Sunset Caldera Catamaran Cruise, Santorini

4.4 (34 reviews)
Witness the Santorini sunset from a luxury catamaran, stopping at island beaches for snorkeling, swimming, and a barbecue dinner.

Overview

Explore Santorini's western coast and take in dramatic views of its caldera with this half-day sunset catamaran cruise. Your skipper will drop anchor at prime beachy spots like Mesa Pigadia and Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling, and you'll even have the chance to take a dip in the therapeutic waters of the island's hot springs. After a delicious Greek barbecue dinner onboard, nab a prime spot on the sundeck and enjoy the sunset views with a drink from the open bar as you cruise back to port.

Highlights

  • Sail along the island's dramatic caldera on a luxury catamaran
  • Swim in island hot springs and snorkel off volcanic beaches
  • Capture stunning photographic moments at Indian Rock and the Akrotiri Lighthouse
  • Enjoy an onboard barbecue with traditional local dishes and drinks
  • Cap off the day of sun and sea with a famous Santorini sunset as you sail back to port

Know before you go

Duration
6h
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Group tour, 22 people or less
Food & Drink
Dinner Included. Souvlaki barbecue and open bar with vegetarian and vegan options available.

What you'll do

Your five-hour adventure on the Aegean starts with a pick-up from your hotel or at a local meeting spot. Transfer to the small port of Ammoudi Bay, just below Oia, and meet your captain, crew, and the rest of your group as you board your luxury catamaran. After a quick briefing, you'll chart a course south, making your first stop at the tiny volcanic islet of Palea Kameni, famous for its hot springs. You'll have 30 minutes to swim and soak in the healing waters before continuing the journey south. 

As you cruise the dazzling Aegean waters, keep your camera close to capture iconic coastal beauty spots like Indian Rock and the Akrotiri Lighthouse. Your next stop is for swimming and snorkeling off the cliffs of White Beach and the neighboring black volcanic pebbles of Mesa Pigadia. Here, you'll have an hour to explore as your crew prepares a delicious Greek-style barbecue lunch of souvlaki, salads, and sides accompanied by Santorini wines.

Your final stop is off the island's famous Red Beach, where you can swim and admire the rugged red cliffs formed by ancient lava flow. Then, it's time to grab a spot on the sundeck, sip a cold drink, and watch the sun dip into the Aegean Sea as you cruise back to Ammoudi Bay.

Please note: The transfer to/from the catamaran involves steep, winding roads down Santorini's caldera. Your experienced driver is very familiar with the route and will navigate the roads with care, and you'll be rewarded with a fantastic day on the water!

Start times

  • Daily
    3:00 pm

What's included

  • Complimentary round-trip transfer from your hotel or meeting point
  • Barbecue lunch prepared on board
  • Wine, soft drinks, water, and appetizers
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Blankets
  • Free WiFi access

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Traveler reviews

34 total ratings, 26 with reviews
4.4
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.6
Food
4.5
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.6
Transport
4.4
Lisa
Lisa H.
Bethlehem, PA, USA | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2026

Due to unseasonably cold and windy weather the day we were scheduled to do this activity, we cancelled and spent the day exploring Oia and Fira instead. October may not be the ideal time to do an 8-hour cruise until 9 pm unless you know that the weather is warm!

R
Randy U.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2026
Unbelievable views, fabulous crew, great food! Really enjoyed swimming in the caldera and an amazing sunset! Read more

Unbelievable views, fabulous crew, great food! Really enjoyed swimming in the caldera and an amazing sunset!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
T
Tricia M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2026
Boat trip was fun and food was delicious. Enjoyed swimming and boating. Read more

Boat trip was fun and food was delicious. Enjoyed swimming and boating.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Judith
Judith A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 25, 2026

The catamaran cruise was great with an attentive crew and good weather. We enjoyed snorkeling and the dinner on board. However, there wasn't much to see in terms of sights. We still enjoyed it regardless!

Skye
Skye F.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026
This was such a fun experience!! we loved it. the water was really calm until the end. it was so fun to see different parts of santorini you couldn't see without going on a boat! wasnt many fish to see snorkeling and we only stopped at 2 spots and you could really only swim in one of them. It was really nice. Read more

This was such a fun experience!! we loved it. the water was really calm until the end. it was so fun to see different parts of santorini you couldn't see without going on a boat! wasnt many fish to see snorkeling and we only stopped at 2 spots and you could really only swim in one of them. It was really nice.

Tips for future travelers

If you are seated in the front of the boat, move towards the second level or the back when you go back! the waves got super big and were splashing us and we were soaking wet! It was too rocky to run to the back without falling so you have to suck it up, but it did make us laugh and was fun!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A
arthur S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026
There should be a better way of transporting people to and from the catamaran. We spend over an hour on the bus between the pick up and drop off. Read more

There should be a better way of transporting people to and from the catamaran. We spend over an hour on the bus between the pick up and drop off.

Tips for future travelers

It's a lovely trip once you get there.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Emily
Emily S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2026
A little chaotic when checking in for the cruise as several boats go out at once. Plus you have to wait in the hot sun. But once on the boat everything was great. Staff was friendly, view and sail were lovely. Sunset spectacular. Food was good. Read more

A little chaotic when checking in for the cruise as several boats go out at once. Plus you have to wait in the hot sun. But once on the boat everything was great. Staff was friendly, view and sail were lovely. Sunset spectacular. Food was good.

Tips for future travelers

Bring a change of clothes to enjoy the sunset without being chilly.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marsha
Marsha E.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 06, 2026
So wonderful to be out on the water, in the Caldera. Loved the numerous stops and the opportunity to snorkel. The food was amazing and the sunset at the end was spectacular. Read more

So wonderful to be out on the water, in the Caldera. Loved the numerous stops and the opportunity to snorkel. The food was amazing and the sunset at the end was spectacular.

Tips for future travelers

Bring warm clothes as the evening can be rather chilly.

Quality of Experience
The crew members on the catamaran were outstanding. Very communicative, attentive, and experienced.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
All drivers were friendly. It was a bit hectic at the end of the evening, trying to find our shuttle van, as so many people were scrambling to find their rides. Just pay close attention and keep asking questions until you find your ride.
Susan
Susan R.
Tinton Falls, NJ | Reviewed on May 31, 2026
Viewing the caldera and the cities of Santorini from the water is magnificent. You learn a bit of history while experiencing breathtaking views! It was a bit on the cool side the day we went but my adult children still swam! The lunch / dinner was adequate. The sunset was spectacular!! *** our transport driver drove like a maniac. It made many of the ticket holders uncomfortable. While I can see why the transports back down the hill toward the port I don’t believe the driver needed... Read more

Viewing the caldera and the cities of Santorini from the water is magnificent. You learn a bit of history while experiencing breathtaking views! It was a bit on the cool side the day we went but my adult children still swam!

The lunch / dinner was adequate. The sunset was spectacular!!

*** our transport driver drove like a maniac. It made many of the ticket holders uncomfortable. While I can see why the transports back down the hill toward the port I don’t believe the driver needed to accelerated in reverse ***

Tips for future travelers

Pack a sweatshirt

Quality of Experience
Sunset
Food
It was an adequate meal for a day on the water
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Catamaran crew was amazing!
Transport
Driving way too fast making customers uncomfortable on the way to the cruise. On the way home we had a different driver who was great.
Joey
Joey R.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on May 27, 2026
The ride itself and the sunset were beautiful. The food was SO GOOD. However, it was a pretty large group and we couldn't get off to walk on the beaches. A great experience, but a smaller group might have been nice. Read more

The ride itself and the sunset were beautiful. The food was SO GOOD. However, it was a pretty large group and we couldn't get off to walk on the beaches. A great experience, but a smaller group might have been nice.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started