Private Catamaran Santorini: 5-Hour Charter with BBQ

Price per group vs per person

The listing shows $129 (€115) per person, but the boat is private, so the real number is the total for your group. On private listings the lowest per-person figure normally applies when the boat is full, and the price per head rises as the group gets smaller. If the $129 applies at the 15-person limit, the whole boat works out at about $1,935. Pick your date and enter your exact group size on the listing to see the total before you pay. For two people, a shared small-group catamaran at $145 each, capped at 14 guests, is usually the cheaper quiet option.

Where the boat goes

The cruise starts and ends at Ammoudi Bay, the small harbor below Oia. The listed route runs to Thirassia, with a view of Manolas village on the cliff, then to the volcanic hot springs and past the white cliffs of Aspronisi. White Beach, Mesa Pigadia and Red Beach are on the plan, but the listing says these depend on arrangement with the captain. The boat also passes sea caves and the Fira Old Port under the cliffs.

• Ammoudi Bay — Start and finish, below Oia
• Thirassia — Swim stop with a view of Manolas village
• Hot springs — Warm-water swim off the volcanic islands
• Aspronisi — White cliffs, seen from the boat
• White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, Red Beach — South-coast swim and snorkel stops, on arrangement with the captain
• Fira Old Port — Passed under the cliffs on the way back

A custom route, within the wind

Because the boat is yours, the captain can change the order of stops or skip one to suit your group. Two of the 10 recent reviews describe a crew that changed the plan on request. The limit is the weather. One reviewer reports high winds that shortened the route and cool water that kept the group out of the sea. When the meltemi blows, every boat on the caldera works around it; see what happens when boat trips are cancelled for wind.

Food and drink on board

The crew cooks the main course on a BBQ on board. You choose pork chops, chicken fillet, kebab or a vegetarian plate, and a vegan meal is available on request. It comes after Greek appetizers (tzatziki, dolmadakia, Greek salad, pita and seafood pasta), with fruit and a traditional dessert to finish. The open bar has Santorini wine, beer, ouzo, soft drinks and water. Premium cava costs extra. One reviewer added prawns and lobster for an extra charge. Tell the operator about dietary needs when you book.

Proposals, families and older travelers

A private boat is the format that suits a proposal, a family with children or a mixed-age group, because nobody else is on deck. The boat carries a stand-up paddleboard, snorkel gear, towels and blankets. In the 10 recent reviews, one family with a teen and a tween calls the hot springs swim a highlight. Another reviewer says the crew helped an elderly father on and off the boat. Pets and large bags are not allowed, and you need a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Sunset or daytime

Two of the 10 recent reviews were on a sunset departure, and both rate it highly. A sunset run puts you on the water when the sun drops into the sea west of the caldera, around 20:37 in mid-June and 18:43 in mid-October. A daytime run gives you warmer water for the swim stops. Check which slot the listing offers on your date, and see the Santorini sunset time by month to plan around it.