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Last updated: 24 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

If you do one thing in Santorini, make it this. These fully customisable excursions aboard luxury catamarans – both full sail or motorised – allow you to take in Santorini’s spectacular volcanic scenery in stylish comfort.

You can sail all day, or select to stop at sights like Akrotiri, the Red and White Beaches, Thirassia and the hot springs, or sail off to a remote island for a day’s swimming and snorkelling. A gourmet lunch is served on board, while moored up in an idyllic bay. A day in paradise.

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 4 hours

Getting there & doing it

Santorini Sailing operate four catamarans: two smaller 41ft sailing catamarans, a 43ft motorised catamaran, and a large 62ft sailing catamaran. The smaller boats take up to 12, and may be also be hired privately. The large catamaran ‘Dreamcatcher’ takes up to 30 passengers.

Most cruises last 4-5 hours, but longer full-day and even overnight options are available. These trips are popular – book at least two weeks ahead if possible. Children of all ages are welcomed; under 5s go free, children aged 5-12 get a discounted price.

When to do it

Santorini Sailing’s three smaller catamarans operate daily from April to October; Dreamcatcher operates from May to October. Typical day trips go from 10am-3pm, sunset cruises 3pm-8pm.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Sailing Sunset Tour

Santorini

Sailing Sunset Tour
Our first destination will be the volcano of Santorini! We will reach Nea Kameni’s jetty. You will walk to the volcano’s ridge with your guide and he is going to explain to you everything about the history and the geology of the volcano. You will stay at the volcanic island for 1.5hr. Our next stop will be the island of Palea Kameni where the famous hot springs are located on the west side. We will stop there for 30min at a distance of 30 meters from the shallow waters of Agios Nicholaos’ beach. The waters are mixed with mud that they are full of sulfur. Sailing above the underwater craters from Palia Kameni to Thirasia Island, the boat will anchor close to the island in order to enjoy the view and swim for 30 minutes and then you will have your dinner on board! The end of the excursion comes on sunset time where the sun dives to the sea in the northernmost part of the island.

Price: €75

Min age: 1

Rating 4.41 / 5 [117 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks

Santorini

Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks
Enjoy a perfect sailing Sunset tour in the magnificent island of Santorini on board our catamaran. The catamaran sails to the most amazing sights of Santorini like the Hot Springs area, Caldera, Red & White Beaches area. Swim and snorkel at the crystal deep blue water of Santorini. A delicious barbecue meal is freshly prepared on board. Complimentary drinks such as local white wine, soft drinks, water and juice are served throughout the trip. Sailing between Oia village and Thirassia Island and waiting for the breathtaking sunset.

Price: €100

Min age: 0

Rating 4.44 / 5 [772 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer

Santorini

Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer
Perfect Luxury Sailing experience in the magnificent island of Santorini with an amazing catamaran. Sailing in luxury and style on the biggest Lagoon Catamaran on the island, you will visit most amazing sights of Santorini like the Hot Springs area, Caldera, Red & White Beaches area. Swim and snorkel at the crystal deep blue water of Santorini. A delicious barbecue meal is freshly prepared on board. Complimentary drinks such as local white wine, soft drinks, water, juice, beers are served throughout the trip. Sailing between Oia village and Thirassia Island and waiting for the breathtaking sunset.

Price: €110

Min age: 0

Rating 4.79 / 5 [599 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer

Santorini

Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer
Explore Santorini's volcanic landscape by sea on this 5-hour sailing trip aboard a new luxury catamaran. With its sleek, diamond-like design and comfortable seating areas both inside and out, the boat provides the perfect vantage point for enjoying the natural beauty of the island. You'll leave from the Amoudi port and cruise to the volcano, where you can take a bath in the hot springs area. See the old lighthouse in Greece, and swim in the coastal waters of the White and Red beaches. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch. Traditional Greek food, complimentary drinks, towels, and snorkeling equipment are all included.

Price: €110

Min age: 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [337 ratings]

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Santorini Sailing Dream Catcher with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Santorini

Santorini Sailing Dream Catcher with BBQ Lunch and Drinks
Santorini's notorious Dream Catcher tour lets you experience with a small group, the beauty of Santorini and the magic of sailing in the Caldera with the most magnificent views. Swim and snorkel in a quiet bay, visit the sulphuric Hot (warm) Springs of the volcano and indulge yourself in a freshly prepared BBQ lunch or dinner. See the picturesque Red & White beaches with our professional and courteous crew. Taste the exquisite local wine while you sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery on board. The most stunning views of Santorini are best seen from the crystal blue waters of the Aegean. Your sail with us will be fondly remembered long after you leave Santorini.

Price: €120

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [353 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sunset Caldera Sailing Cruise

Santorini

Sunset Caldera Sailing Cruise
Captain Yiannis and his crew -all experienced sailors- can assure you that all claims about greek hospitality are true and that this cruise will be the most memorable part of your vacation in Santorini. So, step aboard for a relaxed sailing cruise and enjoy your time swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, taking photos, tasting delicious BBQ meals and greek wines and much much more.

Price: €125

Min age: 0

Rating 4.74 / 5 [87 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Morning Caldera Sailing Cruise

Santorini

Morning Caldera Sailing Cruise
Step aboard this 5 hour morning cruise for a relaxed sail and enjoy your time swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, taking photos, tasting delicious BBQ meals, Greek wines and much much more. Your crew are all experienced sailors but can assure you that all claims about Greek hospitality are true. This cruise will be the most memorable part of your vacation in Santorini.

Price: €125

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [34 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Santorini Small-Group Catamaran Sailing Trip(BBQ,drinks, transfer)

Santorini

Santorini Small-Group Catamaran Sailing Trip(BBQ,drinks, transfer)
Choose this half-day sailing cruise. Your tour begins with convenient transportation from your accommodation or the closest accessible point. At the embarkation dock, you meet the captain and the crew and you sail toward the most magnificent sights of Santorini Island. Sit back, relax onboard and enjoy a delicious, barbecue meal. You can even dive into the crystal clear waters off the Red Beach to snorkel. Highlights of a morning cruise: Choose a morning tour for the magic view of the white cave-houses on the dark cliffs, under the bright Greek sun. Morning is the best time for snorkeling. The morning tour is convenient for guests staying few days in Santorini and looking for an other activity in the afternoon. Highlights of a sunset cruise: End your day on a high note with a romantic tour, for special moments, by enjoying sunset on board, below the famous Oia settlement. Recommended for guests staying in hotels, on the east side of the island without direct view to the sunset.

Price: €130

Min age: 1

Rating 4.86 / 5 [152 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Santorini

Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks
Experience the beauty of Santorini and its volcanic caldera on this small-group sailing tour. Cruise by some of the island’s best-known landmarks before venturing into the turquoise waters of the caldera. Enjoy a soothing dip in the island’s hot springs, and slip on your snorkels and masks for a snorkeling session. Finish up the excursion with a fabulous Greek BBQ, washed down with local wine or beer. When you book, choose between a Day Tour or a Sunset Tour.

Price: €190

Min age: 0

Rating 4.79 / 5 [183 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Morning Tour Lagoon 400-380 Sailing in Santorini ,lunch, drink, transfer

Santorini

Private Morning Tour Lagoon 400-380 Sailing in Santorini ,lunch, drink, transfer
Discover the most beautiful locations that Santorini has to offer on our beautiful Lagoon 400. Our crew will welcome you with open arms and provide you with everything you want; drinks and a full barbecue meal with Greek traditional 'mezedes' are waiting to be enjoyed by you while gazing at the breathtaking views of the caldera. The route of this five hour private cruise is fully customizable you can visit any place you want and our captain is full of suggestions.

Price: €400

Min age: 2

Rating 5 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Private Sailing Catamaran in Santorini with BBQ Meal and Drinks

Santorini

Private Sailing Catamaran in Santorini with BBQ Meal and Drinks
Sail around Santorini on a Catamaran during this 5-hour Cruise, departing from Vlychada Marina. Sail past the island's highlights, such as the Red & White Beaches, the Indian Rocks, and the Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri. Stop for snorkeling, marvel at the scenic views of the Aegean Sea and the Volcanic Caldera, and enjoy our onboard BBQ Lunch or Dinner with local wine, beer and soft drinks.

Price: €450

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [341 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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3-Hour Private Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure from Fira

Santorini

3-Hour Private Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure from Fira
Join us on this breathtaking trip to Nea Kammeni and Thirassia. First up, we will see the more recent volcanic eruptions that has created them, by swimming in the warm sultry waters of Nea Kammeni. Our next destination, Thirassia, on the west side of Santorini was originally part of the main lsland before it broke away. Through the cutting we can see how the volcano was created. Here you will have the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the beautiful crystal clear waters. While you enjoy the stunning waters, we will be working hard to prepare our traditional greek cuisine and wine ready for your return to the boat.

Price: €500

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [24 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Santorini

Greek Islands, Greece

Santorini

Incredible volcanic scenery, enchanting cave hotels, fine wines and memorable sunsets equal heaven for romantics.