The 13 Best Santorini Boat Tours & Catamaran Cruises

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Updated: June 14, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

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Santorini Boat Tours: Quick Picks

• Best Overall: Small Group Catamaran Cruise – The best mix of comfort, scenery, food, and value. Usually capped at a small guest count, with swim stops, a Greek BBQ, open bar, and hotel pickup.
• Best for Honeymoons: Private Catamaran Cruise – Worth the splurge for couples, families, and special occasions. You get more space, more flexibility, private transfers, and a quieter sunset without sharing the boat with a group.
• Best for Swimming: Premium Day Cruise – Morning trips usually have calmer water, better visibility, warmer light for photos, and a more relaxed feel than sunset cruises.
• Best for Cruise Passengers: Volcano Boat Tour – The simplest logistics for many cruisers because it departs from the Old Port (Skala), where tenders usually arrive. It avoids the first cable car line up to Fira, though you still need to manage return timing carefully.

Santorini Boat Tours: My Tips

• Do a boat tour if you can. The caldera looks completely different from the water, and the cliffs, villages, volcano, and white rock formations are more impressive from below than most people expect.
• Choose morning for swimming, sunset for atmosphere. Morning tours usually mean calmer seas, better snorkeling visibility, and fewer boats at the swim stops. Sunset tours are more romantic, but they can be cooler, busier, and choppier on the return.
• Do not expect the hot springs to be hot. They are warm, not hot, and you usually need to swim from the boat to reach the warmest water. Wear a dark swimsuit, as the mineral-rich water can stain light colors.
• Check the real guest count. “Small group” can mean very different things. If space and privacy matter, look closely at the maximum number of guests or book a private charter.
• Plan for wind and motion. Afternoon winds can make the caldera surprisingly choppy. If you get seasick, take medication before boarding and sit near the middle of the boat, not up front.
• Hotel pickup is useful, but not always quick. Shared transfers often make several stops and may require walking to a nearby meeting point. Do not schedule anything tight right before or after your cruise.
• Read the inclusions carefully. Meals, drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, hotel transfers, volcano entrance fees, and port pickups vary by tour. Do not assume every cruise includes the same things.
• Bring sunscreen, a light layer, and a little cash. The sun is strong on the water, sunset cruises can feel cool once the boat is moving, and cash is useful for volcano fees or small extras.

What Travelers Are Surprised By

• “Sailing” often means motoring. Most tours use the engine for much of the route so they can stay on schedule and handle Santorini’s wind.
• The food is often better than expected. A good catamaran cruise can serve a very solid lunch or dinner, and the onboard meal is often one of the pleasant surprises of the day.
• Private tours feel very different. More space, fewer people, better pacing, and a quieter atmosphere make a private charter worth it if the boat day is a big part of your trip.
• The volcano tour is more active than relaxing. If your boat includes the volcano hike, wear real shoes. The trail is rocky, exposed, and hot, with very little shade.

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What to Expect on a Santorini Boat Tour

Private Boat Tours

A private boat tour is the best choice if you want more space, more flexibility, and a calmer day on the water. It is especially worth considering for honeymoons, anniversaries, families, and groups where the boat trip is a major part of the vacation. You can usually adjust the pace, linger longer at a favorite swim stop, and avoid the feeling of moving on someone else’s schedule. The tradeoff is cost, and even private charters are still limited by wind, waves, port rules, and the captain’s judgment.

• Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, families, privacy, flexible swim stops, and special occasions.
• Main advantage: More space, smoother boarding, fewer delays, better pacing, and a quieter onboard atmosphere.
• Good to know: Routes are flexible but not unlimited. Safety, wind, sea conditions, and port logistics still determine where the boat can comfortably go.

Small Group Boat Tours

Most small group catamaran cruises follow a similar half-day route: hotel pickup, a cruise along the caldera, swim stops near the Red or White beaches, a stop near the hot springs, and lunch or dinner on board. They are the best value for most travelers and still feel special if the guest count is low. The main things to check before booking are the maximum number of passengers, whether hotel pickup is included, and what food, drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear are provided.

• Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families, solo travelers, and anyone who wants the classic Santorini boat-tour experience without paying for a private charter.
• Main advantage: Good scenery, swim stops, food, drinks, and hotel pickup at a much lower price than a private tour.
• Good to know: Beach stops are usually swim stops, not beach landings. The hot springs are warm, not hot. Morning tours are usually calmer; sunset tours are more romantic but often busier and choppier on the return.

The Best Private Boat Tours in Santorini

• Private Catamaran Cruise: This is the ultimate way to experience the caldera with the entire boat and crew to yourself. It offers total flexibility – if you love a specific swim spot, you can stay longer and skip the ones you don’t – making it my recommendation for luxury honeymoons or family celebrations. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• Private Sunset Sailing Cruise: A top-tier luxury choice for anniversaries that departs from the north. It allows for a completely customizable route, and because it begins in Oia, it’s the most convenient option for those staying in the northern villages who want to avoid the long van transfer south. Departure Port: Ammoudi Bay.
• Private Day Cruise with BBQ: A fantastic 5-hour option that feels like a family outing, run by a professional crew that prepares a fresh feast on board. It’s highly praised for its intimate vibe and the crew’s ability to adjust the route based on real-time wind conditions. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• All-Inclusive Private Catamaran Experience: This premium tour focuses on maximum comfort, utilizing modern vessels with spacious shaded lounge areas. The “all-inclusive” nature means the bar is top-shelf and the menu often includes higher-end seafood options compared to shared tours. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• Private “Vasiliki” Catamaran Tour: Known for its exceptional crew and spotless maintenance, this private tour is a favorite for those who value proactive service. It includes everything from snorkeling gear to stand-up paddleboards for a more active day in the caldera. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.

The Best Small Group Boat Tours

• Small Group Catamaran Cruise: The most popular value choice in Santorini, typically capped at 10 to 14 guests to ensure a social but never crowded atmosphere. The fresh deck-side BBQ cooked by the crew is consistently rated as one of the best meals travelers have on the island. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• Santorini Day Cruise (Premium): This is the best choice for serious sunbathers and photographers. The morning light makes the colors of the volcanic cliffs much more vibrant than in the late afternoon, and because it is a “day” cruise, it is generally less crowded and more laid back than the sunset departures. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• Gold Catamaran Cruise: A more luxurious shared option capped at 20 guests that focuses on gourmet service, including mixologist cocktails. This is the best shared choice for those staying in Oia as it allows for a very quick transfer to the dock. Departure Port: Ammoudi Bay.
• Premium Catamaran with Open Bar: A modern, clean-cut experience that often serves fresh mussels and local Prosecco alongside the traditional Greek fare. The 18-guest cap ensures everyone has a prime spot on the front nets for the sunset view. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• Santorini Sunset Cruise: This 5-hour journey focuses on the legendary Oia sunset, positioning the boat perfectly below the windmills for the golden hour. It follows the classic route past the Red and White beaches with plenty of time for swimming before dinner. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• Morning or Sunset Small Group Cruise: A reliable, high-value tour known for its excellent hotel pickup logistics and generous open bar. It’s an ideal choice for families or solo travelers who want a well-organized, “no-surprises” day on the water. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.
• Volcano Boat Tour: The most affordable way to see the islands, utilizing a traditional wooden boat to visit the active craters. Be prepared for a steep hike on the volcano and a 30-meter swim through cool water to reach the warm springs. Departure Port: Old Port (Skala).
• Santorini Fishing Tour: A unique, hands-on look at the local Greek lifestyle where you help the crew pull in the fishing nets. You’ll eat the fresh catch for lunch in an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere that feels like visiting a local family. Departure Port: Vlychada Marina.

The 5 Best Boat Tours in Santorini

Note: This is a completely redundant list, taken from what I’ve recommended above. It’s meant to simplify but maybe it’s just confusing.

1. Small Group Catamaran Cruise

Departures: Sunset Cruise (approx. 2:45 pm) or Day Cruise (approx. 9:45 am).
The most popular tour in Santorini for a reason. Expect about 10 to 14 guests, which is the perfect balance of a social atmosphere without feeling crowded. The crew is professional and the fresh Greek BBQ (pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, and pasta) is cooked right on the deck while you swim. Stops include the hot springs and snorkeling at both the Red and White beaches. All snorkeling gear and towels are provided, so you only need to bring your swimsuit. If fully booked, try the Caldera Cruise or Santorini Sunset Cruise.

2. Private Catamaran Cruise

Departures: Day (10:30 am) or Sunset (3:30 pm).
The ultimate way to experience the caldera. You have the entire boat and crew to yourself, allowing for total flexibility – if you love a specific swim spot, you can stay longer and skip the ones you don’t. It is ideal for a luxury honeymoon, a family celebration, or anyone who wants to avoid the “herd” at the hot springs. Includes private hotel transfers, a higher-end menu, and the ability to play your own music. If fully booked – common from June to September – try the Private Sunset Cruise.

3. Santorini Day Cruise

Departure: 10:00 am.
A premium tour that focuses on attentive service and relaxation. This is the best choice for serious sunbathers and photographers, as the morning light makes the colors of the volcanic cliffs much more vibrant than in the late afternoon. The crew is exceptionally proactive with the open bar and ensuring you have everything you need. It follows a similar route to the sunset cruises but is generally less crowded and more laid back.

4. Santorini Fishing Tour

A unique, hands-on experience on a traditional Greek “kaiki” boat. Unlike the luxury catamarans, this is about the local island lifestyle. You help the crew pull in the nets, and what you catch is what you eat for lunch or dinner, served alongside local appetizers and wine. It’s an authentic, unpretentious vibe that is particularly great for families. The daytime tour focuses more on the fishing, while the sunset tour is a bit more relaxed.

5. Volcano Boat Tour

The most affordable way to see the islands, but be prepared for a bit of a workout. Unlike the relaxing catamarans, this traditional wooden boat tour focuses on geology. You will hike the steep, unpaved path to the active volcanic craters (approx. 20-30 minutes each way). There is no shade on the volcano, and the black rock gets extremely hot, so sturdy sneakers and plenty of water are mandatory. After the hike, the boat stops for a swim in the volcanic hot springs. You must swim about 30 meters from the boat to reach the warm, mineral-rich water. The final stop is Thirassia Island, where you have two hours of free time to explore or have a traditional seafood lunch at a waterfront taverna. Note that food, drinks, and the €5 volcano entrance fee are not included in the ticket price.

Typical Volcano Boat Tour Itinerary

• How this tour differs: Unlike the catamaran cruises, this tour (#5 in my list) uses a much larger traditional boat (holding 100+ people) and focuses on hiking the volcano. Important: This tour does not include food or drinks; you will have time to buy lunch at a taverna on Thirassia.
• Departure from the Port: Most tours depart from the Old Port of Fira at 11:00 am. You must take the cable car or walk down the 587 steps from Fira town to reach the boat.
• Nea Kameni (The Volcano): A 90-minute stop to hike the active volcanic craters. There is a €5 entrance fee (cash only) collected at the site. Wear sturdy sneakers; the terrain is hot and sharp.
• Palea Kameni (Hot Springs): A 30-minute stop for swimming. The boat anchors 30 meters out, so you must swim to reach the warm, orange-tinted water. Wear a dark swimsuit to avoid stains.
• Thirassia Island: You have 2 hours of free time for lunch at a harbor taverna or to explore the traditional village of Manolas. This is when most guests eat, but the cost is not included in your tour ticket.
• Sailing Below Oia: The boat sails along the massive Oia cliffs, providing a great perspective of the windmills and white houses from the water.
• Return to Port: The tour concludes around 4:30 pm or 5:00 pm. If you are on the sunset version, the boat will hold its position below Oia for the sunset before returning to the port.

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Boat Tours for Cruise Passengers

• If you are arriving in Santorini by cruise ship, a boat tour can be a smart way to avoid spending your limited time fighting the crowds in Fira and Oia. But the logistics matter. Santorini is one of the trickier cruise ports in the Mediterranean, and your ship’s scheduled arrival time is not the same as the time you’ll be standing on land.
• Know the Old Port bottleneck. Cruise passengers are tendered to the Old Port (Skala), directly below Fira. From there, you reach Fira by cable car or by climbing the 587 steps. On busy cruise days, the cable car line can be long, especially when several ships are in port. Wind, tender delays, and cruise-line shore excursions can also slow things down, so avoid booking anything that departs soon after your scheduled arrival.
• Choose your departure point carefully. Classic volcano tours often depart from the Old Port, which is easiest for cruise passengers because it avoids the first cable car line up to Fira. Many catamaran cruises depart from Vlychada Marina, Ammoudi Bay, or another road-accessible port, which means you first need to get up the cliff and meet a transfer. Those tours are usually more comfortable and luxurious, but they require a bigger time buffer.
• Morning and day tours are safest. Sunset cruises are risky for cruise passengers unless your ship leaves very late. Independent tours do not carry the same return guarantee as cruise-line excursions, and delays at the port, on the road, or at the cable car can create real stress. If you are booking independently, choose a morning or early day tour and leave plenty of time to get back.
• Best for Cruise Passengers: Volcano Boat Tour – This is the simplest independent option because it departs from the Old Port (Skala), where cruise tenders normally arrive. It is not as luxurious as a catamaran cruise, but it is easier logistically and gives you more time on the water, the volcano, and Thirassia without first traveling across the island.

Map of Santorini Boat Tours

Booking Directly vs. GetYourGuide

I’m often asked whether it’s better to book a Santorini boat tour directly with the local operator or through GetYourGuide. Both can work well. The right choice depends on how much you value cancellation flexibility, verified reviews, and easy payment versus direct communication with the boat operator.

• Use GetYourGuide for flexibility and convenience. Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, though you should always check the specific listing before booking. The platform also makes it easy to compare reviews, store tickets in the app, pay by credit card or mobile wallet, and manage changes if your ferry, flight, or cruise timing shifts.
• Book directly for private charters and special requests. If you want a proposal setup, custom pickup, specific route, dietary request, or a more personal relationship with the captain, booking direct can make sense. For standard small-group tours, prices are often similar, so don’t assume direct booking is always cheaper.
• Check cancellation terms either way. Weather, wind, ferry delays, and cruise-ship tender delays can all affect Santorini plans. Whether you book through GetYourGuide or directly, confirm the refund policy, meeting point, pickup details, included food and drinks, and what happens if the tour is canceled or rescheduled.

My take: I usually recommend GetYourGuide for standard shared cruises because the cancellation policy and simple booking process are helpful. For expensive private charters, booking directly can be worthwhile if you need a highly customized experience.

Full disclosure: GetYourGuide links on this page are affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Santorini Boat Tours – More Photos

View of Fira from a boat tour.

View of Imerovigli from a boat tour.

The caldera-side of Oia.

The white rock towers of southern Santorini.

The view of the volcano with Fira in the background.

The view of Oia from the Ammoudi Bay where many boat tours begin from.

Jumping from the rocks below Oia.

Barbecue on a Santorini boat tour.

Food on the boat tours is surprisingly good – sometimes great.

All tours listed here have a sitdown lunch or dinner.

So much to see. Awesome!

Swimming from the boat to the warm waters of the hot springs.

My son jumping from the boat.

Same kid, different year. (Me, my other son, and my brother are in the water.)

Most boats and catamarans will have 2 or 3 bathrooms. They are always clean and well maintained.

The views of the cliffs and caldera from the boat are incredible.

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