Santorini Boat Trips: The 7 Best Santorini Boat Tours + Tips

You’re looking for the best Santorini boat trips?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you find the Santorini day cruise of your dreams, I have selected for you the 7 best boat tours departing from the most famous Greek island.

Whether you want to take a boat trip to the volcano of Santorini, a Santorini Catamaran tour, or do a sunset boat trip (private or not!), you will find here the excursion that suits your desires and your budget.

So, what are the best Santorini boat tours?

Let’s find out!

Book your boat trip in Santorini

If you only want to book a boat trip in Santorini at the best price, without reading the article (I advise you to read it all anyway to be better informed), here is the summary of the best boat trips.

Just click on the ticket names to buy them:

Boat tours	Description	Price (from)
Volcano cruise	Stop at the volcano + Hot springs + Thirassia	28€
Volcan cruise with diner	Stop at the volcano + Hot springs + lunch	95€
Catamaran cruise	Swimming stop: Hot springs + Red & White Beach + Barbecue	83€
Luxury small group catamaran cruise	Swimming stop: Hot springs + Red & White Beach + lunch or diner In small group GetYourGuide Originals = Satisfied or refunded	145€
Private catamaran cruise	Personalized itinerary + lunch Max 4 people	990€ per group
Sunset fishing trip	Fishing + snorkeling + fresh fish diner	110€
Rent a boat	1 day motorboat rental Max 6 people	400€ per group

Boat trip to the volcano in Santorini

We start with the most popular boat trip in Santorini: the one that takes you on a one-day cruise in the caldera volcanic islands.

For this boat trip from Santorini, you can either go directly to the old port of Fira or opt for a pick-up near your hotel. All the options are explained in detail when you make the reservation.

As per the programme, you will first land on the island of Nea Kamini which has a volcano that is still active. After a short walk, you will reach the top of the crater.

The second stop of the cruise will allow you to swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni.

And the last stop of the day is on the island of Thirassia, located just opposite Santorini, where you can admire the beautiful views.

The fare starts at €28 if you go to the port by yourself, and goes up to €40 with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. For an additional €5 (€45 in total), after the cruise, you will also have the option to be taken to the village of Oia to watch the sunset.

During the boat ride around Santorini, you will also avail of audio commentary in English.

This trip to the volcano in Santorini is truly the most popular. It is necessary to book it in advance using the green button below:

Trip to the volcano with dinner cruise in Santorini

The boat trip to the volcano in Santorini that I’ve just told you about also has a version with the meal.

Here, you can climb the volcano and swim in the warm water of Palea Kameni.

In place of the free time on Thirassia (which the first outing proposes), you will enjoy a good meal served on the boat, accompanied by a small glass of wine.

And as a bonus, you can also admire the sunset on the island of Santorini. A magnificent spectacle renowned throughout the world!

To book this boat trip with meal in Santorini, just click on the following button:

Catamaran trip in Santorini

Another idea for a really nice boat trip when travelling in Greece: a catamaran trip in Santorini.

This 5-hour cruise allows you to discover a good part of the island‘s coasts and to swim in 3 different places: the hot springs, the Red Beach (one of Santorini’s best known beaches for its ochre sand of volcanic origin) and the White Beach, accessible only by the sea.

Whether you choose the morning or evening cruise in the caldera, you will enjoy a barbecue lunch or dinner with drinks (wine, ouzo, non-alcoholic beverages).

The price also includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel as well as the availability of snorkelling equipment. Perfect for spending a great day swimming in the most beautiful places on the island!

To book this catamaran trip from Santorini, use the green button below:

Luxury catamaran cruise in Santorini for a small group

It is also possible to take this catamaran trip from Santorini with a VIP option.

If you opt for this trip, you will spend the day on a luxury catamaran that can accommodate a maximum of fifteen people.

This is a great advantage considering that the standard boats offering a volcano trip are usually full.

This luxury cruise in a small group in Santorini allows you to dive into the hot water springs as well as to discover 2 of the most beautiful bathing and snorkelling sites on the island: the Red Beach and the sea caves of the White Beach.

And that’s not all! You can enjoy an excellent and copious meal comprising grilled foods, shellfish, Greek salad and other local dishes.

And I haven’t told you the most important thing yet: this boat trip is certified GetYourGuide Originals, which means that it is so good that the quality of the service is guaranteed. It’s simple: this boat trip in Santorini is the only one to be “satisfied or reimbursed!”

This is for me the best catamaran trip in Santorini!

Here is everything included in the price:

• Pick-up from and drop off at the hotel
• Cruise on a luxury catamaran in small group (max. 15 to 20 persons)
• Meals + drinks included
• Snorkelling equipment / Towels / Windscreen are provided
• Wifi / Toilet / Shower on board.

As there are limited seats, it is essential to book this luxury boat trip in Santorini in advance using the green button below:

Private catamaran cruise in Santorini

Do you not want to mix with other people and would rather prefer to go on a romantic or friends‘ outing?

Well, I then advise you to go for a private catamaran cruise, again from Santorini. You will enjoy a unique and VIP experience in the caldera.

Go along the island by boat and discover the thermal springs, the most beautiful beaches and spectacular landscapes! The entire crew and the captain will be at your disposal to create a personalised itinerary for you.

During the cruise, you will enjoy the open bar, a barbecue, have Wi-Fi and you will have access to towels and masks/snorkels for snorkelling.

This private catamaran trip in Santorini is to be booked with the green button below:

Fishing boat trip in Santorini

Do you prefer a more authentic and traditional experience?

So go on a boat trip on a typical small fishing boat!

During this 5-hour outing, the fisherman will show you the traditional fishing techniques and you will be given fishing rods and baits so you can then try to apply his advice and specially to catch something to eat!

At the time of your meal (included in the price), you will taste the excellent fresh fish you will have brought along as well as the delicious seafood freshly prepared before your eyes.

This experience is available with a departure in the morning or afternoon, to enjoy the sunset.

Book your trip on a fishing boat in Santorini right here:

For a sunset and evening tour, click on that button instead:

Rent a boat for a trip from Santorini

The last option you have if you want to go on a boat trip in Santorini: rent a own boat.

Total freedom: take a trip to the volcano in Santorini, go swimming in the hot springs, the beaches or go to nearby islands like Thirassia to admire the views.

The rental of the motorboat does not require a licence but the minimum age of the “captain” must be 18 years. The fare is to be divided among all people on board (max. 6 people) and the cost of fuel must be added.

To rent a boat in Santorini, it is just there:

What to do in Santorini after my boat trip?

As you know, there are plenty of other things to do in Santorini besides getting out to sea!

During your visit to the island, you can, for example:

• Visit the villages of Fira and Oia
• Hike from Fira to Oia
• Discover the island’s beaches
• Visit the archaeological site of Ancient Thera
• Watch a movie outdoors

And much more!

If you all want to know what to do in Santorini, I recommend you read my full article: Visit Santorini: the definitive guide.

There is also a ton of other great activities to do in Santorini (horseback riding, quad bike trips, sea kayaking and much more!) I tell you everything in my article: The 17 best activities and tours in Santorini.

Where to stay in Santorini?

And now you know all the things to do in Santorini.

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, I’ve also thought of you with this selection of the best hotels to stay in Santorini:

Best hotels in Oia

• Aethrio Hotel: Located in Oia, only a few steps away from the main square. You can rent double rooms, studio flats or apartments with balcony for most of them. The price starts from 160€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool, the large rooms, the rooftop to admire the sunset. It’s one of the cheapest places in Oia, and it offers a great value for money!
• Caldera Premium Villas: Located in the centre of Oia. You will love the troglodyte suites with a breathtaking view of the sea and the caldera, starting from 290€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the design of the rooms, and the location.
• Theodora Suites Apartment: Located in the heart of the city. Studio flats with small kitchen, fridge, private terrace and hot tub, starting from 350€, breakfast included. What I loved: the hot tubs, the breathtaking view, the kind staff.
• Andronis Boutique Hotel: 5-star hotel located in Oia. You’ll enjoy large suites with a view of the caldera, private balcony and private hot tub or pool, starting from 800€ with breakfast included. Strong points: the idyllic scenery and the calm. It’s my recommendation for a one-week romantic stay in Greece!
• Katikies Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World: This luxurious hotel offers rooms and suites with a great view, bathtub and spa. The price starts from 1000€ with breakfast included. What I loved: the pools, the spas, the splendid views and the food! It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Santorini!

Best hotels in Fira

• Galatia Villas: Located 10 minutes away from Fira’s city centre. The double rooms are quite basic but nice, and the price starts from only 80€ per night. Strong points: the hot tub on the roof, the kind staff, the great value for money for Santorini.
• Lilium Santorini Villa: Located on the edge of the caldera. These elegant and modern double rooms with sea view are available starting from 315€, breakfast included. What I loved: the pool, the exceptionnal location, the warm and welcoming staff.
• Cosmopolitan Suites – Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Located in the heart of Fira. You will enjoy lovely rooms with private balcony, decorated in the purest Cycladian style, starting from 550€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the infinity pool over the cliff, and the luxury hotel services. This is the perfect place to stay with your lover in Santorini!
• Aria Suites: Located in Fira, this high standard hotel offers only 6 suites and luxury villas, fully equipped (you even get a laptop), starting from 700€ per night. What I loved: the magnificent place, the pool and the staff availability. This is a great choice for a luxurious and romantic stay in Fira!

Other best places to stay in Santorini island

• Memories Beach Hotel: Located just accross Monolithos beach. These comfortable modern rooms starts from 65€ per night, with breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the calm and the adorable staff.
• Rose Suites: Located in Vourvoulos, only 4 kilometers away from Fira. Those studio flats and apartments are well equiped and decorated, with a small kitchen and a private terrace. The prices are starting from 75€ per night. What I loved: the pool, the calm, the decoration. The fridge is also full with everything you need for breakfast.This is the best choice in Santorini for its exceptional value for money!
• Hippocampus Hotel: Located in Kamari, only 50 meters away from the beach. The rooms, with a view on the swimming pool or the garden, are starting from 85€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the ideal location close to the beach, and the really kind staff.
• Meltemi Village Hotel: Located in Perissa, only 5 minutes away from the Black beach. The rooms and suites with hot tubs are starting from 100€ per night, with the breakfast included. What I loved: the pools, the spa, and the great breakfast. A great choice for a stay on Santorini’s shore!

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions

• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
• Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!

• Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.

• Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
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Cyclades (Greek islands)

• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions

• Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
• Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades

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Dodecanese

• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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