SANTORINI CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE
Ten Hours of Volcanoes, Black Sands and Silent Islands: A Full-Day Catamaran Circuit of Santorini
A privately adjustable, 10-hour catamaran voyage that visits Santorini’s Red, White and Black beaches, the uninhabited isle of Thirasia and — on request — the volcano, with an onboard BBQ and included transfers.
Ten Hours of Volcanoes, Black Sands and Silent Islands: A Full-Day Catamaran Circuit of Santorini.
Adventure brief
Ten Hours of Volcanoes, Black Sands and Silent Islands: A Full-Day Catamaran Circuit of Santorini
On this full-day catamaran outing you spend a full ten hours moving around Santorini’s famous coastline: skimming past lava-carved cliffs, slipping into coves of black, red and white sand, stepping ashore on Thirasia and, if you ask, anchoring at the active volcanic islet for a closer look. The day is built around comfort and safety, and the operator tailors the route to your preferences while serving a charcoal BBQ aboard.
Santorini, part of the southern Aegean Sea archipelago in Greece, is renowned for its dramatic caldera cliffs, sun-bleached villages, and volcanic history. Sirigos Sailing invites adventurers to break free from the usual tourist paths with a 10-hour full day sailing expedition that traverses the island’s brilliant coastline and nearby geological wonders. The journey skirts Santorini’s famed Red, White, and Black beaches—each named for its distinctive volcanic sand and rock formations, revealing layers of the island’s fiery past.
Setting off from Thera, the sailing trip charts a course to the almost untouched island of Thirasia, a quiet contrast to Santorini’s bustling towns. The volcano looms imposingly nearby, a sharp reminder of the cataclysmic eruption that shaped this landscape thousands of years ago. Guests onboard get to savor a freshly prepared BBQ, adding a grounded, communal feel to the day against the openness of the sea.
What sets Sirigos Sailing apart is its tailored itineraries, ensuring that each voyage matches the pace and preferences of those on board—whether it’s swimming in secluded coves, photographing volcanic rock faces, or sampling local flavors with a glass of Santorini wine. For outdoor enthusiasts and casual travelers alike, this trip balances thrilling exploration with the serenity of open waters.
The volcanic coastlines offer a rare window into Greek geology and pristine ecosystems. Sirigos Sailing embodies the spirit of low-impact adventuring, caring for the fragile marine zones they navigate. This full day sailing experience captures both the rugged and refined elements of Santorini’s natural and cultural heritage, making it a unique addition to the island’s outdoor recreation offerings.
Route Schematic
Typical route and stops
The cruise calls at Santorini’s signature beaches, islands and volcanic sites; the exact order and duration at each stop are adjusted to your preferences and conditions.
Red Beach (South)
A shoreline of oxidized lava cliffs and sheltered swimming spots; visited from the water for swimming and snorkelling.
White Beach
A dramatic white-cliff cove reached by boat only, where the yacht anchors close for swimming and sunning.
Thirasia Island
A stop ashore on the quieter island of Thirasia, where participants can explore on foot.
Volcano & Hot Springs (optional)
By request the vessel can dock at the volcanic islet to visit the crater and nearby hot springs; this stop is available depending on your preference and sea conditions.
Caldera pass — Fira and Oia views
The route passes notable caldera sights such as the Fira old port and the Ammoudi area near Oia, offering photographic views from the water.
The operator constructs a flexible, private itinerary prioritizing your comfort and safety; sea and weather conditions or guest preferences may alter the planned route, and docking at the volcano is available on request.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Red, White and Black Beaches
The itinerary threads Santorini’s signature shores — the Red, White and Black beaches — each formed by volcanic eruptions and accessible from the water for swimming and snorkelling.
Thirasia: Untouched and Walkable
The cruise offers a stop at Thirasia where you can go ashore and explore on foot, a contrast to the busier caldera rim villages.
Volcanic Bays and Hot Springs
Upon request the captain can dock at the volcanic islet and visit the crater; the route also passes natural hot springs and private volcanic bays unique to Santorini’s geology.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds at sea
You embark on a ten-hour catamaran that moves between the island’s volcanic rock formations and sheltered coves, spending time swimming, snorkelling and going ashore where the itinerary and conditions allow. Meals are prepared on board — a BBQ and regional dishes — and the captain adapts the schedule to your wishes while prioritizing comfort and safety.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and when to check with the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The sailing is a full-day outing lasting 10 hours.
A representative from the operator will contact you to arrange exact pick-up time; the meeting point is your hotel and transfers to and from the yacht are included.
Towels and snorkeling equipment are supplied; the tour includes a BBQ (chicken, shrimp and a signature salad), pasta, drinks (Santorini wine, beer, water), captain and crew, fuel and port authority fees.
Staff on board conduct the tour in both Greek and English; the crew, insurance and fuel are included in the price.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Full Day Sailing?
The cruise is a 10-hour sailing experience.
Where do I meet the boat?
A company representative will contact you to arrange pick-up from your hotel; the meeting point is your hotel.
Which stops are included?
Typical stops include the Red, White and Black beaches, Thirasia island, and — on request — the Santorini volcano and nearby hot springs; the exact itinerary is adjustable.
What food and drink are provided?
The cruise includes an onboard BBQ (chicken and shrimp), a special salad, Pasta Napolitana, Santorini wine, beer, and water.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes — snorkeling equipment and towels are provided on board.
Can we visit the volcano crater?
Yes — docking at the volcanic islet and visiting the crater is possible upon request and is incorporated into the adjustable full-day itinerary.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:52:12.332Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.