Top bucket list destinations have changed from year to year, but Santorini has always been at the top of the list.
Known for its stunning scenery and Cycladic culture, Santorini boasts colorful beaches, amazing gastronomy, world-class local wines and the amazing caldera that gives its landscape, both land and sea, a unique energy with spectacular views. The expectations are so high that it’s wise to decide to stay a few more days and extend your trip and dive deeper into Santorini and experience more of this beautiful island.
The goal of your vacation is total disconnection from your daily lives: enjoy the summer sun, good company, and great gastronomy.
Is there a better plan? Well, apparently, yes. That’s doing it in style on a Santorini cruise.
I assume you are the kind of person who researches places before you visit, from the places to visit, where to stay, the best restaurants and the range of activities once you get there!
Of all the activities and visits suggested after a good deal of research, one in particular should catch your attention: a five-hour catamaran cruise to explore Santorini and its neighboring islands, Therasia and Palea Kameni (the volcano).
Most visitors have not grown up near a seaport and are not considered “sea people”. So take your chance, come to Santorini and realize what you have been missing all this time…waoo!
Related read: A Guide to Island-Hopping in Greece
Here’s an overview:
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of the best Santorini cruises
↳ Santorini Sunset Cruise: Departing from Vlychada, stopping at Red Beach and cruising past iconic landmarks such as the White Beach, Indian Rocks, and the historic Venetian Akrotiri Lighthouse. Finish off with a Greek dinner onboard after. BOOK NOW
↳ Semi-Private Luxury Sailing Tour: Santorini day catamaran cruise starts from the picturesque port of Vlychada, stopping at Mesa Pigadia Beach, the Hot Springs and Thirasia, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch after a swim. BOOK NOW
What to Expect on a Santorini Cruise
We could summarize the experience by saying it’s a Catamaran Experience fit for a King.
The luxurious catamaran cruise lasts approximately five hours and begins and ends at the port of Vlychada in the southern part of the island. A return hotel transfer is also included.
There are three stops along the way for swimming in the crystal clear waters of a caldera, snorkeling, Greek food, drinks and as many delicacies as you like, always served by very attentive and professional staff.
The experience itself begins even before boarding the catamaran, as a private minibus will pick you up from your hotel if you wish, and throughout the adventure, the attention of the entire crew will make you feel like a rock star on a boat cruise… and what a boat!
I couldn’t tell you how much a ship like this costs, but it looks and feels very luxurious!
Once on board, the crew treats you to a welcome drink, and you’ll leave the port to begin your journey. You will sail through the southern Aegean Sea in delightful temperatures, feasting your eyes on iconic landmarks such as White Beach, Mesa Pigadia Beach, the Indian Rocks (a volcanic formation that belongs to the so-called Black Mountain), and the spectacular Venetian Lighthouse.
This includes the first swim stop at Red Beach! Sailing on this first leg of the trip, you will realize that everything looks different from the catamaran; the incredible sea-level scenery while sailing in pure luxury through the Aegean is priceless!
Related read: How to Reserve the Best Romantic Sunset Restaurants in Santorini, Greece
Sailing through the Caldera
The first stop is at the crystal clear waters of Mesa Pigadia beach. Here you can take a dip to cool off from the rising temperatures, especially during the morning tour. This is a great spot for snorkeling, and yes, the crew will provide each passenger with equipment, so all you have to do is enjoy the beautiful waters.
Back on the catamaran, refresh yourself with some water and a cold beer. On most of these trips all drinks are included in the price, with wine, beer, water and soft drinks available. However, if you’re not used to sailing, it’s wise to be careful with alcohol. Trust me, you don’t want one extra drink to ruin an experience like this. 😉
The next stop is the real highlight of the trip: the sulfur waters (hot springs) of the Santorini Caldera. This is the volcanic area of the caldera and the island of Palea Kameni, (swim carefree, there will be no surprises). The lunar-like landscape, mineral-rich sea and green waters are out of this world. It definitely feels like an open-air spa; however, the water is not as warm as expected, and apparently you have to swim closer to the island to get it. So some areas are warmer than others.
Good to know: When swimming here, it’s a good idea to wear dark-colored swimwear to prevent excessive mineral deposits from changing the color of your clothes.
Therasia Island on the Horizon
The third and final stop is the island of Therasia, the neighboring island of Santorini, where a buffet lunch or dinner is served, depending on the time of day.
Before eating, you have another chance to swim in the crystal clear waters off the island’s coast. I would say that the sea here has the lowest temperature, probably due to the depth of the sea. After the swim, you can feast on all sorts of Greek delicacies such as moussaka, tzatziki, dolmadakia, various local cheeses and a grilled chicken and shrimp BBQ. All this on the catamaran deck, under the summer Greek sun, with spectacular views of the caldera, while anchored on the shore or on the island.
I must say that the scenery of the island of Santorini is very different from this side of the caldera, a view that most people will never experience!
The day ends with a long sail back to the port of Vlychada, with time to relax with drinks, music and sunbathing on the catamaran deck… Waoo what a fabulous adventure!
I can safely say that these are the best five hours of your vacation, true enjoyment on a luxury catamaran, in fabulous company and in such a privileged setting.
Suntan or Santorini Sunset Cruise?
Having experienced both tours, I must say that the differences between the morning and afternoon shifts are not very significant. In both, you’re enjoying the same catamaran and a similar luxury experience on the same route; you’re visiting the same paradisiacal places for the same amount of time; you’re eating the same ambrosia and being served by the same staff.
You can’t go wrong!
In the morning, people seem a little more animated, enjoying the morning sun and the delicious food. I’d say it’s more of a group plan to enjoy a morning sail in the sun together. It’s a great plan for larger groups and families, as we were told the younger generation seems to appreciate the daylight more.
The afternoon catamaran tour still offers plenty of sunshine, but it’s less intense than in the morning. Its appeal lies precisely in this “chill vibes” factor and the opportunity to experience the famous sunset from a very privileged spot. If you’re familiar with Santorini, you may have noticed that activity on the island slows down in the late afternoon to witness one of the most idyllic sunsets on the planet.
Time stops, noise dies down, and everyone, especially us visitors, focuses solely on witnessing the sun king’s farewell until the next day. It’s a magical experience you’ll want to share with someone close, preferably hand-in-hand. 🙂
Olympian Luxury
Does that mean the morning tour is for groups and the afternoon tour is for couples?
Not at all, but it might be more about how much you like to sunbathe or enjoy a magical sunset, whether you’re traveling with a group or with your partner. Or a group of couples. Well, I think you get the idea.
The last thing I’d like to point out, which we’ve agreed with others, is that during the five-hour catamaran cruise in Santorini, you will feel like someone very, very special. The whole experience is just amazing, the catamaran looks and feels like an oligarch’s pleasure boat. The crew is attentive to your needs throughout the trip, and both the culinary and sailing experience will make you believe this is what happens when you win the lottery – you just can’t go wrong with a starting price of 120€!
I have a feeling your research will be hard to find another trip like this, but then again, you can return to Santorini every other year and treat yourself to the Royal Chariot.
Santorini Sunset Sailing Tour
Explore the enchanting beauty of Santorini, Greece on a fabulous sunset cruise. Let yourself be swept away by the magical allure of the Aegean Sea as you set sail on an unforgettable journey aboard our top-notch catamaran.
Details:
Cruise: Sunset Sailing
Price: Starting from $140 per person
Duration: 5 hours
Departure Time: 3:00 pm
Departure Port: Vlychada Santorini
Maximum Capacity: 20 passengers
Sailing Tour
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks of Santorini as our experienced crew leads you on this unforgettable maritime adventure.
At a glance:
Cruise: Daytime
Price: Starting from $120
Duration: 5 hours
Departure: 10am
Port: Vlychada Santorini
Max capacity: 18 passengers
The tours fill up fast, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. Your best bet is to reach out to Santorini Yachting directly and begin mapping out your trip.
What’s included in both tours?
- Wine, beers, soft drinks, water
Food & drinks:
Indulge in a full buffet of Greek delicacies, including a Welcome Cocktail, Traditional Moussaka, Pasta Napolitana, Grilled Shrimp, Tzatziki, Kopanisti, Fava, Dolmades, a variety of cheeses, Greek Salad, and an Unlimited Bar with white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water.
