Red Beach plus hot springs, all by boat. A Santorini catamaran cruise from Vlychada pairs serious swim time with volcanic scenery and an onboard Greek meal, so your day feels like a mix of sightseeing and vacationing. You’ll cruise the caldera views, stop near hot springs, snorkel in clearer water, and still have time to relax on deck (especially on sunset sailings).

Two things I really like. First, you actually get water time at multiple stops, including Red Beach and the hot-springs area near Palea Kameni. Second, the food is cooked onboard and served as a proper BBQ-style Greek buffet, with vegan and vegetarian options and drinks included (you’ll want a good spot near the food early).

One consideration: the schedule is active, and the boat has real rules. There’s no hand-holding for swimming or snorkeling, the deck can get slippery, and if you’re sensitive to motion you’ll want to plan for it before you board.

Key things that make this cruise worth it

• Red Beach swim time with life jackets available on request, plus towels onboard so you’re not stuck dripping on arrival
• Hot springs near the volcano at Palea Kameni, with mineral-water soaking that’s more relaxing than it sounds
• Snorkeling gear included for Mesa Pigadia, where the water is clear and you’ll have time to actually use it
• Onboard Greek BBQ buffet with dessert, salads, dips, and a pasta dish, plus vegan and vegetarian options
• Music plus views from the water, with the captain and crew keeping safety front and center

Vlychada departure: where the trip really starts

Most people come to Santorini for the cliffs and views. This trip adds something better: you start from Vlychada Port, then spend the next 5 hours moving through the caldera from the sea. That makes a huge difference. You’re not just looking at geology from above—you’re floating next to it.

Before you even step onto the water, you’ll get a short safety briefing (about 15 minutes). It’s practical, not performative. The crew asks you to remove shoes before boarding and explains rules like where you can stand and what to avoid on the deck. One detail that matters: tinted windows are on the floor, and you should not step on them for safety.

They also call out a few behavior basics that keep the boat comfy for everyone:

• the front net is not for sitting while sailing (it’s only okay when anchored)
• the deck can get slippery after swimming, so dry off well
• the restroom is available, but don’t throw paper into it (to prevent clogs)

This is also where you’ll hear the swimming instructions. Swimming is optional, but if you want to get in, you need to tell the crew first. Life jackets are available if you ask, and it’s on you to be able to swim or snorkel independently—there’s no extra assistance offered in the water.

Red Beach and White Beach: volcanic color with zero hassle

Your first major stop is Red Beach. It’s famous for the red volcanic cliffs and the striking contrast of the rocks against the sea. You’ll have around 30 minutes to swim or just relax on deck. If you swim, you’ll want to listen for the crew’s go-time and make sure you’ve got your towel and any gear you plan to use ready before you get in.

A quick reality check: this isn’t a private, slow-paced beach day. You’re on a moving itinerary, so think of Red Beach as your “get in the water while it’s time” moment. If you’re the type who loves a quick, refreshing swim more than a long beach lounging session, you’ll like this.

Then you’ll pass White Beach. There’s no swimming stop here—just a photo stop (about 10 minutes). It’s one of those quick moments that works because the boat is already positioned for good angles. If you enjoy photographing turquoise water against white cliff faces, you’ll get what you came for without wasting time changing plans.

Caldera sailing: when the views are the point

Between beach stops, the boat spends time cruising through Santorini’s caldera area for sightseeing (around 40 minutes). This is where you start to feel the full Santorini effect: volcanic islands, dramatic coastline, and the sensation of being inside the story rather than outside it.

Music is part of the vibe during the sail. In the small details, you can tell the crew knows how to keep the energy up without losing control of the boat. On at least some departures, the captain (Spiro comes up in crew names) is the kind of person who keeps things lively while still prioritizing safety and clear instructions.

If you get motion-sensitive, choose your seat wisely. You’ll feel it more when you’re near areas where the boat moves around more, and less when you’re in the steadier spots. Bring your motion-sickness prevention if that’s in your plan—it’s listed as something you might want, and that advice is smart.

Hot springs near Palea Kameni: soak, don’t treat it like a spa

One of the best parts of this cruise is the stop near Palea Kameni, where the itinerary includes swimming around the volcanic Hot Springs area. The boat stops about 10 meters from the hot springs, which means you’re not trekking or searching for the water—you’re right there, close enough to get in.

You’ll get about 20 minutes here. That time is short on purpose. Think of it as a “test the water” soak, not a long spa session. The mineral content is part of the appeal, but it’s also why the rules exist.

A few safety notes to take seriously:

• hot springs swimming is not recommended for pregnant women due to mineral-rich waters
• swimming assistance is not offered, so you need to handle yourself
• the deck may be slippery after swimming, so dry off properly before moving around

What I like about this segment is the contrast. You go from red volcanic beach color, to open caldera sailing, to mineral-water soaking. Even if you don’t swim, the fact that the boat pauses close to the hot springs makes it worth the stop.

Mesa Pigadia: snorkeling with gear and a real meal onboard

After the hot springs area, you head to Mésa Pigádia for the longest block of the day (about 100 minutes). This is where the cruise balances action and comfort.

Snorkeling time you can actually use

You can swim or snorkel in the clearer water here, and the cruise includes snorkeling gear plus safety equipment. Since support in the water isn’t provided, don’t show up overconfident. If you’re a strong swimmer, great. If you’re a beginner, keep it gentle, and choose a comfort level that matches your skill.

Also bring sunscreen that won’t make surfaces extra slippery. The rules specifically mention avoiding oily sunscreen sprays because they can create slip hazards on the catamaran.

The BBQ buffet: what’s included and what might cost extra

Then comes the part many people remember: the meal. You’ll enjoy a freshly prepared onboard Greek buffet with BBQ-style items and a spread of sides.

What’s included as part of the onboard meal:

• grilled chicken
• pasta with Mediterranean sauce
• fresh salads and dips
• bread and dessert

Seafood and beer can vary based on which option you select. The general included refreshments cover things like water, soft drinks, and white local wine, but seafood and beer are not automatically included unless you choose the option that adds them. One past booking comment I’ve seen makes this point clearly: if you’re paying extra thinking you’ll get a major seafood upgrade, you should check what that upgrade actually includes for your chosen option.

My practical advice: if you care most about the food experience, prioritize the meal itself and come hungry. If you care most about beer, confirm whether your option includes it—since the base inclusions don’t guarantee it.

Rinse and reset

After all that saltwater time, it’s nice that there’s a WC and fresh water onboard to rinse off. It’s a small thing, but it changes how comfortable you feel on the ride back.

Sunset vs daytime cruise: pick the mood, not the marketing

The cruise runs as either a day or sunset-style experience, and the return timing depends on which you choose. If you’re chasing a classic Santorini vibe, sunset usually wins on atmosphere. The boat time on the caldera also tends to feel longer when the light changes and the cliffs glow.

If your priority is swimming and photos without the pressure of the golden-hour clock, a daytime schedule can feel more relaxed. Either way, you still get the key stops: Red Beach, White Beach photo time, the hot springs area, and the Mesa Pigadia swim/snorkel plus meal.

One thing to keep in mind: winds can be strong around the caldera. That can make sailing extra fun (cooling you off) but it can also make deck time feel colder later in the day. Bring a light jacket as suggested.

Price and value: what $100 gets you, and where extras appear

At around $100 per person for a 5-hour cruise, the value is strongest if you want a boat day that includes swimming, snorkeling gear, and an onboard meal. You’re not paying just for a view. You’re paying for access—getting close to volcanic hot springs, plus time in the water at Red Beach and Mésa Pigádia.

The included items that drive value:

• snorkeling gear and safety equipment
• towels and blankets
• drinks like water, soft drinks, and white local wine
• BBQ buffet onboard, with vegan and vegetarian options
• guided elements with an English and Greek live guide
• free Wi-Fi (useful if you want to post right away)

Where people can get surprised (and where you should read the option details carefully):

• seafood and beer are not included unless you select the option that adds them
• the “premium” feeling may be about drink or seafood add-ons, not about completely different stops
• swimming support is not provided, so you need basic comfort in the water yourself

If you’re a foodie and want a solid lunch at sea, it can be a great deal. If you’re mostly in it for unlimited beer or a heavy seafood portion, you’ll want to confirm exactly what your selected option includes before you pay extra.

Who should book this cruise (and who should think twice)

This tour suits you if:

• you want a Santorini day that includes multiple swim moments, not just sightseeing from the boat
• you like snorkeling but want gear and a structured time slot
• you want a Greek buffet meal cooked onboard without hunting for a restaurant after swimming
• you appreciate a crew that keeps safety front and center while still having fun (Spiro and the crew energy come up in remarks)

You might think twice if:

• you’re not comfortable swimming or snorkeling on your own (no assistance is offered)
• you’re extremely motion-sensitive and haven’t planned for that
• you need a fully relaxed, barefoot-only beach day—this is a boat with rules (no shoes onboard, dry off, watch your footing)

Families can be part of it, but children must swim only with parental supervision, and elderly guests should assess health before swimming.

Should you book the Santorini catamaran with food and drinks?

If you want one activity in Santorini that’s both scenic and physical, I’d book this. The mix of Red Beach, hot springs near Palea Kameni, and snorkeling at Mésa Pigádia turns the day into more than a view-and-wait experience. The onboard meal also matters. It’s not a token snack; it’s an actual BBQ-style buffet with dessert, plus vegan and vegetarian options.

I’d skip or at least double-check options if your goal is guaranteed beer or a big seafood upgrade, because seafood and beer depend on what you select. Also, if you’re sensitive to movement, plan for it and pack your motion-sickness prevention.

For most people, especially those who like their vacations equal parts sightseeing and swimming, this is a strong use of a half-day.

FAQ

How long is the Santorini catamaran cruise?

The total duration is about 5 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Vlychada Port.

What are the main swim and snorkeling stops?

You’ll have swimming time at Red Beach, swimming time near the volcanic Hot Springs area around Palea Kameni, and swim or snorkel time at Mésa Pigádia (with snorkeling gear provided).

Is the BBQ buffet included?

Yes. A freshly prepared onboard BBQ-style buffet is included, with vegan and vegetarian options. Seafood depends on the cruise option you choose.

What drinks are included?

Refreshments include water, soft drinks, and white local wine. Beer is not included unless you choose the option that adds it.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, a driver will coordinate with you using the phone number/WhatsApp you provide.

What safety equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included, and life jackets are available upon request. You also get a safety briefing onboard.

What should I bring and expect onboard?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a change of clothes, and a light jacket. Shoes are not allowed onboard, and the deck can be slippery after swimming, so drying off and watching your footing is important.