Semi Private Santorini Catamaran Tour

If you’re dreaming of watching the sunset over Santorini’s iconic caldera from a luxurious boat, this Semi Private Santorini Catamaran Tour promises a memorable experience. While I haven’t personally been on this exact cruise, numerous reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty vivid picture of what you can expect.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the intimate group size—with a maximum of 15 guests, you’ll enjoy a feeling of exclusivity and room to relax. Second, the blend of sightseeing, swimming, and delicious Greek food keeps every moment engaging. Third, the stunning sunset views from the water are a highlight many travelers swear by.

That said, a few reviewers noted that the boat can feel a little crowded at 16 guests, and smokers are sometimes permitted in common areas, which might be a consideration for some. This tour suits those seeking a comfortable, scenic, and flavorful way to experience Santorini’s famed sunset, especially if you prefer a smaller, more personal setting over larger group excursions.

Good To Know

• Exclusive small-group experience with a maximum of 15 guests
• Beautiful stops at White Beach, Red Beach, Nea Kameni, and Palea Kameni
• Delicious Greek cuisine paired with quality wine and beverages
• Varied activities, including snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing
• Flexibility to cancel free of charge with 24 hours’ notice
• Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic, and intimate cruise

What to Expect from the Santorini Catamaran Experience

This 5-hour cruise promises a perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and fun. It’s hosted aboard a 44-foot Lagoon sailing catamaran that feels spacious even with the 15 guests onboard. The boat’s generous width of over 7 meters ensures plenty of space for lounging, enjoying the views, and moving around comfortably—an important detail when considering the overall comfort.

The Itinerary in Detail

White Beach marks the first stop, a distinctive spot known for its unusual rock formations and striking white cliffs. This area is free to explore for about an hour, giving you a chance to snap pictures or take a quick dip. Reviewers highlight its “unique history and rock formations,” which add to the visual appeal, especially for those interested in geology or just love stunning scenery.

Next, the boat glides to Red Beach, another showstopper. Its namesake red cliffs create a vivid contrast against the azure Aegean Sea. The cruise involves sailing through Santorini’s most celebrated spots, with guides providing insightful information about each location. One reviewer noted how the crew “explained everything about each stop and all the destinations,” making the journey both scenic and educational.

Nea Kameni is the volcanic island where swimming and snorkeling are key highlights. With two hours allocated here, you can jump into the mineral-rich waters, explore the underwater landscape, or just lounge on the boat with a drink in hand. Many mention that the opportunity to swim at this “magical” spot is one of the tour’s best features.

The final stop is Palea Kameni, where the focus shifts to food and a quick history lesson. Here, the crew prepares a Greek-style BBQ with chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian options, served alongside an impressive selection of wine and beverages. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food, describing the chicken as “the best in the Aegean” and praising the generous portions.

Onboard Comfort and Amenities

The cruise offers WiFi, towels, snorkeling gear, pool noodles, and soda, all designed to enhance your experience. The boat’s design and limited guest count promote a relaxed, exclusive atmosphere, though some reviews mention feeling slightly crowded at 16 passengers, even if the promise was for 15.

An important detail: pickup is offered, making logistics easier, especially after a day of sightseeing or arriving from your hotel. This adds convenience, reducing the need to navigate Santorini’s often winding roads.

Food and Beverage Experience

One of the standout features, according to reviews, is the quality of the Greek cuisine served on board. The BBQ features grilled chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian options, with some guests calling the food “more than up to expectations” — especially considering it’s prepared on the boat itself.

The drink selection includes exquisite wines, which many reviewers appreciated, noting that the alcohol options are only available to those over 18. The inclusion of bottled water, soda, and a variety of drinks keeps everyone refreshed, whether they’re lounging or swimming.

Snorkeling and Swimming

The two-hour stop at Nea Kameni is a major draw for water lovers. You’ll be provided with snorkeling equipment, letting you explore volcanic formations and underwater scenery. Reviewers consistently mention how the experience of swimming in such a unique setting is a highlight.

Some mention that, despite the cruise being labeled semi-private, it can feel crowded, especially when all guests are in the water at the same time. Still, the overall experience remains positive, with many noting the helpful crew’s attentiveness.

Sunset and Overall Atmosphere

Watching the sunset from the water is what many consider the main event. The cruise timing aligns perfectly with this, offering stunning views as the sun dips behind Santorini’s cliffs. Several reviews describe the sunset as “magnificent,” with some mentioning the cruise’s comfortable vantage point as the best way to enjoy it.

Guests often comment on the friendly crew, especially mentioning Felipe, who was “very knowledgeable” and attentive. The overall vibe is relaxed and intimate, perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting to avoid the crowds of larger boat tours.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $185.03 per person, this cruise offers a great value considering the inclusions—luxury boat, meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a small-group setting. The personalized experience and scenic stops make it stand out from larger, more crowded tours.

While some reviewers found the boat slightly crowded or noted smokers in common areas, these are minor considerations. The overall consensus is that the experience provides spectacular views, delicious food, and memorable moments—especially the sunset.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, scenic experience with a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and dining. It’s perfect if you appreciate comfort, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere. It also suits couples or small groups wanting to share a special sunset on the water.

However, if you’re very sensitive to smoke or prefer larger groups, you might want to consider alternatives. Still, for most, this cruise offers a thoughtful and enjoyable way to see Santorini’s highlights from a luxurious vantage point.

The Sum Up

The Semi Private Santorini Catamaran Tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, fun activities, and delicious Greek flavors, all wrapped in a cozy, small-group environment. It’s a fantastic way to experience the caldera’s stunning views, explore volcanic islands, and enjoy a memorable sunset.

The inclusion of snorkeling, a gourmet BBQ, and excellent service makes it a well-rounded choice for travelers who prioritize comfort and authentic moments. While the experience isn’t without minor crowdedness, the overall value and intimacy make it worth considering if you want a relaxed yet immersive day on the water.

For those looking for a luxurious, scenic, and flavorful way to experience Santorini, this cruise ticks most boxes—especially if you love small, personalized tours that prioritize comfort and quality.

FAQ

How many people are on this cruise?
The boat hosts a maximum of 15 guests, ensuring a spacious and private feel, though some reviews mention feeling slightly crowded with 16 passengers.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, BBQ-style lunch with chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian options, alcoholic beverages (over 18 only), bottled water, snorkeling gear, towels, WiFi, and pool noodles.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is available, which makes getting to and from the boat easier, especially if you’re staying in or near Santorini.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, from boarding to sunset viewing, with specific stops for sightseeing and swimming.

Are there any restrictions?
You need to be over 18 to consume alcohol, and most travelers can participate. The tour is suitable for most guests, but those sensitive to smoke should note that smokers are sometimes permitted in the main sitting area.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, making it flexible if your plans change due to weather or other reasons.

In summary, this cruise offers a delightful mix of gorgeous views, tasty food, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a strong contender for anyone wanting to experience Santorini from the water without the crowds. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a scenic day, this tour balances adventure with comfort beautifully.