Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise with Meal, BBQ and Open Bar

A Santorini catamaran day is interesting for one big reason: you get the cliffs, beaches, and caldera angles from the water, without fighting for a viewpoint on land. This Platinum version keeps the vibe relaxed too, with a small group (max 18) and a proper onboard meal. You’ll also meet a crew that runs the day like a play, from swimming stops to music and photos.

I especially like the onboard BBQ and Greek appetizers with an unlimited open bar, because it means you’re not rationing time or money just to eat. I also love the mix of stops, from the color drama of Red and White beaches to the volcanic swimming at the hot springs. Hearing how hosts like Alice, Eva, Filip, and even Bob the Captain help bring the day alive made the whole cruise feel more personal than most “just show up” tours.

One possible drawback to plan around: the sea can be choppy, and a few people felt swim stops were short or that service could be a bit pushy at times. If you get seasick easily, take your motion sickness meds before you leave the dock, and keep expectations realistic about how much time you’ll spend in the water.

Key highlights

• Platinum onboard BBQ plus unlimited drinks with Greek sides, wine, and beer
• Snorkel gear and pool noodles included so you can jump in without scrambling for equipment
• Red Beach, White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, volcano hot springs, and Thirassia in about 5 hours
• Max 18 travelers, which usually means fewer bodies blocking your view
• Sunset-focused drink option, with sparkling Moschato D’Asti offered for the sunset vibe
• Crew-led fun with music and photo moments, including a game called #VISTACHALLENGE

A small-group Platinum catamaran that feels less hectic

The big reason this cruise is appealing is the size. With a maximum of 18 people, you can actually move around the boat, grab a decent spot for photos, and hear what the crew is saying without shouting over a crowd.

The “Platinum” part is really about comfort and food. You’re not just paying to be taken from point A to point B. You’re paying for an all-in day at sea with transfers, included swim gear, and a full meal structure that fits between swimming and sailing.

Timing matters here. The cruise runs about 5 hours, and it’s set up around multiple water moments. That means you’ll be planning your beach time in “short, sweet bursts” instead of one long stretch at a single location.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $120.93

At about $120.93 per person, this tour costs more than the basic “catamaran tour with snacks” type. But you’re also getting several things that add value fast in Santorini, where paid add-ons can multiply.

Here’s what makes the price feel more fair:

• A meal with BBQ chicken and pork, plus seafood pasta, Greek salad, and vegetarian ratatouille
• Unlimited bar during the cruise (white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water)
• Snorkel gear and pool noodles included, so you don’t need to rent anything
• Hotel transfers included, which can save time and hassle getting to the port area
• Multiple swim-relevant stops, not just one photo pull-over

If you’re the type who wants food handled, drinks flowing, and swimming options without extra fees, that’s where this wins.

If your travel style is ultra-low-cost, you might prefer a smaller, cheaper cruise. But if you value convenience plus a real meal, this one is built for that.

Getting to the boat from Vlichada: plan for pickup reality

This tour starts and ends back near Vlichada. Pickup is offered from the nearest designated meeting point for your hotel, and you’ll get a mobile ticket after booking.

Here’s the practical advice: do not treat pickup instructions like a suggestion. One review-story made it clear that if people miss the meeting spot, the van can leave. In that case, the company handled it quickly with a taxi and even a faster boat transfer to still get guests onto their catamaran.

So, what should you do?

• Confirm your pickup point the day before.
• Arrive early at the designated spot, not right on time.
• If you’re unsure, call or message before you’re waiting, so you can still correct course.

Once you’re at the catamaran, the flow usually goes smoothly. The crew works to get everyone settled fast and organized for sailing, food, and swimming.

The food and open bar: BBQ lunch that actually fills you up

One of the most repeated “yes” points here is food. You’re not stuck with tiny snacks. The onboard meal is planned as a full lunch or dinner on Thirassia and an onboard BBQ with wine, beer, and Greek appetizers.

At Thirassia, the menu includes:

• BBQ chicken and pork
• Seafood pasta
• Greek salad with feta
• Vegetarian Greek ratatouille
• Greek yogurt with sweet cherry
• Finger foods
• Unlimited drinks: white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water

(plus Moschato D’Asti for a sunset option)

A few people said the food timing and preparation were better on this boat than on other operators they compared it to. I like that the meal isn’t an afterthought. It also helps you avoid the classic Santorini trap of paying for overpriced lunch while you’re trying to see everything.

About the open bar: it’s meant to be unlimited, but in real life it can depend on how busy the boat is. Some reviews mentioned needing to ask for refills. My tip is simple, flag the crew early if you want another drink, and don’t wait until your glass is empty.

Red Beach and White Beach: the “wow” stops with photo power

Your first color hits happen early, starting with Red Beach for about 15 minutes. This is one of those Santorini sights that looks unreal from the water. You’ll see the cliffs and the signature red tones, plus you get a bit of sightseeing explanation from the crew while you’re there.

Then you move to White Beach, where the plan is basically: start sailing, take photos, and enjoy the strange limestone look from the sea level. There’s less time “on land,” more time absorbing the views and getting your head around the caldera’s scale.

What makes these two stops work on a cruise? You’re seeing them from the exact angle that makes Santorini look like Santorini. On land, you can miss the full geometry of the cliff lines. From the boat, the coastline is the whole story.

The only drawback is that both stops are short. If you’re hoping for a long beach walk and lots of time on the sand, this cruise is more about swimming and views than sightseeing marathons.

Mesa Pigadia swimming stop: snorkel gear included, so use it

Next up is the first real water break at Mesa Pigadia Beach for about 30 minutes. This is the kind of stop that feels like a reset button, because you can snorkel with included gear and pool noodles, or just lounge on the deck.

The value here is that you’re given equipment onboard. You don’t have to hunt for rentals or waste time bargaining with local shops. If you’re even slightly curious about snorkeling, this is the moment to try.

What to expect in your 30 minutes:

• A quick setup, then time to get in and find a comfortable spot
• A mix of snorkel users and people relaxing with drinks on deck
• Enough time to cool off and feel like the day has moved beyond sightseeing

One caution: if the sea is rough, snorkeling can feel harder. In that case, stick closer to the surface, hold onto your noodle, and treat it as a floating swim rather than a deep dive. (No shame. The water is still beautiful.)

Volcano hot springs and Thirassia: swimming plus lunch in a quieter pocket

Then comes the Santorini Volcano hot springs stop, around 30 minutes. You’ll see volcanic features, caves, and volcanic beaches from the water while you’re near the hot-spring area.

This stop has a different vibe than the beach stops. It’s more about the volcanic setting and the novelty of swimming in the caldera’s geothermal waters. People describe it as having “healing properties,” but the real win is the experience itself, the color changes, and the sense of being in a living geological place.

After that, you’ll reach Thirassia, described as Santorini’s best-kept secret. This is where the cruise shifts from short stops to a more “hang out” feeling for about 1 hour, with lunch and swimming time.

The Thirassia portion is built for relaxed enjoyment:

• You swim or just cool off
• Then you eat: BBQ and Greek sides
• Then you take in the island feel before sailing again

A key reason I think Thirassia matters: it gives you a different side of the caldera. It’s not just the famous cliff line you’ve seen in postcards. It adds variety, and it makes the day feel longer even though the total cruise is about 5 hours.

Akrotiri lighthouse and sailing time: short photos, long views

Between swim stops, you’re also sailing through “look at that” moments. One included feature is a photoshooting and sightseeing stop connected to the 125-year-old Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri.

This is a small detail, but it helps break up the day. You get a landmark moment, then you’re back to the water and scenery.

Also, sailing time is part of the experience. The caldera is constantly changing as the boat angles around cliffs. Even if you’re not in the water, you’ll still get plenty to watch.

Crew energy, music, and sunset timing

The crew quality is a major reason this cruise scores so high. Names you might hear include Bob the Captain and hosts like Eva (who also played the DJ role), plus guides like Alice and crew members like Spyro and Maria who helped people feel taken care of.

What you’ll feel onboard:

• Someone is always moving to keep things flowing
• Music and a social tone that stays chill, not party-chaos
• Quick handling of the meal setup so you can eat without missing the best angles

About sunset: some people called the sunset ending the best part, and the cruise offers a Moschato D’Asti option for sunset. But one concern came up that the timing can put sunset behind you on the return to dock, depending on conditions.

My advice is to treat sunset as a bonus, not a guarantee. If sunset is your top priority, ask when your specific date is likely to arrive back. Also, bring a light layer, because even in warm seasons, the wind on the water can feel cool.

Seasickness and service style: the main things to manage

Rough water is the one variable you can’t control. Several reviews warned that the boat can be quite rocky. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication before you board. Also bring a hat and sunglasses to help your eyes track the horizon.

Service style is the second variable. Most feedback is positive about friendly, helpful crew work. But a couple of comments mentioned that the crew could be a bit bossy, and some guests felt drinks were not offered proactively enough.

So use this mindset:

• You’re on a schedule. Expect firm guidance when it’s time to swim or eat.
• You can still ask for what you need. If you want water, refills, or help, flag the crew.

The good news is that organization seems consistent. People mention that the whole day ran in a well-coordinated way, which matters when you’re switching between swimming stops and meals.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should reconsider)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A relaxed catamaran day that mixes sailing, swimming, and good food
• A small group for better movement and less crowding
• Included snorkeling gear, so you can actually use it
• An onboard bar experience that feels like part of the holiday, not a cash grab

It may be less ideal if:

• You need lots of long beach time on land. The stops are designed for quick swims and photos.
• You are extremely sensitive to motion sickness. The boat can be rocky.

Should you book this Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise?

I think you should book if your ideal Santorini day includes water time, a real meal, and you don’t want to micromanage logistics. The combination of BBQ plus unlimited drinks, multiple caldera swimming stops, and max 18 passengers is what makes this feel like value, not just a scenic boat ride.

Book with extra care if you have a history of seasickness, or if you’re trying to lock in a specific sunset moment. Bring motion sickness meds, arrive early for pickup, and keep your expectations flexible about exact swim timing.

If you want a chill day that still feels like a highlight, this one is built for that.

FAQ

How long is the Santorini Platinum catamaran cruise?

It lasts about 5 hours (approx.).

Is pickup offered for this tour?

Yes. Traveler pickup is available from the nearest designated meeting point for each hotel.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

What’s included for swimming or snorkeling?

Snorkel gear and pool noodles are included, and hotel transfers are included as well.

What food and drinks are included?

There is an onboard BBQ with wine, beer, and Greek appetizers, plus a meal served at Thirassia. An unlimited bar is included with white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water.

Which places does the cruise stop at?

It stops at Red Beach, White Beach, Mesa Pigadia Beach, the volcano hot springs, Thirassia, plus time for photos related to the Akrotiri Venetian Lighthouse.

Are any admission tickets included?

Admission tickets are included for Red Beach and the volcano hot springs, while Mesa Pigadia and Thirassia are listed as free.

Is there a sunset drink option?

Yes. For the sunset option, sparkling wine Moschato D’Asti is included.

What happens if the cruise is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.