Greece › Santorini › Boat Tours
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
Updated: January 15, 2026
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A Santorini boat tour picks up guests at Ammoudi Bay, just below Oia, one of three convenient pickup locations.
Boat Tours of the Caldera – My Advice
- A must-do experience. A boat tour of the caldera is among my favorite things to do in Santorini.
- Book in advance. Do not worry too much about which specific tour you book – they are all good. Focus on getting something booked early before they sell out.
- Day vs. Sunset Tour: The main difference is light and temperature.
- Day Cruise (approx. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm): Better visibility for the caldera’s colors and warm weather for swimming.
- Sunset Cruise (approx. 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm): Cooler temperatures and finishes with the sunset below Oia.
- Private vs. Small Group: I definitely prefer private boat tours. You have input on where to go, how long to stay, and the music. They are more expensive, but I have never met anyone who regretted the extra cost once they were on the boat.
- What’s Included: Almost all catamaran tours include hotel pickup/drop-off, snorkeling gear, towels, unlimited drinks (white wine, beer, soft drinks), and a fantastic Greek BBQ meal prepared onboard. The volcano entrance fee (€5) is never included.
- Is it really “unlimited drinks”? Yes. Private tours usually serve drinks immediately upon boarding. Group tours generally wait until the first swim stop (about an hour in) to open the bar, but it is unlimited after that.
- Volcano Access: There are no public ferries to the volcano. You must be on an organized tour to access it.
- Booking: Reliable operators include Spiridakos, Caldera Yachting, Santorini Sailing, and Sunset Oia. Booking via GetYourGuide.com is often better for the flexible cancellation policy.
The 7 Best Boat Tours in Santorini
Key details for all tours below:
- Meals & Drinks: Food ranges from surprisingly good to great. Boats are very generous with alcohol.
- Transport: Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included. This makes the day hassle-free.
- Route: All tours enter the caldera, sail near the volcano, and offer snorkeling.
1. Small Group Catamaran Cruise
Departures: Sunset Cruise (approx. 2:45 pm) or Day Cruise (approx. 9:45 am). Times shift slightly by month.
An awesome cruise staring up at the caldera cliffs. Stops include swimming at the hot springs near the volcano and snorkeling at Red and White beaches. Includes a huge lunch or dinner. The sunset cruise finishes below the Oia cliffs. 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). Duration: 5 hours.
A wonderful private cruise with great food and flexibility on where to sail. Ideal for a luxury honeymoon, small group, or family. Be prepared to be pampered. If fully booked – common from June to September – try the Private Sunset Cruise.3. Santorini Day Cruise
Departure: 10:00 am.
Wonderful day tour with attentive service; staff ensure you always have a full drink. The emphasis is on swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. You visit a few beaches, the hot springs, and have plenty of time to explore the caldera sights.4. Volcano Boat Tour
The most affordable boat tour. It uses a larger boat with a larger group but is still very fun. Unlike the catamaran cruises, this focuses on geological sights: the volcano, hot springs (swimming), and Thirassia Island. It stays within the caldera and does not visit the Red or White beaches.5. Santorini Fishing Tour
A hands-on experience on a local fishing boat. Fresh seafood lunch or dinner is cooked on board (you eat what you catch). The daytime tour is best for families and serious fishermen. The sunset tour is best for couples.6. Santorini Jet Ski Tour
2026 Update: Due to local regulations, most jet ski tours are now restricted to the South Coast (Perivolos to Red Beach). While you no longer enter the caldera, the volcanic rock formations on the south coast are still spectacular.Exhilarating tours for small groups (2 to 4 skis). A support boat travels with the tour for safety. The “South Coast Tour” is great fun, but if available, try to book a longer tour to see more of the island’s unique geology.
7. Sea Kayaking Excursion
A fun way to explore the coastline. The Morning Tour and Evening Tour explore the south coast. The “Round The Lighthouse Tour” enters the caldera and offers the best cliff views, but requires more stamina.
Map of Santorini Boat Tours
Santorini Boat Tours – 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.
Most boats and catamarans will have 2 or 3 bathrooms. They are always clean and well maintained.
Jumping into the hot springs from the boat.
The views of the cliffs and caldera from the boat are incredible.
The Private Catamaran Cruise of the caldera with swimming and lunch or dinner.
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