Santorini Yachting Club Catamaran: The Comfort Max Cruise from Ammoudi

Included in the $67

The price covers the 5-hour cruise, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or the closest meeting point if you select that option, and the meal cooked on board. That meal is traditional Greek appetizers, which the listing names as tzatziki, dolmadakia, Greek salad, pitta bread and pasta with fresh vegetables, plus BBQ skewers with a choice of pork, chicken, kebab or a vegetarian menu. A vegan meal is available on request.

The open bar pours Santorinian wine, soft drinks, juice and water. Snorkeling gear and WiFi on board are included too, and the host speaks English with an optional English audio guide.

• Pickup and drop-off if the option is selected
• Greek appetizers and BBQ skewers, vegetarian or vegan on request
• Open bar with Santorinian wine, soft drinks, juice and water
• Snorkeling gear and onboard WiFi

Not Included, and What It Costs on the Day

Beers and cocktails are sold on board, so a cold beer is a separate purchase even though wine is free flowing. Towels and tips are not included either, and the listing asks you to bring a hat, a towel, comfortable clothes and a passport or ID card, a copy of which is accepted. The fix is simple: pack a towel in your bag and carry some cash or a card for drinks and a gratuity.

No mandatory extras are named, and there is no entry fee on this route. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Getting to the Boat

If you booked the pickup, you are collected from your hotel or the closest meeting point. Otherwise you make your own way down to Ammoudi Bay, the small port below Oia that is reached by 300 steps down from the town. The exact meeting point varies by the option you select, so check availability for the details before you set out.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring your passport or ID, a copy is accepted, and children need one too.

Leaving Ammoudi and the West Coast Sights

The catamaran departs the traditional port of Ammoudi and sails into the caldera. The listing says you feel the energy of the volcano as the boat heads toward the hot springs area. It then continues through the Aegean waters past Aspronisi and across to the Indian Rock and the Venetian Lighthouse near Akrotiri, which the operator describes as cinematic landscapes for photos and video.

How far in and in what order depends on conditions, because the operator states that scheduled times and the itinerary may change depending on the weather and the sunset time.

The Swim Stops and the Meal

The boat then sails to Mesa Pigadia, White Beach and Red Beach for approximately 60 minutes in total, where you can relax, swim or snorkel. Red Beach is seen from the water because land access is closed, and White Beach itself has no road and is reached only by boat, which is why the boat stops there. When the boat anchors, the dinner prepared on board is served: Greek appetizers, then your choice of BBQ skewers, with a vegetarian or vegan menu if you asked in advance.

Wine, soft drinks, juice and water come from the open bar while you eat.

Back to Ammoudi

After the meal and the last stretch of sailing, the catamaran returns to Ammoudi Bay. The listing does not state a return time, because the departure time and the schedule shift with the weather and the sunset time.

Check These Limits Before You Book

The listing states no minimum age, no wheelchair access statement and no difficulty rating, so families with children are allowed and anyone with limited mobility should confirm access with the operator before booking, especially the steps at Ammoudi Bay. The host language is English only.

The honest note on group size: 50 guests is a large boat by small-group standards, so expect company on the deck. If you want a quieter deck, the ViSta Platinum Catamaran caps at 18 guests for $113.38. If beer in the price matters more than the crowd, the Sunset Oia Ocean Voyager has the same $67 card price with unlimited white wine and soft drinks plus beer.

The operator states the itinerary may change with the weather. Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, and keep a flexible day in your plan. If you arrive on a cruise ship, check your tender times back to the Old Port against a 5-hour cruise before you commit. Alcohol ages and service rules are not stated in this listing, so ask on board.

If This One Is Not for You

Anyone wanting a sailing day with steak and unlimited beer in a group of up to 34 should look at Dream Catcher Sailing at $137.43, rated 4.9. For a full comparison of Santorini catamaran cruises, including smaller boats and private charters, the homepage table lays out the prices and group sizes side by side.

Reaching Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay lies below Oia and is reached by about 300 steps down from the town, which is a real climb back up. If the steps put you off, select the pickup option when you book, which covers drop-off as well as collection from your hotel or the closest meeting point. The exact meeting point varies by the option chosen, so check the details on the booking page.

The Ammoudi Bay guide covers the port in more detail.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Ships anchor in the caldera and passengers tender to the Old Port below Fira, or to Athinios. From the Old Port you can take the cable car up to Fira, which carries 1,200 passengers an hour in total and costs €10 for adults one way, or climb the nearly 600 steps. A 5-hour cruise plus transfers is a long excursion, so confirm your last tender time before booking.

See the Santorini cruise port guide.

What to Add Before or After

The cruise does not land on Nea Kameni, so if you want to walk on the volcano itself, book a separate volcano tour. The Santorini volcano guide covers the volcano. Land access to Red Beach is closed, as the Red Beach Santorini guide details.