5 hours
Caldera sunset cruise
Vlychada — Red and White Beach — hot springs — caldera — Oia sunset, with a barbecue dinner on board.
Photo: Igor Ladigin / Unsplash
Greece
Santorini Catamaran Cruises & Yacht Charter
The caldera, volcanic beaches and the Oia sunset — without the crowded viewpoints.
Santorini is a ring of islands around the flooded caldera of an ancient volcano, and you only grasp its scale from the water. Cliffs up to 300 metres high, white villages on the rim and the dark lava islands in the centre look entirely different from a deck than from the packed viewpoints of Oia and Fira. Here a boat trip is not an add-on to your holiday — it is one of the main reasons to come.
The classic format is a five-hour Santorini catamaran cruise on a Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot, morning or sunset. The boat runs along the south coast past Red and White Beach, stops at the Palea Kameni hot springs and cruises the caldera towards Oia. A barbecue lunch or dinner and local wines are usually served on board. A private charter lets you set the timing, pace and route for your group alone.
Most yachts are based at Vlychada Marina on the south coast, and some depart from Ammoudi Bay below Oia. In July and August the meltemi can make the northern caldera choppy, and captains then choose sheltered anchorages. We compare offers from several operators, check what is included — transfers, food, drinks, snorkelling gear — and help you pick the right yacht.
Popular yachts in Santorini
Photo: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash
CatamaranLagoon 400 S2
12 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €1,400 / day
Photo: Danny Piper / Unsplash
CatamaranLagoon 450 F
14 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €1,700 / day
Photo: Loren Gu / Unsplash
CatamaranFountaine Pajot Saona 47
13.9 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €2,000 / day
Photo: Evan Smogor / Unsplash
Sailing yachtBavaria Cruiser 46
14.3 m · up to 10 guests · 4 cabins
from €1,200 / day
Photo: Quan Nguyen / Unsplash
Motor yachtAzimut 55 Fly
17 m · up to 12 guests · 3 cabins
from €550 / hour
Photo: Chris Jones / Unsplash
SpeedboatJeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 WA
10.6 m · up to 10 guests · 1 cabins
from €300 / hour
Prices by yacht type
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts on this page. Hourly rates suit short cruises, daily rates full-day trips, and weekly rates charters with nights on board.
| Type | from / hour | from / day | from / week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor yachts | €550 | €3,000 | €20,000 |
| Catamarans | — | €1,400 | €7,000 |
| Sailing yachts | — | €1,200 | €5,500 |
| Speedboats | €300 | €1,500 | — |
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
What to see from the water
- 01
The caldera
A flooded crater with sheer walls and Fira, Imerovigli and Oia on its rim. The best view of the island is from the middle of the caldera.
- 02
Red Beach
A beach beneath rust-red cliffs near Akrotiri. By yacht you swim in without tackling the crumbling footpath.
- 03
White Beach
A pebble cove under pale cliffs that is practically reachable only by sea.
- 04
Palea Kameni hot springs
The yacht anchors in the bay and guests swim into warm water tinted orange by volcanic minerals.
- 05
Nea Kameni
A young volcanic island in the caldera centre with a trail to active craters; there is an entrance fee.
- 06
Oia sunset
The sun drops behind Thirassia while you sit at anchor facing the village — quiet and crowd-free.
Popular routes
Full day
Santorini & Thirassia
South coast, the hot springs, lunch in a Thirassia bay, a walk up Nea Kameni and back along the caldera.
7 days
Santorini — Ios — Milos
A week by catamaran: Ios, Folegandros, Milos with Kleftiko Bay, Sifnos and back to Santorini.
Season
Yachts operate from April to late October, most comfortably in May–June and September. In July–August the meltemi blows and routes are adapted to the wind.
Marinas and departure ports
- — Vlychada Marina
- — Ammoudi Bay (Oia)
- — Athinios Port
What's usually included and what costs extra
- The yacht, captain and crew
- Standard equipment and vessel insurance
- Water and soft drinks on many yachts
- Fuel on some yachts and routes
- Food, alcohol, decorations, photographer
- Water toys and transfers
- Taxes, marina fees and APA on weekly charters
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Experience ideas
Yacht charter in Santorini: FAQ
How much is a private Santorini catamaran cruise?
A private five-hour catamaran cruise starts at roughly €1,400 and a speedboat from about €300 per hour. Captain, fuel on the standard route, lunch or dinner, drinks, snorkelling gear and hotel transfers are usually included. Weekly charters add APA and VAT. Your quote lists the exact terms.
Do I need sailing experience or a licence?
No. Almost all Santorini trips run with a captain and crew. A bareboat week requires a recognised skipper certificate.
Morning or sunset — which is better?
Sunset cruises are the most popular and book out first. Morning trips are usually calmer, cheaper and the water at the springs and beaches is already warm. The season runs April to October.
Is it suitable for children? What should we bring?
Yes — catamarans are stable and roomy, and kids' life jackets are on board. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a light layer for the evening and a dark swimsuit for the hot springs, as the minerals can stain light fabric.
How do I book, and what if it is too windy?
A deposit confirms the booking. If the captain cancels for weather you are usually offered another date or a refund — the policy varies by operator and is stated in your quote.
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