Santorini: Private Catamaran Tour with BBQ Meal and Drinks

Imagine sailing across the shimmering waters of Santorini in your own private yacht, with the sun warming your skin and the Aegean breeze in your hair. That’s what this private catamaran experience offers—a five-hour journey packed with scenic stops, delicious food, and a touch of luxury. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a day away from the crowds, this tour promises a memorable escape.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the stunning views of the caldera and volcanic formations are unbeatable. Second, the quality of the food and drinks, from Greek salads to local wines and beers, elevates the whole experience. And third, the personalized service and flexibility of the itinerary allow you to tailor your day at sea.

One thing to consider is the cost, which at over $1,000 for a group of four, might seem steep—though many reviews highlight the value for the exclusivity and comfort. This tour suits travelers looking for a luxurious, intimate adventure with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing, away from the busy crowded boat tours.

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Key Points

Luxury and Comfort: Spacious, elegant catamaran with high-end finishes and ample space for sunbathing and relaxing.
Scenic Stops: Includes iconic beaches, the volcanic caldera, and sulfurous hot springs, with plenty of swimming and snorkeling.
All-Inclusive Experience: Greek BBQ with seafood and meats, plus an open bar featuring beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Private and Flexible: Perfect for groups up to four, allowing you to customize the route and stops.
Expert Crew: Attentive guides like Niko and Freda, known for their friendly service and knowledge.
Ideal for Celebrations: A top choice for couples, friends, or small groups seeking a luxurious and private day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

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Starting Point and Transportation

The tour departs from Vlychada Marina, on the southern side of Santorini. The experience begins with hotel pickup, which is included in the price, making logistics easier. You’ll be collected in a minibus from your hotel or nearest accessible location, with the exact pickup time communicated via email after booking. For cruise ship passengers arriving at the Old Port of Fira, note that they need to take the cable car to Fira and arrange their own transport to the meeting point, as the tour provider cannot pick up from the port directly.

The Catamaran: Comfort and Style

Onboard, you’ll find a luxurious vessel designed for comfort. The large upper sundeck provides prime views for sunbathing and taking photos, while the main deck offers a shaded area and space to relax. Inside, the lounge is filled with natural light, featuring plush seating, a modern WC, and cabins—adding a sense of calm and privacy.

Reviewers like Sal describe the crew as “wonderful, attentive,” and Freda and George as “spectacular,” emphasizing the high level of service. Guests appreciated the crew’s ability to strike a balance between sharing interesting facts and giving space to enjoy the scenery.

The Route and Stops

The cruise itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase Santorini’s geological marvels and allow plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.

Red and White Beaches: These iconic spots are famous for their unique volcanic formations and vivid colors. Expect to stop for photos and a short 15-minute walk on Red Beach, which is often praised for its striking scenery.

Mesa Pigadia Beach: Known for its black menir and caves, this is a favorite snorkeling spot. The review from Charlie notes, “We took a dip in the volcanic hot springs, snorkeled, ate and drank to our fill.” Expect about 30 minutes here to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge on the boat.

Akrotíri: Passing by this ancient site, you can admire the landscape without a full stop, gaining a sense of the island’s history and geology.

Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni: These small islands are volcanic and known for their sulfurous hot springs. Guests often mention how rejuvenating the thermal waters are, with some reviews describing the experience as “therapeutic.” The 30-minute stops here provide chances for swimming and snorkeling.

Santorini Volcano: The highlight for many is the visit to the volcanic caldera, where you’ll enjoy a Greek BBQ lunch with seafood, chicken, beef sausage, Greek salad, tzatziki, and fresh fruit. The set-up offers a relaxed and indulgent atmosphere, with the crew ensuring everyone’s needs are met. As Emily notes, “the food was phenomenal,” and she appreciated the ability to customize stops along the route.

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Food and Beverage

The onboard BBQ meal is a standout feature. Guests rave about the quality and abundance of food, which includes grilled shrimp, chicken, beef sausage, Greek salad, tzatziki, vine-leaf rolls, bread, and fresh fruit. Many reviewers, including Debra, highlight the “delicious” food and “plenty of wine,” making the experience both indulgent and refreshing.

The open bar adds to the relaxed vibe, offering beer, white wine, and soft drinks throughout the cruise. Notably, alcohol is not served to guests under 18, and the crew is vigilant about responsible drinking.

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Swimming and Snorkeling

The tour includes multiple stops that are perfect for swimming. Besides the volcanic hot springs, you can enjoy snorkeling around the islands, with equipment provided. Reviewers like Alan and Charlie found this to be a major highlight, praising the “fantastic swim stops” and “beautiful rock formations.”

Personalized Experience

Being a private group, the boat can be more flexible than typical tours. Guests appreciate the ability to choose the route, spend more or less time at certain stops, and enjoy a quieter, more intimate setting. Emily mentions that the private nature of the tour was “worth the extra cost,” as they could tailor their experience and avoid crowded boats.

Duration and Cost

At around five hours, the trip offers a substantial amount of time at sea, balanced with plenty of stops and activities. The price of $1,016 per group (up to four people) reflects the exclusivity, high-end amenities, and personalized service. While substantial, many reviews point out that the experience offers excellent value—particularly for couples or small groups wanting a luxurious day out.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private catamaran cruise is ideal if you’re seeking a luxurious, custom-tailored day exploring Santorini’s stunning coastline. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups, or anyone wanting to escape the crowded mainstream tours. The combination of premium comfort, scenic beauty, delicious food, and attentive service makes for an unforgettable experience.

However, it’s a higher-priced option, so it’s best suited for travelers who value exclusivity and are willing to invest in a more personalized approach to island exploration. If you love snorkeling, hot springs, and spectacular vistas, this trip ticks those boxes with style and class.

This tour offers a well-rounded, high-quality experience that surpasses many standard boat trips. The mix of scenic stops, gourmet food, and the intimacy of a private vessel makes it a standout choice for those looking to indulge in the beauty of Santorini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the route?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can tailor the stops and route to your preferences, making it a flexible experience.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guided tour, snorkeling and safety equipment, towels, a BBQ meal, and an open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, with availability depending on the day. Check the specific starting times when booking.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sun protection like sunglasses, sunhat, and a windbreaker. Swimwear is recommended for swimming stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 must be accompanied, and alcohol is not served to minors. The tour is best suited for small groups and families with older kids.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian food options are available upon request.

Will I see historic sites?
The focus is on the natural beauty and geology of Santorini, with a passing view of Akrotíri but no detailed visit.

What if I’m arriving by cruise ship?
You’ll need to arrange your own transfer from the Old Port of Fira, as the tour cannot pick up from there.

Is this suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not designed for wheelchair accessibility.

This private catamaran tour offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and authentic Greek flavors—an experience that’s bound to be a highlight of your Santorini visit.