The Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise departs from Vlychada Port with a small-group catamaran, a fresh onboard BBQ, and four stops along the caldera, including a hot springs spot the operator keeps away from the busier crowds.
What makes the Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise different?
The small-group size is the headline feature. Where the bigger catamaran cruises on this route can carry large numbers of guests, this one keeps the group smaller, which makes the swim stops feel less crowded, especially at the hot springs, which the crew visits at a quieter stretch of the volcano rather than the spot most other boats use.
What to expect on board
Check-in happens near the mini market at Marina Vlychada, where a guide holding a company sign meets you by the ATM before you board. From there the catamaran heads first to Red Beach for photos and a swim stop offshore, then continues past White Beach, the Akrotiri lighthouse, and the rock formations known locally as the Indian Rocks. There is a real chance, though no guarantee, of spotting dolphins somewhere along this stretch of the route.
Want a closer look? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See timesIs the Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise worth it?
For travelers who want a smaller boat and a quieter hot springs stop, yes. The BBQ lunch, served at Mesa Pigadia Beach alongside a swim and snorkel stop, covers chicken, seafood, pasta in a Santorini tomato sauce, salads, and dips, with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. It is a simpler meal than the sit-down Greek lunches on some pricier cruises, so if a more elaborate onboard meal matters to you, weigh that against the benefit of the smaller group here.
Short on time? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See timesWhat does the Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise include?
Included: pickup and drop-off if that option is selected, a freshly prepared onboard meal with vegan and vegetarian choices, water, soft drinks, and local white wine, towels and blankets, snorkeling equipment and safety gear, a safety briefing, onboard WC and shower, and free Wi-Fi. Not included: gratuities for the captain and crew, the premium seafood upgrade unless you select it, beer if it is not part of your chosen package, and personal expenses.
Ready to see prices? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See timesWho should book this cruise
I would recommend this to anyone who has already done a bigger catamaran cruise and wants a smaller, calmer version for a second trip, or to travelers who specifically want to avoid a crowded hot springs stop. It is less suited to groups who want a full sit-down meal with multiple courses. For that, the Santorini Luxury Catamaran Day Cruise includes a more complete Greek meal at a similar price.
Want a closer look? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See timesPrices and what's included on the BBQ cruise
Listed pricing starts from $118 per person, covering the BBQ meal, drinks, and swim equipment described above. As with any live marketplace listing, treat this figure as a guide rather than a fixed total, and check the current price along with any premium seafood upgrade before booking.
Short on time? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See timesGetting there and meeting point
The meeting point is Marina Vlychada, near the mini market building, close to an ATM where a guide holding the company's name will meet you. If you book the pickup option instead, a transfer collects you from your accommodation first.
Ready to see prices? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See timesInsider tips for the Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise
Bring your own motion sickness medication if you are prone to it, since the listing notes there is no doctor on board. Pack sunscreen in cream form rather than a spray, since aerosols are not allowed on the boat, along with a hat and a light jacket for the breezier parts of the sail. For background on the volcanic landscape you will be sailing past, the Wikipedia page on Santorini covers how the caldera and its islets formed.
Want a closer look? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See timesHow this cruise compares to other Santorini boat tours
Against the Santorini Dream Catcher Sailing Cruise, both run a BBQ lunch and a similar length, but this one adds a dedicated White Beach stop and Red Beach photo pass that the sailing cruise does not list. If you would rather have a bigger meal and a longer open bar, the Santorini Luxury Catamaran Day Cruise is the stronger choice. See every option on the Santorini boat tours page.
Short on time? Santorini Catamaran BBQ and Hot Springs Cruise, from $118.51 See times