Half-Day Catamaran Boat Tour in Santorini with Meal

  • 5hDuration
  • Arabic, English, PolishSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration5 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtFira
LanguagesArabic, English, Polish
Santorini Catamaran Experience

Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

Sail the volcanic Aegean, swim in natural hot springs, and dine on deck beneath the Cycladic sky.


This Santorini catamaran cruise takes guests on a five-hour voyage along some of the island's most dramatic coastlines, stopping at landmarks that are accessible only by sea. The itinerary combines swimming, snorkelling, a freshly prepared on-board meal, and an open bar into a single half-day outing departing from Vlychada Marina.

The route covers a remarkable cross-section of Santorini's natural and cultural heritage, from the vivid red cliffs of Red Beach to the geothermal Hot Springs near the volcanic crater. Passengers sail past the chalk-white limestone faces of White Beach and the rugged volcanic edge of Mesa Pigadia, coastlines that are invisible to anyone staying on land.

A dedicated stop at Thirassia, the quiet island on the western rim of the caldera, offers calm, clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling. While guests are in the water, the crew prepares a full spread of Greek and Mediterranean dishes on board. The return passage follows the base of the caldera cliffs, gliding beneath the Old Port of Fira, the iconic Indian Rock, and the imposing Black Mountain.

Guests who select the evening departure have the added experience of watching the famous Santorini sunset from the open sea, a vantage point that no clifftop viewpoint can replicate.

Tour Highlights

Swim in the naturally warm geothermal Hot Springs beside the volcanic crater, a rare aquatic experience in the Aegean.

Explore Red Beach, White Beach, and Mesa Pigadia from the water, perspectives unavailable from any road or trail on the island.

Enjoy a generous on-board meal featuring BBQ, shrimps, mussels, Greek salad with feta, pasta, handmade desserts, and fresh fruit.

An open bar stocked with local white wine, beers, and soft beverages is included throughout the duration of the cruise.

Sail past the historic Venetian Lighthouse perched at the edge of the caldera and take in the sweeping volcanic panorama.

Anchor at Thirassia Island for snorkelling and relaxed swimming in sheltered, crystal-clear volcanic waters.

Evening departures offer an unobstructed sea-level view of the world-renowned Santorini sunset as you return to Vlychada Marina.

Itinerary

1
Vlychada Marina — Departure

The cruise begins at the calm harbour of Vlychada on Santorini's southern coast. The crew welcomes guests aboard and provides a safety briefing before casting off.

2
Red Beach — First Stop

The catamaran anchors near Red Beach, where tall crimson volcanic cliffs descend directly into deep blue water. Guests can swim and take in one of the most photographed coastal formations in the Cyclades.

3
White Beach, Mesa Pigadia and Venetian Lighthouse — Scenic Sailing

The boat continues past the bright limestone face of White Beach and the dark volcanic shoreline of Mesa Pigadia, both visible only from the sea. The Venetian Lighthouse at the caldera's edge provides a notable landmark along this stretch.

4
Volcano and Hot Springs — Second Stop

Guests swim near the submerged volcanic crater and soak in the naturally heated Hot Springs. The warm, mineral-rich water is a distinctive feature of the Santorini volcanic arc.

5
Thirassia Island — Third Stop with Meal on Board

The catamaran anchors off Thirassia for swimming and snorkelling in sheltered, clear water. While guests enjoy the sea, the crew prepares a full Mediterranean and Greek meal served with the open bar.

6
Fira Old Port, Indian Rock and Black Mountain — Return to Vlychada

The final leg passes beneath the towering caldera walls, the Old Port of Fira, the Indian Rock formation, and the Black Mountain before returning to Vlychada Marina. Evening departures conclude with the Santorini sunset viewed from open water.

What Is Included

Included

  • Five-hour catamaran cruise with professional crew
  • Swimming stop at Red Beach
  • Swimming at the geothermal Hot Springs near the volcano
  • Swimming and snorkelling stop at Thirassia Island
  • On-board meal: finger food, appetizers, shrimps, mussels, BBQ, Greek salad with feta, pasta with Mediterranean sauce, tzatziki, dips, fresh fruit, and handmade dessert
  • Open bar: local white wine, beer, and soft beverages
  • Snorkelling equipment on board
  • Scenic sailing past White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, Venetian Lighthouse, Old Port of Fira, Indian Rock, and Black Mountain

Not Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off transfers
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for the crew
  • Personal spending and souvenirs
  • Any items of a personal nature

Important Information

This tour is rated Easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. Guests are advised to bring sun protection, a towel, and a change of clothes. The boat operates in open sea conditions, so those with severe motion sensitivity should plan accordingly.
Duration
5 hours. Both morning and evening departure slots are typically available. Evening departures include the Santorini sunset.
What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light cover-up. A change of dry clothes is recommended for the return journey.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is typically available up to 24 hours before departure. Please review the specific policy at the time of booking as conditions may vary.
Accessibility
The tour involves boarding a catamaran from a marina dock and entering the sea via a swim ladder. It is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Age Range
Open to participants of all ages. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times, particularly near water and during swimming stops.

Reserve Your Place on the Water

Spaces on this exclusive catamaran are limited by design. Secure your booking in advance to guarantee your preferred departure and sail Santorini's volcanic coastline the way it was meant to be seen.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the cruise depart from?▼
The cruise departs from Vlychada Marina on the southern coast of Santorini. Exact boarding details and timing are confirmed at the time of booking.
Is the meal included in the price?▼
Yes. A full on-board meal is included, covering BBQ, shrimps, mussels, Greek salad with feta, pasta with Mediterranean sauce, finger food, appetizers, fresh fruit, and handmade dessert. An open bar with local white wine, beer, and soft drinks is also included.
Can I see the Santorini sunset on this cruise?▼
Yes, if you book the evening departure. The return leg passes through the caldera, placing the sunset directly in view from open water, offering a perspective distinct from the clifftop viewing points at Oia or Fira.
Is snorkelling equipment provided on board?▼
Snorkelling equipment is available on board. Guests do not need to bring their own gear, though personal equipment is welcome if preferred.
What happens if weather conditions are poor?▼
The operator monitors sea and weather conditions closely. In the event of unsafe conditions, the tour may be modified or rescheduled. Guests are typically notified as early as possible and offered an alternative date or a refund in line with the cancellation policy.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or children?▼
Non-swimmers are welcome on board and can enjoy the sailing, scenery, and meal without entering the water. Children are permitted but must remain under the supervision of a parent or guardian at all times during the cruise.
Santorini CatamaranSailing Cruise GreeceRed Beach SantoriniVolcano Hot SpringsThirassia IslandCaldera CruiseAegean Sea TourSantorini Sunset CruiseGreek Islands SailingVlychada MarinaHalf Day Boat TripSnorkelling Santorini
Last updated: June 2025 | Product ID: santorini-catamaran-halfday-vlychada

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