Santorini Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

Do catamarans actually sail in Santorini?

Some do, and this one is sold as a sailing catamaran rather than a motor catamaran. The listing does not say how much of the route is under sail, and it does not promise the sails go up on every trip; wind on the day decides that. If sailing under canvas is the reason you are booking, ask the operator after you book. Every catamaran on this site follows a similar loop of the south and west coasts, so what changes here is the boat and the price, not the scenery.

The four options and what each adds

The listing sells four versions of the same cruise. Each option shows its own price when you pick a date; $85 is the lowest.

• Joy — No transfers: meet the boat at Vlychada 30 minutes before the start. Chicken fillet, pasta with tomato sauce, Greek salad, vine leaf rolls, white wine and soft drinks.
• Classic — Adds hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus.
• Premium — Adds shrimp, beef sausage and beer.
• Luxury — Adds cocktails. The Luxury morning cruise starts at Ammoudi and ends at Vlychada; the Luxury sunset cruise runs the other way.

The route and the three swim stops

The cruise leaves Vlychada, passes the Red and White Beaches, and swims at Mesa Pigadia beach, known for its black rock pillar and caves. It then turns into the caldera past the Indian Rocks and the Venetian lighthouse and stops at the hot springs. There are three swim and snorkel stops in all, and the meal is served at the last one. One of the 10 latest reviews timed the first two stops at about 10 and 5 minutes, against the 30 the listing gives, with a long final stop over lunch. The same reviewer was picked up at 9:00, sailed at 10:00 and was back around 14:30.

Coming off a cruise ship

This is the one catamaran on this site whose listing gives a plan for cruise passengers. Tenders land at the Old Port of Fira, which has no road, so the operator cannot collect you there. Take the cable car up to Fira and reach the operator's office at least one hour before the sailing. Tell the operator when your first tender arrives and when the last one leaves, so they can confirm you have time to get back. The cable car is paid on the spot, in euros. Our cruise port guide covers the tender and the climb.

Rules and what to bring

Shoes, pets, oversize luggage and unaccompanied minors are not allowed on board. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and nobody under 18 is served alcohol. A vegetarian meal is available. Bring a passport or ID card, a windbreaker, sunglasses, swimwear and sunscreen. Snorkel gear, towels, life jackets, swimming aids and restrooms are on board, and the host speaks English and Greek.

Who should book a different cruise

Book the day catamaran if you want a live guide and an open wine bar for $10 more. Book the small-group catamaran for 14 guests instead of 22. Book the sunset catamaran, from $88, if you want a dinner cruise built around the sunset. Want to drive a boat yourself? The boat rental is a license-free motorboat for up to 5 people.