I’ve been lucky enough to experience some beautiful places in my life, but few come close to Santorini. Seeing the iconic white-and-blue villages at any time of day is certainly a treat, but if you really want to experience it at its best, go at sunset.
The only downside is that watching from Oia’s crowded castle ramparts with 3,000 other tourists isn’t always the vibe. I highly recommend opting for a proper tour that’ll deliver the best views without getting elbowed or hit with selfie sticks.
I’ve gone ahead and reviewed the 5 top Santorini sunset cruises so you can revel in all the pink and gold hues with completely unobstructed views.
Be sure to see our reviews of Santorini Wine Tours and Santorini Boat Tours.
Best Sunset Cruises in Santorini
| Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset | Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, Transfer | Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise with Meal, BBQ and Open Bar | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 |  |  | |
| Duration: | 5 hours | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Departure: | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
| Start: | 1:00 PM | 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM |
| Includes: | Professional Greek skipper, drinks: white wine, Greek beer, soft drinks, and bottled water, Full Greek meal on board (grilled chicken BBQ, vegetarian pasta, Greek dips, snacks), Use of snorkel mask, Beach towel | Transfers, Greek menu prepared on the spot, drinks (soft drinks, white Santorinian wine, beer), snorkeling, towels, blanket (to be returned to crew), map, music, restroom on board | Air-conditioned vehicle, use of snorkeling equipment, towels, maps and information, lunch, snacks, open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), special sunset wine |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Santorini Sunset Cruises For 2026
- Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset
- Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, Transfer
- Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise with Meal, BBQ and Open Bar
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers
- Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer
Santorini Sunset Cruise Reviews
1. Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 1:00 PM
- Includes: Professional Greek skipper and sailors/crew, Complimentary drinks: white wine, Greek beer, soft drinks, and bottled water, Full Greek meal on board (grilled chicken BBQ, vegetarian pasta, Greek dips, snacks), Use of snorkel mask (optional), Beach towel (1 per person), Music on board, Restrooms and changing facilities on the catamaran, Hotel pickup and drop-off (or meeting point at the port)
Let’s start things off right with the Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset experience. Striking a nice balance between various outdoor activities and sheer relaxation, it’s a 5-hour excursion with no time for boredom.
I love the routing on this one, hitting all the must-see, water-accessible spots: Palea Kameni’s hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach.
There are a couple of different start times available – either morning or sunset. The morning tour is great if you really want the water to yourself, with practically no other travelers to speak of. However, the reason we’re really here is the stunning sunset, so I recommend you opt for that option!
Plus, it’s perfect if you have plans in the daytime! I had a fantastic time at the Nea Kameni hot springs, which were super relaxing and almost ethereal, in a way.
I love learning about all things geological, and it was cool (and warm) learning about their proximity to Santorini’s ancient volcano, and about how the water is said to have medicinal skin and bone benefits. Pro tip: don’t wear light-colored swimwear, as the water’s sulfur hue can stain it.
Red Beach access by boat was amazing as you don’t have to deal with the sketchy walk over rocks, that’s not really worth it. From the catamaran, you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe to your heart’s content while others explore at their leisure.
You’ll get to enjoy an amazing Greek meal prepared onboard: grilled chicken, pork, Greek Salad, and you have an open bar featuring local wine, beer, and sodas. Sip and dine all while appreciating the stunning 360-degree views enveloped in the golden sundown.
More Information & Tour Booking
Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!
2. Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, Transfer
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 2:30 PM
- Includes: Transfers, Greek menu prepared on the spot, drinks (soft drinks, white Santorinian wine, beer), snorkeling, towels, blanket (to be returned to crew), map, music, restroom on board
This Santorini catamaran cruise operates one of the island’s biggest sailing vessels, which means more space to roam around on deck, better facilities, and smoother sailing when the Aegean gets choppy. The Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks, Transfer has it all.
It’s a more lush experience rather than a cramped party boat, which I think serves much better for appreciating the gorgeous sunset. Your tour starts off in the afternoon with a convenient pickup right from your hotel, so you don’t have to deal with any logistics.
The transportation is air-conditioned and smooth, with the driver offering a bit of interesting commentary on the history of the area. We boarded the catamaran and felt somewhere in between heiresses and pirates, which was pretty cool.
We went for a brief cruise around the coast, then made our first stop at the famed Red Beach for a quick swim in the warm waters. After that, we made our way to the White Beach, where we had more time to relax, splash around, and even snorkel with the provided equipment.
A highlight for me was stopping to relax in the volcanic hot springs, where it felt like all my stress just washed away – the amazing views didn’t hurt, either!
On board, we had a lovely Greek barbecue waiting for us, complete with unlimited drinks like white wine, beer, soft drinks, and of course, plenty of water. With a drink in hand and the breeze blowing through your hair, relax on deck while watching the breathtaking sunrise completely take over!
More Information & Tour Booking
Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!
3. Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise with Meal, BBQ and Open Bar
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 2:30 PM
- Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, use of snorkeling equipment, towels, maps and information, lunch, snacks, open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), special sunset wine
If you’re looking to not only experience a stunning sunset on the water, but also spend some time splashing around, you’re in the right place. The Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise with Meal, BBQ and Open Bar is just the ticket, covering everything from snorkeling equipment to food and beverages.
This is some of the most fun I’ve ever had on a cruise, with a fantastic hostess and amazing DJ onboard to further amplify the already breathtaking experience.
Our tour started out with our driver picking us up in a comfy, air-conditioned coach right from our hotel lobby. This was such a stress reliever and saved us time from having to plan logistics or deal with meet-up points. We arrived at our catamaran and were greeted by the friendly, attentive staff, and set off on our journey!
As we cruised along, the staff had us entertained by not only pointing out interesting landmarks but also regaling us with plenty of local lore and anecdotes! The other guests in our small group were super kind, and I think I’ve made some friends for life here.
We got to see the Red Beach, with the staff even offering to take photos of us, and sharing some cool historical facts about it. Next up, we passed White Beach, and took a stop at Mesa Pigadia Beach or a swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters with some sea critters there to join us!
The highlight for me was passing the gorgeous 125-year-old Lighthouse of Akrotiri, which was particularly beautiful at this time of day. You’ll then make a stop at the hot springs by the volcano, where you’ll get to soak, relax, or explore all kinds of caves and volcanic beaches!
Finally, you’ll fill up on an amazing Greek dinner and watch the sunset with some Moscato!
More Information & Tour Booking
Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!
4. Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 3:00 PM
- Includes: Dinner, Use of Snorkeling equipment, WiFi on board, All Fees and Taxes, Alcoholic Beverages, Bottled water, Private transportation, Towels
Next up is the Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers experience. This 5-hour sunset catamaran cruise from Vlychada Port takes a more comprehensive route than most, hitting both the famous spots and the lesser-visited corners of Santorini’s coastline.
The Vlychada departure point makes things so much more relaxed, as it’s not as crazy as the main ports and is much closer to the southern beaches on this itinerary.
Your evening starts off with you being picked up right from your hotel in comfortable, private transportation. No need to worry about sharing the vehicle with strangers, dealing with car rentals, or meet-up points.
Our guide was really passionate about what they do, answering all of our questions and sharing some interesting history and culture along the way.
The routing was clearly done by someone who knows the area like the back of their hand! We started off at Red Beach for swimming, complete with stunning rust-colored cliff views around us. After that, we cruised past White Beach, Indian Rocks, and the historic Venetian Akrotiri Lighthouse.
Make a hot springs stop at the caldera, bathing in sulfur-rich thermal waters with an ancient volcano looming around you – something about it feels other-worldly. Next up, make a stop at the Mesa Pigadia Beach, where you can opt to snorkel and swim in the clear blue waters before enjoying an included Greek BBQ dinner!
The sunset happens when you’re positioned in the caldera with perfect lighting, watching the sky envelop the water in pink and gold. It truly was breathtaking!
More Information & Tour Booking
Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!
5. Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 2:30 PM
- Includes: Free beer, white wine, soft drinks, bottled water, juice, full Greek BBQ meal, transfers, map, music, snorkeling equipment, blanket, restroom on board, English-speaking crew
I couldn’t forget the Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink, and Transfer! If you want to feel like VIP in Santorini, look no further than this 5-hour excursion that’ll take you on a state-of-the-art Ipanema 58 catamaran!
I’d say that if you are looking for a romantic date night activity or are celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, this tour should be at the top of your list. Of course, as we’re staying consistent with the luxury vibe, there’s no dealing with logistics at all.
Your driver comes right to your hotel to pick you up in a private, climate-controlled vehicle just for you and your traveling party. You’ll then arrive and board the catamaran, with the attentive crew there to make sure you have everything you need.
This was definitely one of the most spacious vessels I’d taken a sunset cruise on in Santorini, while still feeling very cozy and exclusive. The deck lounges offered plenty of options for viewing and stretching out, enjoying scenery like the Santorini Volcano and Palea Kameni.
We made our first stop in the hot springs, which only added to the stress-free vibe! Pass the gorgeous lighthouse before arriving at Red Beach for some snorkeling and splashing around with sea critters as your crew shares info about them.
Then, make your way to White Beach for some more swimming, snorkeling, and BBQ feasting while watching the sun set.
More Information & Tour Booking
Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!
Boat Comfort & Amenites
Boat Crew
Value
The Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset is our Editors Choice for the best Santorini sunset cruise
