Catamaran and sailing trips in Santorini
Catamaran and sailing trips are one of the easiest ways to see Santorini's caldera from the water. Boats leave from the bay of Fira and head out past the red and white cliffs, with swim stops in quiet coves. Trips range from a five-hour day cruise with lunch on board to an evening sail with dinner and a swim at Red Beach.
Places to go
Hot springs of Palea and Nea Kameni
Warm sulfur-water springs in the sea around Palea and Nea Kameni, the small volcanic isles inside Santorini's caldera. You swim in natural pools, not in a spa building.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most trips leave from the bay of Fira, where most boats for the caldera and nearby islands depart. A day cruise sails past Red and White Beach and stops for a swim in the hidden coves of Black Mountain. Lunch is served on board, and there is time in the water between stops. The day suits people who want to see the cliffs from the sea without climbing anything.
A second option sails via Thirasia, the third island formed by the 1570 eruption, before stopping at the hot springs for a swim. Sunset cruises are also offered, with dinner on board and a swim at Red Beach. Sunset trips end after dark, so they make a different kind of evening from the daytime sails. Ask the operator about the exact route before you go.
Where to go
- Red and White Beach. Seen from the boat on the day cruise, with the colored cliffs rising from the water. By boat.
- Black Mountain coves. Quiet hidden coves where the boat stops for a swim on the day cruise. By boat.
- Thirasia and the hot springs. The route sails via Thirasia before stopping at the hot springs for a swim. By boat.
- Red Beach. Reached by sea on the sunset cruise, where the boat stops for a swim. By boat.
Getting there
Boats leave from the bay of Fira, the hub of the island. The cable car from the old port reaches Fira in about three minutes. Ask the operator for the meeting point.
When to go
April and May are pleasant with a low chance of rain, and the sea is calmer than in winter. Winter weather can delay or cancel boat service, so the season from March to January carries that risk.
Good to know
- Bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection, since most of the day is spent on the water in the sun.
- Boat service can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather, so keep a flexible plan for the day.
- If the trip ends at the old port, allow time for the cable car, donkey or steps up to Fira.
Questions
Is a catamaran trip from Santorini good for families?
Yes. The day cruise is about five hours with lunch on board and swim stops at the Black Mountain coves. The trips are easy, with no hiking, and suit families, couples and first-time visitors.
Where do the Santorini catamaran trips leave from?
Most boats for trips around the caldera leave from the bay of Fira. Ask the operator for the exact meeting point and how to get there.
Can you swim on a Santorini catamaran cruise?
Yes. The day cruise stops for a swim in the hidden coves of Black Mountain, and the sunset cruise includes a swim at Red Beach. The hot springs route also stops for a swim.
