Swim off the boat, float in the hot springs of the Santorini volcano, watch the cliffs and caves of the coastline over wine and an excellent meal. Wonder at the clifftop villages from out on the water and far below! But there are over 200 sailing tours you can choose to spend some time seeing Santorini’s sights from the water.
But which is the best Santorini boat tour for you? The perfect one for you fits into your schedule, allows you to do all the things you want to do on a cruise, and is high quality, helpful, and the best value for money! Read on and all your questions about sailing around Santorini are answered and the best Santorini boat tours are covered with links to pricing and availability.
This article may contain compensated links. Please read the disclaimer for more info
Why Go Sailing Around Santorini?
Adventurers and traders have been sailing around Santorini for thousands of years. Every single one of these people, until Santorini airport opened in 1972, came by sea.
Like all the great cities of the Mediterranean, Santorini is built from the sea up. On Santorini boat trips you see the churches watching over the once-mighty Santorini maritime fleet.
You see the flooded caldera of the volcano and its ring of copper as the last of the heat of the Great Theran Eruption of 3,500 years ago slowly cools down.
You see the two-story homes of the wealthy ship captains built at the very top of Oia and the humble fishing ports along the water far below.
Of course, this is Santorini, and it is probably summer when you are here and so you also see a flotilla of catamarans and cruise ships. But who cares?
You’re in one of the most beautiful places on the earth about to sail upon the sapphire blue Aegean! This is the kind of experience that makes lasting memories.
Just be sure to choose the sailing cruise that includes most of the things that you would like to do on your day on the water.
What Activities Are Available When Sailing Around Santorini?
Depending upon the time of the year, it is possible to do the following:
- Swimming off the boat
- Snorkeling
- Swimming in the Santorini hot springs
- Sunbathing on the deck
- Eating and drinking a substantial meal cooked on-board
- Watching the sunset on a sunset cruise or sunset tour
- ‘On-land’ experiences can be added to the cruise such a wine tasting tours, guided village sightseeing tours, and exploring the volcano or the island of Thirassia.
What is Included in a Santorini Sailing Cruise?
Not all the following options are available on the cheapest cruises. Below are the very best Santorini sailing cruises and each of their inclusions. Most cruises include:
- Transfers to and From Your Accommodation
- 4-6 hours sailing around the caldera.
- Shortstops for optional swimming and snorkeling
- A short stop at the hot springs at the volcano for optional swimming
- A freshly cooked meal on board the boat while the boat is anchored offshore.
- Drinks, alcohol, and snacks
- Towels, changing rooms, toilets
- Flotation devices including life vests and pool noodles
- Areas for sunbaking
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Music
Where Can You Sail?
The most popular cruises are a real production-line assembly process. As you cast off from Vlychada or Skala you can see in front and behind you, a flotilla of similar catamarans going to the same places.
That doesn’t mean it’s not a great experience, but it means you need to have reasonable expectations. You can do all the great activities mentioned above, but it won’t be just you, a crew and the sea!
The most common route begins at one end of the island and sails through the caldera on the western side of the island, to the other end of the island. The other popular itinerary is to embark and disembark at the same port.
There are common stops or sights to see along the way. Embarking from Vlychada port in the far south of the island, these are:
- Akrotiri lighthouse and the Red beach (the boats often stop for swimming here)
- The White beach
- Anchored offshore for a meal
- The volcano and the hot springs (warning: these springs are not hot, they are at most ‘warm’, and in winter, they are not much warmer than the surrounding waters)
- Skala port (below Oia)
Longer trips and some that embark and disembark from Skala port also include a stop at the small island “behind” (further west) of the volcano, Thirasia.
There are a good number of different options, but these are by far the most common stops. It allows sunset over the volcano and wonderful views of the Caldera cliff-edge villages.
See the options below for booking different itineraries and adding on extras to your trip.
How To Book the Perfect Santorini Boat Tour
Each season there is some change, if only to prices.
Options keep expanding as Santorini hosts more visitors each year, wanting to visit the beautiful beaches in Greece and as the winter and shoulder season periods become busier. I
t’s important to note that many tour companies close in December and January and sometimes a month or two on either side.
The ever-expanding options include private, semi-private, luxury catamaran cruises, individual cruises as well as on-land excursions.
Most of the tours include return mini-van pick-up from your accommodation and if not this is usually available as a per person extra charge.
I love that they allow for cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and that they have immediate electronic tickets to download to your smartphone. The link to their Santorini activities page is here.
And now for the big question: Day Cruise or Sunset Cruise?
Should I Choose a Day Cruise or a Sunset Cruise?
There are four things to consider in order to make this decision:
- Do I have enough time to get to and from the Boat? For cruise ship passengers, timing is everything. Similarly, many tourists need to fly out of Santorini after their cruise or want to get on a cruise after arriving by ferry from Athens or another island. Below you can read about the amount of time needed to get to and from each. cruise and how long in total each cruise will take.
- Do I want to see the sunset from the water? It is, of course, possible to see the sunset from Santorini and from the volcano and from Thirasia but it is a magical and romantic thing to see from a boat! If you choose to see the sunset then it will be cooler on the water and you will have less time swimming. Your itinerary may also be a little shorter. Check below for the best sunset cruises, where they go, and what to take.
- Is swimming off the boat and/or snorkeling a major reason for me choosing a cruise? If so, a day cruise gives you more time in the hottest part of the day. If you are a non-swimmer or are happy to have a little less swimming time, then the sunset cruise may be for you.
- Do I want to see as many of the island’s sites as possible? In general, day cruises have a slightly large itinerary, leaving from Vlychada in the far south of the island and disembarking at Ammoudi Bay below Oia in the north.
How Long Do the Cruises Take?
Most cruises take 5 hours and begin picking up guests from their accommodation an hour (and sometimes 90 minutes) before the cruise. Some cruises take 4 or 6 hours and a few take 10 hours.
In terms of timing, depending upon where you are on the island, and the port that the boat leaves from in relation to your accommodation, you may be first or last to be picked up which means it could be 90 minutes or 20 minutes before the cruise or tour begins.
Transfers To and From the Cruise or Tour
You need to be a bit chilled about the transfer process.
Traffic on a small island in peak season with everyone headed to the same places can be chaotic as is the process of getting hundreds of groups of people onto boats or off boats and into minivans.
It all works out and you get there within the allotted time and you have a fantastic time. But don’t expect military-like precision – this is a Greek island!
Can I Be Picked Up and Dropped Off in Different Locations?
Generally, yes. Once you have your accommodation booked you can email the cruises company and let them know the change to either your pick-up or drop-off location.
They are generally flexible – this is Greece after all, where plans change all the time!
Can I Be Picked Up or Dropped Off From the Airport?
Some companies will drop you off at the airport if you don’t have luggage. Pick-up from the airport is trickier because there is no guarantee of the time a flight will arrive.
Passengers arriving in Santorini must get on buses to go the extremely short distance from the plane to the airport and this takes a little time. Private cruises are more likely to allow this option and again, think about emailing the cruise company in advance if you need to arrive at and from the airport.
An easier alternative if you are coming from the airport is to arrive at the port yourself. Book a cruise that leaves from Vlychada Port in the south of the island and it is a very short taxi ride to the port.
What is the Difference Between Small, Large, Semi-private, and Private Cruises?
Not all the following options are available on the cheapest cruises. Below are the very best Santorini sailing cruises and each of their inclusions. Most cruises include:
- Private cruises are simply you and however many people you wish to travel with. You choose and you pay accordingly. If you are traveling as a large group, you can have your own private boat! A private catamaran cruise is a perfect honeymoon activity!
- Semi-private is a term used interchangeably with “small.” It is not a private cruise, but it does not have 100 people either.
- Small cruises tend to be a certain size boat that can only accommodate about 20 people. You will see ‘small group’ cruises as having a maximum of 12, 15, 18, or 25 passengers.
- Large cruises are anything larger than about 25 passengers and are often around 50.Transfers to and From Your Accommodation
What is the Difference Between the Standard, Premium and Luxury Cruises?
The difference here is in the additional items. Standard cruises may not have towels, for example.
The main difference however is in the amount of food and the type of drinks you are given. Some standard cruises provide a snack and drinks, often no alcohol.
Premium cruises generally have a Greek BBQ meal cooked freshly on board and unlimited alcohol and other beverages.
Luxury cruises often advertise cocktails as an additional feature, and the number of meat, fish and side dishes may be larger than on premium cruises. In general, a premium cruise represents the best value for money.
See below for the best Santorini sailing cruises what is included and what you need to need to bring along:
I Can’t Swim or Am a Poor Swimmer
The water is too deep to stand in. Almost all cruises do not enter a beach.
Swimming and snorkeling happen offshore from the boat. There is a railing around the boats and there are life vests and flotation devices.
It’s not necessary to swim and there are lots of months of the year when it’s just too cold unless, like me, you’re mad enough to swim in the “hot” springs in the off-season.
When is it Too Cold to Swim?
There are people who go nude bathing at the winter solstice in Northern Europe so clearly, for some people, it’s never too cold! I have a great post about the weather in Greece in May here.
For me, it is too cold to swim outside of the summer months. But then, I’m Australian, and I don’t like the cold. I am happy to swim in the hot springs of the volcano at any time of year, but be warned: you have to swim through the frigid water to get there!
A note on the hot springs. They’re not hot. They’re warmish in summer and slightly less than cold in the off-season.
Why Do I Need to Give My Passport Details When Booking?
Because you are leaving the “land” of Greece, it is a Greek Port Authority rule that all passenger details are recorded. It is the same throughout the country.
Should I Book a Santorini Sailing Cruise in Advance?
Most definitely! Cruises book out quickly and most people only spend a few days on Santorini and so have limited choices. This is especially true for June – September.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t yet booked accommodation (see the best Santorini accommodation options here), you can update your booking with those details at any time.
And once you’ve booked a cruise, you can plan all the other great things to do on Santorini around it!
Can I Give A Cruise as A Gift?
Yes! When you click on the links below to check prices, reviews, and availability, there is a “Give This as A Gift” link below the cruise cost.
What a great honeymoon or birthday gift!
The Best Cruises for Sailing Around Santorini
Best Private Day or Sunset Cruise
Santorini: Private 5-Hour Day or Sunset Cruise With Catamaran
This very popular and well-reviewed cruise sells out fast so book it as soon as you can. The tour sits between the premium and luxury categories of cruises. It has the usual itinerary of red and white beaches, volcano and hot springs, sunset at sea, and a great Greek feast on board.
This is a fantastic and well-priced option if you have a family, are honeymooning, or are traveling with a group of friends.
The cruise is well-matched with passengers coming in off the large cruise ships because this company will pick you up and drop you back off at the port where your ship is berthed. This makes it a little easier to meet the sailing deadlines of the large cruise ships.
Best For:
- Cruise Ship Passengers as the driver will pick you up and deliver you to the Port where your ship is berthed.
- Groups or honeymooners wanting a private experience that includes all of the stops of the regular cruises
- Groups who want a well-priced trip with friends.
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit (not white if swimming in the Hot Springs)
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sweater or wind jacket on windy or cold days
- Camera
Best Premium Day Cruise
Santorini: 5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Cruise
This cruise has vegetarian and fish options in its Greek lunch and provides more than enough for everyone. Only 16-18 (12 the day I took this cruise). It sells out fast because it is often recommended by the hotels on the island.
I recommend this as the best day cruise because it has the best itinerary – leaving from the south of the island (Vlychada Port) and disembarking at Ammoudi Bay, below Oia. This allows you to sail across the whole of the caldera, seeing all the cliff-edge caldera villages, the main beaches as well as out to the volcano.
I chose the premium cruise because it included unlimited alcohol and the quality of the lunch.
Best For:
- Sailing through the whole caldera from south to north.
- Great food and unlimited beverages, including alcohol.
- Small groups on board (18 maximum)
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit (not white if swimming in the Hot Springs)
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sweater or wind jacket on windy or cold days
- Camera
Best Standard Sunset Cruise
Santorini: 5 Hour Catamaran Cruise with Barbecue and Drinks
Spiridakos is a very popular boat that always has great reviews. I like the skippers who are knowledgeable. It is a standard 5-hour cruise that embarks and disembarks at Vlichada port near Akrotiri on the far south of the island and concludes at Oia in the north.
You choose either the day or sunset options and can choose if you’d like to have the Greek BBQ
Best For:
- Viewing one of the most magical sunsets!
- A high quality and reliable cruise with good food and a great sunset-viewing experience for a very reasonable price.
- Swimming and/or snorkeling in the bays and at the Hot Springs of the volcano
- A good Greek BBQ moored offshore
Not for: People wanting to embark at Oia or who are looking for a large party boat. For a large catamaran, the best-reviewed cruise (from a reliable and well-known company) is Santorini: Premium Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks which embarks and disembarks from Oia.
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit (not white if swimming in the Hot Springs)
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sweater or wind jacket on windy or cold days
- Camera
Best Luxury Sunset Cruise
Santorini Platinum: Luxurious Small-Group Catamaran Cruise
This cruise has a maximum of 15 passengers and serves a great meal before seeing a magnificent sunset!
The cruise is a standard itinerary for sunset, leaving and returning to the same port. It includes swimming or snorkeling time at the red and white beaches and the obligatory stop at the Hot Springs of the volcano.
The meal includes pork, chicken (or a vegetarian meal option), seafood, dolmadakia, Greek salad, pasta with red sauce, bread, and tzatziki. Also served are white wine, beers, soft drinks, and water.
Best For:
- Viewing one of the most magical sunsets!
- A high quality and reliable cruise that sells out fast and has excellent reviews, especially for its great food.
- Swimming and/or snorkeling in the bays and at the Hot Springs of the volcano
- A true small group experience, even in peak season, with a maximum of 15 passengers.
Not for: People wanting to embark or disembark at Oia.
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit (not white if swimming in the Hot Springs)
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sweater or wind jacket on windy or cold days
- Camera
Best Volcano and Thirasia Island Cruise
Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
THE MOST POPULAR CRUISE ON SANTORINI
This cruise goes to the Volcano. You land here and walk upon the volcano before swimming at the Hot Springs. The cruise then sails to the island of Thirasia and its main village, Manolas. This Santorini volcano tour is more of a means of transportation to the volcano and Thirasia and, if you wish, onwards to Oia. You are essentially left alone at these three locations.
Timing: This cruise takes 6 hours if you choose the standard route but takes 10 hours if you go onwards from Thirasia to Oia to watch the sunset from Oia. Pick-ups begin up to 90 minutes before the cruise starts at Athinios Port.
Best For:
- Visiting and walking upon the volcano (at Nea Kameni)
- Visiting the island of Thirasia
- The cheapest way to sail across Santorini’s caldera and for people who don’t mind there being about 50 passengers (everyone does have a seat)
Not for: People with limited mobility due to the uneven walking and steps at the volcano and the steps at Thirasia to the village of Manolas
What to Bring:
- Walking shoes
- Towel
- Swimsuit (not white if swimming in the Hot Springs)
- Money, including entry fee to the Volcano (2 Euros)
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sweater or wind jacket on windy or cold days
- Camera
Best “Traditional Fishing” Cruise
Santorini: Traditional Fishing Trip and Fresh Fish Lunch
A highly reviewed cruise with only excellent feedback. The duration of this cruise is 5 hours. The Cruise leaves in the morning and returns after lunch. It includes swimming or snorkeling.
Best For:
- Catching your own shrimp and octopus and fishing from the boat
- Sailing with a Greek fishing family
- Sailing on a wooden boat
- A fresh fish lunch on-board
what’s included:
- All fishing equipment
- A fresh fish lunch, drinks, snacks, beverages
- Snorkeling masks
- Towels
- Toilets
What to Bring:
- Shoes suitable for fishing
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sweater or wind jacket on windy or cold days
- Camera
Best Sea Kayak Tour at Sunset
Santorini: Sea Kayak Tour at Sunset
How amazing to get down to the level of the water to see the sunset. And entering the sea caves and snorkeling from the beach – what a wonderful combination of experiences!
The tour starts at Mesa Pigardia, a black beach (you have return transfers from your accommodation included in the price of this tour).
Paddling east, you pass the White and Red beaches before disembarking at Kampia Beach. Here you are given snacks at a traditional taverna. Snorkeling from the beach is then an optional activity.
You then paddle west and view the sunset before leaving the water at Mesa Pigardia. You change your clothes and have dinner at a taverna before being transferred back to your accommodation.
Best For:
- Having an adventure away from the crowds
- Watching the sunset
- Entering the sea caves
- Dinner in a traditional tavern
- Snorkelling from Kampia Beach
Not for: People with back problems
What to Bring:
- Shoes that are suitable for getting wet but will stay on your feet
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sweater or wind jacket on windy or cold days
- Camera
Further Resources
- Choosing where to stay in Santorini can be hard. See my comprehensive breakdown of the villages of the island, the pros and cons of staying in each location, and the best hotels for different budgets in each village here.
- Get Your Guide Santorini activities are here.
- For another “must do” activity on Santorini, check out my blog post on Ancient Akrotiri and wander through the city built by the villagers of Santorini more than 3500 years ago!
- And for what just might possibly be the best walk in the whole world- and yes, that’s a big call- see my post on the Caldera Cliff-Top Hike from Fira to Oia.