The Simplified Guide to Boat Tours in Santorini

Boat tours are a great way to see the volcano, hot springs and Thirassia. They take you out of the tourist traps like the bus tours and give you a unique experience that is hard to find anywhere else in Europe. You’re surrounded by gorgeous scenery and breathtaking views.

How much do boat tours cost? Do they offer free transfers? Do they offer free food and drinks? Are they worth it? Are you missing out on the breathtaking views of the Caldera, the Volcano, the Hot Springs and other amazing places because you’re not traveling on a boat? Do you want to learn more ?

All these questions will be answered here! This guide explores all these aspects and more in detail. Give yourself an opportunity to discover Santorini for yourself! So, we’re going to travel together through all the highlights of this wonderful island! Let’s get started!

Santorini boat tours simplified

Scheduled (fixed departure time & route) boat trips

Custom (departure time & route) boat trips

These are the three types of scheduled boat tours that you can select from:

Private boat tours

They are usually operated by smaller catamarans or power boats. The departure is either from the port of Vlychada or the port of Ammoudi in Oia. Usually there is an option for either a day cruise of for an evening cruise (sunset cruise) as well as variable options for the duration of the excursion.
These types of tours run exclusively for individuals or small groups of people that want to enjoy the experience privately. Chartering a small boat exclusively is the way to guarantee the privacy you need. I mean who wants strangers to his party?
Not surprising these private boat tours are the most expensive of all and the prices vary depending on the number of people,the type of the boat and the duration of the trip.

Semi-private boat tours

They are usually operated by bigger catamarans or power boats. The departure is either from the port of Vlychada or the port of Ammoudi in Oia. You can select either a day cruise or an evening cruise (sunset cruise) as well as variable options for the duration of the excursion.
These type boat tours are designed for small groups of people and individuals (usually 8-16 people) that want to enjoy the experience of a boat trip on the Caldera but they don’t want to pay for the premium of chartering a boat to themselves.
In my opinion this is the most cost-efficient and the best value for money selection for enjoying the experience, seeing the views and not breaking the bank. So if you don’t mind socializing a beat on the boat semi-private tour is the way to go.

Shared boat tours

These type of boat tours are usually organized by larger boats that can take up to 200 people on them. Although it can and it does get really crowded especially during the mid season and the high season these sea excursions are a very good way to enjoy everything while being on a tight budget.

Custom boat tours

An experience you will never forget (guaranteed)

If you want to create a unique boat tour that is totally different from the other boats at sea then this is the option for you. All the boats on the scheduled tours depart roughly the same time and they make the same stops. Inevitably the sea gets really crowded as many boats are at the same location the same time.
If paying the extra money is not an issue for you then this option is definitely the way to go. You can depart from any location at any time and create your custom route that will include all the points of interest that you would like to see.
Avoid the crowded beaches that and explore the hidden gems of Santorini in a relaxing and enjoyable way.