Santorini: Private Catamaran Cruise with BBQ Meal and Drinks

Sailing across Santorini’s famous caldera on a private catamaran is often listed as a bucket-list activity, and for good reason. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, dozens of glowing reviews from travelers who have suggest it’s a top-tier experience. Think stunning views, exclusive privacy, delicious food, and a chance to swim in volcanic hot springs—what’s not to love?

What really stands out here is the combination of intimate, flexible itineraries, knowledgeable guides like Paraskevi and Stefania, and high-quality amenities. You’ll love the personalized service, the opportunity to explore secluded beaches away from the crowds, and, of course, the mouthwatering BBQ served onboard. One small consideration: since this is a private experience, it tends to sit at a premium price point, but many say it’s worth every euro.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, luxurious day on the water—perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who want a bespoke experience. If you’re after a large, crowded tour with lots of onboard activities and minimal flexibility, this might not be your best fit. But if an exclusive, scenic, gourmet sailing adventure sounds appealing, keep reading.

Private and customizable: The tour offers a fully private experience, with the ability to tailor stops and activities.

Excellent value for the price: Many reviews highlight the quality of food, service, and scenery as well worth the investment.

Knowledgeable guides: Hosts like Paraskevi and Stefania are praised for their personalized attention and local insights.

Unparalleled views and swimming spots: Stops include the White Beach, Red Beach, volcanic hot springs, and hidden caves—away from busy tourist areas.

All-inclusive comfort: Meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, towels, and Wi-Fi are included, making the day hassle-free.

Flexibility and exclusivity: The ability to stay as long as you like at each stop, plus the option to customize your route, makes this stand out.

Starting from the picturesque Ammoudi Bay, the cruise begins in one of Santorini’s most charming and iconic spots. The bay’s vibrant waterfront and scenic cliffs make for a perfect departure point. From here, your guide will take you on a journey along the coast, stopping at key highlights and hidden gems.

Thirassia Island is typically the first stop, a peaceful fishing village where you can swim, snorkel, or simply soak in the relaxed island vibe. Reviewers appreciate how this island feels untouched, with one noting it’s an ideal place for swimming and admiring the view of Manolas village, which looks frozen in time.

Next, you’ll head towards the volcanic Hot Springs, where the tour taps into the island’s fiery energy. Many travelers mention how invigorating it is to soak in these natural thermal waters, with one reviewer describing it as a reinvigorating bath. Since the springs are part of the volcanic caldera, they provide a perfect contrast to the sunbathing decks.

As the boat cruises past the whitewashed cliffs at Aspronissi, you’ll get to admire the striking contrast of white and red volcanic rocks. The White Beach and Red Beach are major highlights, with the captain often arranging stops at these iconic spots for swimming and snorkeling. Be ready to jump into crystal-clear waters that are both refreshing and scenic—something many reviewers say you just can’t experience from land.

Along the way, the boat passes by hidden caves and secluded coasts, accessible only by boat. Many reviews highlight how these spots are perfect for exploring and taking photos. The Fira Old Port, nestled beneath towering cliffs, is a fascinating sight that you’ll see from the water, offering a perspective most land visitors miss.

Lunch is a centerpiece of this tour, with a freshly prepared BBQ onboard. You’ll enjoy Greek delicacies served at a shaded sun deck table, accompanied by Santorinian wine. Reviewers describe the meal as “delicious,” with one mentioning “pasta and salad made by Stefania,” and another emphasizing the “generous portions and amazing flavors.” The meal is complemented by an open bar offering wines, beers, ouzo, soft drinks, and water—making for a truly relaxing, indulgent experience.

The tour wraps up with a return to Ammoudi Bay, leaving you with lifetime memories and plenty of photos of Santorini’s cliffs, volcano, and azure waters. Some travelers extend their day or opt for sunset cruises, but the 5-hour option is perfect for a deep yet manageable exploration of the caldera.

Many reviews emphasize the personalized service provided by guides like Paraskevi, Stefania, Costas, and Giannis. Their local knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility are key to making the trip smooth and special. Guests appreciate how guides listen to their wishes, whether that’s more swimming, less time at certain spots, or additional photo stops.

The inclusion of all essentials—snorkeling gear, paddleboards, towels, Wi-Fi—means you can focus on enjoying yourself without worrying about logistics or extra costs. Reviewers mention how the crew takes care of all the details, from safety to comfort, so you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.

The scenery itself is one of the biggest draws. You’ll see the iconic white and red beaches, volcanic cliffs, caves, and the caldera walls that create one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. Many reviewers call the views “breathtaking” and note how much they appreciated the chance to see Santorini from the water—an experience that’s quite different from land-based sightseeing.

Food and drinks onboard are another highlight. The barbecue is cited as “amazing,” with plentiful offerings that showcase authentic Greek flavors. The open bar keeps everyone refreshed, and the seasonal fruit and desserts are a little sweet bonus. This combination of good food, good wine, and gorgeous surroundings often makes the day feel like a special celebration.

Finally, the flexibility and privacy make this tour particularly attractive. Travelers can enjoy a quiet, exclusive experience, making it ideal for romantic getaways or family outings. As many reviews point out, doing a private cruise beats crowded group tours hands down—allowing for a more intimate connection with the scenery and crew.

While this tour isn’t budget-friendly, reviews consistently mention that the quality of the experience justifies the cost. With all-inclusive food, drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, towels, Wi-Fi, and personalized service, many feel it offers good value—especially considering the exclusivity and flexibility.

Some reviewers note that the private nature of the tour allows them to customize stops and activities, avoiding the busy tourist spots, which can be a huge plus. The high standard of food, scenic stops, and attentive guides make it a memorable splurge that many say they would repeat.

This private catamaran cruise in Santorini offers a luxurious yet authentic way to explore the island’s caldera. The combination of scenic stops, personalized guides, mouthwatering BBQ, and all-inclusive amenities makes for an unforgettable day at sea. It’s especially suited for travelers who value comfort, exclusivity, and flexibility—whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a peaceful escape from crowded land attractions.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, scenic, and gourmet sailing adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes. Just be prepared for the investment; many find it well worth the price for the experience of a lifetime.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, with starting times varying depending on availability. It’s enough time to enjoy multiple stops, swim, and have an excellent meal without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Your booking covers pickup and drop-off from your hotel or closest meeting point, a welcome drink, a traditional BBQ meal with Greek wine, an open bar, fresh fruit, dessert, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, towels, blankets, and Wi-Fi.

Can I customize the route or stops?
Yes, this is a private tour, and the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences. Many reviewers appreciated how the guides listened to their wishes, whether for more swimming, specific beaches, or sightseeing.

Is there any optional upgrade?
Premium cava is available upon request at an additional charge, but most guests find the included drinks and food more than satisfying.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Paraskevi, Stefania, Costas, and Giannis have been praised for their friendliness, local knowledge, and attentiveness. They help ensure the trip is both enjoyable and informative.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a light jacket for sea breezes, and your passport or ID. You might also want to wear swimwear under your clothes for easy access to swimming stops.

This Santorini private catamaran cruise combines scenic beauty, excellent service, and authentic Greek cuisine into one memorable package. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an exclusive way to see the island, it promises a day filled with relaxation, stunning views, and delicious flavors.