To look out over Santorini’s Caldera is to look at the vastness of the universe. The cobalt waters seem to stretch into infinity, laced by plunging volcanic cliffs. Among their ridgelines, little white villages are precarious nests. While admiring the water from afar is a transformative experience in its own right, the chance to sail those infinite waves makes for unforgettable, transcendent memories. Taking a catamaran cruise in Santorini is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Greece’s most famous island, and an experience that I highly recommend, no matter your budget.
From basking in the sunset over Oía to learning how to make authentic Greek dishes in a cooking class, my visit to Santorini with a friend was filled with awe-inspiring moments. However, the day that stands out to me the most was the one I spent on a 5-hour catamaran cruise with unlimited drinks and dinner. We soaked in the views of Santorini as we sailed around the caldera, making stops to splash into its eternal blue.
Catamaran Cruises – What Are Your Options?
There are many options for a boat cruise in Santorini. You can either book a value-friendly catamaran tour like my friend and I did or splurge on a full-day yacht charter. I loved the affordable cruise option we went with, which cost each of us about $100. Even though we were with a small group of about 10 to 15 strangers, I still had an elevated experience that felt personal and carefree. The catamaran was spacious and clean, the dinner we were served was great, and the stewards had a warm, infectious energy. Did I also mention there was unlimited white wine? Even though we went with a more affordable option, my friend and I still talk about what a great time we had to this day.
5-Hour Catamaran Cruise Itinerary and Experience
Our cruise technically began with the private transfer that picked us up near our Airbnb and brought us to a busy marina on Santorini’s southern coast. This side of the island is known for its collection of “rainbow” beaches, aptly named Red Beach, White Beach, and Black Beach. After boarding and receiving a warm welcome from the stewards, my friend and I immediately jumped to the top of the catamaran and settled on a daybed behind the captain. Our first two stops were beaches named according to their color. We first snorkeled the refreshing, clear water under the rusty cliffs of Red Beach, then later bobbed past the chalky cliffs of White Beach from the comfort of our daybed.
We continued our cruise into the caldera, where the water became deeper and the waves bumpier. The beeline towards the volcanic thermal springs in the center was melodic, and I lazily looked above at Santorini’s floating towns while I sipped on a crisp white wine. When we arrived at the springs, I was stunned by the water’s rich jade color. I was also surprised to find that, for being next to a volcano, the springs weren’t nearly as hot as I had imagined. The temperature was closer to bath water. The spring held the kind of magic that made me think of ancient Greek sirens, perhaps the very same ones who called out to Odysseus.
On the way back to the port, we stopped at Black Beach (known for having, you guessed it, black sand) for our BBQ dinner. After swimming and indulging in the unlimited wine, we certainly needed some food. Our plates were delivered to us piled high with meat, vegetables, and pasta, all of which tasted fantastic. Obviously, we aren’t talking Michelin-starred quality here, but it was certainly cooked fresh and made with love.
We concluded the day with a sunburst sunset, which we felt obliged to take 8 million pictures of before heading back to the marina to disembark and have the included private transfer take us home.
Final Thoughts
I recommend this catamaran cruise for anyone looking for an affordable option while visiting Santorini. While prices can vary with seasonal factors, we spent just over $100 per person in July. Although you share the boat with a small group, the experience still feels luxurious and personalized. The stewards called me by name and always made sure my wine glass was full. I also found the included bus transfer extremely helpful since we were visiting the island without a car. This was my favorite experience in Santorini, and anyone who does it will leave with memories that transcend the island’s eternal beauty.
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