Santorini Boat Tours

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Boat Tours of the Santorini Caldera & Volcano

• A boat tour around the caldera is one of my absolute favourite activities in Santorini. An unforgettable experience that should not be missed!
• There is no need to worry excessively about which specific tour is booked – they are all high-quality. The main priority should be reserving something in advance prior to dates to avoid potential sell outs.
• The chief differences between day tours and sunset tours involve the timings rather than substantial distinctions in activities. A day tour/cruise commonly runs from 9 or 10 am until 3 pm, incorporates a served lunch, and allocates plentiful time for swimming. Meanwhile, a sunset tour/cruise typically proceeds from around 3 pm until 8 or 9 pm, offers a dinner serving, schedules slightly less swimming compared to the day option, and characteristically concludes by sailing under the cliffsides of Oia to watch the dusk sky.
• Would you prefer a private boat tour or a small group tour? To be honest, I definitely favor the private option. You get more input on where to go, how long to spend at different spots, what music to listen to, and sometimes where you get dropped off at the end. Yes, private tours are more costly but I`d be surprised if anyone regretted the money they spent once they`re on the boat.
• The description mentions, “all you can eat and drink”, is that truly the case? Yes, but with some variations between tours. The private tours deliver the beverages before departing the harbor. The less expensive tours hold off for a short time until reaching the first destination and allowing for a swim, which might be an hour or two, but after that point, it’s an open bar.
• Boat tours are the only way to reach the volcano. Individual access to the volcano is not permitted without an organized (private or group) tour.
• The Jet Ski Tour Around The Volcano is amazing.
• All boat excursions provide impressive views of the caldera cliffs.
• Transportation options incorporate: hiking the volcano; swimming in the hot springs (you can constantly stay on the boat if you wish); visiting Thirassia and exploring its towns; stopping at Red Beach and White Beach to swim and snorkel; eating lunch or dinner on board, and watching the sunset underneath Oia.
• GetYourGuide.com is the best way to book tours in Santorini found at this link. If you ever need to cancel it’s usually much easier if you’ve booked through Get Your Guide.

The 8 Best Boat Tours in Santorini

All boat excursions below provide meals onboard and hotel pick-up and drop-off (something that doesn’t seem important when booking but makes the day much easier and less stressful when the time arrives). Likewise, all tours enter the caldera, sail to or near the volcano, and offer extensive swimming and snorkeling. The quality of food on the excursions ranges from surprisingly good to great. And the boats are very generous with alcoholic beverages – after each tour, I ask myself how they make a profit when they’re so lavish with the food and drinks.

1. Small Group Catamaran Cruise

Sunset Excursion (2:45pm departure) or Daytime Excursion (9:45am departure). Amazing tour around the volcano, viewing the cliffs of the caldera from above. You stop at several beaches for swimming and snorkeling, then bathe in the hot springs near the volcano, enjoy a huge lunch or dinner, and ultimately watch the sunset from below Oia (for the sunset tour). Lots of fun! If this tour is fully booked then try the Caldera Cruise or Santorini Sunset Voyage).

2. Private Catamaran Cruise

A luxurious private sailing around Santorini`s breathtaking caldera promises an unforgettable experience immersed in Greek splendor. Gourmet cuisine and flexibility to explore iconic sites make this an splendid choice for honeymooners, small groups or families. Departing at 10:30am daily for a leisurely 5-hour tour, or 3:30pm for sunset, guests receive the utmost in pampering. If unavailable, try the Private Sunset Cruise.

3. Santorini Day Cruise

This enjoyable one-day excursion offers wholesome cuisine and personable crew. Guests are frequently asked if they wish for an additional beverage whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic roughly every five minutes. However, the focus lies more upon swimming, snorkeling appreication of marine life rather than imbibing. Spending time exploring different beaches and natural hot springs sites along with panoramic views of the caldera from the catamaran. Having experienced this boat tour last summer season, it proved to be a truly memorable outing

4. Private Cruise on a Motor Yacht

Sailing around the caldera of Santorini aboard a private motor yacht allows for exceptional views and flexibility to fully explore the unique volcanic geography from varying perspectives. Unlike catamaran tours that focus on large groups, the experience on smaller motor vessels feels more individuated, prioritizing opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, sampling local cuisine, and enjoying refreshments at one`s leisure amid the dramatic rocky landscapes and hilltop villages above.

5. Volcano Boat Tour

Presenting a comparatively budget-friendly boat excursion yet retaining recreational aspects, this tour assembles a larger group aboard a vessel to observe the volcano, sample hot springs, and call upon Thirassia island – while foregoing coastlines or open seas beyond the caldera rim and missing dusk`s natural show. It represents the most cost-effective marine sightseeing of the landmark.

6. Santorini Fishing Tour

This is very well done and lots of fun. around the Santorini waters on a local fishing boat. seafood lunch or dinner served on board (eat what you catch and empty from the nets). The daytime is best for families and serious fishermen. The sunset is best for.

7. Santorini Jet Ski Tour

Not a boat journey, but exceptionally enjoyable. We`ve participated in a couple of these tours (usually a small group of 2 to 4 people) to the volcano and they rank amongst some of the most thrilling activities we`ve ever experienced. (That`s my son depicted in the photograph, 14 years old at that time.) The perspective obtained as you travel through the caldera is awe-inspiring. A watercraft accompanies the tour and is available for any emergencies or if the water becomes too rough for novice riders. The South Coast Tour is fun, but to view the volcano and caldera (which I recommend) you need to participate in the Volcano Tour or Extreme Volcano Tour. I would be surprised if anyone completed this tour without exclaiming, that was amazing!!!

8. Sea Kayaking Excursion

A relaxed way to tour the scenic coastline of Santorini Island. The Morning Tour and Evening Tour focus on exploring the southern shore, while the Round The Lighthouse Tour ventures into the caldera with breathtaking views of the cliffsides.

Map of Santorini Boat Tours

Santorini Boat Tours – Photos

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