SANTORINI PRIVATE SAILING CRUISE TOUR

Imagine drifting across the shimmering waters of Santorini’s caldera aboard a stylish catamaran, with your closest loved ones or just the two of you. That’s precisely what the Santorini Private Sailing Cruise offers—an intimate, luxurious way to see the island from a unique vantage point. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable day on the water, this experience combines breathtaking views, delicious food, and personalized service.

We love that this tour provides a private, flexible setting with options for small groups or just a romantic escape. The professional Greek crew ensures a smooth ride, and the inclusion of food, drinks, and snorkeling gear adds to the value. A notable perk is the chance to dock at scenic spots for swimming and photos, making it more than just a boat ride.

However, keep in mind that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under one, or travelers with mobility issues, which might limit some guests. Still, if you’re after a personalized, relaxed way to explore Santorini’s famous caldera, this cruise could be your ideal escape.

This experience is perfect for couples celebrating a wedding or anniversary, small groups of friends, or anyone craving a luxurious, private day on the water with spectacular scenery and great food.

Good To Know

• Private and customizable experience tailored to couples or small groups
• Includes authentic Greek cuisine and drinks, with vegetarian options available
• Beautiful stops for swimming and snorkeling, with stunning island views
• Professional crew and smooth navigation around Santorini’s caldera
• Hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience
• Cancellable up to 24 hours in advance with full refund

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-depth Look at the Santorini Private Sailing Cruise

As seasoned travelers, we’re always on the lookout for experiences that blend comfort, authenticity, and memorable scenery. This private sailing tour ticks those boxes, offering an upscale yet relaxed way to explore Santorini’s iconic volcanic caldera. Let’s break down what makes this experience stand out—and what you should consider before booking.

The Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup (roughly an hour before departure), which means you can relax without worrying about logistics. From there, a modern, air-conditioned shuttle whisks you to the marina, where your private catamaran awaits. The boat itself is spacious, well-maintained, and equipped with restrooms, changing areas, and sunbathing space.

Once aboard, the captain and crew—experienced guides with local knowledge—set sail around the island, with the caldera’s breathtaking cliffs as your backdrop. You’ll visit several key spots, each offering a different perspective of Santorini’s volcanic landscape. The boat cannot moor directly on the beaches, but it anchors nearby for swimming and snorkeling, which guests say are highlights of the day.

One of the most admired parts of the tour is the stop at a vantage point where the captain docks just as the light hits its best. Here, guests can enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer, taking in the sweeping views of the caldera, the hot springs, and the volcano. The temperature of the springs is about 4°C warmer than the surrounding waters, making it a popular swimming spot, although the boat keeps a respectful distance of 50 meters from the hot springs to preserve safety and environment.

The Food and Drinks

Food plays a vital role in making this experience memorable. The onboard Greek meal includes light-fried fish fillets, BBQ chicken, Greek salad, pasta, bread, and spreads. Vegetarian options such as roasted vegetables, dolmadakia, and pasta with red sauce are available, catering to various dietary preferences.

Guests frequently praise the quality and freshness of the food. One reviewer mentioned, “The Greek fish and the BBQ chicken were delicious, and the pasta was perfectly cooked.” The drinks selection includes white wine, Greek beer, sodas, and mineral water, making for a relaxed, social atmosphere. Many appreciate the complimentary drinks, especially on warm Greek days.

The Crew and Service

The professional crew, led by a knowledgeable Greek skipper, ensures a smooth and enjoyable cruise. Reviewers often highlight the friendly, attentive service and the captain’s eagerness to share local insights. Guests note that the guides’ knowledge added to the experience, making each stop more meaningful.

The boat is fully equipped with beach towels, snorkeling gear, and amenities like restrooms and changing rooms, which add to comfort and convenience. The crew’s professionalism and the boat’s stability help make the cruise accessible and enjoyable—even for those new to sailing.

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The Scenery and Photography

Santorini’s famous views are on full display during this cruise. From the water, you’ll get a unique perspective of the volcanic cliffs and white-washed buildings that cling to the edges. Sunset time, in particular, is magical, with the sky transforming into shades of orange and pink, perfect for photos.

Guests often remark on the stunning scenery and how the boat’s location allows for better photos than land-based viewpoints. The crew is happy to assist with photography, ensuring you capture those special moments.

Value and Price

At $1,355 for a private group of up to 2 people, the tour offers a luxurious, intimate experience. While the price might seem high, it includes hotel transfers, a private crew, quality food and drinks, snorkeling gear, and a tailor-made itinerary. For couples celebrating a milestone or small groups seeking exclusivity, the cost provides excellent value.

It’s worth noting that the tour is designed for personalized service and exclusivity, making it stand out compared to larger, less private cruises. For travelers who prioritize comfort, privacy, and customization, this tour is a worthwhile investment.

Practical Considerations

• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or travelers with mobility issues, due to boat movement and accessible facilities.
• You should bring essentials such as passport or ID, camera, hat, water shoes, and a sense of adventure.
• The boat cannot moor directly on beaches, so be prepared for some swimming or snorkeling at stops.
• The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private sailing cruise suits romantic couples, small groups of friends, or anyone looking for a luxurious, personalized experience in Santorini. It’s ideal if you value intimate moments with spectacular views, excellent food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Travelers seeking a more active, adventure-packed day might prefer other tours focused on land-based activities or larger cruises.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini private sailing cruise offers a blend of elegance, exclusivity, and natural beauty that’s hard to match. From the well-curated stops to the quality onboard meal, every detail seems designed for comfort and enjoyment. If you want a day that combines the best of Santorini’s scenery with personalized service, this cruise delivers.

The experience’s value lies in its private setting, delicious Greek cuisine, and stunning views, making it a wonderful choice for celebrating special moments or simply indulging in a day of serenity on the water. While it’s a bit on the pricier side, the intimacy and quality make it well worth considering.

For those craving a bespoke, scenic adventure with excellent food and expert guidance, this cruise provides a memorable way to see Santorini from a new angle. It’s perfect for lovers, small groups, or anyone wanting a quiet, special day in Greece’s iconic setting.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts for a full day, with starting times varying; check availability for specific schedules.

What’s included in the price?
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional Greek skipper and crew, complimentary drinks, snorkeling equipment, beach towels, restrooms, and a Greek meal.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian dishes like Greek salad, pasta with red sauce, roasted vegetables, and rice-stuffed vine leaves are included.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are children allowed?
Children over 1 year are permitted, but the tour is not suitable for babies under 1 or travelers with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, camera, hat, water shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and a credit card for extras.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, complimentary white wine, Greek beer, sodas, and mineral water are served onboard.

Can I do this tour if I’m pregnant?
No, pregnant women are not suitable for this tour due to safety considerations.

In short, this private sailing cruise offers a luxurious, personalized way to experience Santorini’s natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and stunning vistas. It’s perfect for small groups and couples looking for an exclusive, memorable day at sea.

You can check if your dates are available here: