Updated October 2026 · Written by the Santorini Day Tours local team

Short answer: a 5-hour Santorini catamaran cruise costs €140 per person in the morning or €150 per person at sunset in 2026, on a shared boat with a maximum of 20 guests. A private catamaran costs €1,500 for up to four people plus €120 for each extra guest. All of them include hotel pickup, swimming stops at the Red and White beaches, a stop at the volcano’s warm springs, a Greek meal cooked on board, drinks and snorkelling gear. Choose sunset for the views on the way back; choose morning for calmer water, more sun and a free evening.

The options at a glance

Cruise	Starts	Route	Price (2026)
Classic morning cruise	9:30 am	From and back to Vlychada marina (south)	€140 per person
Luxury morning cruise from Ammoudi	Morning	Starts at Ammoudi under Oia, ends at Vlychada	€140 per person
Classic sunset cruise	2:30 pm	From and back to Vlychada marina	€150 per person
Luxury sunset cruise to Ammoudi	Afternoon	Starts at Vlychada, ends at Ammoudi under Oia at sunset	€150 per person
Private catamaran	Morning or sunset	Your own boat, same highlights	€1,500 for 1–4 guests · +€120 per extra guest

All cruises last about 5 hours. Shared cruises take a maximum of 20 guests.

What happens on the cruise

1. Pickup from your hotel or Airbnb by air-conditioned shuttle to the marina.
2. Red and White beaches on the south coast — swim or snorkel off the boat in clear water below the coloured cliffs, which are best seen from the sea.
3. The caldera and the volcano — sail into the flooded crater and stop near the volcanic islets, where you can swim to the warm springs. The water is only warmer in patches and is orange from iron and sulphur; wear a dark swimsuit.
4. Lunch or dinner on board at anchor in a quiet bay: grilled chicken, pan-fried fish, shrimp, Greek pasta, salad and dips, with white wine, Greek beer, soft drinks and water.
5. Return to the marina — on the sunset cruise with the sun going down over the caldera — and a transfer back to your hotel.

Morning or sunset?

• Sunset is the most popular choice for the light and the photos, and books up first in summer. Afternoon winds can make the sea livelier.
• Morning usually has calmer water, more sun for swimming, and leaves your evening free. It is a good choice if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness.
• Ammoudi routes sail the full length of the caldera, starting or ending under the cliffs of Oia — the luxury sunset cruise is the way to see the Oia sunset from the water.

Sunset times by month are in our Santorini sunset guide.

Shared or private?

For two people a shared cruise is far cheaper (€280–€300 against €1,500). A private catamaran makes sense for families and groups — at eight guests it works out at about €250 each — and for proposals, birthdays or anyone who wants to set the timing and stops. More on choosing private experiences in is a private tour of Santorini worth it?

What to bring

• Swimsuit (a dark one for the hot springs), sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
• A light jacket for the sunset cruise; it gets breezy on deck after dark.
• Seasickness tablets if you need them, taken before boarding.
• Cash for an optional tip for the crew. Towels, snorkel masks, food and drinks are provided.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a catamaran cruise in Santorini?

€140 per person for the morning cruise and €150 per person for the sunset cruise in 2026. A private catamaran costs €1,500 for up to four guests plus €120 per extra guest.

How long is a Santorini catamaran cruise?

About 5 hours, plus the hotel transfers.

Is food included on the catamaran?

Yes. A Greek lunch or dinner is cooked on board and served with white wine, Greek beer, soft drinks and water.

Do you swim in the volcano hot springs?

Yes, it is an optional swim from the boat to the warm springs by the volcanic islets. The water is only warmer in places and can stain light swimwear.

Is the sea rough on a sunset cruise?

Afternoon wind can make the sea livelier than in the morning, especially in July and August. If you are prone to seasickness, choose the morning cruise.

Can children join the catamaran cruise?

Yes. Life jackets and pool noodles are on board along with a toilet and changing room. Read more in Santorini with kids.