REVIEW · SANTORINI
Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar, Transfer
Book on Viator →Operated by Spiridakos Sailing Cruises · Bookable on Viator
Five hours, three swims, and a lot of views. This premium small-group catamaran sets you up for the best kind of Santorini day: onboard comfort, BBQ plus an open bar, and swimming/snorkeling at several spots you’d never reach as easily by bus or taxi. The one thing to plan for is that this trip is sea time first—there’s no beach drop-off at the Red/White Beach photo stops, and the hot springs swim includes a required open-water stretch.
I like how the crew structure the day around you. You’ll get a guided cruise by sea—from the Venetian Lighthouse area to Thirasia—and they keep it moving so you actually spend time in the water. On the boat, names like Captain John and George show up again and again in passenger comments, along with helpful crew support when seas get a bit choppy.
Logistics are straightforward, but they matter in Santorini. You’ll meet in Vlichada (and you’ll be messaged the exact pickup location/time), and if you’re arriving by cruise ship tender to the Old Port of Fira, you’ll need to use the cable car to reach their office area—this pickup can’t happen from the Old Port road access point.
In This Review
- Key points that make this cruise worth your time
- Getting to the boat: Vlichada pickup, timing, and why cruise ships are different
- Red Beach and White Beach photo stops: gorgeous views, no beach time
- Mesa Pigadia swim stop: your first real splash and easy onboard reset
- Palea Kameni hot springs: warm sulfur water, crowds, and the open-water swim
- Nea Kameni, Thirasia, and the caldera coastline: why sea level views beat the bus
- The quiet Santorini cove for snorkeling and BBQ: where the day clicks
- Evening vs daytime sail: sunset is the payoff, but wind can get real
- Food and drinks on the open bar: what’s included, plus one reality check
- Comfort, safety, and what you should pack for Santorini sea time
- Price and value: why $151.16 can be a smart “one-day Santorini plan”
- Should you book this Santorini catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran cruise?
- What’s the group size on board?
- Does the tour include pickup and where does it drop you off?
- Can cruise ship passengers join if they’re tendered to the Old Port of Fira?
- Which stops include swimming or snorkeling?
- Is there a ticket included for the hot springs?
- How far do you need to swim at the hot springs?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Are vegetarian options available?
- What should I bring for the boat?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key points that make this cruise worth your time
- Up to 20 people on board keeps the day relaxed, not crowded.
- BBQ buffet + local wine on a calm-sitting schedule between swim stops.
- Hot springs at Palea Kameni with a natural spa dip, plus the needed open-water swim.
- Three swim moments (Mesa Pigadia, hot springs, then the quiet Santorini cove with snorkeling).
- Sailing views of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and the caldera from sea level.
- Convenient transfer: pickup before sailing and drop-off anywhere on the island.
Getting to the boat: Vlichada pickup, timing, and why cruise ships are different
This tour is built around a simple reality: Santorini is hard to do well if you’re stuck moving by hand or on foot. You’ll start from the Vlichada area (the meeting point shown is in Vlichada), then a mini bus picks you up with enough lead time before departure. The pickup can involve a short walk from your hotel, and the exact pickup point/time is sent after booking.
One big detail for cruise ship passengers: if your tender drops you at the Old Port of Fira, this company can’t pick you up there (there’s no road access). You’ll need to take the cable car up to their Fira office area and be there at least one hour before the cruise starts. Do this early enough to avoid the classic Santorini stress spiral—cable car lines plus the walk plus your nerves.
The cruise runs about 5 hours, and there’s usually no time to wander around the island before you board. That’s good if you want an efficient day on the water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Santorini.
Red Beach and White Beach photo stops: gorgeous views, no beach time
The early part of the route is very “Santorini from the sea” rather than “Santorini from your feet.” You’ll sail past the Red Beach area (near the historical village of Akrotiri) and the White Beach area. These are visually striking stops—ideal for photos—but the plan is clear: no drop-off and no swimming at these photo points.
Why that’s valuable: the coast here looks dramatic from the water, and you’re saving your energy for the actual water time later. If your goal is to get maximum swim/snorkel payoff in one day, this routing does that.
What to do: have your camera/phone ready as you approach—these are the kind of scenes that change fast with wind and light, and the boat can’t pause every ten seconds.
Mesa Pigadia swim stop: your first real splash and easy onboard reset
After the early photo moments, the cruise hits Mesa Pigadia Bay for your first proper swim/relax stop. It’s scheduled for about 30 minutes. You won’t be dropped off on the beach, so you’ll either enjoy the sea from the boat or do the swimming directly from board.
This stop works well because it’s a pressure-free warm-up. The water time isn’t rushed, but it’s short enough to keep the day feeling energetic. It’s also a good moment to check your gear: sunscreen is on, goggles/mask are ready, and you know where the ladder/entry points are.
Bring swim basics even if you think the boat will handle it. You should expect to use your own sunscreen and swimsuit—those are on the list for a reason.
Palea Kameni hot springs: warm sulfur water, crowds, and the open-water swim
Now for the signature stop: Palea Kameni, the hot springs area. You’ll get another swim session for about 30 minutes. Expect other boats nearby—this is a popular natural spa moment—so don’t count on total solitude.
Two practical notes matter here:
- The hot springs admission ticket is not included.
- You’ll need to swim about 100 meters of open water. That isn’t a problem for confident swimmers, but it’s a big deal if you’re cautious in open water.
The water temperature is described as warm and depends on the season. In practice, that’s exactly what you want to hear: this is designed for comfort, but you’re still swimming out in the Aegean conditions.
My advice: if you’re even slightly unsure about the 100m requirement, reassess before you commit. This is one of those “it’s natural, so it follows natural rules” stops.
Nea Kameni, Thirasia, and the caldera coastline: why sea level views beat the bus
Between swims, the cruise becomes the real Santorini show. You’ll sail past Nea Kameni Island while learning the island’s volcanic story and what happened during the eruption-era events. You’ll also cruise by Thirasia Island, with sea-level views of dramatic caldera walls and the way towns sit right on the cliffs.
You’ll see perspectives of Santorini towns like Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Old Port, and Fira from the water. The big advantage here isn’t just beauty—it’s separation from the crowds and traffic you get when you’re trying to “hit everything” on land.
You’ll also pass the area near the historic Venetian Lighthouse on the southwestern side of the island. Even if you’ve seen postcards of Santorini cliffs, seeing them from the boat makes them feel physical. You understand why the caldera towns look perched—because they are.
The quiet Santorini cove for snorkeling and BBQ: where the day clicks
The final swim/snorkel block happens when the boat reaches a quiet cove. This is scheduled for about 1 hour, and it’s the “stretch your legs, then cool off” portion of the cruise.
This is where snorkeling comes in. You’ll have the chance to snorkel in one of the protected coves, and you’ll be able to enjoy a more private-feeling water session compared with busier swim areas.
Then food. The crew prepares a buffet/snack menu with traditional dishes and Greek appetizers. You’ll eat while sailing between the day’s best views and the last swim moment. Local white wine and other beverages are included, and vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking.
One detail I like: the timing. You’re not stuck eating at the exact moment you’d rather be swimming. The meal shows up as a recovery between water time and the final leg.
Snorkeling gear: some passengers report that masks and snorkels (and towels) are available onboard. Still, if your mask fit matters to you, bring your own. A couple of comments also mention that snorkeling gear quality can vary—especially if you’re picky about seal and straps.
Evening vs daytime sail: sunset is the payoff, but wind can get real
This cruise is offered as either a daytime or evening sail. If you choose the evening option, you’re signing up for the classic Santorini result: a sunset that many people describe as breathtaking from the catamaran.
The trade-off is weather. One note from an evening outing was that it can be windy and chilly late in the day, so plan to stay warm even if you start sun-soaked. That’s why a windbreaker is on your packing list.
If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll still want to be ready. Some people mention seas can feel choppy, and the crew helps when someone feels off. A practical move: take your sea-sickness prevention early rather than waiting until you feel awful.
Food and drinks on the open bar: what’s included, plus one reality check
This is a BBQ cruise, and the food is part of the value. Expect a buffet-style setup with cold Greek salads, soft drinks, and wines made on the island. Alcohol consumption has a clear rule: the minimum age to drink is 18.
Most people seem very happy with the quantity and quality. Comments highlight standout meals and the fact that crew members keep things running smoothly so you’re not waiting around hungry.
Still, I’d flag one practical “check before you assume” point: at least one person said there was no beer available even though it’s listed as part of the open bar. Another comment mentioned limited meat options compared with what the listing suggested. That doesn’t mean you’ll get a bad meal—just don’t build your day around beer as your main drink.
Bring your own expectations, not just your hunger.
Comfort, safety, and what you should pack for Santorini sea time
Small-group limit matters. With a maximum of 20 people, you’re usually not elbow-to-elbow at the swim ladders or in the meal line. It also helps the crew move around without feeling like a human traffic jam.
If you’re sensitive to motion, you’re not alone—some passengers describe gentle support when someone felt seasick, and it’s often calmer once you get to the sheltered coves.
What to bring is not optional on this kind of sailing:
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Windbreaker
Also, think about your shoes. The stops are from board, not from a beach walk, but you still want stable footing on wet surfaces and stairs. If you have your own snorkeling gear, bring it.
Finally, alcohol and sun don’t mix. Hydrate early, snack when you can, and keep an eye on your own energy level for that hot springs open-water requirement.
Price and value: why $151.16 can be a smart “one-day Santorini plan”
At about $151.16 per person, this cruise is priced like a premium day on the water. What you’re paying for isn’t only the boat—it’s the bundle: small-group sailing, pickup and drop-off, BBQ buffet, and an open bar setup with local wine and beverages, plus multiple swim moments.
If you tried to recreate this day on your own, you’d spend money on transport, paid entry for hot springs (which isn’t included here), food, and you’d still struggle to create the same efficient route with multiple sea-based swim stops. The catamaran route also does the hard part for you: it gets you sea-level views of the caldera towns without you bouncing between viewpoints.
So the “value math” is: you’re buying time saved and waterfront access, not just a seat on a boat.
Should you book this Santorini catamaran cruise?
Book it if you want a straightforward best-of Santorini day with real water time. This is ideal when:
- you want caldera views from sea level, not just from a viewpoint
- you like swimming and snorkeling and can handle open water for the hot springs stop
- you care about food and drinks being included
- you want a smaller group (max 20) and a crew that keeps things organized
Skip or rethink it if:
- open-water swimming isn’t your thing (the hot springs stop requires a 100m swim)
- you want lots of walking on land (the Red/White Beach stops are photos only)
- you’re coming from a cruise ship and don’t want the cable car requirement
If you’re on the fence, the biggest deciding factor is the water plan. This cruise is built around it, and when that part clicks, the rest of the day feels easy.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran cruise?
The cruise is listed at about 5 hours.
What’s the group size on board?
The experience has a maximum of 20 travelers.
Does the tour include pickup and where does it drop you off?
Pickup is offered by mini bus from the Vlichada area (exact location and time are sent after booking). After the cruise, there’s a driver available to drop you anywhere on the island.
Can cruise ship passengers join if they’re tendered to the Old Port of Fira?
No pickup is available from the Old Port of Fira because there’s no road access. You’ll need to take the cable car to reach their office in Fira and arrive at least one hour before sailing.
Which stops include swimming or snorkeling?
You’ll have swim/relax time at Mesa Pigadia Beach, a swim session at the hot springs area (Palea Kameni), and the final quiet cove for swimming and snorkeling.
Is there a ticket included for the hot springs?
No. The hot springs admission ticket is not included.
How far do you need to swim at the hot springs?
You need to swim about 100 meters of open water for the hot springs.
What food and drinks are included?
The cruise includes a buffet-style BBQ meal with cold Greek salads, soft drinks, and wines made on the island. Alcohol consumption requires you to be at least 18 years old.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes. Vegetarian options are available if you request them upon booking.
What should I bring for the boat?
Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a windbreaker.
What happens if weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
