Santorini Cruise on Catamaran with BBQ & Open Bar

Santorini is famous for views, but this is different. This is a catamaran day on the water where you get a 360-degree feel for the caldera, plus real time to swim where most sightseeing stays on land.

I like how this trip mixes action with comfort. You get snorkeling gear provided and a proper Greek lunch onboard, not a sad snack. You also have an open bar vibe that makes the boat feel like a fun moving beach club.

One thing to think about: the water can be cool, and you will be swimming with jackets and proper gear. Pack for the chill, and you will enjoy the day much more.

Quick hits before you go

• 360-degree deck views with open space to sunbathe and a shaded sitting area
• Hot springs swimming by the volcano with provided jacket and floating devices (ask the crew)
• Red Beach and White Beach stops where you can swim and snorkel in places cars cannot reach
• BBQ lunch onboard with vegetarian options, plus Greek appetizers and salads
• English speaking crew with safety info in multiple languages
• Hotel round-trip transfers to Ammoudi or Athinios port, depending on where you’re picked up

Why a Santorini catamaran day feels like a reset

This is a 5-hour cruise that’s built around the water, not just the photos. You spend the day moving through classic volcanic scenery, then get real breaks to swim and snorkel with gear in hand.

I also like that it gives you structure. The day has clear stops, timed water breaks, and a meal that lands right in the middle, so you do not feel rushed or hungry.

The capper for me is the balance between “wow” and “doable.” You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the experience, and the crew stays focused on safety and comfort.

Price and value for a Santorini BBQ cruise at $132.45

$132.45 per person is not a budget deal, but you are also not buying just a boat ride. Your money covers round-trip hotel transfers in Santorini, your onboard lunch, and drink service that includes wine and soft drinks.

On top of that, snorkeling support is part of the package. You get mask and snorkel gear plus a jacket to use and return to the crew, along with basic floating devices that you can request.

Two costs you should plan for are easy to miss. Beers are not included, and towels are not included either. If you show up without those, you will either pay extra or adjust your day.

Getting to Ammoudi or Athinios: the pickup part that actually matters

You start with a driver picking you up from your hotel or a nearby accessible point. The exact pickup spot depends on where you’re staying, and you get the time and location details after booking.

The tour runs with a mini bus for the transfer to the port, either Ammoudi or Athinios. Then the crew welcomes you onboard and you settle in for the ride.

Small but important detail: if you book close to departure, pickup might not be guaranteed. Also, this is a “remove your shoes before embarkation” kind of setup, so wear footwear you can quickly take off.

Bring a photo of your passport or ID card. That requirement is part of the operating flow for the day.

On deck: open air comfort, restrooms, and a 360 view

The catamaran is open style with sun space up front and a canopy for shade. You can find a spot to lounge on the deck, then rotate as the light changes, because the views are all around you.

There is a sitting area under the canopy, plus open sunbathing space. If you like to move around rather than sit still, the deck layout makes it easy.

Practical notes that make the day smoother:

• There are WC facilities onboard.
• There is a place for washing seawater off.
• Safety instructions are provided in multiple languages, including English.
• The crew speaks English.

Also, the onboard vibe tends to be upbeat. The combination of open bar drinks, a steady cruise pace, and frequent stops makes it feel like a day with momentum, not a slow boat tour.

Stop 1 at the volcano hot springs: swimming in black rock country

The first swim is next to the volcano in the hot springs area. Expect dark, lava-like rock formations and that unmistakable volcanic look.

Here is the key temperature detail: the hot springs area can be up to 4°C warmer than the open water. You still should treat it like a cold-water swim, especially if the wind picks up.

The boat keeps a distance of 50 meters from the warm sulfuric water, but you can still swim close to the volcano securely. The crew provides a jacket for the water, and it is a smart idea to use it.

Dark color swimwear is recommended. It helps with the overall look and heat comfort in bright sun, and it matches the dramatic volcanic setting.

Plan for this stop to be about 30 minutes. That is plenty of time for a calm swim and a few minutes of snorkel exploration if you feel comfortable in the water.

The caldera cruise moments: Old Lighthouse, Indian Rock, and Black Mountain

Before the Red Beach stop, you pass several volcanic landmarks. You go by the Old Lighthouse, the Indian Rock, and the Black Mountain.

This part is shorter, but it is worth paying attention. When you are on the water, you see how these formations sit in relation to the cliffs and the caldera walls, and your brain starts to map Santorini differently than it does from the viewpoints.

The timing here is around 30 minutes, so it is not a long stretch of cruising. Use it to drink something cold, take photos while the boat is still, and get yourself ready for the next swim.

Stop 2 at Red Beach: snorkeling where cars cannot go

Red Beach is next, and yes, it lives up to the name. The rocks and color are striking, and you will have time for photos, plus swimming and snorkeling.

This stop is about 30 minutes. That sounds short, but snorkeling time goes faster than you expect, especially in cool water. If you want better results, keep your movements efficient and focus on breathing and buoyancy first.

One of the real advantages here is access. You visit spots not reachable by car, so the swim feel is more direct and less about hiking down to a viewpoint.

Snorkeling gear is provided, so you can go in without packing your own. If you are sensitive to cold, using the jacket makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

Stop 3 at White Beach: limestone swimming and the onboard BBQ lunch

White Beach is where the day turns into a full-on break. The setting has limestone character, and the water access gives you a chance to snorkel and swim again with provided equipment.

This stop runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that extra time changes the feel of the day. You are not constantly rushing from one short swim to the next.

It is also when the meal happens. Lunch is served onboard, and it is more than a token offering.

What you can expect for the BBQ lunch:

• Pork skewers or chicken skewers
• Grilled vegetables for vegetarian options
• Stuffed vine leaves with rice
• Tzatziki
• Greek salad and potato salad
• Pita bread
• BBQ and appetizers prepared on the spot by the hostess

Drink-wise, you have soft drinks, water, and white Santorini wine included. You might want to savor the timing, because the best food is usually when you are already relaxed and wet but not freezing anymore.

Two practical considerations here:

• Eating on a moving boat can be tricky if you get motion sickness. If you do, consider bringing your usual remedy.
• This is where you can take a proper break from the sun. Use the canopy shade if you need it.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring so you enjoy the day

This cruise runs about 5 hours, with swimming windows sprinkled through it and lunch mid-cruise. That means you will likely spend time in sun, wind, and water, in that order, then back to sun.

Bring:

• Towels (not included)
• Warm, dry clothes for after you swim
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sunhat

Expect cold water. Even with jackets, you will feel it, especially if the breeze picks up. Pack layers so you can warm up fast once you are back on deck.

If you like coffee, you may feel a small gap. One older-person note in the experience feedback mentioned that a cappuccino would have been nice. This does not mean you will not enjoy the day, it just means the included drinks are more about wine and soft drinks than espresso culture.

Shoes come off before boarding, so wear something easy for that. And keep your ID photo accessible, since it is required.

Who this catamaran cruise suits best (and who should reconsider)

I think this is a great fit if you want Santorini without doing everything from the cliff viewpoints. The water stops give you a different angle on the island, and the snorkeling makes it feel like a day outdoors, not just sightseeing.

It is also a good choice if you like value for money. The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, drinks, lunch, and snorkeling gear, so you are not nickel-and-diming during the day.

Consider reconsidering if you:

• Do not like cold-water swims, even with a jacket
• Need lots of quiet time, because the catamaran is a social, active day
• Expect specific coffee service, since beers are not included and the included drinks focus on wine and soft drinks

The group size caps at 55, which helps keep the experience lively but not chaotic.

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

Book it if you want a classic Santorini highlight with hands-on time in the water. The combination of volcano hot springs swimming, two beach swim stops, and a real Greek BBQ lunch onboard is exactly the kind of day that makes the island feel like more than postcards.

Skip it if your idea of a perfect day is dry comfort and long lounging without chilly swims. This cruise rewards people who are willing to go in, even if it takes a minute to get used to the water.

If you do book, plan like a smart swimmer: bring a towel, bring warm layers, and show up ready to enjoy the deck views between each stop. You will get the full “boat day” experience, not just a short photo stop.

FAQ

How long is the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 5 hours.

What is included in the price?

Round-trip transfers from your hotel or Airbnb in Santorini, soft drinks, white Santorini wine, water, snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) plus a jacket, lunch (BBQ skewers or grilled vegetables plus Greek sides), floating devices (available by request), an info map, and an English speaking crew.

Does the tour include an open bar?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are included, including white Santorini wine and water. Beers are not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. You get mask and snorkel equipment, plus a jacket to use in the water and return to the crew. Floating devices are also available by request.

What beaches and water areas do you visit?

You swim near the Santorini Volcano hot springs first, then stop in the Red Beach area, and later in the White Beach area.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. Lunch includes grilled vegetables as a vegetarian option.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is offered from your hotel or nearby accessible point to the departure port, with a driver returning you to the original meeting point after the cruise.

What should I bring with me?

Bring towels and warm dry clothes, plus sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sunhat. You also need a photo of your passport or ID card.