REVIEW · SANTORINI
Island Hopping: Santorini Catamaran Charter Cruise with a skipper
Book on Viator →Operated by Spiridakos Sailing Cruises · Bookable on Viator
Aegean sailing becomes a lot more personal at sea. This private Santorini catamaran charter lets you choose your own island-hopping route, with a skipper and hostess running the show while you focus on swimming, views, and island time. I especially like the freedom to map the days yourselves and the fact that you can spend nights aboard in cabins with private bathrooms.
One thing to plan for: this is not an all-inclusive food-and-drinks package. Meals aren’t listed as included, and extras like fuel surcharge, marina taxes, and a security deposit can change the final number.
In This Review
- Key Highlights to Know Before You Go
- A 7-Day Santorini Catamaran Charter Feels More Like Your Boat Than a Tour
- Your Route Gets to Be Personal, Not Pre-Set
- Boarding at 3:00 pm: What the Start Time Means for Your Day
- Living Afloat: Lagoon Catamaran Comfort and How Catamaran Space Works
- WiFi: Plan for a Slow-Break Lifestyle
- Cabins and Private Bathrooms: A Big Deal for a Group Charter
- Stop-by-Stop: How Each Sailing Day Can Play Out
- Day 1: Depart Santorini (or Another Island) and Get Settled
- Days 2 to 6: Island Hopping Days Built for Sea Time
- Day 7: Return to Santorini (or Finish Elsewhere)
- Skipper and Hostess Service: Why This Charter Wins on Ease
- Snorkeling, Safety Gear, and Dinghy Access: The Parts That Change Your Photos
- Price and Value: What $8,558.73 Covers, and What Might Cost Extra
- Security deposit: Know the range before you get surprised
- What to Pack for a Santorini Catamaran Charter Week
- Who This Charter Is Best For
- Should You Book This Santorini Catamaran Charter?
- FAQ
- What kind of tour is this?
- How many people can this charter include?
- Where does the cruise start and end?
- Can I choose where the catamaran sails?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are meals and drinks included?
- Is WiFi available on board?
- Are fuel and marina costs included?
- Is there a security deposit?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

- Private sailing route you can shape toward the islands you want to see
- Skipper and hostess included, so day-to-day sailing work stays off your plate
- Cabins with private bathrooms aboard, plus linens and towels for a week
- Snorkeling and safety equipment included for time in the water
- Dinghy with outboard motor plus the first tank of fuel to reach spots when needed
- Mobile ticket and a 3:00 pm start time, with pickup from ports you’re already using
A 7-Day Santorini Catamaran Charter Feels More Like Your Boat Than a Tour
If your Santorini trip is mostly cliffs, crowds, and calendars, a multi-day catamaran charter changes the whole tempo. Instead of racing between viewpoints, you get real water time. You’re living on the Aegean with your own route, not a fixed checklist.
What I like most is the built-in balance: you get professional guidance (skipper) plus hands-on hospitality (hostess). That matters on sailing days, because you want someone watching the boat while you’re actually looking at the sea. Another big win is overnighting. The idea of sleeping on the water, rolling into the next day without packing and hauling luggage, is one of the best upgrades you can buy in the Greek islands.
The tradeoff is simple. This charter is custom, but it still depends on weather. And you should treat it as a sailing experience first, with meals and drinks planned separately unless your specific arrangement includes them.
Your Route Gets to Be Personal, Not Pre-Set

The promise here is straightforward: with your own personalized sailing route, you can sail to destinations of your choice. The charter also mentions you can start or finish in Santorini or another Greek island, depending on your plan and what’s confirmed.
In practice, this is where you get value. A standard day trip gives you a few swim stops and a couple of photo moments. This gives you time to match the sea to your mood:
- Want quiet coves with fewer people? Build more time around smaller stops.
- Want a mix of famous sights and hidden-feeling beaches? Use the flexibility of a multi-day schedule.
- Prefer a slower pace with longer swims? You can design days that aren’t about “making the next dock.”
One note from the real-world patterns you’ll see in sailing stories: the crew reputation is strongly tied to how the day is run, not just where it goes. Names that come up often include Peter (linked to Oia), Captain Vasia with Irene, Faiz, and Eleni, and Captain Alex with Endri and Mimosa. You’re not guaranteed the exact crew, but it’s a good sign that hospitality and local sailing knowledge are repeatedly part of the experience.
Boarding at 3:00 pm: What the Start Time Means for Your Day

This experience starts at 3:00 pm. That late afternoon timing can be a gift in Santorini, because you’re not rushing across the island in the hottest hours. It also means you’ll likely spend your first part of the trip getting settled on board, meeting the skipper and hostess, and starting the sailing rhythm before night falls.
The charter also says pick-up can be arranged from any port you’re already using. That matters if your itinerary includes another Greek island before Santorini. You don’t want to add a stressful “get back to the original dock” chore to a vacation day.
Since your route is flexible, you’ll want to communicate clearly. Decide what you care about most before you board: swimming time, number of stops, or the balance between moving and staying put.
Living Afloat: Lagoon Catamaran Comfort and How Catamaran Space Works

The boat is described as a Lagoon Catamaran, and you’ll be on it for about 7 days. A catamaran’s best advantage is space. Even if you’re sailing with a group of up to 10, the deck layout usually gives you places to spread out rather than everyone staring at the same spot.
What’s included helps you feel at home:
- Cabins with private bathrooms
- Linens and towels (one pair per week)
- Snorkeling and safety equipment
- A dinghy with an outboard motor, plus the first tank of fuel
Catamaran living also changes how you experience the water. Instead of using the sea as a viewpoint, you use it as an activity space. When the boat is stable and you have multiple chances to jump in and snorkel, the trip feels less like sightseeing and more like a vacation at a real pace.
WiFi: Plan for a Slow-Break Lifestyle
WiFi on board is not included. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it changes expectations. If you need constant internet for work or navigation apps, plan to download things ahead of time and be ready to go offline for real.
Cabins and Private Bathrooms: A Big Deal for a Group Charter

For a charter, the sleeping setup is often the make-or-break point. Here, the listing calls out accommodation inside the cabins with 4 private bathrooms. In plain terms: you’re less likely to fight over shower time or bathroom access during a multi-day trip.
This setup matters even more because you’re on a sailing schedule. When you’re moving between islands (and sometimes taking dinghy trips), people get tired. Having private bathroom access right in the cabin zone keeps everyone comfortable and helps the boat feel like lodging, not just transportation.
One more practical benefit: the trip includes one pair of linen and towels for a week. Bring a swimsuit you love, and you’ll feel ready for water time without needing extra packing.
Stop-by-Stop: How Each Sailing Day Can Play Out

Because this is custom routing, the exact islands can change. Still, your week follows a clear structure: departure day, multiple island-hop days, and a return day.
Day 1: Depart Santorini (or Another Island) and Get Settled
You’ll set sail from Santorini or another Greek island (starting elsewhere may cost extra). This first day is about getting your bearings on the boat and starting the sailing rhythm. Even if you’re not sure where the day will end up, you can expect time for the first big views and a chance to get in the water with the snorkeling equipment.
The main drawback on departure day is that you’ll probably feel the “vacation shift” happening slower than you want. That’s normal. You’re setting up life aboard first, then exploring.
Days 2 to 6: Island Hopping Days Built for Sea Time
These days are where the charter really earns its keep. You’re visiting Greek islands across multiple days, so you’re not spending every hour in transit. You can build in downtime, swap plans if conditions feel better one day than another, and spend time where the day feels right.
This is also where onboard teamwork shows. A good skipper helps you time the sailing and keep the day comfortable. A good hostess helps the group stay relaxed. In sailing stories tied to this style of charter, you see strong mentions of crews being attentive and fun, with names like Nikolas, Nick, Nadia, George, Danai, Dimitri, Helena, Halamin, Ziko, and Erico showing up across different boats and captains.
One planning thought: meals and drinks are not listed as included. Yet some sailing reports describe food on board, including BBQ or dinner-style moments. The safest move is to confirm what your exact package includes for meals and drinks before you assume. Either way, you’ll be in charge of your own food timing more than a typical guided day tour.
Day 7: Return to Santorini (or Finish Elsewhere)
The experience ends back in Santorini or another Greek island, with return location details depending on your plan. The big advantage of a multi-day charter is that you can end where it’s easiest for your next booking. No need to reverse-engineer travel just because the water part ends.
The only downside: ending in a different location means you’ll want your next day’s plans ready. If you’re catching a ferry or flight, give yourself buffer time.
Skipper and Hostess Service: Why This Charter Wins on Ease

This is a charter, not a “good luck, good steering” situation. The skipper and hostess are included, and that’s not a small detail. On a sailing day, small decisions pile up: timing, comfort on deck, safety checks, dinghy handling, and knowing where water access is practical.
In the stories tied to this cruise style, people consistently highlight crew energy and attentiveness. Names you’ll see associated with great days include:
- Peter (Oia)
- Captain Vasia with Irene, Faiz, and Eleni
- Captain Paulo with Mimosa and Reno
- Captain Alex with Endri and Mimosa
- Captain Pavlos with Klara, Faiz, and Christos
- Captain Markus with Clara and Alamin
- Captain Stravos with Mimosa and Borgon
- Eddie and Kalli (called out on a charter experience)
Again, you can’t count on any one group of staff, but these recurring names are a clue: the operator tends to staff these boats with people who engage. That makes a difference when you want more than just navigation.
Snorkeling, Safety Gear, and Dinghy Access: The Parts That Change Your Photos

If you only do the view-from-the-deck version of sailing, you’ll still have a great time. But snorkeling equipment is included, and that’s a higher-impact upgrade. It means you can plan to swim, snorkel, and take breaks in the water as the day evolves.
Safety equipment is included too, which helps you feel comfortable when you’re jumping in. You’ll also have access to a dinghy with an outboard motor, including the first tank of fuel. That dinghy option matters for reaching stops where the main boat can’t simply park close enough.
Practical reality: wind and sea state affect swimming time. Some days you might get more water access than others. If you’re going for a swim-heavy week, schedule flexibility and bring a windbreaker.
Price and Value: What $8,558.73 Covers, and What Might Cost Extra
The price listed is $8,558.73 per group, up to 10 people. That can sound steep until you break down what you’re getting:
- A private charter setup for your group
- Skipper and hostess included
- Cabin lodging with private bathrooms
- Weeklong linens and towels
- Snorkeling and safety gear
- Dinghy with motor and initial fuel
Now for the important part: not everything is included. The listing calls out:
- Fuel surcharge
- Marina taxes
- All meals and drinks
- WiFi on board (not included)
- A security deposit paid in person, with amounts that depend on boat length
So the real value equation is group math plus personal style. If you split the cost across a full group, you’re paying for a tailored, multi-day sailing lifestyle. If your group is smaller, the per-person number rises. And if you like beach-hopping food with lots of included meals, you’ll need to plan spending because meals and drinks are not listed in the included section.
Security deposit: Know the range before you get surprised
The security deposit amounts listed are:
- 42 ft and 45 ft: €1,750
- 46 ft: €2,000
It’s refunded upon inspection at check out.
That’s not “bad,” but it is money you should have ready.
What to Pack for a Santorini Catamaran Charter Week
The charter specifically asks you to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Windbreaker
That’s solid advice. Sailing weather changes quickly, and the Aegean sun can bite even when it feels cool on deck. I also recommend you bring:
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch (so you can snorkel without stress)
- Basic reef-safe sunscreen if you care about the water
- A small towel or cover-up for transitions (even though towels are provided)
Because WiFi isn’t included, download your maps and plans before boarding.
Who This Charter Is Best For
This is ideal if you want:
- A private sailing experience with a custom route
- Overnight comfort (cabins with private bathrooms)
- Real sea time, including snorkeling and dinghy access
- A group that values time on the water more than constant land excursions
It also fits well for friend groups and adult couples who want privacy. Most travelers can participate, and the trip is private for your group only.
One rule to keep in mind: there’s a minimum age of 18 years to consume alcohol.
Should You Book This Santorini Catamaran Charter?
Book it if you’re serious about getting real value from your time in the Cyclades. A week aboard with a skipper and hostess, plus private bathrooms and snorkeling gear, is the kind of upgrade that turns Santorini from a stopover into a full experience.
Skip it or rethink if your budget depends on meals being fully handled, or if you want a tight schedule with guaranteed swim and dock time. The route is flexible, but sailing always comes with weather reality. If you’re the type who needs reliable on-board internet, remember WiFi isn’t included.
If you can organize your group and plan meals the way you like, this is a strong way to start or end your Greek island trip with your own pace on the water.
FAQ
What kind of tour is this?
It’s a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
How many people can this charter include?
The price is per group for up to 10 people.
Where does the cruise start and end?
It can start or finish in Santorini or another Greek island. The start time is 3:00 pm, and it ends in a different location based on your plan.
Can I choose where the catamaran sails?
Yes. The cruise is described as having a personalized sailing route to destinations you choose.
What’s included in the price?
Included: skipper and hostess; accommodation inside the cabins with private bathrooms (4 private bathrooms); one pair of linen & towels for a week; snorkeling and safety equipment; a dinghy boat with outboard motor including first tank fuel.
Are meals and drinks included?
No. All meals and drinks are listed as not included.
Is WiFi available on board?
No. WiFi on board is listed as not included.
Are fuel and marina costs included?
No. Fuel surcharge and marina taxes are not included.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes. A security deposit is required in person, with amounts listed by boat size (€1,750 for 42 ft and 45 ft, €2,000 for 46 ft). It’s refunded upon inspection at check out.
What happens if weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.



