SANTORINI PRIVATE SAILING CRUISE TOUR

An Intro to This Unique Santorini Experience

This private sailing cruise around Santorini offers a chance to see the island’s famous caldera from the deck of a luxurious catamaran, with the added perks of privacy, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of a well-organized, intimate escape—ideal for couples celebrating a special moment or small groups wanting an authentic slice of island life.

What we love about this experience is the focus on privacy and comfort, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning scenery without the bustle of large tour boats. Plus, the quality of food and drinks served onboard consistently gets praise, making it feel more like a special occasion than just another sightseeing trip. One potential consideration is the price point of $1,355 per group, which might seem steep for some, but it’s important to weigh that against the personalized service and inclusions.

This tour is best suited for romantic couples, small parties, or travelers who want a more exclusive, high-quality experience rather than a crowded boat ride. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with good food and memorable views, this cruise could fit the bill.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Private group for up to 2 people, creating an intimate atmosphere.
• Stunning Views: Sail around Santorini’s caldera, with stops for swimming and snorkeling.
• Quality Food & Drinks: A Greek-inspired meal, with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Professional Crew: Knowledgeable skipper and crew ensure smooth sailing.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• No Hidden Costs: All essential amenities, plus snorkeling equipment and beach towels included.

Exploring the Details: What This Tour Offers

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This cruise begins with a hotel pickup, usually about an hour before departure, depending on where you’re staying. Transport is via modern, air-conditioned shuttles, making the journey to the boat comfortable and hassle-free. Once onboard the luxurious catamaran, you’ll be introduced to your experienced Greek skipper and crew, who guide the day with professionalism and local insights.

Your voyage will take you around Santorini’s volcanic caldera, offering spectacular views of the island’s iconic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and the volcano itself. The boat cannot anchor directly on beaches—this isn’t a beach-hopping tour—but it will stop as close as possible at excellent swimming and snorkeling spots. The tour notes that the boat will keep a safe distance of 50 meters from the hot springs, which are a big draw for visitors, with water about 4°C warmer than the surrounding sea.

The Highlights of the Day

One of the standout moments is when the captain docks at a scenic spot with what’s considered the best view of Santorini at sunset. Here, you can savor local wine, soft drinks, or beer while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The timing is perfect for photography and simply relaxing after a day of sailing.

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The Meal and Refreshments

The included Greek meal is served onboard, with options that cater to various tastes. Expect light-fried Greek fish fillets, BBQ chicken fillets, Greek salad, pasta, bread, and spreads. Vegetarian options are available, including Greek salad, pasta with red sauce, roasted vegetables, and rice-stuffed vine leaves (dolmadakia). As reviews mention, the quality of the food is a highlight, often described as delicious and well-prepared.

Your drinks include white wine, Greek beer, sodas, and mineral water, with some reviews emphasizing the good selection of wines and the friendly, attentive crew who keep drinks topped up. Snorkel gear and beach towels are provided, making it easy to enjoy swimming in the caldera’s clear waters.

Comfort and Convenience

The boat is equipped with restrooms and changing rooms, adding to the comfort of the experience. It’s a private group, so the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate—not crowded or rushed. Travelers have also noted that the crew is very knowledgeable, providing insights into the island’s geology, history, and local culture.

Who Should Think About This Tour?

This experience is suited for those seeking privacy and exclusivity—perfect for romantic getaways or small groups celebrating a special occasion. It’s also ideal for travelers who value high-quality food and drinks and want to avoid the crowds. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with certain health considerations, given the nature of boat travel.

Analyzing Price and Value

At $1,355 for up to 2 guests, this cruise isn’t cheap, but it’s important to consider what’s included. The price covers hotel transfers, the private yacht, a professional crew, the meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the scenic sailing experience. For couples or small groups wanting exclusivity, this can be viewed as a special occasion splurge.

Compared to larger, more generic tours, the personalized attention and quality of food and service often justify the higher price. Several reviews mention “excellent wines” and “delicious food,” which elevate this experience beyond a simple boat ride. For travelers celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or just seeking a memorable day, this could be worth the expense.

The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable crew and beautiful views. One says, “The crew was friendly and informative, making the whole trip feel very special,” while others note the delicious Greek meal as a highlight. The sunset stop is often described as a “breathtaking moment,” perfect for photos or simply soaking in the scenery.

A few reviews highlight the smooth sailing and well-organized itinerary, which make for a relaxing day. The all-inclusive nature—food, drinks, snorkeling gear—means you won’t be scrambling for extras or facing hidden costs, adding to the overall value.

Practical Tips for Booking and Preparing

• Reservations are essential, as this is a private experience with limited availability.
• Bring your passport or ID for check-in, plus camera, hat, water shoes, and clothes that can get a little splashed or dirty.
• The departure times vary, so check availability and plan accordingly.
• Be prepared for a full day out on the water, and remember that the boat cannot moor directly on beaches—but will stop at prime swimming spots.
• Since pets, strollers, and smoking are not allowed, plan accordingly.
• Cancellation policies are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after an intimate, high-end experience with excellent service, this cruise is a top choice. It’s especially suited for couples celebrating a special occasion, or small groups seeking a luxurious day on the water. It’s perfect for travelers who value quality food, good drinks, and scenic beauty over a crowded, hurried tour.

However, it’s not the best fit if you’re on a tight budget or require accessibility accommodations. Also, consider your comfort with boat travel—if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer land-based sightseeing, this might not be your ideal option.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour requires guests to bring their own ID or passport and is designed more for adults. Children over 1 year old are eligible, but the tour is best enjoyed by couples or small groups rather than families with very young kids.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The tour lasts for approximately a full day, with specific start times depending on availability. The exact timing is flexible but generally includes transportation, sailing, swimming, and dining.

Are drinks included?
Yes, complimentary drinks such as white wine, Greek beer, sodas, and mineral water are included. You can also enjoy a Greek meal served onboard.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and stops are made at suitable spots for swimming and snorkeling.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women due to the boat travel and swimming activities.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, camera, hat, water shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and perhaps a pen for any forms or notes.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian dishes are available, including Greek salad, roasted vegetables, pasta, and rice-stuffed vine leaves.

Is the boat accessible for those with mobility issues?
No, this experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What if I want to book later?
You can reserve now and pay later, keeping your plans flexible, but check the availability beforehand.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini private sailing cruise truly offers a special way to enjoy the island’s most stunning sights from the comfort of a well-equipped, private catamaran. The combination of breathtaking views, gourmet food, and personalized service makes it a memorable experience worth considering if your budget allows. It’s perfect for those celebrating love or simply wanting a luxurious day on the water away from the crowds.

While the price may seem high, the inclusion of hotel transfers, high-quality meals, drinks, and snorkeling gear adds significant value. The small group size and professional crew ensure a smooth, relaxed journey—one that you’ll likely remember long after returning home.

If you’re looking for an exclusive, scenic, and delicious way to experience Santorini, this cruise could be the highlight of your trip.

Source

GetYourGuide – Santorini Private Sailing Cruise Tour

You can check availability for your dates here: