Santorini:Private Catamaran Tour with BBQ & Unlimited Drinks

Santorini’s stunning landscapes and vibrant blue waters are the perfect backdrop for a day at sea, and a private catamaran tour offers a luxurious way to enjoy it. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what to expect from this memorable experience.

What immediately catches our eye are three standout features: the customizable route or guided options, the mouthwatering BBQ meal paired with unlimited drinks, and the opportunity for two swimming and snorkeling stops in less crowded spots. The promise of a sunset sail adds a romantic touch, especially the option to watch the sunset from Oia—a classic Santorini moment.

However, one consideration is that the price of around $1,412 for a group of four might seem steep at first glance, but when you factor in luxury amenities, private transfers, and all-inclusive food and drinks, it offers good value—particularly for those seeking an exclusive, hassle-free day on the water.

This tour suits travelers who want a personalized, relaxed experience with family or friends, and those eager to combine sightseeing, swimming, and culinary delights into one smooth package.

Contents show

Key Points

Private and customizable: The route can be tailored to your interests, offering flexibility.
All-inclusive luxury: BBQ, unlimited drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and facilities are included, making it hassle-free.
Ideal for intimate groups: Designed for up to four people, perfect for couples or small groups.
Multiple swimming stops: Visit less crowded beaches, snorkel, and enjoy warm thermal waters at the hot springs.
Sunset option: The tour can be booked to coincide with sunset views over Oia, creating a romantic finale.
Transfers included: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics and enhance comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect on a Santorini Private Catamaran Tour

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Fira

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins either from Ammoudi port for the morning or sunset cruises starting from Vlychada port. The entire experience lasts around 5 hours, providing plenty of time to relax, swim, and take in the scenery without feeling rushed. Depending on your booking, you’ll be picked up from your hotel (or the nearest accessible point), with transfers arranged via minibus—be prepared for a pickup window of up to 1.5 hours before departure.

The Itinerary and Stops

The captain offers a suggested route, but you can also request modifications—whether you want more swimming, longer sightseeing, or specific photo stops. The default itinerary includes:

Ammoudi Port: Your departure point, with scenic views and a chance to get settled aboard.

Hot Springs (approx. 30 mins): Known for their sulfur-rich waters, these hot springs offer a relaxing soak and an interesting natural phenomenon. Expect warmth and mineral-rich waters that are different from the cooler Aegean Sea.

Sailing past Aspronissi Island, Akrotiri, and Indian Rock: The crew provides a scenic passage through iconic landmarks, perfect for photos and appreciating Santorini’s volcanic landscape.

White Beach: The crew will prepare an on-the-spot BBQ here, giving you a chance to enjoy freshly cooked food in a stunning setting. This secluded beach is quieter than the busy tourist spots.

Red Beach: Famous for its striking red cliffs and unique landscape, this stop is ideal for snapping photos and swimming. It’s one of the most colorful beaches on the island, and the boat can’t moor directly on the beach but gets close enough for you to enjoy the scenery and snorkel.

Vlychada Port: The tour ends here when booked for the daytime, or the sunset version reverses the route, ending at Ammoudi for the sunset view.

The Food and Drinks

The highlight for many is the BBQ meal, which includes options like pork, chicken, vegetarian dishes, shrimp saganaki, stuffed vine leaves, Greek salad, pasta, bread, and tzatziki. The food is cooked fresh on board, giving that authentic, homemade feel.

Accompany this with unlimited white wine, beer, soft drinks, or water, ensuring you stay refreshed as you relax on deck. Reviewers frequently mention the “well-organized” meal service and the quality of the food, which exceeds typical cruise standards.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Amenities and Extras

Along With food and drinks, the boat is equipped with towels, snorkeling gear, music, floating devices, and modern comfort amenities, making your cruise both enjoyable and comfortable. Facilities for rinsing off and a map of Santorini are provided, adding convenience.

Wind in your hair appeals? Here are more sailing options we've looked at in Fira

The Details: Comfort, Flexibility, and Practicalities

Transportation and Group Size

The round-trip hotel transfers are a significant advantage, removing the hassle of finding your way to the port. The private group setup (up to four people) ensures a more intimate, tailored experience, and you’ll have a local host guiding you, which many reviews appreciated for their friendly, helpful attitude.

Cost and Value

At around $1,412 for a group of four, this experience averages out to about $353 per person, which is on the higher end but includes a luxury vessel, private transfers, an elaborate BBQ, and unlimited drinks. For travelers valuing comfort and exclusivity, this cost makes sense—especially when compared to larger group tours that lack customization.

Weather and Flexibility

Weather can impact the itinerary; stops might be altered if conditions are poor. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and guests are advised to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, a sun hat, and a light jacket or warm clothing for cooler times.

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility, and cancellations are free if done 24 hours in advance—a sensible option given Santorini’s unpredictable weather.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is best suited for small groups wanting a luxurious, personalized day on the water. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, families, or friends who want to avoid crowded beaches and enjoy a private, relaxed atmosphere. The flexibility to customize routes and stops makes it appealing for those who want a more tailored adventure.

This private catamaran tour with BBQ and unlimited drinks offers a luxury escape from Santorini’s busy shores. The combination of stunning scenery, delicious food, and the comfort of a private vessel makes for a memorable day, especially if you enjoy a more intimate, customizable experience.

While the price is higher than some group options, the added privacy, convenience, and quality amenities justify the cost for many travelers. If you’re looking to celebrate a special moment or simply want to indulge in a laid-back, scenic cruise, this tour checks many boxes.

Overall, it’s a great choice for those seeking comfort, exclusivity, and authentic moments on the Aegean Sea, with enough flexibility to craft your perfect Santorini day.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are included, with pickups up to 1.5 hours before the tour start time.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the suggested route can be tailored with the captain, making it possible to focus more on snorkeling, sightseeing, or relaxing.

What is included in the meal?
The BBQ meal features options like pork, chicken, vegetarian dishes, shrimp saganaki, stuffed vine leaves, Greek salad, and pasta with red sauce. Bread and tzatziki are also served.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, you can enjoy unlimited white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water throughout the cruise.

How long do stops at the beaches last?
Each swimming stop, including at the hot springs, White Beach, and Red Beach, lasts approximately 30 minutes, allowing enough time to swim, snorkel, and take photos.

What amenities are available on board?
The vessel is equipped with towels, snorkeling gear, floating devices, music, WC facilities, and rinse-off showers.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
It’s mainly designed for small groups and may not be ideal for young children or those with mobility issues since it’s a private boat experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

What is the best time of day to book?
Both morning and sunset options are available. Sunset cruises offer a romantic view of Oia’s horizon, while daytime offers more sunlight and swim time.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, swimwear, sun hat, warm clothing or jacket, and anything else you might need for comfort during the day.

This private catamaran tour combines exclusivity, natural beauty, and culinary delights, making it a standout way to experience Santorini from the sea. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a luxurious day out, it offers a memorable, personalized adventure.