Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Imagine floating along the iconic caldera of Santorini, with the sun setting behind volcanic islands, the scent of grilled seafood in the air, and the gentle hum of lively music. That’s exactly what a catamaran cruise with food and drinks offers — a perfect blend of scenic beauty, relaxing activities, and delicious local flavors. While we haven’t personally hopped aboard this tour, reviews highlight a well-organized experience packed with memorable moments.

What we love about this cruise is how it combines stunning views, engaging stops, and fresh cuisine in one affordable package. The crew’s friendliness and knowledgeable guides stand out, along with the chance to snorkel in clear waters and soak in volcanic hot springs. One potential consideration is that the boat can feel a little crowded at peak times, but most find this manageable given the overall value.

Designed for travelers who appreciate a mix of relaxation, adventure, and authentic scenery, this tour suits those seeking a well-rounded day in Santorini without breaking the bank. It’s especially great for first-time visitors or anyone eager to see the island from a different perspective — from the water.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price: Around $96 per person, offering good value for a full day of activities.
• Diverse Stops: From Red Beach to volcanic hot springs and scenic caldera cruising.
• All-Inclusive: Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and Wi-Fi are included, making it hassle-free.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable crew enhance the experience with safety briefings and local insights.
• Flexible Options: Available as a day or sunset cruise, catering to different preferences.
• Authentic Experience: Combines sightseeing, swimming, and a tasty Greek buffet in one trip.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose the Santorini Catamaran Cruise?

This cruise offers more than just a boat ride — it’s a chance to see Santorini’s stunning coastline from a different angle and enjoy a variety of activities all in one afternoon. The experience begins at Vlychada Port, where a modern, comfortable catamaran awaits. The setup is clearly geared toward comfort, with shaded seating, towels, blankets, and amenities that make the journey relaxing.

A highlight is the Red Beach, famous for its dramatic red volcanic cliffs. Guests love how they can swim in its crystal-clear waters or simply lounge on the deck, soaking up the sun and admiring the scenery. Some reviews note that life jackets are available upon request, which can be reassuring if you’re a cautious swimmer.

The White Beach offers a quick photo stop — a favorite among travelers for capturing the vibrant contrast of white cliffs and turquoise waters. While the boat doesn’t stop for swimming here, it’s perfect for snapping memorable photos.

Next, the cruise passes the Lighthouse and Indian Rocks, providing striking coastal views. Sailing past these iconic landmarks, you’ll get a chance to appreciate Santorini’s volcanic landscape from the water, which many find more impressive than land-based views.

One of the trip’s unique features is the stop at the volcanic Hot Springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters just 10 meters from the boat. Reviewers like Emilia describe the experience as “lovely,” and the warm waters are said to be rejuvenating. However, pregnant women are advised against swimming here due to mineral content, and it’s always good to be aware of safety when bathing in natural springs.

The Mesa Pigadia Beach offers the chance to snorkel in clear waters with gear provided. It’s a highlight for those who love aquatic adventures, and many reviewers mention seeing fishes while snorkeling. The crew is praised for their helpfulness here, with some noting that life jackets and pool noodles are available.

Finally, the cruise concludes with a sunset view (if you opt for the evening cruise), often enhanced with music and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests often describe the sunset as “beautiful,” and the chance to sit on the deck or even on the trampoline at the front of the boat makes for a memorable ending.

The Food and Drinks

One of the most appreciated parts of this cruise is the Greek buffet onboard. The menu features grilled chicken, seafood (depending on the option), pasta with Mediterranean sauce, fresh salads, dips, bread, and dessert. Reviewers like Karthiga highlight that the food exceeds expectations for a boat-based meal, describing it as “much better than expected.”

Drinks are included in the price, with unlimited water, soft drinks, and local white wine served throughout the journey. Guests often comment on the quality of the wine, with some describing it as “refreshing” and “better than expected.” The crew, including guides like Andreas and Joseph, are attentive to guests’ needs, making sure everyone stays hydrated and happy.

The buffet, combined with the relaxed vibe and scenic backdrop, makes the cruise feel like a true taste of Greece — both in flavors and atmosphere.

The Experience and Atmosphere

The cruise is about balance: relaxing, engaging, and social. The boat can hold around 20-30 people, which allows for a manageable yet lively group environment. Many reviews note the crew’s friendliness and helpfulness, with guides serving as both safety instructors and local storytellers.

Music onboard can be lively or mellow, depending on the mood, with some guests describing the ambiance as “perfect for dancing or unwinding.” The boat features a trampoline area at the front, which is perfect for lying down and soaking up the sun or watching the scenery go by. Many travelers enjoy the opportunity to take photos, snorkel gear, and relax without feeling rushed.

The crew’s professionalism and the boat’s cleanliness are frequently praised, making this a smooth, hassle-free experience. However, a few reviewers mention that at times, the boat can feel a little crowded, especially during peak season, so arriving early or booking in advance is recommended.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts roughly five hours, with departure times depending on whether you choose the day or sunset cruise. Pickup is optional but available, with drivers waiting to collect you from your hotel or preferred location — just be sure to share your contact details for smooth coordination.

What you should bring:

• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and swimwear for protection and comfort.
• A change of clothes for after swimming.
• Personal medication and motion sickness remedies if needed.
• Cash for tips or any extras not included.

Safety is prioritized: shoes must be removed before boarding, and the deck can be slippery after swimming. It’s advised not to jump into the water or use oils that might make the boat slippery. Children can swim under supervision, and pregnant women are advised to skip the hot springs.

The tour includes Wi-Fi, towels, and blankets, making it easy to share your experience in real-time or relax between stops.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise appeals most to those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and dining in Santorini without spending a fortune. It’s ideal for first-time visitors eager to see key sites like Red Beach and volcanic springs, all while enjoying good food and drinks in a social environment.

Adventure seekers will love the snorkeling and hot springs, while those seeking tranquility will appreciate the scenic sailing and sunset views. It’s also suitable for those traveling with a modest budget who want to experience the island from the water.

On the flip side, travelers preferring a more exclusive or private experience may find the boat a bit crowded during peak times. Also, if your main goal is to explore inland Santorini’s villages or historical sites, this tour complements those activities rather than replacing them.

FAQs

What is included in the cruise?
The cruise includes pickup and drop-off if you select that option, a freshly prepared meal with vegetarian and vegan options, drinks (water, soft drinks, local wine), snorkeling gear, towels, blankets, safety briefing, and Wi-Fi.

How long does the cruise last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, with specific times depending on whether you choose the day or sunset cruise.

Are there stops for swimming?
Yes, stops at Red Beach, and Mesa Pigadia Beach allow swimming and snorkeling, with gear provided. The volcanic hot springs are also a swimming stop, about 10 meters from the boat.

Is the cruise suitable for children or elderly guests?
Children can swim under supervision, and elderly guests should assess their health before swimming. Pregnant women are advised against swimming in the hot springs.

What should I bring onboard?
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, change of clothes, personal medication, cash, and a jacket for sea breezes.

Can I book the sunset cruise?
Yes, this option is available and offers scenic sunset views, often with music and a relaxed vibe.

Is the food onboard good?
Reviewers consistently mention the quality of the buffet, describing it as better than expected, with grilled chicken, seafood, and Mediterranean pasta.

Do I need to bring any extra money?
While drinks and food are included, it’s wise to carry cash for tips or souvenirs, and to be aware that seafood and beer are not included unless you select that option.

Final Thoughts

A catamaran cruise in Santorini is a fantastic way to see the island’s famous volcanic coastline from a different perspective. It combines scenic sailing, swimming in warm springs, and enjoying authentic Greek food, all accessible for around $96. The lively crew, comfortable amenities, and stunning views make it a memorable addition to any trip.

This experience is especially suited for those who want a relaxed yet engaging day, blending sightseeing with leisure in a social atmosphere. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to tick off key sights, or anyone wanting to unwind and soak in Santorini’s beauty from the water.

While it can feel crowded at times, most guests find the overall value, food, and scenery more than worth it. If you appreciate good company, great views, and tasty local flavors, this cruise will give you plenty of reasons to smile long after you’ve disembarked.

You can check if your dates are available here: