A morning cruise has real advantages on Santorini: the sea is calm, the beaches are quiet and the sun has not yet reached its midday peak. This five-hour catamaran trip starts at 9:30 with a hotel pickup and follows a clear sequence. The first stop is Red Beach, where you swim and snorkel for about half an hour beneath the rust-coloured cliffs. The second is White Beach, which can only be reached by sea and lies under pale volcanic cliffs. After the swimming, the crew serves a barbecue meal with salads, grilled meats and vegetarian options, and the catamaran then sails to the crescent-shaped caldera near the volcano for a swim in the warm hot springs. A live guide in English and Greek explains the sights, and the boat has onboard music and a toilet. Drinks are included, with beer and towels listed as not included. The cruise is run by Sunset Oia Yachting Co., and the boat holds up to fifty-five guests, so it is a livelier, more social trip than the smaller catamaran cruises. It suits travellers who like to swim and snorkel, prefer a morning programme to an evening one and want a good-value way to see the south coast and the hot springs in a single outing.
Timing
The cruise starts around 9:30 and lasts about five hours, so confirm the return time when you book before planning the rest of the day. It is best to treat it as a morning and early-afternoon cruise and keep the evening free for dinner, a sunset elsewhere or a swim.
What to bring
Swimsuit, a towel because towels are not included, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a change of dry clothes. Snorkelling is part of the programme, so a mask and fins are useful if the crew does not supply them; ask when you book. The hot springs contain iron, which can stain light fabrics, so a dark swimsuit is a good choice. Bring cash for any extras such as beer, and a light layer for the sail back.
Choosing a cruise
Compare it with the luxury catamaran cruise, which is smaller and includes more drinks and towels, and with the evening cruise from Vlychada, which ends with the sunset. This morning cruise is the more relaxed and the more social of the two. Hotel pickup is included, and you will receive an email with your pickup point and time; show your mobile voucher when you are collected. Free cancellation and rescheduling are available up to twenty-four hours before the visit, which gives you some protection against wind and weather.
Because the boat is larger than a small catamaran, expect more guests on deck at the swim stops and a more social atmosphere, with music on board. It is a good-value choice for travellers who prefer an active programme with several swims and a meal, and a less formal one than the premium cruises. Bring a bag for wet clothes and keep valuables to a minimum, and listen to the crew's safety briefing before entering the water.
What to expect
The experience
A five-hour morning catamaran cruise starting at 9:30, with swims at Red Beach and White Beach, a barbecue meal, the caldera hot springs, hotel pickup and a live guide.
Best time
Morning departures, with calm seas and quiet beaches.
How long
About five hours.
Tips
Bring a towel and a dark swimsuit, show your mobile voucher at pickup and confirm the end time with the provider.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Swimmers and snorkellers who want a good-value, social morning on the water.
- Families
- A good option for families with older children who can swim.
- Couples
- A relaxed, lively day with beach stops and hot springs.
- Pair with
- A sunset in Oia or dinner in Fira.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What time does the cruise start?+
It starts at 9:30, with hotel pickup before that.
How many guests are on board?+
The boat holds up to fifty-five guests.
Is food included?+
Yes, a barbecue meal with salads, grilled meats and vegetarian options, plus drinks; beer and towels are not included.
What does the route include?+
Red Beach, White Beach and the hot springs in the caldera.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, free cancellation and rescheduling are available up to twenty-four hours before the visit.
