The best way to see Santorini is from the water. A catamaran tour reaches parts of the coast you simply can’t get to by land, and stops at the island’s most striking natural landmarks. Here are the highlights you’ll see on a Santorini catamaran cruise.
The Red Beach
Named for the dramatic rust-red volcanic cliffs that rise straight out of the sea, the Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most photographed spots. It’s far easier — and more beautiful — to reach by boat than by the rocky footpath on land.
The White Beach
Just around the coast, the White Beach is framed by tall pale cliffs and is only accessible by sea. It’s a favourite swimming and snorkelling stop, with calm, clear water perfect for a swim.
The volcanic hot springs
Near the caldera, warm, mineral-rich water bubbles up from the volcano into a sheltered bay. Swimming from the catamaran into the hot springs is a genuinely unique experience — the water is warm and the reddish minerals stain the sea a striking ochre colour.
Akrotiri and the caldera cliffs
As you sail you’ll pass the Akrotiri lighthouse and the towering caldera cliffs, with the whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira perched high above. On a sunset cruise, this is where you’ll drop anchor to watch the sky change colour over the water.
See them all in one trip
A single catamaran cruise links all of these highlights into one relaxed day, with swimming, a meal and drinks along the way. Check availability and book your Santorini catamaran tour here.
See These Stops From the Deck
Every stop above features on our sailings: the semi-private Santorini catamaran day cruise covers Red Beach, White Beach and the hot springs in a morning, while the full-day private sailing cruise adds Thirassia and the caldera’s furthest corners. Read more about Red Beach and the 1892 Akrotiri lighthouse, or compare all Santorini boat tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can White Beach be reached by land?
No — there is no road, which is precisely its charm. The catamaran anchors in the cove and you swim or paddle in; even in August it stays remarkably quiet.
Is the hot springs stop guaranteed?
It is weather-dependent: the springs sit in an exposed pocket beside Palea Kameni, and when the sea state says no, the captain returns the time to the calmer beach stops instead.
Where are the best photographs on the route?
Three moments: the rust-red cliffs over Red Beach, the black lava coast of Nea Kameni, and the full caldera panorama with Fira stacked white above the boat. On sunset sailings, the light off the Akrotiri lighthouse cliffs is the finale.
Does the route pass Oia?
The classic loop watches the caldera rim from open water rather than detouring beneath Oia. On private charters, boarding at Ammoudi Bay below Oia can be arranged on request.
