A catamaran is the most comfortable way to see the coast of Santorini from the water, and a cruise limited to twenty guests is a very different experience from a boat carrying fifty. This five-hour sail is built around swimming and sightseeing: the route includes three swimming stops and photo stops at the white and red beaches, with a crew that explains Santorini's natural landmarks and their history along the way. The price includes hotel transfer by minibus, a barbecue lunch, an open bar with white wine, beer and soft drinks, snorkelling and safety equipment and towels, and a crew that speaks English and Greek. Gratuities are not included. The small number of guests means there is space on deck, a short wait for the barbecue and an easy mood on board, and the swim stops can be taken at a relaxed pace. The red beach, with its rust-coloured cliffs, and the white beach, reachable only from the sea, are two of the most photogenic spots on the south coast, and seeing them from a boat is the way they are meant to be seen. The cruise is a good choice for couples, groups of friends and families with older children who like to swim, and it is one of the most comfortable ways to spend a hot day on the island.
What to expect on board
The crew sets sail after a hotel pickup, usually at least an hour before the cruise starts, with the exact time sent after booking. The sail takes you along the southern coast, with swim stops in sheltered bays and time to snorkel. The barbecue is served on board, and the open bar keeps pace through the afternoon. Because there is no sunset programme on this cruise, it is a good option for the middle of the day, and you will be back in time for dinner on land.
For cruise ship guests
The tender boats arrive at the Old Port of Fira, which has no road access, so you take the cable car to the meeting point at least one hour before the cruise starts. This is important to plan around, since queues for the cable car can be long in summer. For other guests, the transfer is door to door.
Practical notes
Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light layer for the sail. Seas can be rough in strong wind, and the crew may change the route for safety, so choose a flexible date and read the cancellation terms, which allow free cancellation and rescheduling up to twenty-four hours before the visit.
The booking page does not give operating days or seasonal dates, so check availability for your dates. If you want a sunset version, look at the evening cruise, and if you want a bigger boat with a lively party, a standard catamaran cruise will suit you better.
The tour listing gives no minimum age or fitness restriction, so if you travel with young children or have mobility concerns, check with the provider before you book. The small number of guests makes it easier to ask the crew for help with snorkelling or for a quieter corner of the deck, and the crew's commentary on the landmarks adds context to the views of the cliffs, the lighthouse and the volcano.
What to expect
The experience
A five-hour catamaran cruise for up to twenty guests with three swim stops, photo stops at the white and red beaches, a barbecue lunch, an open bar and hotel transfer.
Best time
A daytime departure in the warm season; check availability for your dates.
How long
About five hours.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen and a light layer, take the cable car early if you arrive from a cruise ship and book a flexible date.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a comfortable, small-group day on the water with food and drink included.
- Families
- Good for older children who can swim; check the policy for younger ones.
- Couples
- A relaxed, social day with room on deck.
- Pair with
- Akrotiri or a late dinner in Fira.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How many guests are on the cruise?+
The maximum group size is twenty.
What is included?+
Hotel transfer, a barbecue lunch, an open bar, snorkelling and safety equipment and towels.
How long is the cruise?+
About five hours, with three swim stops.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, free cancellation and rescheduling are available up to twenty-four hours before the visit.
What if I arrive on a cruise ship?+
Take the cable car from the Old Port of Fira to the meeting point at least one hour before the cruise begins.
