Review · SANTORINI ISLAND TOURS
Island Hopping: Santorini Catamaran Charter Cruise with a skipper
Private sailing fixes your view of the Aegean fast. This Santorini catamaran charter gives you a skipper and hostess, plus a custom sailing route on a Lagoon catamaran, with the option to sleep aboard in private cabins.
I especially like two things: the freedom to choose where you go, and the way the crew makes the trip feel personal. In the stories I read, staff like Peter in Oia, Captain Vasia with Irene, Faiz, and Eleni, and teams including Captain Alex, Endri, and Mimosa show up again and again, with a common theme of being attentive and fun.
The main drawback is money can creep up because fuel surcharge, marina taxes, and security deposit are not included, and meals and drinks are listed as not included too.
In This Review
- Quick Takeaways
- Why a Lagoon Catamaran Charter From Santorini Makes Sense
- Your 7 Days Afloat: The Day-by-Day Flow
- On Board Living: Skipper, Hostess, Cabins, Bathrooms, and Gear
- Money Matters: How Value Works for $8,558.73 Per Group
- Day-by-Day: What You Can Expect at Each Phase
- Day 1: Sailing out from Santorini (or another island)
- Days 2 to 6: Visiting Greek islands across multiple days
- Day 7: Return to Santorini or end elsewhere
- The Crew Factor: Service That Turns a Charter Into a Vacation
- What to Pack (So Your Trip Feels Easy)
- Who This Charter Is Best For
- Should You Book This Santorini Catamaran Charter With Skipper?
Quick Takeaways

- Custom sailing route means your days can be shaped around beaches, ports, and pacing you actually want
- Skipper plus hostess takes the stress out of navigation and day-to-day boat life
- Cabins with private bathrooms make a multi-day charter feel more like a vacation than a camping trip
- Snorkeling and safety equipment plus a dinghy with outboard motor helps you reach the fun spots
- No WiFi on board means you will be more present, not more connected
Other Santorini days we have written up
Why a Lagoon Catamaran Charter From Santorini Makes Sense

Santorini is famous for cliff views from land, but you get a different kind of wow from sea level. On this charter, you are not stuck with one fixed route. You and the skipper can align the plan to your interests, whether that’s more time on the move or more time tied up near islands.
A private charter also changes the vibe. Instead of sharing space with strangers, you control your pacing and your conversations. The inclusion of a skipper and a hostess is a big deal here. You are not just paying for a boat, you’re paying for people whose job is to run the experience smoothly.
And it is a Lagoon catamaran, which usually means comfort as well as room. In practical terms, that matters when you are planning long stretches on the water, plus nights aboard.
Your 7 Days Afloat: The Day-by-Day Flow

This is approximately a 7-day experience, starting around 3:00 pm. The structure is simple: you begin with sailing, you spend several days visiting Greek islands, and you end by returning to Santorini or another Greek island of your choice (with extra costs possible for the change).
Day 1 is your departure and first sailing day. You set off on a Lagoon catamaran with the skipper, starting from Santorini or another Greek island (starting from a different island comes with an extra cost not included). This is when you’ll feel the “we’re really going somewhere” moment, since you are already out on the Aegean rather than just touring one harbor.
Days 2 to 6 are island-hopping days. You are visiting Greek islands across several days, which gives you time to swap between scenery and activities. One day might lean more toward sightseeing from the water, another toward getting off the boat to explore a port area, and another toward swimming and snorkeling, depending on weather and what you want to prioritize.
Day 7 is your return day. You head back to Santorini or another Greek island. If you want a different final location, that flexibility is there, but the extra cost is not included.
On Board Living: Skipper, Hostess, Cabins, Bathrooms, and Gear
The trip is built around comfort and safety, not just sightseeing. The included crew setup matters because it reduces friction. A skipper runs the sailing, and a hostess helps with day-to-day service so your group can relax.
Sleeping aboard is a standout feature. The charter includes accommodation inside the cabins, with private bathrooms. The description notes 4 private bathrooms, which is important if you have a group size up to 10, because you do not want bathroom bottlenecks after a swim or a long day of exploring.
You also get one pair of linen and towels for a week. That’s a straightforward inclusion, and it helps you pack lighter for a multi-day trip.
For water time, you get snorkeling and safety equipment. Even if you are not a strong snorkeler, it is nice to have the gear ready when conditions allow, because the Aegean can look made for a quick swim break. You also have a dinghy boat with an outboard motor, including first tank fuel. That helps with flexibility when you need to reach shore or calmer spots.
One more practical note: WiFi is not included on board. If you rely on maps, messaging, or work access, plan for that by downloading what you need before you leave shore.
Money Matters: How Value Works for $8,558.73 Per Group

The price is $8,558.73 per group, up to 10 people, for an experience around 7 days. At face value, that can sound steep, but the structure is what makes it potentially good value.
If you fill the boat with 10 people, you are looking at roughly $856 per person for the charter portion. That is not just “a boat ride.” It includes a skipper and hostess, multi-day sailing, overnight cabins with private bathrooms, and snorkeling and safety gear, plus the dinghy and first tank fuel.
Still, you should budget for what is not included. Fuel surcharge and marina taxes can add cost, and there’s a security deposit that you pay in person (with amounts listed by boat length). Meals and drinks are also not included, so you either need to bring a plan for food or budget for purchases during stops. If you were expecting someone to feed you for every day and every meal, adjust now rather than later.
There’s also no WiFi, which can affect decision-making for your group. But honestly, for many people that becomes a benefit.
Bottom line on value: it tends to be a strong deal when your group is large enough to use the private charter advantage and when you are comfortable handling meals and small add-ons yourself.
Day-by-Day: What You Can Expect at Each Phase

Because this is a custom route charter, the exact ports are flexible. But the rhythm across your days is predictable, and you can use that to plan what kind of trip you want.
More catamaran days on the water
- Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset★ 5.0 · 1,694 reviews
- Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer★ 5.0 · 1,170 reviews
- Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks★ 4.5 · 1,105 reviews
- Luxury Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open bar & Transfer★ 5.0 · 1,047 reviews
Day 1: Sailing out from Santorini (or another island)
You begin at 3:00 pm and head out aboard the Lagoon catamaran. This first day tends to be about momentum: getting clear of the main island bustle, settling in, and setting the tone for the trip. It is also a good day to get used to life on deck, since you’ll be switching between sun and shade depending on wind and weather.
If you start from a different Greek island, expect that to change the logistics and cost. The charter notes that starting or finishing on islands beyond Santorini comes with extra cost not included.
Days 2 to 6: Visiting Greek islands across multiple days
These days are about island hopping with time to actually enjoy each place. You are not doing a single rushed port stop. Instead, you get multiple days to repeat the best parts of the trip, like water views, shore time, and swim breaks.
A few things you can usually plan around during these days:
- Swimming and jump-in time from the boat when conditions are safe and comfortable
- Snorkeling whenever the water and visibility cooperate
- Exploring ports for food, walks, or simple photo breaks
Some guests also highlight the volcanic hot springs area when their route includes it. You can’t assume it will be on your exact sailing plan, but if that is on your personal wish list, ask the skipper during planning.
Day 7: Return to Santorini or end elsewhere
Your final day is return time. You end in a different location, and the text makes clear you can finish on Santorini or another Greek island, with extra cost if you choose an alternate finish point. If you are chaining this with flights or other reservations, build in buffer time for getting off the boat and onto your next transfer.
The Crew Factor: Service That Turns a Charter Into a Vacation

This cruise stands or falls on the crew experience. The high rating is earned repeatedly through what you actually feel on board: friendly hosts, good communication, and people who pay attention.
In the stories associated with these charters, I noticed names like Peter in Oia, Captain Vasia with a team that includes Irene, Faiz, and Eleni, and crew members such as Mimosa and Endri. There are also mentions of staff like Danai, along with Captains including Alex, Paulo, Markus, and Pavlos. I’m not repeating names just to be fancy. The pattern behind them is clear: the crew aims to make you comfortable, not just move you from point A to point B.
If you care about information, watch how the skipper and hostess explain what you are seeing. Many people come to Santorini for the iconic views, but the best day on a boat is the one where you understand what you’re looking at, even briefly.
What to Pack (So Your Trip Feels Easy)

The charter recommends bringing your own sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses, and a windbreaker. That’s spot on.
My practical packing advice:
- Sunscreen that you trust for ocean days
- A windbreaker for breezier sailing hours, especially when you’re drying off after swim time
- Sunglasses with secure arms, because deck time can be windy
- Swimsuit and a quick-dry layer for after you get back on board
If you are sensitive to cold or wind, the windbreaker becomes a non-negotiable. A few accounts mention weather affecting the feel of the day, including colder or cloudier conditions, so plan to stay comfortable.
Who This Charter Is Best For

This is ideal for groups that want private sailing and are comfortable organizing meals on their own. Since meals and drinks are not included, you’ll get the most satisfaction if your group plans around that, either by shopping at ports or choosing dining moments ashore.
It also fits:
- Couples or friend groups up to 10 who want a multi-day experience rather than a half-day boat trip
- Travelers who like flexibility and want the skipper to shape the plan
- People who care about comfort, since private bathrooms are included
If your top priority is guaranteed, fixed destinations or a fully catered dining plan on the water, you might find this a less direct match. The route is flexible, but you should confirm what your group’s ideal day looks like in conversation with the skipper.
Should You Book This Santorini Catamaran Charter With Skipper?
If you want a start-to-finish sailing vacation, not just a scenic outing, I think this charter can be an excellent fit. The combo of skipper and hostess, overnight cabins with private bathrooms, snorkeling gear, and dinghy access gives you a true “live on the water” experience.
Book it if:
- You’re traveling with a group that can fill up to 10 and make a private charter feel worth it
- You want flexibility in where you go across several days
- You are happy to handle meals and plan around add-on costs
Skip it or shop around if:
- Your budget cannot absorb fuel surcharge, marina taxes, and a security deposit
- You need WiFi and constant connectivity
- You expected meals and drinks to be fully included
If you do book, ask clear questions early about your expected schedule, meals plan, and any drink or food expectations, so your group’s experience matches what you want from the days on the Aegean.
Every Other Santorini Write-Up
More Days Out on a Catamaran Deck
Santorini, The Other Days Out
Everything else we have written up around Santorini
Santorini Island Tours, side by side.
★ 5.0Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and TransfersFrom $1143,933 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open BarFrom $1332,975 reviews
★ 4.8Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open BarFrom $1172,822 reviews
★ 5.0Private Santorini Tailor Made – Choice of the Guest!From $961,972 reviews
★ 5.0Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and SunsetFrom $1811,694 reviews
★ 4.4From Heraklion/Crete: Santorini Island Guided Day TripFrom $2001,448 reviews
★ 4.5Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)From $421,302 reviews
★ 5.0Santorini Wine Stories: Sunset Tour with Tasting & DinnerFrom $2091,285 reviews
Sits on these lists
















