Santorini: Platinum Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Meal & Open Bar

One boat. One small group. Then Santorini turns into a day you can actually breathe through. This Platinum Catamaran Cruise mixes shoreline scenery with swim stops, a full BBQ meal onboard, and a sunset finish from the water that helps you dodge the usual crowd crush.

I especially like the combo of great food + open bar (white wine, beer, soft drinks, water) with snorkeling gear included. The other thing I like is the way the route uses Santorini’s signature geology—Red Beach, caldera views, and Palea Kameni hot springs—so you’re not just sitting for views.

One possible drawback to plan around: the boat can’t moor right on the beaches, so swims are ladder-style, and in cooler months the water can feel chilly.

Key points worth knowing

• Small group on a “Platinum” catamaran (limited to 18 guests) for a calmer vibe and better space to move around
• Snorkeling gear and multiple swim stops in clear water, not just one quick dip
• Thirasia Island time plus BBQ onboard while you’re in the water and the food is being cooked
• Volcanic hot springs at Palea Kameni with a safety briefing and time to soak
• Sunset from the water with sparkling wine (Moschato d’Asti) and a relaxed photo-friendly approach

A Platinum Catamaran Day That Feels Smaller Than It Is

Santorini can feel like a highlight reel: cliffs, sunsets, and stairs everywhere. This cruise changes the pace by putting you on the water for most of the experience, with a limited headcount that keeps it from turning into a floating bus stop. You get that rare mix of luxury details (space, service, open bar) with real time outside, not just photo stops from behind a rail.

The onboard vibe is also part of the value. A lot of the tour magic here is practical: you’re not running around trying to line up buses, find parking, or time your sunset like it’s a competitive sport. You can just focus on the sea, the food, and the views.

At $117 for about 5 hours, you’re paying for convenience plus inclusions. You’re not just buying a seat on a boat—you’re paying for pickup and drop-off, meals, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and multiple stops across different parts of the island.

Getting to Vlychada: Pickup That Saves You Time and Headaches

Pickup is included, and that’s a big deal on Santorini. The drive is short at first—van transfer time is listed as about 15 minutes for one leg, then longer depending on where you’re picked up. In plain terms: you’ll likely spend some time in the van before you even see your first view from the water.

You’ll be picked up from one of these points:

• Imerovigli Bus Stop to Fira (Thera), Mitropoleos Street area (there are three pickup options total)
• Your driver asks for your names at the pickup point, and they wait up to 10 minutes past the scheduled time

If you’re trying to maximize your day, this matters. Instead of starting at a distant port and figuring out connections, you get dropped back at the end at one of the listed drop-off points: Imerovigli Bus Stop to Fira, Mitropoleos Street, or Thera.

Red Beach to White Beach: Fast Photo Stops With Real Context

After you cruise out, the plan includes a sequence of stops and passes that are designed for two things: quick scenery moments and natural landmarks you’d miss if you stayed inland.

Red Beach (Santorini)

Red Beach is your first major shoreline stop. You’ll get a photo moment and a guided look at why it looks the way it does—those volcanic red tones and dramatic cliff edges. The practical upside: you get the wow-factor without losing half your day hiking to get a view.

Plan-wise, the stop is short (around 5 minutes). That’s not a problem if you’re there for the overall day experience. If you want long beach time, you should know this tour prioritizes swimming and time on the water over extended land lounging.

White Beach and the Akrotiri lighthouse area

Next comes White Beach, plus passes for sights in the Akrotiri area. The highlight here is how different the coastline feels from spot to spot—limestone formations, pale cliffs, and lighthouse scenery that looks great in photos.

This is another brief stop (about 5 minutes). You’re meant to take in the look, then get back out on the water for the parts you’ll actually remember for years: the swims and the sunset.

A quick inland break for local flavor

There’s also a break near Mésa Pigádia (about 20 minutes). This gives you time for a breather, photo snaps, and local snacks. It’s the tour’s “reset” moment, and it helps when the sea portion starts getting active.

One thing to keep your expectations honest: the day is still boat-first. The breaks are there to keep you comfortable, not to turn the tour into a full land tour.

Volcanic Hot Springs at Palea Kameni: Worth the Plan, Follow the Safety Tips

The hot springs stop is where the tour starts to feel more than scenic cruising. You’ll reach Palea Kameni and have time to see and soak in the volcanic waters. A safety briefing happens around the same time, and then you’re in the water area for a while (about 20 minutes).

This is one of Santorini’s signature experiences because it’s unusual: you’re literally in a volcanic system. Even if you’ve visited beaches before, hot springs add a different kind of memory—warmer, therapeutic water and a sense of being on the edge of something geologically active.

Practical reality check: the catamaran can’t moor directly on the beaches. So you’ll be entering the water from the boat, and conditions can vary. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll be fine. If you’re not, keep close to crew instructions.

It can also be cooler in shoulder season. One traveler even recommended bringing an old bathing suit for the hot springs area. If you want to protect your nicest suit, pack a spare.

Thirasia Island Swim + BBQ Onboard: The Main Reason to Choose This Cruise

If you want the most “wow-per-hour” moment, it’s usually Thirasia. This is one of Santorini’s best-kept secrets for a reason: it feels calmer and more spacious than the main island viewpoints.

You get about 1 hour here, including photo moments, swimming, and snorkeling. And the food ramps up right in the middle of it, which is exactly how you want a cruise day to work. You’re not eating after the fun. The fun and the meal overlap.

BBQ meal details you’ll actually care about

Lunch (and/or dinner depending on timing) is prepared onboard, with BBQ chicken and pork, seafood pasta, Greek salad, Greek anchovy meze (γαύρος), a vegetarian option (Greek ratatouille), and a Greek fruit salad. There are also snacks throughout.

The best part for most people is the simplicity: you’re not choosing from a menu while you’re hungry and wet. The crew handles it, and you get fed.

The snorkeling and swim angle

Snorkeling gear is included, and the clear-water stops are the kind you remember because you can actually see what you’re swimming over. Some people asked for more snorkel availability at the stops, so if you’re a serious snorkeler, bring that expectation with you. Still, multiple swim opportunities help even if one spot isn’t perfect.

Why Thirasia matters for your trip

Santorini’s most famous scenes are often photographed from land, from viewpoints. Thirasia adds a different feeling: less performative, more lived-in. The sea framing makes even ordinary coastline look cinematic.

And because the group is limited to 18 guests, you’re more likely to find space to enjoy your swim without constantly weaving through a crowd.

The Sunset Finish at Akrotiri Lighthouse: Wine, Photos, and Less Chaos

Most Santorini sunsets are crowded because they’re based on land logistics. This tour flips it: you watch sunset from the water. That alone can save you a lot of stress and keep you from arriving to a fully packed shoreline with nowhere to stand.

You’ll head toward Akrotiri Lighthouse during the sunset segment (about 20 minutes). The plan includes sailing time and a champagne tasting moment, plus the special sunset wine: Moschato D’Asti sparkling wine.

What I like about this setup is that it feels like a payoff instead of a last-minute scramble. You’ve spent the day swimming, eating, and watching coastline geology change. Then the crew sets the final mood with a toast-style moment and the view from open water.

If you’re the type who takes photos, you’ll also like that you’re not only dealing with people in front of you. The sea gives you more angles and cleaner sightlines.

Snorkeling Gear, Towels, and What to Bring (So You Stay Comfortable)

This cruise is built around water time. That means you should pack like you’re going swimming more than once.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A camera

Included:

• Towels
• Snorkeling equipment

Then think about comfort details:

• Pack something you don’t mind getting salty on. One traveler specifically suggested an old bathing suit for the hot springs area.
• If you get cold easily, pay attention to the season. People have noted it can feel chilly on the ride back in late October.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing your own remedy anyway. Even on a well-run catamaran, the sea can do what it wants.

Also, remember: the boat can’t dock right on the beaches. You’ll be in and out via the catamaran stops, so good footwear for getting around the deck matters more than you might think. (You can keep it simple, just don’t bring fragile slides you hate.)

Food and Drinks: BBQ Lunch, Unlimited Bar, and a Real Sense of Service

Let’s talk about why this is more than a “sightseeing cruise.” The open bar is included with white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. That’s not just a token drink plan. The way it’s structured, it supports the whole day—sipping with views, then resetting before the next swim stop.

The meal onboard is also a real selling point. BBQ chicken and pork alongside Greek salad and pasta means you’re not stuck eating something bland because it’s hard to cook on a boat. People have called out how good the food was and how much there was for everyone.

On top of that, service details show up in the feedback:

• Crew attention and friendly hosting
• People feeling comfortable during safety briefings
• A smooth, not-chaotic flow to the day

One nice extra detail from a review: the catamaran had separate male and female toilets, plus a changing space. You might not think about that until you’re wet and trying to organize yourself, so it’s worth noting.

Price and Value: What $117 Gets You on the Water

$117 sounds like a lot until you compare it to what you’d pay to recreate this day yourself.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• BBQ meal onboard plus snacks
• Open bar
• Special sunset wine (Moschato D’Asti)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Towels
• Live English guide

Now add the hidden costs of DIY: transport across the island, entry fees if you try to line up multiple experiences, plus the time lost coordinating. This cruise bundles it into one smooth block of time with a pre-set route that keeps the day moving.

If you’re traveling with the kind of group that values ease—couples, friends, people who don’t want to spend their only full day on logistics—this price is easier to justify.

If you’re ultra-budget and only want one or two scenic stops, then a cheaper boat option might make sense. But if you want food, drinks, swimming, and sunset without the crowd stress, this one is closer to a complete day experience than a half-day tour.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This cruise fits best if you want:

• A relaxed, water-first day with swimming and snorkeling
• A sunset view that feels calm and photo-friendly
• Included meals and drinks so you don’t have to plan anything during the day
• A smaller group atmosphere (limited to 18)

It may not fit as well if:

• You want lots of time on land beaches (this plan is short stops, then back into the sea)
• You’re sensitive to cold water in shoulder seasons
• You need a super long snorkeling session at one location (the tour uses multiple swim moments, but you may not get hours in one spot)

Families have gone on this kind of cruise, and most people seem to enjoy it as a shared experience. Still, the tour is built around active water time, so it’s best when everyone is comfortable with swimming.

Should You Book This Platinum Catamaran Cruise in Santorini?

I’d book it if your ideal Santorini day includes swimming, good food, and sunset from the water without fighting crowds. The value is strongest when you want the whole package: pickup, onboard BBQ, open bar, snorkeling gear, multiple swim stops, hot springs time, and a sunset finish with Moschato D’Asti.

I’d think twice if you mostly want long beach lounging or if cold water would ruin your mood. In that case, you might compare options that offer warmer seasonal schedules or more beach access.

If you do book, go in with one mindset: this is a boat day. Wear swim-ready clothing, plan to be in and out of the water, and let the sea do the sightseeing work.

FAQ

How long is the Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise?

The cruise lasts about 5 hours.

What is included in the price besides the cruise itself?

You get hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch/dinner with BBQ onboard, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, towels, and special sunset wine.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel during the stops.

Where are the pickup points?

Pickup is offered from 3 options, including the Imerovigli Bus Stop to Fira area and Mitropoleos Street (and the tour also references Thera as a related pickup/drop-off area).

Where are the drop-off locations?

Drop-off is offered at 3 points: Imerovigli Bus Stop to Fira, Mitropoleos Street, and Thera.

Can the catamaran moor directly on the beach?

No. The catamaran cannot moor directly on the beach, so stops are as close as possible and swimming is done from the boat.

How many guests are on the catamaran?

The tour is limited to 18 guests.

Is there a guide, and what language do they speak?

There is a live tour guide in English. An optional audio guide in English is also mentioned.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring swimwear and a camera.

What is the special wine served for sunset?

The sunset includes Moschato D’Asti sparkling wine.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.