Want to know the most magical way to explore Santorini?
It’s by catamaran cruise — hands down! Not only do you get to soak in the best views with these luxury Catarman cruises, but you also experience the breathtaking beauty of Santorini without the crowds!
I spent 3 days in Santorini and I loved admiring the iconic spots straight from the sea and seeing that famous Santorini sunset, swimming in the volcanic hot springs and relax with a glass of local wine while sailing past whitewashed cliffs, a luxury catamaran cruise lets you experience the island from its most breathtaking angle — the sea.
In this post, we’ll go through the Best Santorini Catamaran Cruises and uncover if it’s really worth it. I’ll walk you through what each offers, and how to choose the right one based on your travel style.
Plus, I’ll answer some FAQ and touch on other activities you should consider for your Santorini adventure. So, let’s get into this guide on the best Catarman cruises in Santorini!
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My Top 2 Picks:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise
✅ Swim & snorkel Stops
✅ See & swim in Volcano
✅ Watch Sunset
✅ BBQ & Wine
Quick Mini Guide To Santorini hidden gems
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Santorini
Where to stay:
Budget Adorno Oia
Mid- Range Nikos Villas
Luxury Andronis Luxury Suites
Tickets & Tours You shouldn’t miss
Catarman sunset cruise
Flying dress photo shoot
Small-Group Sunset Wine Tour with Santo Winery
Rent a Car: Discover Cars or Private Transfer
Stay connected: Purchase an eSim with Airalo.com. Use discount Code: SALLY10 for 10% off or SALLY15N for 15% off your first purchase
☀️ FAQs: Catamaran Cruises in Santorini
Is a catamaran cruise in Santorini really worth it?
Totally — and I say that as someone who wasn’t sure at first. I mean, Santorini’s already beautiful from land, right? But trust me, once you’re out on the water, sailing past those dramatic cliffs and whitewashed villages, glass of wine in hand… it hits different.
Between the swim stops, the food, and that dreamy sunset view from the sea — it was honestly one of the best things I did on the island.
Which cruise should I choose — day, sunset, or full-day?
It depends on the vibe you’re after!
- Day cruise: Great if you want to swim, sunbathe, and explore during daylight. You’ll stop at beaches, maybe hop in the hot springs — super chill.
- Sunset cruise: This one’s the most popular — and for good reason. It’s romantic, relaxing, and watching the sun dip behind the caldera from the boat? Pure magic. Plus, dinner is included!
- Full-day cruise: If you’ve got time, this one gives you everything — more stops, more food, and more time to enjoy the sea without feeling rushed.
What do you see on a Santorini Catamaran Cruise?
On a Santorini catamaran cruise, you’ll see some of the island’s most famous spots — all from the water! You’ll sail past the pretty white villages of Oia and Fira sitting on the cliffs. You’ll also get close to the cool volcanic cliffs and beautiful beaches like Red Beach and White Beach where you can stop for a swim.
You’ll visit the warm volcanic hot springs too, which is perfect for a relaxing dip. If you choose a sunset cruise, you’ll watch the sun go down over the sea, lighting up the sky with amazing colors. It’s a really special way to enjoy Santorini!
How long do the cruises usually last?
Most of them run about 4 to 5 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to relax, swim, eat, and catch the sunset (if you choose the evening cruise — which I highly recommend). It goes by so fast in the best way.
What should I wear on board?
Keep it comfy and cute! I usually go for a swimsuit under a flowy cover-up or dress, sunnies, a hat, and some sandals or flip-flops. Don’t forget sunscreen — that Aegean sun is no joke. If you’re cruising around sunset, have a light jacket too — it can get breezy once the sun goes down.
Pro tip: wear a dark-colored swimsuit if you’re planning to swim near the hot springs — the iron in the water can stain light colors.
Which Boat should I choose?
Most people go with a catamaran — it’s smooth, comfy, and sails beautifully with the wind. It’s also more spacious and stable than smaller boats.
If you want something super fancy and private, a luxury yacht is also an option.
Breakdown of the 5 Best Catarman Cruises in Santorini
Now that we’ve covered some frequently asked questions about going on Catarman Cruise in Santorini, let’s get into the details!
Below, I’ll go over the top 5 recommendations for Catarman Cruise in Santorini, and what’s included in each! This will help you choose the best cruise tour for you!
1. Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar
💰 Price: from €120
🕰️Duration: 5 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 Stars
🌆Includes: Guide, hotel pick-up, swimming stop, Wine, meal, snorkeling equipment, Pool noodles, Towels & Blankets
✅ Book it! Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar
First on our list is the Gold Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Santorini, which is the tour I personally went on last time I was there! I highly recommend this tour and I think it’s one of the best in Santorini !
This boat tour in Santorini truly ticks all the boxes ! It’s the perfect mix of fun, views, and value. You get to swim in crystal-clear waters, soak in volcanic hot springs, and cruise past those famous Red and White beaches. Oh, and yes — lunch is included, and it’s actually really good (BBQ and unlimited water & wine).
The cruise leaves at 10:00 am or 3:00 pm, I highly recommend booking the 3:00 pm as you get to see Santorini’s famous sunset from a different perspective and it’s truly a magical experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, so it’s completely hassle-free.
The cruise lasts about 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a delicious multi-course meal, swim in crystal-clear waters, and take in the stunning sights—especially as the sun sets over the caldera.
The route of the cruise starts from Vlychada Marina, where you’re welcomed on board with a glass of wine or a soft drink—such a nice touch! As you set sail, your local guide will share fun facts about Santorini’s history and its volcanic landscape.
First stop is the famous Red Beach, where you’ll have time to swim or snorkel in the clear blue water. Back on the boat, enjoy some tasty Greek mezedes as you cruise past White Beach, the unique Indian Rocks, and the pretty Venetian Lighthouse at Akrotiri.
Next, you’ll head into the caldera and stop at the hot springs, where you can take a dip in the warm, healing waters. The views of the cliffside villages from here are amazing!
The last stop is Mesa Pigadia, a quiet beach where you can swim again or just relax. Meanwhile, the crew will serve up a delicious BBQ meal—grilled chicken, pasta, Greek salad, Ratatouille, and dessert—plus unlimited wine, soft drinks, and water.
I’ve done this cruise myself and can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my trip. If you want a day that’s relaxing, scenic, and absolutely unforgettable — this one’s it.
2. Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar, Transfer
💰 Price: from €125.00
🕰️Duration: 5 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 Stars
🌆Includes: Guide, swimming stop, Wine, meal, snorkelling equipment,Towels & hotel pick-up
✅ Book it! Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise
Next on our list is Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar &Transfer which is such a fun and relaxing way to explore Santorini’s colourful beaches and the highlights of the Caldera.
What makes this cruise extra special is the small group size—just 20 or fewer guests—which creates a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect if you want a more personal experience compared to the usual crowded tours.
The price for the Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise is €125 per person, and it’s totally worth it for what’s included. You’ll be treated to a delicious meal on board with BBQ shrimp, chicken fillet, beef sausage, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, vine leaf rolls, tzatziki, bread, and dessert. Plus, there’s an open bar with white wine, beer, and soft drinks.
The route is very similar to the Gold Catamaran Cruise sailing up and down the caldera past some of Santorini’s most iconic spots. Since you’ll be cruising right through the heart of it all, you’re guaranteed incredible views of the island’s whitewashed villages and dramatic cliffs—especially magical as the sun begins to set!
3. Private Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drinks
💰 Price: from €1,139 per group up to 4
🕰️Duration: 5 hours
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars
🌆Includes: private, swimming stop, Wine, meal, snorkelling equipment,Towels & hotel pick-up
✅ Book it! Private Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drinks
If you’re looking for a truly exclusive sailing experience, this Private Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drinks is a fantastic option. You and your group will have the boat all to yourselves, making it perfect for a more personalized and relaxed day on the water. Hotel pickup is included, and the cruise departs from Vlychada Marina.
Since it’s a private tour, you’ll likely have flexibility in planning your route. Typical stops include Red Beach, White Beach, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni, the Santorini Hot Springs, the volcano, and Mesa Pigadia. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a full meal, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
There’s plenty of time to swim, snorkel (gear is provided!), and unwind on deck. The crew also takes care of the little comforts—beach towels, bathrobes, and onboard Wi-Fi are all included.
The Private Catamaran Cruise is the most expensive on the list starting at €1,139 for a group of up to 4 people. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but so worth it for the privacy, comfort, and personalised experience you get. If you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself, this private cruise is an unforgettable way to explore Santorini by sea.
4. The Most Budget-Friendly Santorini Catamaran Cruise
💰 Price: from €60/person
🕰️Duration: 5 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 Stars
🌆Includes: Budget Freindly, swimming stops, meal, open bar & Snorkelling gear
✅ Book it! budget-friendly catamaran cruise
If you’re looking to enjoy a Santorini sailing experience without spending too much, this budget-friendly catamaran cruise is the perfect option. Starting at just €60 per person, it covers all the highlights—swimming at Red Beach, relaxing in the hot springs, and cruising along the breathtaking caldera.
You’ll also get a delicious meal onboard, refreshing drinks, and snorkeling gear included.
The meeting point is Ammoudi Bay and since this is the cheapest option, so it doesn’t include hotel pickup and you can expect a larger group of passengers. But you’ll still enjoy all the amazing stops in an affordable way that won’t break the bank.
5. Full Day Catamaran Private Cruise incl. Meal, Drinks & Free Transport
💰 Price: from €670/person
🕰️Duration: 7 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 Stars
🌆Includes: Full day, more relaxed, small group, swimming stops, meal, open bar & Snorkelling gear
✅ Book it! Full-day private catamaran cruise
If you’re traveling with family or a small group and want a more relaxed, personalized experience, this full-day private catamaran cruise is a fantastic choice. It starts at 1:30 PM and sails until sunset, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
The route includes all the iconic stops—Red Beach, White Beach, the Hot Springs, and more—just like the other cruises, but with more time at each location. You’ll enjoy a delicious Greek meal, dessert, an open bar, and the comfort of having your own boat and crew. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included for a totally stress-free day.
More FAQ
How to get to Santorini
If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, you really only have two main options to get there: by flight or by ferry.
The fastest and easiest way is to fly—direct flights from Athens take just about 45 minutes and usually cost between €40 and €150, depending on when you book. In the summer months, you can also find direct international flights from cities like London, Paris, and Rome, which can be super convenient and save you a lot of time!
If you’re doing some island hopping and coming from other Greek islands like Mykonos, Naxos, or Paros, taking a ferry is actually the easiest and most logical option. Ferries between the Cyclades run regularly in peak season, and the journey to Santorini typically takes 1 to 3 hours, with tickets ranging from €20 to €60.
If you’re coming from Athens, you can also take a ferry from Piraeus Port—fast ferries take about 4.5 to 5 hours (€60–€90), while slower ones take 7–8 hours (€40–€60). I personally do not recommend as it takes longer than flights and not necessarily cheaper, also ferry schedules are more limited, and rough seas can make the journey not enjoyable.
Where to stay in Santorini
Oia
Stay in Oia for iconic sunsets, luxury cave hotels, and postcard-perfect charm ideal for honeymooners, photographers and first timers.
Budget Adorno Oia affordable 3 stars accomodation, offers adults-only rooms with sea views, balconies, and modern amenities. the property also have infinity swimming pool, spa facilities, sun terrace, and lush garden.
Mid- Range: Nikos Villas traditional Santorinian architectural style, it is an elegant holiday resort offering stunning views to the cliffs and the volcano and has swimming pools.
Luxury: Andronis Luxury Suites carved into the cliff with amazing views of the Cladera.
Conclusion
I hope I inspired you to add a boat tour to your Santorini plans—it’s truly an unforgettable experience! Let me know which one you end up choosing, and don’t forget to check out my 3-day Santorini itinerary for more travel tips and ideas.
