Boat Trips and Cruises in Santorini

Santorini is a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking views, beautiful beaches and rich history. This is an account of the best boat tours to get to know it.
Boat Trips and Cruises in Santorini

Other popular activities in Santorini

More about: Boat Trips and Cruises in Santorini

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this island is by taking a boat tour along its shores. During the boat ride, you will be able to admire the small caldera islands and their famous beaches such as Red Beach and White Beach.

This tour will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the views of the island's cliffs rising from the Aegean Sea. In addition, during the boat tour you will be able to explore the island' s beautiful caves and unique rock formations. Without a doubt, participating in one of these tours is one of the best things to see and do in Santorini.

1. Catamaran cruise, winery and combined sunset tour in Oia

Santorini Cruise| ©Neil
Santorini Cruise| ©Neil

This cruise experience starts with pick-up at your hotel to go straight to five hours of fun touring the stunning Caldera on a luxury catamaran yacht. You will sail to the volcanic islands of Santorini for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear blue waters.

During the trip you will also have the opportunity to visit the volcanic beaches, including the famous hot springs and the Red and White beaches. In addition, the crew will prepare a delicious barbecue served family style and paired with unlimited Santorini white wine and soft drinks. Back at the port, you will board the bus to begin your coastal exploration of the island.

You will stop at the Venetsanos Winery, to enjoy a tasting of 3 characteristic wines while gazing at the volcano. Then you will go to the Wine Museum in Mesa Gonia to taste the volcanic white wines and desert wine, unique to the island. The last stop of this tour will be in Oia, one of the most spectacular places to watch the sunset.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 200 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you about 10 hours to complete the tour.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by catamaran and tourist bus.
  • Advantages of this option: Transfers to and from the hotel or accommodation are included. Meals are included. Vegetarian option is available. Drinks are included. Snorkeling equipment is included. You will have access to wifi Wi-Fi.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Dinner is not included. Tips are not included.

Take one of the best boat trips in Santorini

2. Catamaran cruise with lunch and open bar in Santorini

Catamaran| ©Jon-Eric Melsæter
Catamaran| ©Jon-Eric Melsæter

On this tour you will enjoy an unforgettable tour of Santorini sailing aboard a spacious and luxurious catamaran through the crystal clear waters of the island. The tour will start with the pick up from your hotel or accommodation place for a short minibus ride to the marina of Vlychada, where you will board the catamaran.

Your guide will tell you everything you need to know about the history and geology of Santorini. In addition, in the middle of the experience you will enjoy unlimited white wine and a barbecue prepared on board. You will snorkel in the waters of Santorini's caldera, then you will go to the Red Beach, the White Beach and the Indian Rock, only accessible by boat.

You will also visit the 18th century Venetian lighthouse of Akrotiri before continuing your tour to the famous caldera volcano to enjoy bathing in the sulfur-rich hot springs. The last stop on this trip will be at the waters of Mesa Pigadia, where you can swim and snorkel.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will pay around 115 euros per person to enjoy this experience.
  • Duration: It will take you about 5 hours to complete the trip.
  • Means of transportation: The whole tour is completed by boat.
  • Advantages of this option: Pick-up and drop-off service to the hotel or accommodation is included. You will be accompanied by a tour guide. Snacks and lunch or dinner are included. You will be offered unlimited white wine, soft drinks and bottles of water. Use of snorkeling equipment is included. On board restrooms are available. Life jackets, towels and blankets are also provided.
  • Disadvantages of this option: It is not a wheelchair friendly tour. Tips are not included. Personal expenses are not included.

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3. Cruise around the volcanic islands and hot springs in Santorini

Palea Kameni island| ©Gaz n Nic
Palea Kameni island| ©Gaz n Nic

For this tour you will have the opportunity to have an exciting boat adventure from the port of Athinios and discover a world of wonders in the small islands nearby. You will visit volcanoes, hot springs and traditional villages while enjoying beautiful views and an enchanting atmosphere in the Greek countryside.

During the journey, you will have an audio guide where you will learn about some of the history and culture of the region, while traveling to Nea Kameni. This activity is one to include in your travel itinerary if you go to Santorini in September, when it is summer and you can swim at the beaches.

You will also have free time to explore the island and walk the path to the crater of the active volcano. Then you can spend some time at the hot springs of Palea Kameni before continuing on to Therasia. You can even visit the village of Manolas, which is ascended by winding stairs or donkey.

Details of interest

  • Price: You'll pay about €30 per person to enjoy this tour.
  • Duration: The experience lasts between 3 and 10 hours, due to the fact that you can opt for a half-day or full-day tour, depending on your time and what you want to explore.
  • Means of transportation: The entire tour is completed by boat.
  • Advantages of this option: You will be provided with a round trip bus transfer from the pick up point closest to your hotel. You will listen to an audio guide on board. Stops at the volcano, hot springs and Thirassia Island are included. You will be able to spend some free time and watch the sunset in Oia. You will be accompanied by a local guide.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Lunch is not included. Drinks are not included. The entrance fee to the volcano is not included. Personal expenses are not included.

4. Private one day cruise on Santorini

From the cruise ship| ©Peter Roos
From the cruise ship| ©Peter Roos

This morning sailing adventure will begin in the picturesque settlement of Oia, in the port of Ammoudi. You will go straight to the volcanic archipelago, from where you can get a close-up view of the islet of Thirassia, and later enjoy a great swim on its shores. After this experience you can continue sailing to the volcanic islands and hot springs, which are great places to snorkel or swim while connecting with nature.

One of the things you will love most about the trip is admiring the iconic Caldera coastline, the Black Indian Rock and the island's moon-like beaches. Black Mountain Beach, White Beach and Red Beach are three incredible places you won't miss on this tour either. At the latter you will enjoy a lunch with dessert and wine. The last stop of this cruise is at Vlychada Beach.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay just over 1,000 euros for groups of up to 6 people.
  • Duration: The whole tour lasts about 5 hours, approximately.
  • Means of transport: The trip is completed by boat and private bus.
  • Advantages of this option: Pick up and return to your accommodation by minibus is included. You will be offered a map of the island with information about Santorini. You will have access to an open bar with Greek wine, beer and soft drinks. You will be offered traditional Greek food and barbecue. Vegetarian option is available. Use of swimming and snorkeling equipment is included. Jackets and towels are also included. Free Wi-Fi is available on board.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Extra expenses are not included. Personal expenses are not included either.

5. Volcanic sunset cruise in Santorini

Boats| ©Mike Rogers
Boats| ©Mike Rogers

This tour departs from the port of Athinios on a local caique, which is a traditional wooden boat made by skilled craftsmen. This cruise offers you two options, the first is to take a sunset cruise, stop at the volcano and hot springs and then have dinner on board, while the second option is to take a sunset cruise, stop at the Santorini hot springs and then at Thirassia island to enjoy dinner at Captain John's Tavern with complimentary white wine, soft drinks and water.

After sunset you might have the chance to go to the Volcano Fireworks Eruption Party, whose spectacle is incredible because the fireworks can reach up to 90 miles high, creating a unique combination of light, sound and color that turns night into day. Although this is not a frequently occurring event, you may be lucky enough to catch the show.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 120 euros per person to enjoy this experience.
  • Duration: It will take you four to eight hours to complete the tour.
  • Means of transportation: The whole trip is completed by boat.
  • Advantages of this option: You are offered a glass of white wine. Snacks and dinner are also included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Additional drinks are not included, although they are available for purchase.

6. Traditional fishing excursion and lunch of fresh fish in Santorini

Fish in Santorini| ©Jan Smets
Fish in Santorini| ©Jan Smets

This very interesting and fun experience starts with a pick-up from your hotel or accommodation site, by luxury minivan, to get to the port and board a traditional wooden fishing boat in the company of a tour guide. While sailing you will have the opportunity to learn different fishing techniques from the crew, while the guides try to catch shrimp and octopus.

After this fishing experience, you will stay near the Red, White and Black Beaches, which are some of the best fishing areas on the island. There, you will receive the necessary equipment for fishing, including rods, hooks, lures and fresh bait, and your guide will give you a demonstration on how to fish on your own. At that time you will also enjoy local drinks and food.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will pay about 160 euros per person to enjoy this experience.
  • Duration: It will take you about 5 hours to complete the trip.
  • Means of transportation: The whole trip is done by traditional wooden fishing boat.
  • Advantages of this option: Pick up and drop off at the hotel or lodging site is included. Fresh fish meal, snacks, drinks and soft drinks on board are included. First aid kit, fishing equipment and snorkeling masks are provided, as well as towels.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Extra snacks are not included. Pets and drones are not allowed.

Take one of the best tours in Santorini

7. Luxury morning cruise from Oia town in Santorini

On a cruise| ©Mike Rogers
On a cruise| ©Mike Rogers

After your guide picks you up at your hotel or accommodation site, you will go straight to the northern tip of the island, in Ammoudi bay, under the cliffs of Oia town. There you will board a catamaran yacht and sail towards the south coast of Santorini, stopping at the beautiful Red and White Beaches for swimming and snorkeling in their crystal clear waters.

Your sailing experience continues through the Santorini Caldera, the island's flooded volcanic crater. You will admire the scenery of the Santorini Lagoon and the volcanic islands, where you can bathe in the warm thermal springs. Later, in a secluded bay of the Santorini Lagoon, you will go for a swim while the crew prepares a delicious Greek meal served family style.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will pay about 206 euros to live the experience.
  • Duration: The whole trip takes about 5 hours.
  • Means of transportation: The trip is completed by catamaran yacht.
  • Advantages of this option: Pick up and drop off at the hotel is included. You will be accompanied by a professional Greek skipper and crew. Free drinks are offered. Snorkeling equipment and beach towels are provided. Includes a full meal.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Extra consumption and gratuities are not included.

8. One day boat trip to visit the volcano of Santorini, Therasia and Oia

By boat to Therasia| ©Gareth Fabbro
By boat to Therasia| ©Gareth Fabbro

This exciting boat trip is one of the best things to see and do in May in Santorini, considering that it is summer season. You will travel around the beautiful Greek islands of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, and Therasia. To start the tour you will depart from the port of Athinios, which you will reach by bus from your hotel.

Once on board, you will first go to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni to walk along an intricate path to the crater of an active volcano. Then you will go to see the island of Palea Kameni, where you can swim in sulfurous thermal baths or relax in the green waters. The third place to see will be the island of Therasia, which used to be attached to Santorini before a volcanic eruption, there you will swim at the beach and explore the ancient village of Manola.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 62 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you about 9 hours to complete the trip.
  • Means of transportation: The whole tour is done by boat and bus.
  • Advantages of this option: Round-trip transportation to and from the hotel or accommodation site is included. You will be accompanied by a tour guide on the boat.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Entrance to the volcano is not included. Lunch at Therasia is not included.

9. Two day volcano cruise and bus excursion

Akrotiri| ©Curtis Gregory Perry
Akrotiri| ©Curtis Gregory Perry

In this experience you will have the opportunity to explore the volcanic island of Santorini with this exciting cruise to the three caldera islands. First you will go to Nea Kameni and then you will go to Palea Kameni, another lava island where you will immerse yourself in its warm and therapeutic green sulfurous waters.

On the second day, you will have a tour around the whole island in a comfortable tour bus. On this tour you will visit Akrotiri, an important archaeological site in the region. You will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque village of Emborio and enjoy the beach of Perissa. During the trip you will taste the local wine in a famous winery in the area. At the end of the day you will enjoy the sunset in the village of Oia.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 95 euros per person.
  • Duration: The whole tour takes about two days to complete.
  • Means of transport: You can do the whole tour by boat and bus.
  • Advantages of this option: Both excursions are included in two consecutive days. Pick up and return transfer to a place near your hotel or accommodation is included. You will have a guided tour and commentary in several languages.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Entrance to the volcano and to the Akrotiri site is not included. Lunch and dinner are not included. Personal expenses are not included.

10. Private boat excursion with snorkeling, sea caves and hot springs

Snorkeling| ©Lina Jackute
Snorkeling| ©Lina Jackute

This experience is a good opportunity to enjoy Santorini in a private trip and away from the conventional tourist sites. You will go sailing along the south coast in a luxury speedboat, with the company of a local captain who will tell you everything you want to know about the trip. In addition, the entire tour is private, which means that only you and your group participate.

Your trip will start at Perivolos beach, where you will board the boat to go straight to visit the famous Red Beach, known for its characteristic rocky and reddish landscape. Then you will continue sailing along the coast along Akrotiri to the so-called Black Mountain. Here you can enjoy the crystal clear waters, swimming and snorkeling. At the end you can visit the active volcano to bathe in sulfur-rich hot springs.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 485 euros per group of up to 4 people.
  • Duration: The experience lasts about 2 hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is done by boat.
  • Advantages of this option: You will be accompanied by an experienced local skipper. You will be provided with safety equipment and snorkeling gear. You will be offered dry bags to store personal belongings, towels, sunscreen and water. There will also be music throughout the trip.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Pick up or transfer to the hotel or lodging site is not included. Not suitable for pregnant women or people in wheelchairs.

What will I see on this type of Santorini boat trip?

Walking and snorkeling| ©ranjanili
Walking and snorkeling| ©ranjanili

On Santorini boat tours, you will enjoy breathtaking and unique views of the island from the sea. You will be able to admire the beauty of Santorini's caldera, and you will be able to contemplate its cliffs and beaches from a different and charming perspective.

In addition, many of these tours often include meals and drinks, and some have tour guides who will explain the history and landscapes you are discovering, which adds a unique and educational value to your experience.

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 8821 Reviews
  • J
    J. A.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I went with my partner on this catamaran cruise around Santorini and it was amazing, the sunsets were out of this world! Highly recommended if you are looking for romance and adventure.
  • Y
    Y. A.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I had an amazing experience sailing around Santorini, enjoying spectacular views and a dreamlike sunset.
  • E
    E. O.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved this boat trip; it was an unforgettable experience. I saw beautiful scenery and swam in crystal clear water, something I had always wanted to do.
  • E
    E. G.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The catamaran cruise around Santorini was the best, beautiful scenery, highly recommended, don't miss it!
  • I
    I.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    This Santorini caldera cruise on the traditional sailboat 'caique' was one of the best experiences during our trip. I highly recommend this adventure at sea.