The list of top destinations changes every year, but Santorini always tops the list.
Santorini is renowned for its stunning scenery and Cycladic culture, with its colorful beaches, amazing cuisine, world-class local wines and the stunning caldera that gives its land and sea landscapes a unique vibrancy and spectacular views. Expectations are so high here that it would be wise to stay a few days longer, extend your trip, explore more of Santorini and experience more of this beautiful island.
Your vacation goal is to completely disconnect from everyday life: to enjoy the summer sun, good company, and delicious food.
Is there a better plan? Apparently there is. Do it in style on a Santorini cruise.
I assume you’re the type of person who researches various places before you travel, including places to visit, where to stay, the best restaurants, and various activities to do once you’re there!
After much research, among all the recommended activities and visits, one in particular deserves your attention: a five-hour cruise on a catamaran to explore Santorini and its neighboring islands Therasia and Parea Kameni (volcano).
Most visitors did not grow up near a harbour, nor are they considered “sea people”. So take your chances, Come to Santorini and you’ll discover what you’ve been missing all this time… Wow!
Related reading: Greece Island Hopping Guide
Here is an overview:
Short on time? Here's a quick rundown of the best cruises in Santorini
↳ Santorini Sunset Cruise: Depart from Vlychada, stop at Red Beach, pass by iconic landmarks such as White Beach, Indian Rocks and the historic Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri. End with a Greek dinner on board. Book Now
↳ Semi-Private Luxury Sailing Tour: The Santorini Catamaran Day Trip departs from the picturesque port of Vlychada and stops at Mesa Pigadia Beach, Hot Springs and Therasia, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch after a swim. Book Now
Santorini Cruises
We can sum up this experience by saying that it is A catamaran experience fit for a king.
this Luxury Catamaran Cruise The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and starts and ends at the port of Vlychada in the south of the island. The tour also includes round-trip hotel transfers.
There are three stops along the way where you can swim in the clear waters of the caldera, snorkel, and enjoy Greek food, drinks and a variety of delicious dishes, and the staff is very attentive and professional.
The experience starts before you even board the catamaran, 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 cruise… what a great boat!
I can’t tell you how much a boat like this would cost, but it looks and feels so luxurious!
Once on board, you will be greeted with a welcome drink by the crew before leaving port for your journey. You will sail through the southern Aegean in pleasant temperatures, admiring iconic landmarks such as the white sand beaches of Messa Pigadia, the Indian Rocks (a volcanic formation that is part of the so-called Black Mountains) and the imposing Venetian Lighthouse.
This includes the first swimming stop at the Red Beach! On the first leg of the journey you will discover that everything is different on a catamaran; the incredible sea level scenery is priceless as you sail in pure luxury in the Aegean Sea!
Related Reading: How to Book the Most Romantic Sunset Restaurant in Santorini, Greece
Boat trip through the crater
The first stop is the crystal clear waters of Mesa Pigadia Beach. Here you can take a refreshing swim to relieve the rising temperatures, especially on a morning trip. This is a great spot for snorkeling, and the crew provides equipment for each passenger, so you can just enjoy the beautiful waters.
Back on the catamaran, refresh yourself with some water and a cold beer. In most of these trips, all drinks are included in the price, with wine, beer, water and soft drinks available. However, if you are not used to sailing, it is best to be cautious with your drinking. Trust me, you don't want to ruin the experience with one more drink. 😉
The next stop was the real highlight of the trip: Sulphur waters (hot springs) of the caldera of Santorini. This is the volcanic area of the caldera and the island of Parea Kameni (swim without worries, there will be no accidents). The lunar landscape, the mineral-rich sea and the turquoise waters are breathtaking. 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 places are warmer than others.
It is worth knowing that: When swimming here, it is best to wear a dark swimsuit to prevent excessive mineral deposits from changing the color of your clothes.
Theracia Island on the horizon
The third and final stop is the island of Therasia near Santorini, where a buffet lunch or dinner is served, depending on the time of day.
Before dining, you will have another chance to swim in the crystal clear waters off the coast of the island. I would say the water temperature is the lowest here, probably because it is so deep. After the swim, you can try a variety of Greek delicacies such as moussaka, tzatziki, dolmadakia, various local cheeses as well as grilled chicken and shrimps. All this on the catamaran deck, under the summer Greek sun, while anchored either on the shore or on the island with a stunning view of the caldera.
I must say that the scenery in Santorini is quite different from that on this side of the caldera. A view most people will never get to experience!
The day ends with a return to the port of Vlychada, where you can relax on the catamaran deck while sipping a drink, listening to music, and sunbathing… Wow, what an amazing adventure!
I can safely say that these are the best five hours of your vacation, real fun on a luxury catamaran, in such wonderful company, in such great surroundings.
Tanning or a Santorini sunset cruise?
Having experienced both trips, I have to say that the difference between the morning and afternoon trips is not huge. In both trips, you get to travel on the same catamaran, enjoy a similar luxury experience on the same route; you visit the same paradise places in the same amount of time; you eat the same delicious meals and are served by the same staff.
You can't go wrong!
In the morning, people seem to be more lively, enjoying the morning sunshine and delicious food. I would say this is more of a group plan to enjoy a morning sail in the sunshine together. This is a great plan for larger groups and families as we heard the younger generation seemed to prefer daylight hours.
The sun was still shining brightly for the afternoon catamaran trip, but not as strong as in the morning. Its appeal lies precisely in this “chill vibe” and the opportunity to admire the famous sunset from a very privileged position. If you are familiar with Santorini, you may have noticed that the island's activities slow down in the evening to enjoy one of the most idyllic sunsets on Earth.
Time stops, the noise dies down, and everyone, especially us tourists, is focused only on witnessing the Sun King's farewell until the next day. It's a magical experience that you will want to share with those close to you, preferably hand in hand. 🙂
Olympic Deluxe Hotel
Does that mean the morning group is suitable for group tours, and the afternoon group is suitable for couples tours?
Not at all, but it probably depends more on how much you enjoy soaking up the sun or admiring a magical sunset, and whether you're traveling with a group or just your partner. Or a group of couples. OK, I think you get the idea.
Finally I want to point out that we and others agree on this, which is that you will feel very, very special on a five-hour catamaran cruise in Santorini. The whole experience is simply amazing, the catamaran looks and feels like an oligarch's yacht. The crew is attentive to your needs throughout the trip, and the food and sailing experience will make you believe this is what happens when you win the lottery – and with prices starting at 120 euros, you can't go wrong!
I have a feeling your research would make it hard to find another trip like this, but then again, you could always go back to Santorini every other year and enjoy the Royal Chariot ride.
Santorini Sunset Sailing Tour
Explore the stunning scenery of Santorini. Greece exist Wonderful sunset cruiseEmbark on an unforgettable journey aboard one of our first-class catamarans and immerse yourself in the magic of the Aegean Sea.
detail:
cruise: Sunset Sailing
price: From $140 per person
period: 5 hours
Departure Time: 3:00pm
Departure Port: Santorini
Maximum capacity: 20 passengers
Sailing trip
Our experienced crew will lead you on this unforgettable sea adventure, immersing you in Santorini's breathtaking scenery and iconic landmarks.
Overview:
cruise: daytime
price: Starting at $120
period: 5 hours
leave: 10 a.m.
port: Santorini
Maximum capacity: 18 passengers
Tours fill up quickly so it's a good idea to book in advance. The best thing to do is to contact Santorini Yachting directly and start planning your trip.
What is included in both tours?
- Wine, beer, soft drinks, water
FOOD:
Indulge in a full buffet of Greek delicacies including a welcome cocktail, traditional moussaka, Neapolitan pasta, grilled shrimps, tzatziki, Kopanisti, broad beans, dolmades, a selection of cheeses, Greek salad and an unlimited bar with white wine, beer, soft drinks and water.
