15 Best Sunset Cruises In Santorini For Every Budget (2025)
If you’re looking for the best sunset cruises in Santorini to add a touch of luxury and romance to your trip, I’ve got you covered!
Admiring the vibrant sunsets is one of my favorite things to do in Santorini, but popular Santorini sunset spots along the caldera can get insanely crowded.
That’s why I loved escaping the crowds and admiring the sunset on a boat tour.
Let’s find the best Santorini sunset cruise for you!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
My Top 3 Picks: Best Sunset Cruise In Santorini
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️ Small Group
✔️ South beaches, Oia Sunset
✔️ Customizable itinerary
✔️ Ammoudi Bay/Oia sunset
Best Group Sunset Cruises In Santorini
The general rule is the larger the group – the cheaper the price.
Don’t worry if watching a sunset on a boat with 100 people doesn’t sound appealing, many group Santorini sunset sailing tours have a maximum of less than 20 people on board.
1. TOP-Rated: Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
This Santorini luxury cruise is the best sunset cruise in Santorini.
With over 1000 5-star reviews and two different sunset cruise options, it is the best way to enjoy this bucket list experience.
They offer two types of sunset cruises, so you can choose a sunset cruise of South Beach or sunset in Oia.
The South Beaches cruise will take you along popular Red Beach, White Beach, and Volcanic Island with warm springs.
Luxury Oia Sunset Cruise is their signature tour, where you’ll get to see the most beautiful sunset in Santorini from the picturesque Amoudi Bay.
The tours are limited to 20 people, so you have plenty of space to relax on the catamaran and enjoy the stunning views away from the crowds.
A full Greek meal is cooked on board, and they have vegetarian options!
The company offers several tours, so make sure to select the sunset option when booking!
“We had an amazing time on our Caldera sunset cruise yesterday. The views and the sunset were spectacular, the food was delicious and the crew was attentive, kind, and fun to be around. They made us feel very safe and special.”
– Sharon (read more reviews)
2. Santorini: Luxury Small Group Catamaran w/ Meal & Open Bar
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-6 hours | Check it out!
Sail around Santorini, swim on beautiful beaches, and admire the most magical sunset from Oia on this Luxury small-group catamaran cruise.
The tour starts with a couple of beach stops for swimming and snorkeling, including the famous Red Beach and the caves of White Beach.
After you’ve had enough time in the water, you’ll sail along the caldera past Fira to watch the sunset in the picturesque bay beneath Oia.
Freshly prepared Greek dinner with vegetarian options is included, and with an open bar, you won’t have to worry about drinks.
With a maximum of 20 passengers on the catamaran, you’re sure it won’t be crowded and you’ll get to enjoy your time on board.
The company offers morning and afternoon cruises, so make sure to select the sunset option when booking!
“The most perfect day and highlight of our trip! A surreal and must-do experience in Santorini.”
– Amy, Australia (read more reviews)
3. Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
If the previous tours are fully booked on your dates, this Santorini catamaran sunset cruise is an excellent option for Santorini sunset cruises with dinner!
The tour starts in Vlychada Marine and ends in the same spot.
You’ll spend the day swimming on the most beautiful Santorini beaches, you’ll get a chance to snorkel on 3 of them, visit warm springs and watch the sunset along the Caldera.
Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t go to Oia to watch the sunset if that’s important to you.
While their original dinner option is seafood, they cater to vegans if you notify them in advance about food allergies!
With a maximum of 18 travelers on board, you’re guaranteed to have plenty of space on this luxurious catamaran to enjoy your tour.
The company offers several tours, so make sure to select the sunset option when booking!
“Outstanding! If you’re still undecided, let me tell you that everything about this excursion was amazing. The views, the food, the staff, and the experience overall were fabulous. I would highly recommend it, particularly the sunset portion.”
– Natalie (read more reviews)
4. Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
This Santorini catamaran sunset tour takes you along the southern end of the island, hitting all the must-see beaches and the warm springs.
You won’t visit Oia on this tour, but you’ll discover Red and White Beach, Palea, and Nea Kameni volcano springs, and watch the sunset beneath the cliffs of the southern coast of Santorini.
It gives you a perfect insight into the unique location of Santorini and its volcanic origin.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available for dinner, so make sure to request them in advance.
This tour allows a maximum of 20 travelers, so it’s a great value for money. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price.
The company offers several tours, so make sure to select the afternoon tour with a sunset when booking!
“The catamaran cruise was spectacular! Highly recommend! The staff was so friendly and fun. The views were amazing and to be able to swim in the hot springs was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
– Keith (read more reviews)
5. Santorini: Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Meal and Drinks
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
This Catamaran Caldera sunset cruise departs at 3 pm and takes you directly for a swim at the Red Beach.
The tour follows with an additional 2 swimming stops along the Caldera before reaching the sunset spot for dinner.
This is one of the most private group tours, as there’s a maximum of 16 passengers allowed on the boat.
The company offers two types of sunset cruises – Comfort and Romantic. While the route is the same, they differ in the food and drinks you get on board.
This tour offers a complimentary round-trip transfer to the meeting point, which is great if you’re visiting Santorini without a car.
“We had the best fun day of our trip so far. The staff were lovely, the food was fresh and delicious and there was lots of room to spread out and take in the divine scenery.”
– Gail, Australia (read more reviews)
6. Santorini: Sunset Caldera Cruise with BBQ Meal and Drinks
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
This Santorini sunset caldera cruise takes you along the majestic Santorini caldera in a real sailboat. If the conditions are right, the crew will get the sails down and you’ll glide along the island.
You’ll see the famous Red and White beaches, and sail past the Indian Head Mountain and Venetian Lighthouse before stopping for swimming and snorkeling in private bays, accessible only by sea.
After you’ve had enough of swimming, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your crew on board, with vegan and vegetarian options.
A complimentary round-trip pick-up from your hotel or hostel in Santorini is included!
“The experience was incredible. The guides were knowledgeable, kind, and extremely hospitable. It was a joy learning about the geology of the island and caldera.”
– GetYourGuide traveler (read more reviews)
7. Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise with Meal, BBQ, and Open Bar
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
Explore the hidden gems of Santorini on this small group catamaran cruise.
The tour starts from Vlichada, so you’ll explore Santorini’s south beaches first. You’ll get to swim on famous Red and White beaches, before making your way to Volcano Island.
Thirasia Island is the last stop, and this charming island is where you’ll get to enjoy delicious meals prepared by the crew, swim, and wait for the sunset.
This tour has a limit of 18 passengers on board, so it won’t feel crowded and you’ll get to meet other people on tour.
If you’re traveling with a service dog, you’ll be glad to know this cruise allows service animals on board.
“The best thing we did on the Island! And one of our favorite meals too!! Definitely book ahead of time because sunset cruise books quickly.”
– Michelle (read more reviews)
8. Santorini Catamaran Cruise with BBQ on board and Drinks
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-7 hours | Check it out!
Board this luxury catamaran for a day filled with activities, swimming, relaxing on the nets, delicious food, and majestic sunset.
You’ll visit the Santorini volcano, swim in warm spring, and on stunning White and Red beaches.
The friendly crew will take care of you and prepare a delicious dinner as the sun starts to set.
With up to 18 people on tour, you’ll have plenty of space to walk around the boat and find a comfortable spot to enjoy the ride.
Pick-up is included, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the port.
“The sunset catamaran was the highlight of our whole trip! Amazing hospitality onboard, and really appreciated the pick-up and drop off!”
– Hailey (read more reviews)
9. Santorini Sailing Sunset Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | Check it out!
We’re getting into some of the cheaper Santorini sunset cruise alternatives, perfect for those visiting Santorini on a budget.
Unlike other tours on this list, where you’re on a catamaran or a smaller sailing boat, here you’ll sail along the island in a large, wooden sailboat with up to 130 travelers.
At 6 hours, this is one of the longest sunset cruises Santorini has to offer and you’ll see many Santorini attractions
Your day will start with a visit to Santorini volcano where you’ll spend about an hour exploring the island. Next up is a visit to Santorini hot springs, which should be called warm springs as they’re not really hot.
What is special about this tour is the swimming stop at Thirassia Island before dinner and sunset in front of Oia.
“This entire experience was absolutely fabulous! The boat, Ulysses, our guide was funny, energetic, and knowledgeable. The hot springs, volcano, dinner, and sunset were great.”
– Whitney (read more reviews)
10. Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
Discover hidden Santorini beaches and admire a majestic sunset on this sunset sailing catamaran cruise.
The tour starts with a visit to Santorini volcano and hot springs, before making your way to the southern beaches for swimming and snorkeling.
This is a mid-sized tour, with up to 55 passengers on board. The price reflects its mid-range status, so it is slightly more expensive than 100 people tour but cheaper than 20 people boat.
Some say this is a party boat due to the loud music they play, so if you’re not into that, you might want to check out some other tours on this list.
“We loved this cruise. They stopped at 3 different snorkel spots and then cruised to the best spot for sunset and stayed til the sun went down.”
– Pamela (read more reviews)
11. Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise: Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia, and Oia Sunset
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | Check it out!
This is the cheapest Santorini sunset cruise I found, and if you’re backpacking Cyclades on a strict budget, but don’t want to miss out on this experience, it’s a good choice.
At 11 hours long, it is also the longest Santorini day tour with sunset in Oia and you’ll get to visit many Santorini attractions.
With up to 100 people on board, it is a big group tour. As a solo traveler, I find it a great opportunity to meet people and make friends for a day.
Your day will start with a visit to Volcano Island where you’ll spend time exploring this unique island. Next up is swimming in the thermal waters of Palea Kameni.
Lunch is not included, so it’s up to you to pack it with you or find something during your free time on Thirassia Island. The tour ends with a sunset in Oia.
“Great value for money! Great way to see the sights of Santorini!”
– Mary (read more reviews)
12. Santorini Caldera: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Meal
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
If you’re looking for a real sailboat, rather than a catamaran, this sunset sailing Santorini tour is for you!
To book the Santorini sunset cruise with dinner, you’ll have to select the date first and then pick the sunset time.
The tour starts with sailing to Red and White Beach, before stopping for swimming and snorkeling at Mesa Pigadia Beach.
You’ll continue sailing past the Indian Rock towards the volcanic beaches of Palea and Nea Kameni where you’ll get to swim in warm springs.
The tour doesn’t go north towards Oia, but you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and sunset close to Akrotiri in the south.
This is a really small tour, limited to only 10 passengers. It will feel like a private tour as you glide along the caldera and admire the sunset.
Round-trip transfers to Santorini hotels are included, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out the logistics and safety of Santorini at night!
“Loved this activity! Our crew was great, and sailing in the Caldera was a wonderful experience. We watched the sunset close to Akrotiri and swam in the water near the volcano.”
– GetYourGuide traveler, Canada (read more reviews)
Best Private Sunset Cruise Santorini
Santorini is a romantic island, likely one of the most romantic islands in Europe and this tour will be the highlight of your Cyclades itinerary.
Crowds are one of the biggest downsides of Santorini, and you can avoid them on a private tour!
If you want to go on a private sunset cruise in Santorini, book as soon as possible!
These tours sell out months in advance in high season, and it is an experience you don’t want to miss.
13. Santorini: Private Catamaran Cruise with BBQ Meal and Drinks
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
This is the best Private catamaran sunset cruise Santorini offers! Everybody agrees that this private tour will be the highlight of your trip to Santorini.
You’ll have this luxurious catamaran all to yourself to relax above the water on the net in the back, jump into the water, and admire the stunning views.
The beauty of booking a private tour is that you control the itinerary. The crew is there to make this the best day of your vacation and you get to choose how long you want to stay at each location.
The cruise starts from the picturesque Ammoudi Bay and you’ll be back there in the end to watch the sunset.
You’ll sail to the famous beaches, swim in hidden coves, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal on board. Vegan options are available upon request, so don’t hesitate to contact the tour operator in advance.
Complimentary round-trip transfers to your hotel are included, even if you’re not staying in Oia.
“If you want to splurge on one thing during your holiday this would be it! Everything was perfect and seamless, very happy we picked this option from all other offerings available.”
– Rukshan, Singapore (read more reviews)
14. Santorini: Private Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drinks
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
Escape the crowds and discover the most magical places on the island with this Santorini private catamaran cruise.
The cruise starts by touring the most popular Santorini beaches, Red Beach, White Beach, and the volcanic hot springs.
You’ll sail past the Indian Rock, see the 18th-century Lighthouse, and settle for watching the sunset.
Your dinner will be prepared on board, and you can request your meal to be vegan or vegetarian beforehand. Everything is homemade for you including snacks, fruit, and drinks.
The crew is there to make your trip as enjoyable as possible, and they will tell you about the places you visit and take photos.
Round-trip pick-up from your Santorini accommodation is included in the trip!
“Wonderful, the highlight of our trip to Santorini. The extra cost to go private was totally worth it and guides spoiled us on the boat.”
– Priscilla, United States (read more reviews)
15. Santorini: Private Riva Yacht Cruise with Meal & Open Bar
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | Check it out!
Escape the crowds on a romantic journey along the Santorini coast, ending with a stunning sunset in the bay beneath Oia.
Private Riva Yach Cruise is the best sunset cruise Santorini offers if you’re seeking a romantic and luxurious getaway to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself.
It is a 5-hour cruise, so you’ll also get to explore the Santorini coastline and swim in the crystal clear sea before the sunset.
Your tour guides will show you the best spots, away from large group tours.
The tour ends with a romantic charcuterie board, served on board with a bottle of sparkling wine.
You can enjoy your meal as you watch the best sunset in Santorini from your private podium.
Beyond expectations! The boat stopped at places we would have never seen.
GetYourGuide traveler – United States (read more reviews)
What To Bring On A Santorini Sunset Cruise?
For the Santorini sunset cruise, you’ll want to bring the things you’d usually take on any boat cruise:
- Bag (ideally waterproof, if not, at least a waterproof pouch for electronics)
- Swimsuit (preferably dark colored if you’ll be swimming in the hot spring)
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (!!)
- Water bottle
- A hoodie or a cardigan
- Snacks
- ID
A swimsuit (and something dry to change into!) is a must if you’ll be swimming on the trip. If you’ll be swimming in the hot springs DON’T wear a light-colored bikini. The hot spring water will stain your bikini.
Some tours provide towels, and you’ll want to use theirs if you’re swimming in the hot springs.
Sunscreen is a must! The sun is strong in Santorini, and you’ll want to have a bottle of sunscreen to reapply throughout the day if you’ll be swimming and hanging out on the boat.
If you’re traveling to Santorini in the shoulder season, it can get chilly at night. Especially if you’re going for a Santorini sunset cruise, so grab a cardigan just in case.
Some tours provide blankets, so check what’s included in the one you picked.
I love to take a GoPro on boat tours as it is waterproof (and saltwater resistant, unlike the iPhone!) and you can take incredible underwater photos.
Most boat tours in Santorini require you to show your ID or other proof of identity, so remember to bring it along!
FAQ: Santorini Sunset Cruises
Yes! You should definitely book the Santorini sunset boat tour in advance. It is one of the must-do experiences in Santorini, and the best tours allow less than 20 people on board. With so many people visiting the island, they get fully booked weeks in advance.
The rides on Santorini sunset cruises are usually not choppy. Most of the ride is within the protected caldera waters, where the sea is calm. In case of bad weather, the tours will get postponed, so you don’t have to worry about seasickness.
Most Santorini sunset cruises last about 5 hours, but it depends on Santorini’s sunset time. They include several swim stops in the afternoon, dinner on board, and watching the sunset.
Summary: Best Sunset Cruises In Santorinis
From group catamaran cruises to private Santorini sunset cruises, this beautiful island offers something for every budget and every type of traveler.
I think Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise is the best Santorini sunset cruise for solo female travelers
Watching the Santorini sunset is one of the most iconic things to do in Santorini!
While you could do it completely for free from one of the many Santorini sunset spots, going on a Santorini sunset catamaran cruise is the most enjoyable way to do it.
So, pack your bags, join the best sunset cruise Santorini has to offer, and get ready for the most magical day on your Santorini itinerary!
Do you like boat tours? Check out boat trips on other Cycladic islands as well:
