There are plenty of ways to see Santorini, but seeing the island from the water is something completely different. Those famous whitewashed villages and dramatic cliffs look incredible from land, but once you’re sailing around the Caldera, you get a whole new perspective of the island.
During our trip to Santorini, we booked the Gold Catamaran Cruise with lunch, drinks and an open bar, and it turned out to be one of our favourite experiences of the trip. From swimming and snorkelling to seeing the famous Red Beach, White Beach and volcanic hot springs, the cruise gives you a chance to experience a completely different side of Santorini and yes, there is plenty of time to relax on the catamaran with a drink too!
This is our honest experience of the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise, including what happens on the day, what is included, what to bring and whether I think it’s worth booking.
Santorini Catamaran Cruise
We booked the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar through GetYourGuide.
The cruise lasts around 5 hours and starts from Vlychada Marina, with hotel pickup and drop-off included depending on your accommodation and the pickup arrangements. The current GetYourGuide listing also includes a live English-speaking guide.
Book the Santorini Gold Catamaran cruise here
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One of the reasons we chose this particular cruise was that it wasn’t simply a sightseeing boat trip. You get a mixture of sightseeing, swimming, snorkelling, food and drinks, so you can actually spend time enjoying the sea rather than just looking at it.
Watch our Santorini Catamaran Cruise
If you’d like to see exactly what the experience was like, I’ve also filmed the whole experience for YouTube.
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What Happens on the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise?
The itinerary can vary slightly depending on the day and weather conditions, but the Gold cruise typically takes you around some of Santorini’s most recognisable coastal sights.
The current itinerary includes stops around Red Beach, White Beach, the Venetian Lighthouse, the volcanic hot springs and Mesa Pigadia Beach, with time for swimming and snorkelling along the way. One of my favourite things about the experience was that you don’t feel like you’re rushing from one attraction to another. There is plenty of time to sit back, enjoy the views and make the most of being out on the water.
1. Setting Off from Vlychada Marina
The cruise starts at Vlychada Marina, where you’ll board the catamaran and get settled in.
You’ll receive a safety briefing before setting off, and the cruise includes a welcome drink or soft drink.
The catamaran itself gives you plenty of space to sit, relax and take in the views. There are also toilets on board, which is definitely something worth knowing when you’re spending several hours at sea.
Depending on your hotel, pickup can be arranged by minibus or a private transfer. We got picked up by a car as our hotel was in Meglachori. Do double check before your hotel is on the list as some hotels aren’t accessible by minibus, in which case you’ll be given a nearby pickup point.
2. Red Beach
One of the first major highlights is Red Beach. This is one of those Santorini sights that looks completely different from the water. The dramatic red volcanic cliffs make it one of the island’s most distinctive beaches. The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel around the area, so this isn’t just a quick photo stop.
I’d say definitely have your swimwear on underneath your clothes they do let you take your bag on board so take a beach bag or a backpack so you can securely store your phone away when you go swimming.
3. White Beach & The Venetian Lighthouse
Next, you’ll get to see more of Santorini’s dramatic coastline, including White Beach and the Venetian Lighthouse.
The cliffs and unusual rock formations are particularly impressive when you’re viewing them from sea level. The lighthouse is only seen as you pass by. Santorini is famous for its views from Oia and Fira, but the coastline gives you a completely different perspective.
4. Swimming at the Volcanic Hot Springs
Another highlight of the cruise is the stop at the volcanic hot springs. The hot springs are heated by Santorini’s volcanic activity, and the cruise gives you the opportunity to swim in the warm, sulphur-rich water.
It’s definitely one of those experiences that feels very Santorini. Just bear in mind that the water temperature can vary and this isn’t necessarily a warm bath! It is still a natural swimming spot, so don’t expect spa-style temperatures.
5. Cruising Around the Caldera
One of my favourite parts of the day was simply being out on the water and looking back towards Santorini.
From the catamaran, you can appreciate the enormous Caldera cliffs and see the island’s villages from a completely different angle. It’s also a lovely opportunity to take photographs without having to navigate the crowds you can encounter in places like Oia and Fira.
And let’s be honest, Santorini + a catamaran + sunshine + a drink in your hand is a pretty good combination!
6. Swimming & Snorkelling at Mesa Pigadia
The cruise also includes a stop around Mesa Pigadia Beach, where you can swim and snorkel.
Snorkelling equipment is included, along with towels, life jackets and pool noodles.
If you’re someone who loves getting into the water when you’re on holiday, this is where the cruise really comes into its own. Rather than spending five hours simply sitting on a boat, you’re getting several opportunities to actually experience the water.
What’s Included in the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise?
One of the reasons I think this cruise works well as a day activity is that quite a lot is included in the price.
The Gold Catamaran Cruise includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off all over Santorini
- Experienced guide
- Greek meze/finger food
- BBQ Lunch or dinner depending on your departure time
- Open white wine bar
- Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water
- Snorkelling equipment
- Towels
- Life jackets
- Pool noodles
- Toilets on board
The meal is prepared on board and the cruise includes Greek dishes and desserts. Vegetarian and vegan options can also be accommodated if requested when booking.
Grab a 5% discount on the Get your guide app or website with this code: COLOURMEINSTYLE5
Is the Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise worth booking?
Yes! If you want to combine sightseeing with swimming, snorkelling, food and drinks, I think it’s a great way to spend half a day in Santorini.
For me, the biggest selling point wasn’t just the individual stops – it was being able to see Santorini from the water.
Santorini is one of those destinations where it’s very easy to spend your entire trip walking around beautiful villages, taking photos and looking out over the Caldera. And you absolutely should do all of that. But I also think you should see the island from the other side.
Our Santorini Catamaran Cruise gave us the chance to get out on the water, swim and snorkel, see the volcanic coastline, visit the hot springs, enjoy lunch and spend a few hours simply relaxing.
If you’re planning a Santorini holiday and want to add something a little different to your itinerary, this is definitely one I’d consider.
Frequently asked questions
These are some of your frequently asked questions about the Santorini Catamaran Cruise.
Food is included as part of the experience, with Greek meze served during the cruise and a BBQ-style meal prepared on board. I actually think having food included makes a difference because you’re spending around five hours on the boat.
You can enjoy your lunch, grab a drink from the open bar and then go back to relaxing on deck.
It’s much more of an experience than simply booking a boat transfer or sightseeing cruise.
Yes, there is an open bar included. They had white wine, soft drinks and bottled water included.
So if you’re picturing yourself sailing around Santorini with a glass of wine while looking at the Caldera… that’s pretty much the vibe.
You don’t need to bring loads with you, but there are a few things I’d definitely recommend packing.
My Santorini catamaran essentials:
- Swimwear – You’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel, so wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes.
- Sunscreen – You are going to be exposed to the sun for several hours, and there isn’t much point getting this far and then spending the rest of your holiday looking like a tomato.
- Sunglasses – Essential on the water.
- A waterproof phone case – Particularly useful if you want to take photos while swimming.
- A hat – Great for when you’re relaxing on deck.
- Camera – Obviously!
- A light cover-up – Useful when you’re out of the water or if the wind picks up.
- You don’t need to bring your passport but keep a copy of it just in case they ask.
For us, yes.
I think a catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to experience Santorini if you want to do something beyond visiting the usual villages and viewpoints. You’re not spending the entire day sightseeing, but you’re also not spending five hours doing nothing either.
And seeing Santorini from the sea is genuinely worth doing. Of course, everyone’s experience will be slightly different depending on weather, sea conditions, the group and the exact itinerary on the day.
But if you’re visiting Santorini and have half a day to spare, I’d definitely put a catamaran cruise on your list.
The Gold Catamaran Cruise lasts approximately 5 hours.
No. This cruise is not accessible for people with mobility issues as you do have to climb on to other boats to go to your boat on the marina.
The cruise is suitable for families, but you’ll want to consider the length of the trip and the swimming elements. Always check the current booking conditions for the specific date and age requirements before booking. However on our particular trip we had a 4 month old baby and the parents were allowed to bring a car seat style, baby bassinet from the pram. So they baby slept soundly on board with no issues. 🙂
Boat itineraries can be affected by weather and sea conditions. The exact route and swimming stops may therefore change on the day. Always check the operator’s latest instructions before travelling.
The cruise starts from Vlychada Marina. Hotel pickup is available for the tour, although some hotels may have a designated nearby pickup point if the minibus cannot access the property.
More Things to Do in Santorini
A catamaran cruise is just one of the experiences we enjoyed during our Santorini trip.
From the famous blue-domed buildings of Oia to beaches, villages and some of the island’s best viewpoints, I’ve rounded up 12 things you shouldn’t miss in Santorini.
If you’re planning your itinerary and want to know what else is worth doing, check out my guide!
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