Santorini: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise, with Food|Drinks

Planning a day at sea around Santorini? This full-day catamaran cruise offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights while relaxing on deck, swimming in crystal waters, and enjoying a tasty Greek feast. Whether you’re all about picture-perfect landscapes, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun, this trip aims to balance adventure and leisure in a way that feels both authentic and indulgent.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the customizable route means you can tailor your stops — whether you’re eager to soak in volcanic hot springs or lounge on golden beaches. Second, the luxury of a private boat, complete with spacious sunbathing areas and a crew dedicated to your comfort, transforms standard sightseeing into a memorable, intimate adventure. On the downside, it’s a long day, so if you’re not comfortable on boats or prone to seasickness, this might require some prep.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want to see Santorini from the water, enjoy quality time with friends or family, and indulge in fresh seafood and local flavors. If you’re keen on stunning views, snorkeling, and a flexible itinerary, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Flexible Route: Choose scenic bays, volcanic springs, or beaches based on your interests.
• Comfort and Style: Spacious, modern catamaran with shaded areas and sunbeds for full-day relaxation.
• Authentic Food: Enjoy a Greek buffet with seafood, salads, pasta, and locally made yogurt with honey.
• Stunning Views: Sail past caldera cliffs, caves, and landmarks like Santorini’s lighthouse.
• Swimming and Snorkeling: Dive into clear waters at hot springs or secluded coves with provided gear.
• Private and Customizable: Ideal for private groups seeking a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting Sail: What to Expect on the Cruise

This full-day cruise begins at Vlychada Port, a lesser-known but scenic departure point on Santorini. The modern catamaran sets the tone for comfort and style, offering plenty of space and shaded seating. We loved the way the crew emphasizes safety with detailed briefings, and the relaxed vibe encourages you to unwind from the start.

Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup & Departure: Your driver will pick you up from your hotel or preferred location, making the start of your day smooth and hassle-free. This door-to-door service is a big perk, especially if you’re staying outside central Fira or Oia.

Vlychada Port: After a short 15-minute transfer, you’ll gather for a safety briefing. The crew is multilingual, providing safety leaflets in your language, which helps everyone feel comfortable before setting sail.

Red Beach & White Beach: First stops include swimming at Red Beach, famous for its striking cliffs and volcanic sand. Just 15 minutes here, but enough to cool off and snap some photos. Next, a quick visit to White Beach offers a perfect photo opportunity with its white volcanic rocks, though it’s just a short stop—no swimming planned here.

Santorini Caldera: The highlight is a 40-minute cruise along the caldera, where you’ll see the dramatic cliffs and iconic landmarks like the Akrotiri Lighthouse. This is a prime time for panoramic photos and taking in the stunning views of Santorini’s volcanic landscape.

Palea Kameni Hot Springs & Secluded Bays: The most immersive part of the day, about 100 minutes, is spent near Palea Kameni. Here, you can choose to swim in the volcanic hot springs or snorkel in clear, inviting waters. The crew provides snorkeling gear and safety equipment. We loved the way this stop combines relaxation with adventure — it’s the kind of experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and connected to the natural beauty of the island.

Dining and Refreshments

A local buffet is served onboard, including Santorinian salad, appetisers, dips, pasta with Mediterranean sauce, grilled chicken, shrimps, fish fillet, and grilled vegetables. The meal is complemented by Greek yogurt with seasonal fruits and honey, creating a perfect finish to your meal.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer, all included in the price. During the meal and sail back at sunset, the crew keeps the drinks flowing, making it a laid-back, convivial atmosphere.

Sunset Sail & Return

As the cruise winds down, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking sunset as you sail back to Vlychada. The deck features premium sunbathing beds and spacious seating, ideal for relaxing and soaking in the last views of the day.

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Why This Cruise Is a Good Deal

This experience offers exceptional value given the long duration (about 10 hours), the inclusive meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and private transportation. A typical day on the water, with multiple stops, a full buffet, and scenic views, means you’re getting a lot for your money. Plus, the ability to customize stops makes for a personalized adventure.

The Small Details That Matter

• Transportation: Picking you up and dropping you off saves hassle and makes logistics easy.
• Comfort: Spacious, shaded, and modern catamaran with plenty of space for everyone.
• Safety and Convenience: Clear safety instructions, life jackets, and restrooms onboard.
• Flexibility: You can choose scenic bays, hot springs, or beaches based on your mood.
• Family Friendly: Kids can swim and snorkel (supervised), making it a good family outing.

Considerations

This tour is a long day, so make sure you’re comfortable on boats. The itinerary involves some walking and swimming, so good footwear and swimwear are advised. Also, it’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxation, not for travelers seeking a quick, rushed visit.

The Experience in Review

Multiple reviews highlight the stunning coastal views and the quality of the food as high points. One traveler appreciated the “great way to see Santorini from the water,” pointing out how the crew’s attention to detail and safety made the experience enjoyable and relaxing. Others noted how the secluded bays and volcanic waters created a unique, memorable setting.

The snorkeling at Palea Kameni was a favorite, with one guest remarking, “The water was so clear, and I loved exploring near the volcanic rocks.” The sunset sail back was described as “breathtaking,” providing a picturesque end to a full day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a day of discovery, relaxation, and good food. It’s perfect if you want a personalized experience that combines sightseeing with aquatic fun. If your goal is to see Santorini from the water with plenty of time to swim and take photos, you’ll find this trip well worth the price.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer shorter excursions, this might not be the best fit. Also, those seeking a narrated, guided tour of the island’s history may prefer land-based options, though this cruise offers plenty of scenic storytelling.

The Sum Up

This full-day catamaran cruise offers a beautifully balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and lounging, all with a touch of authentic Greek flavor through its food and wine. The flexible itinerary and private boat setting make it stand out among the many options for exploring Santorini by sea. It’s a well-priced way to enjoy some of the island’s most striking landscapes while savoring local cuisine in a relaxed, scenic environment.

Ideal for travelers who want to combine adventure with comfort, this cruise makes for a memorable day out on the water, especially if stunning views and fresh seafood are your priorities.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 10 hours, starting from Vlychada Port and including multiple stops along the coast.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation to and from your hotel, the full buffet meal, drinks (water, soft drinks, wine, beer), snorkeling gear, safety equipment, towels, blankets, and Wi-Fi onboard.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the cruise offers a customizable route so you can choose scenic bays, hot springs, or beaches to visit based on your preferences.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children are welcome, but swimming is only allowed under parental supervision. Pregnant women are advised not to swim in the hot springs.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a jacket for cooler breezes, cash, personal medication, and motion sickness prevention.

Is this experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the boat is modern and spacious, those with mobility concerns should check if they can comfortably move around on deck and participate in swimming activities.

Are shoes allowed on the boat?
Shoes must be removed before boarding for safety reasons; shoes are only allowed indoors if specified.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is a priority — if weather conditions are unsafe, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds available if canceled outside of your control.

How do I reserve and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later — just book your spot and pay nothing upfront. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This cruise delivers a meaningful taste of Santorini’s coast and waters, blending natural beauty, cultural flavors, and personalized comfort into one unforgettable day on the Aegean.

You can check availability for your dates here: