Hot springs, barbecue, and Santorini views in one go. This 5-hour catamaran trip is a great way to get out on the water and see the caldera from a 360º open-deck—no bus-window sightseeing. I also like the way the schedule is built around real water time, starting with volcano hot springs for a swim and snorkel.

The second reason I’d book it is the onboard food-and-drinks setup: Greek BBQ lunch plus an open bar, with vegetarian options and plenty of classic sides. One thing to think about: the water near the hot springs and beaches can feel cold, so plan to bring warm, dry clothes and accept that your first few minutes in the sea might be a shock.

Key highlights you’ll actually use

• 360º deck layout for maximum views, plus shaded seating under the canopy
• Volcano hot-springs swim near black volcanic rocks (with snorkel gear provided)
• Red Beach and White Beach stops in places that are hard or impossible to reach by car
• Greek BBQ lunch on board with pork, chicken, or grilled vegetables and Greek salad sides
• Transfers from your hotel to the departure port, round-trip
• Onboard facilities including a WC and seawater rinse area

A catamaran way to see Santorini off the main routes

Santorini can feel like a one-way traffic jam along the viewpoints. This cruise helps you reset by moving your day onto the water, with more breathing room and a very different feel than the main caldera walks.

What I like most is that you’re not just passively watching. You’re scheduled to stop and get in the water—first near the volcano, then at Red Beach and White Beach—so the day feels active without being exhausting. And because it’s an open-style catamaran, you get wide sightlines all around, even when you’re just sitting down with a drink.

Pickup, ports, and the simple rules before you sail

This tour includes round-trip transfers between your hotel (or nearby) and the departure port. Your pickup location depends on where you’re staying, and you’ll be told the exact timing after booking.

Two practical notes matter here:

• Guests must remove their shoes before embarkation, so wear easy slip-on footwear.
• You’ll need a photo of your passport or ID card.

When you arrive, the crew welcomes you on board and you can choose where to hang out on deck. You’ll find shaded seating under the canopy, plus open sunbathing space, and the boat layout gives you that “see everything” feeling from multiple angles.

Also, keep in mind that the itinerary can shift based on sailing conditions outside the caldera. It’s still the same idea—swim stops and views—but the order or timing can adjust.

Volcano hot springs: black rocks, sulfur water, and close-up snorkeling

The first swim stop happens in the Hot Springs area near the Santorini Volcano. This is where the scenery looks almost alien: dark volcanic rock, lava-like textures, and a landscape that’s more dramatic than the usual postcard view.

Before the second swim stop, you’ll pass landmarks such as the Old Lighthouse, the Indian Rock, and the Black Mountain. Even if you don’t do much sightseeing on foot, seeing these from the water helps connect the island’s geography in a way you can’t get from one viewpoint.

How the swim works (and what to expect)

A helpful detail for setting expectations: catamarans keep a 50 m distance from the hot, sulfur-rich water bay. The hot springs temperature can be up to 4°C warmer than the surrounding open water, but you’re not wading directly from the boat to shore. Instead, the boat anchors or positions at the best possible swimming points, since boats in Greece cannot moor directly on the beach.

The crew also provides snorkelling equipment (mask and snorkel) and a jacket you return to them afterward. They’ll help you get set up, and the day is built so you can float and swim securely close to the volcano area.

One extra tip from the operational reality: dark color swimwear is recommended. It sounds small, but it matches the look of the area and may help you feel less “painted” by the surroundings if you’re in the sulfur-influenced water.

Red Beach photo time with real swim-and-snorkel access

Next up is the Red Beach area. This stop is a mix of quick photography and actual time in the water. You’ll typically get about 30 minutes here, which is short enough to keep the day moving but long enough to swim a few laps, snorkel along the surface, and just enjoy the color contrast.

Red Beach is one of those Santorini sights that people often only see from above. From the boat, you get a different angle—and the stop is designed for access. Since boats can’t moor right on the sand, you’ll swim from the closest possible point instead of stepping off directly onto the beach.

A small consideration

The water temperature is the wildcard on a day like this. Even with hot springs being warmer than open water, you may still feel a chill. Bringing warm dry clothes for right after your swim isn’t optional if you want the rest of the cruise to feel comfortable.

White Beach: limestone scenery and your BBQ lunch break

The third stop is White Beach, known for its limestone look. Visually, it feels like a different world: bright rock tones, dramatic cliffs, and a contrast against the water surface.

You’ll get more time here—about 1 hour 30 minutes—and this stop is where the meal happens. It’s also the point in the itinerary where you can slow down a touch: swim, snorkel, and then refuel on board without losing the momentum of the day.

What you’ll eat (and where vegetarian fits in)

Lunch is a Greek BBQ-style setup prepared on board by the hostess. The menu includes:

• Pork skewers or chicken skewers
• Grilled vegetables for vegetarians
• Stuffed vine leaves with rice
• Tzatziki, Greek salad, potato salad
• Pita bread

This is the kind of meal that works well on a boat day because it’s portioned for travel and doesn’t require cutlery-heavy handling. You also get a real sense of “done right” hospitality—warm food, not just snacks.

The open bar setup and the drinks that come with it

The tour includes an open bar with alcoholic beverages plus soft drinks and water. It specifically lists:

• White Santorini wine
• Water
• Soft drinks
• Alcoholic beverages as part of the bar offering

Beers aren’t included, so if you’re a beer-first person, you’ll want to manage expectations. Also, one small thing I’d flag: coffee style drinks like cappuccino aren’t mentioned as part of the included setup. If you’re picky about your caffeine, plan around that.

The practical side: drinks are part of the cruise rhythm. You’ll likely start on a drink as soon as you’re settled on deck, and then keep it going through the swim stops and meal. It’s a fun way to turn “waiting between swim spots” into something pleasant instead of dead time.

What the boat experience feels like in real life

This cruise runs with a maximum group size of 55 travelers, which is large enough to meet other people but small enough that the deck doesn’t feel like a cattle chute. The crew is English-speaking, and there are safety instructions provided as leaflets in multiple languages.

There’s also a WC on board, and a place for washing off seawater. That matters more than you’d think. After the swims, you want to rinse quickly so you’re not carrying saltwater/sand smell into the rest of your day back on land.

You’ll also see floating devices available (ask the crew), which can help if you want to snorkel without feeling like you have to stay in “full swim mode” the entire time.

Timing: how the 5 hours are actually built

The structure is pretty straightforward:

• Hotel pickup and transfer to the port
• Boarding and welcome drink
• Volcano hot springs swim stop (around 30 minutes)
• Transit by key landmarks like Old Lighthouse and Black Mountain
• Red Beach swim-and-snorkel stop (around 30 minutes)
• White Beach swim-and-snorkel stop (about 1.5 hours), including lunch
• Disembarkation at Ammoudi or Athinios port, with return transfer

This is a good length for Santorini because it fits the “one big activity day” style without eating your entire daylight. It also avoids the common problem with some day cruises: long stretches with nothing to do but stare. Here, you keep returning to the water.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $132.45 per person, you’re buying three things at once:

1. Transportation: round-trip transfers from your hotel to the port and back
2. Water time + gear: snorkel mask and snorkel are included, plus a jacket and floating devices available
3. Food and drinks: BBQ lunch with Greek sides, plus wine, soft drinks, and water

Many Santorini boat days sell either the views or the lunch, but this one ties them together with included swim access. If you know you want multiple swimming stops and a proper meal on the water, it tends to feel like decent value rather than “paying extra for the privilege of being near the scenery.”

If you’re mainly after a calm sunset cruise and don’t care about swimming, you might find alternatives that match your style with less emphasis on water stops.

Who this cruise is best for

This tour makes sense if you:

• Want a catamaran day with a lot of deck time and a 360º viewpoint
• Like structured water breaks: volcano hot springs, then Red and White Beach
• Want Greek food included, including vegetarian options
• Prefer hotel-to-port-and-back convenience

It’s also a solid fit for mixed ages, because the stops are short and the crew provides gear. The only “not ideal” scenario is if you hate cold water and don’t want to deal with quick rinse-and-change moments.

Should you book this Santorini catamaran with BBQ and open bar?

I’d book it if your ideal Santorini day includes swimming and snorkeling, not just standing and looking. The combination of hot springs + Red and White Beach stops, plus an onboard BBQ lunch, makes the day feel full without feeling rushed in a harsh way.

Skip it or think twice if you’re sensitive to cold water and don’t plan for warm layers right after the swims. Also remember: the included drinks cover wine, soft drinks, and water, but beers aren’t included.

If you want one “water-focused” day that gets you off the busiest areas and into the island’s dramatic coastline, this is a very practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the Santorini cruise?

The cruise runs for about 5 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Round-trip transfers are included from your hotel or Airbnb area in Santorini to the departure port and back.

Where does the cruise depart and return to?

You’ll board at Ammoudi or Athinios port, and you’ll disembark at one of those ports as well, then you’ll be driven back to the meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkelling equipment (mask and snorkel) plus a jacket (returned to the crew at the end).

What food and drinks are included on board?

Lunch includes pork skewers or chicken skewers (and grilled vegetables for vegetarians), plus sides like stuffed vine leaves with rice, tzatziki, Greek salad, potato salad, and pita bread. Drinks include white Santorini wine, soft drinks, and water. Beers are not included.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes. Vegetarian lunch options are listed as grilled vegetables.

Are towels included?

No. You’ll want to bring your own towels.

Is the itinerary fixed?

The stops may be altered if sailing conditions aren’t appropriate outside the caldera. The cruise still follows the same general plan of swim and landmark time.