tour accommodate different starting points?
Yes, pickup is available from multiple locations across Santorini, including Oia, Fira, Pyrgos, Kamari, and Perissa.

Is there a dress code or special gear needed?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather is recommended. Towels and blankets are provided, and snorkeling gear is available onboard.

Can the itinerary be customized?
The tour follows a set schedule designed for a full day of sightseeing, but some flexibility exists with optional activities like the wine tour.

To sum it up, this catamaran cruise offers a lively, scenic, and tastefully curated way to experience Santorini’s coast. With stunning views, authentic stops, and a luxurious meal, it’s suited to those looking for a memorable, all-in-one day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: