Santorini: Platinum Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Meal & Open Bar

Sunset looks better from the water. This five-hour Santorini catamaran cruise combines the island’s volcanic coast with swimming stops, a freshly prepared Greek BBQ, and an open bar. I especially like the small group of up to 18 people and the careful hotel pickup and drop-off, which make the outing feel more personal than a large party boat. The views of the caldera and sunset are the main event, but the food and friendly crew give the cruise real value.

I also like the range of stops: Red Beach, White Beach, the hot springs, Thirasia, and Akrotiri Lighthouse. The main consideration is the water temperature, particularly outside the hottest summer months. October guests found the sea quite cold, and the ride back can feel cool later in the year, so bring a warm layer as well as swimwear.

Key points to know before booking

• Up to 18 people: The limited group leaves more room to sit, swim, eat, and enjoy the catamaran without feeling packed in.
• A full Greek meal on board: Expect finger food, BBQ chicken and pork, seafood pasta, Greek salad, anchovy meze, vegetarian ratatouille, and fruit salad.
• Three main swimming areas: You can swim near the volcanic hot springs, around Thirasia, and at other coastal stops, with snorkeling equipment and towels provided.
• A practical all-inclusive setup: Hotel pickup, return transport, food, snacks, drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear are included in the $117 price.
• Sunset with Moschato D’Asti: The cruise finishes near Akrotiri Lighthouse, with sparkling wine and a front-row view of the setting sun.
• A boat day, not a beach day: The catamaran stops near beaches but cannot moor directly on them, so expect coastal views and swimming from the boat rather than long stretches ashore.

Why the small catamaran matters

Santorini is famous for its cliffs and sunset, but the island can feel crowded, especially around Fira and Oia at the end of the day. From the water, you get a calmer view of the white villages, dark volcanic rock, and layered cliffs. You also avoid standing shoulder to shoulder at a lookout while waiting for the sun to drop.

The group limit of 18 is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Several outings had only 16 to 20 people, and the catamaran has enough room to spread out. You can sit in the sun, find shade, watch the crew prepare the meal, or move around for photographs without constantly squeezing past other people.

The boat itself is described as clean, spacious, and well cared for. Reviews also note separate male and female toilets and a cabin or bedroom area for changing. That matters on a five-hour trip, particularly if you are swimming more than once.

This is not a private yacht charter. You will share the boat with other people, and the music can make the mood lively. Still, the size keeps it closer to a sociable sailing day than a crowded excursion boat.

Pickup from your hotel and the ride to Vlychada

The cruise includes transport from your accommodation to the marina at Vlychada and back again. Pickup is handled from your hotel or the closest point reachable by vehicle. In some areas, that means meeting at a nearby point such as the Imerovigli bus stop or a central Fira location on Mitropoleos Street.

You should wait at the assigned point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The driver identifies you by name and will wait no longer than 10 minutes after the planned pickup, although a small delay can happen. One past outing had a long pickup route, while other pickups were reported as timely, so allow some patience at the start.

The transfer gives you a quick look at Santorini beyond the main caldera towns. It is not a sightseeing tour in its own right, but it removes the hassle of arranging a taxi to Vlychada. That alone adds useful value to the $117 price.

Red Beach and the first coastal views

The first sailing section heads toward Red Beach, one of Santorini’s most recognizable shorelines. Rust-colored volcanic cliffs rise behind the dark coast, creating a sharp contrast with the Aegean water. The catamaran stops as close as practical, but it cannot moor directly on the beach.

This is mainly a photo and sightseeing stop, with time to appreciate the cliffs from the sea. Depending on the day’s conditions, you may also have an early chance to swim or snorkel. Do not expect to walk onto Red Beach during this cruise. The best view is from the water, where the red rock face appears as part of a much wider volcanic coast.

White Beach follows, with pale rock formations and a more open feeling. The boat passes along the shore while the guide explains what you are seeing. The contrast between Red Beach and White Beach makes this part of the cruise more than a series of pretty photographs. You see how much Santorini’s coastal colors change over a short distance.

Mesa Pigadia and the volcanic coast

At Mesa Pigadia, the cruise pauses for about 20 minutes. This section gives you time for photographs, a drink, and possibly a swim, depending on the conditions and the crew’s plan for the day.

The coast around Mesa Pigadia is rugged, with openings and rock formations shaped by Santorini’s volcanic past. From a catamaran, you get a good sense of the island’s shoreline as a place formed by fire, wind, and water rather than gentle beaches.

The cruise also passes Akrotiri and the old Venetian lighthouse. The lighthouse is a useful landmark as the boat moves around the southern end of the island. You will not spend a long period ashore here, but the passing view adds context to the coast and gives you another strong photograph.

The caldera from sea level

The caldera is often seen from the cliff-top villages, where the view looks across a broad bowl of water toward the volcano. From the catamaran, you see the same setting from a lower and less familiar angle.

This is one of the most worthwhile parts of the trip for anyone who has already spent time in Fira or Oia. The white buildings sit high above the water, while the cliffs show their dark and layered sides. The guide provides information in English, and past outings have included useful commentary about Santorini’s history and surroundings.

You can use this section to relax rather than chase another photograph. The open bar includes white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, and the crew keeps drinks available throughout the day. The mood can be quiet and scenic, or more social when the music is playing.

Swimming near Palea Kameni hot springs

The stop at the hot springs near Palea Kameni is one of the cruise’s most unusual moments. You swim from the catamaran toward the volcanic waters, rather than walking onto a developed thermal pool.

The crew provides a safety briefing before swimming. The water is known for its mineral and volcanic character, but do not expect a hot bath. The sea can be cool, and the experience is more about swimming in a distinctive volcanic setting than relaxing in warm water.

One useful tip comes directly from practical experience on the boat: bring an older swimsuit if you plan to swim near the hot springs. The mineral-rich water can affect light-colored fabric. You should also remember that the sea temperature varies by season. An October swim may feel refreshing to one person and too cold to another.

Thirasia, lunch, and the longest stop

Thirasia is the cruise’s main meal and swimming stop. The island sits across from Santorini and feels quieter than the famous caldera towns. The catamaran anchors nearby, and you can swim while the crew prepares lunch or dinner on board.

The meal is more substantial than the usual sandwich-and-snack arrangement found on many boat trips. The spread includes finger food, BBQ chicken and pork, seafood pasta, Greek salad, anchovy meze, vegetarian Greek ratatouille, and Greek fruit salad. Snacks are also included, and the crew can accommodate vegetarian preferences.

The strongest praise for this cruise centers on the food. Several meals were described as fresh, plentiful, and home-cooked, with enough for everyone to eat well. One outing included a large plate with BBQ meat, salad, moussaka, pasta, and other dishes. Food quality can never be guaranteed to please every palate, but this is clearly not an afterthought.

You eat on board with views of Thirasia and the water. That is a major advantage over a rushed shore meal. You do not lose sailing time by searching for a restaurant, and you can go straight from lunch back into the sea.

The snorkeling equipment is included, although one person wished there had been more snorkels available at the swimming stops. If snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, it is sensible to confirm the equipment situation before departure. Towels are provided, and some past outings also had pool noodles for extra comfort in the water.

Sunset near Akrotiri Lighthouse

The final sailing section heads toward Akrotiri Lighthouse as the sun begins to drop. This is the moment that makes the cruise especially attractive for a first visit to Santorini. The sunset is not framed by a crowded cliff-top street. Instead, you watch it from the catamaran with open water around you.

The crew serves Moschato D’Asti sparkling wine for the sunset. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water remain available through the cruise, so you do not need to budget separately for every drink. The setting works well for couples, families, and anyone marking a special occasion. One couple even arranged a marriage proposal with help from the staff.

Sunset times change through the season, so the exact rhythm of the trip can vary. In late autumn, the ride back may feel chilly after the sun disappears. A light jacket or sweater is a smart addition, even if the afternoon began warm.

Food, drinks, and the value of $117

At $117 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an afternoon in Santorini. It is also not simply a boat ride. The price covers hotel transport, five hours on the water, a full BBQ meal, snacks, an open bar, special sunset wine, towels, and snorkeling equipment.

If you compare the cruise with arranging separate transport, a meal, drinks, and a paid boat outing, the package makes sense. The limited capacity adds value too. A cheaper boat with a much larger crowd may offer the same coastline but not the same amount of space or personal attention.

The food appears to be the biggest surprise. The crew prepares the meal on board, and the menu includes several Greek dishes rather than one fixed plate. Vegetarian food is available, and portions have generally been generous.

The open bar is useful, but you should understand what it means here. It covers the listed drinks, including wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, rather than turning the cruise into a premium cocktail bar. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with music throughout much of the day.

The crew and the feel on board

The crew receives unusually consistent praise. Names mentioned from different outings include Alice, Vivi, Christos, Orpheus, Pedro, Vasilis, George, Anna, and captain Alkis. The staff’s role goes beyond serving drinks. They provide safety instructions, explain the sights, help with swimming, and keep the boat clean.

The tone varies by crew and group, but the cruise is generally social without being described as a wild party boat. Music plays during the sailing, and one driver even continued the celebration with music in the van after docking. If you want total silence, this may not be the right choice. If you like a cheerful group atmosphere, it should fit well.

The crew has also handled practical problems well. On one cloudy and rainy day, the guides kept the outing enjoyable. On another occasion, the boat returned early enough for people to catch a cruise ship tender. Those examples suggest a flexible operation, although you should still tell the company in advance if you have a strict departure deadline.

Who should book this Santorini cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see several coastal sights in one outing without arranging separate transport. It suits couples, families, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants a special sunset without fighting for a cliff-top view.

It is especially good for people who value food and service as much as scenery. The BBQ is a real part of the experience, not just a box checked on the schedule. The small group also makes it a better choice than a large excursion if you want room to relax.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, get seasick, or want warm water. One person felt seasick for much of the cruise, although the crew helped with food, medicine, and practical advice. The sea can also be cool, particularly in spring and autumn.

Bring swimwear, a camera, sunscreen, and a warm layer. An old swimsuit is wise for the hot springs. You should also avoid assuming that every beach stop means going ashore. The catamaran stays offshore and focuses on swimming, views, and sailing.

Should you book the Platinum Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, I think this is a strong choice for the money, provided you want a full boat day rather than a quick sunset sail. The best parts are the limited group size, generous meal, friendly crew, multiple swimming areas, and sunset from the water.

Book it if you want Santorini’s famous views with less crowd pressure and a meal already handled. Skip it if you need a private yacht, dislike swimming from a boat, or expect truly hot thermal water. For most people, the combination of scenery, food, drinks, and transport makes this one of the more sensible splurges on the island.

FAQ

How long is the Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours. Pickup and return transport from your accommodation are included in addition to the time on the catamaran.

What is included in the $117 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a BBQ lunch or dinner, snacks, an open bar, special sunset wine, snorkeling equipment, and towels.

Is the group size limited?

Yes. The tour is limited to 18 guests, although actual group sizes may be smaller.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Moschato D’Asti sparkling wine is served during the sunset portion.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with towels. Equipment availability can vary at individual swimming stops, so confirm details if snorkeling is your main priority.

Can I swim at the hot springs?

Yes. The catamaran stops near the Palea Kameni hot springs, and you can swim after a safety briefing. The water may not feel hot, especially outside the summer season.

Can the catamaran stop directly on Red Beach or White Beach?

No. The catamaran cannot moor directly on the beach, so it stops as close as possible. You should expect views and swimming from the boat rather than a long beach visit.

Is food available for vegetarians?

Yes. The meal includes vegetarian Greek ratatouille, along with salads, fruit, and other dishes. Vegetarian preferences can be accommodated.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a camera. A warm layer is also useful for the return ride, especially in spring and autumn, and an older swimsuit is recommended for the hot springs.