Sail around the Santorini caldera on a private boat with onboard wine tasting featuring indigenous Assyrtiko and Nykteri wines paired with local fava bean dip, Santorini cherry tomatoes, and fresh seafood mezze.
The Santorini Wine and Food Sea Experience takes guests out onto the Aegean aboard a private boat for a four-hour sailing and tasting journey around the island's iconic caldera. The route follows the interior of the submerged volcanic crater, passing the sheer clifftops of Oia and Fira and offering close views of the Nea Kameni volcanic islet before the vessel anchors at a sheltered bay accessible only by sea. The caldera setting — enclosed, dramatically steep, and cut off from the open Aegean — produces calm waters ideal for a leisurely sail paired with food and wine. Onboard, a curated selection of Santorini's indigenous wines forms the centrepiece of the tasting component. Three wine varieties are presented, led by Assyrtiko — the island's flagship white grape, cultivated in ancient basket-shaped vines trained low to shield the fruit from the strong summer meltemi winds. These low-yield vines, some of which are several centuries old, draw minerals from the volcanic pumice soil and produce wines with exceptional acidity, a pronounced saline and citrus character, and a finish that is difficult to replicate in other terroirs. Nykteri, a barrel-aged Assyrtiko variant that was historically vinified overnight to preserve freshness in summer heat, is typically included as a second white, alongside a further selection at the operator's discretion. A guide presents the wines in context and explains the island's unique viticulture. The wine pours are matched with a full mezze spread showcasing Santorini's most celebrated ingredients: PDO-designated cherry tomatoes with their concentrated sweetness and thick skin; sun-dried capers sourced from the island's clifftop caper bushes; white fava bean puree — made from a yellow split pea grown on volcanic soil for centuries — topped with olive oil, lemon, and herbs; and a selection of fresh seafood mezze sourced from local waters. The €90 per person price covers all wine and food consumed on board. An optional sunset-timed departure is available for afternoon slots. A swimming stop at a sheltered caldera location is included, and life jackets are available for non-swimmers. The boat-based format is not suited to guests with significant mobility limitations or difficulty boarding small vessels. Guests prone to seasickness are advised to check conditions before departure; caldera waters are generally sheltered but can be choppy in strong northerly winds.
What is included
- 3 wine varieties, full mezze spread, sunset timing option, swimming stop
Highlights
- Sail around the Santorini caldera past the cliffs of Oia and the Nea Kameni volcanic islet
- Taste Assyrtiko and Nykteri wines paired with PDO cherry tomatoes, island fava puree, capers, and fresh seafood mezze
- Swim from the boat at a sheltered caldera bay accessible only by sea
- Learn about Santorini's unique volcanic viticulture — basket-trained vines, pumice soil, and indigenous grape varieties
- Optional sunset-timed afternoon departure for golden-hour caldera views during the tasting
Tips for visiting
- Book the late-afternoon departure for the sunset view over the caldera — this slot typically sells out faster than morning options
- Bring sun protection as deck shade is limited, especially during midday sailings in summer
- Guests prone to seasickness should check weather conditions before departure; caldera waters are usually calm but vary in strong northerly winds
- Bring swimwear and a small towel for the swimming stop even if swimming is not planned — the location is accessible only by boat
- The fava and cherry tomato mezze are naturally allergen-friendly; confirm specific dietary needs when booking
Frequently asked questions
What is Assyrtiko and why is it unique to Santorini?
Assyrtiko is an indigenous white grape variety grown in basket-shaped vines trained low to protect the fruit from Aegean winds. The island's volcanic pumice soil produces wines with high acidity, pronounced mineral intensity, and a distinctive saline character that is difficult to replicate in other terroirs.
Is the swimming stop mandatory?
No. The swimming stop is optional and non-swimmers can remain on deck. Life jackets are available on board. All wine and food tastings take place regardless of whether guests choose to swim.
How many people are on the boat?
This is described as a private boat experience. Exact vessel capacity varies by operator; confirm at booking whether the experience is fully private or whether shared departures are available at the same price.
Is food included for guests who do not drink alcohol?
Yes. The full mezze spread is included for all guests. Non-alcoholic alternatives can be requested at the time of booking.
What happens if weather cancels the sailing?
Operators typically offer a full reschedule or refund if a departure is cancelled due to unsafe sea conditions. Confirm the specific cancellation and rebooking policy at the time of reservation.