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Best Santorini Boat Tours

Greece › Santorini › Boat Tours
Updated: October 1, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

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Small-group catamaran cruise sailing through the Santorini caldera.

The Small-Group Catamaran Cruise is the best Santorini boat tour for most visitors.

A boat tour is one of the best things to do in Santorini. The cliffs, villages, beaches, volcano, and white rock formations look completely different from the water.

The Small-Group Catamaran Cruise is my top choice for most visitors. There are good private, daytime, sunset, fishing, and budget options depending on what matters most to you.

Most catamaran tours last about five hours and include hotel pickup, swimming, food, and drinks.

Skip To:
Quick Picks
Best Boat Tours
Morning or Sunset
What to Expect
More Boat Tours
Departure Ports
Cruise Passengers
Boat Tour Map
Photos
FAQ

Santorini Boat Tours: Quick Picks

Santorini Boat Tours: My Advice

  • Do a boat tour if you can. The caldera cliffs are more impressive from the water, and a cruise combines scenery, swimming, food, and sunset better than almost any other Santorini activity.
  • Choose morning for swimming and sunset for atmosphere. Morning tours finish earlier and usually have a better chance of lighter winds. Sunset cruises are more romantic but can be cooler and rougher on the return.
  • Do not expect to walk onto Red Beach or White Beach. Catamarans stop offshore for swimming and photos.
  • The hot springs are warm, not hot. You swim through cooler seawater to reach the warmer mineral water. Wear a dark swimsuit because the orange-brown water can stain pale fabric.
  • Expect the boat to use its engine. Catamaran tours are often called sailing cruises, but crews motor for much of the route.
  • If you get seasick, take medication before boarding. Sit near the middle of the boat, look toward the horizon, and avoid the bow when the water gets rough.
  • Book early from June through September. Private charters and the best small-group sunset cruises sell out first.

The 5 Best Santorini Boat Tours

1. Small-Group Catamaran Cruise – Best for Most Visitors

Small-group catamaran cruise in the Santorini caldera.
This is the boat tour I recommend to most first-time visitors. It combines the classic caldera route, swimming, a good onboard meal, drinks, and round-trip transportation without the cost of chartering an entire boat.

Morning and sunset options are available. The cruise passes the southern coast and Red and White Beach areas before heading into the caldera for the volcano, hot springs, and views below Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia.

The onboard meal is a proper lunch or early dinner rather than a bag of snacks.

Choose this tour if: You want the classic Santorini catamaran experience with swimming, food, drinks, and great views at a reasonable price.
Skip it if: Sharing the boat or doing a shared hotel transfer will bother you. Book a private cruise instead.

2. Private Catamaran Cruise – Best for Honeymoons and Families

Private catamaran stopped near the Santorini volcano and hot springs.
A private cruise is meaningfully different from a shared catamaran. You have more room, no strangers, and more control over the pace and length of swimming stops.

It is expensive for two people but makes more sense for a family or group splitting the cost. I especially recommend it for honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals, and multigenerational families.

Choose this tour if: Privacy, space, and flexible pacing matter more than price.
Skip it if: You are comfortable sharing a catamaran and would rather spend the savings on a hotel upgrade, wine tour, or special dinner.

3. Santorini Day Cruise – Best for Swimming

Daytime Santorini catamaran cruise with swimming in the caldera.
Choose the daytime cruise if swimming and sunbathing matter more than seeing sunset from the water. You get maximum daylight and the earlier finish leaves the evening free for dinner in Fira, Imerovigli, or Oia.

Choose this tour if: You want maximum daylight, an earlier finish, and more time in the water.
Skip it if: Sunset is the main reason you are booking a boat.

4. Santorini Fishing Tour – Best Alternative Boat Trip

Traditional fishing boat tour off the coast of Santorini.
My favorite alternative to the standard catamaran cruise. The trip combines fishing, swimming, coastal scenery, and a fresh seafood meal. It’s especially good for families with older children and anyone who would rather have a hands-on experience than spend five hours lounging on a catamaran.

Choose this tour if: You enjoy seafood, fishing, or are traveling with older children.
Skip it if: Your priority is the classic Red Beach, volcano, hot springs, and caldera circuit.

5. Volcano and Hot Springs Tour – Best Budget Tour

Traditional wooden volcano tour boat in the Santorini caldera.
The cheapest way to explore the volcanic islands. This is a sightseeing excursion on a larger traditional-style boat, not a semi-private catamaran with a cooked meal and open bar.

Depending on the option, the itinerary can include Nea Kameni, the Palea Kameni hot springs, Thirassia, and sunset below Oia. The full tour is an active day, with a hot and exposed walk across rough black lava on Nea Kameni and more time ashore than you get on a catamaran.

Wear supportive shoes and bring water.

Choose this tour if: You want to hike the volcano, visit Thirassia, and spend less.
Skip it if: You want a small boat, comfortable lounging, an included meal, or a relaxing honeymoon cruise.

Morning or Sunset Boat Tour?

Morning is my choice for swimming. You get full daylight, an earlier finish, and usually a better chance of lighter winds.

Sunset is my choice for atmosphere. It’s more romantic, but cooler and later. You do not need to be directly below Oia for a good sunset. The open western horizon is what matters.

A boat sunset is less crowded and more relaxing than watching from Oia Castle, but you will not get the classic photograph of the sun dropping behind Oia’s windmills while standing in the village.

What to Expect on a Santorini Catamaran Cruise

Boat in Santorini caldera.

You don’t fully appreciate the size of the Santorini caldera until you’re out on the water. Even in summer, it can feel like you have the caldera to yourself.

Swimming Stops

Boats anchor offshore and you enter the sea from the boat, usually by ladder. The swimming stops are generally in deep water. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew and use a flotation device.

Hot Springs

Boats stop outside the shallow mineral water near Palea Kameni, so you must swim through cooler sea to reach the warmer water. It’s worth doing once, but don’t expect anything resembling a hot tub.

Food and Drinks

Catamaran meals are better than many travelers expect. Most shared cruises serve a simple Greek meal with several dishes and vegetarian options. “Open bar” usually means local wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, not unlimited cocktails and premium liquor.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling equipment is often supplied, but Santorini is more notable for volcanic scenery than colorful reefs. I would not choose a Santorini boat tour primarily for the snorkeling.

More Good Santorini Boat Tours

Private Sunset Catamaran Cruise

A good second choice for a private cruise, especially when sunset is the priority.

Private Day Cruise with BBQ

Best for families and groups who want a private boat but prefer daytime swimming to sunset.

Gold Catamaran Cruise

A larger shared catamaran with plenty of space. A good choice when boat size matters more than having the smallest possible group.

Santorini Sunset Cruise

A good alternative when sunset is the priority. Do not make a fixed dinner reservation immediately after the scheduled return.

Santorini Boat Tour Departure Ports

Vlychada Marina

Many of Santorini’s catamaran cruises use Vlychada on the south coast. It’s a long drive from Oia, and shared transfers can take a while.

Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi sits directly below Oia. Some catamaran and private cruises start or finish here. Check your booking carefully because a tour can start at Vlychada and finish at Ammoudi, or the reverse.

Old Port Below Fira

The Old Port, also called Skala or Ormos Fira, sits at the base of the cliffs below Fira. Traditional volcano tours depart from here, and it is also the main tender landing for cruise passengers. From Fira, independent travelers reach the port by cable car or the long stairway.

Do not confuse the Old Port with Athinios, the island’s ferry port.

Athinios Ferry Port

Athinios is the main ferry port for ferries from Athens and other Greek islands. It is not the normal departure point for the catamaran cruises recommended on this page.

Athinios is also used for some cruise-passenger tender operations in 2026, so cruise passengers should confirm their assigned landing point with their ship rather than assuming they will arrive at the Old Port.

Santorini Old Port below Fira, used by cruise tenders and volcano tour boats.

The Old Port below Fira is the main cruise-tender landing and departure point for many traditional volcano tours. It is different from the Athinios ferry port.

Santorini Boat Tours for Cruise Passengers

Cruise passengers can take an independent boat tour, but I would only do it with plenty of time in port.

Most cruise passengers are tendered to the Old Port below Fira. Under Santorini’s 2026 rules, some passengers can be routed through Athinios instead. Check your ship’s instructions because the logistics are completely different.

  • Your ship’s arrival time is not your tour-ready time. Tendering ashore can take time, especially when several ships are in the caldera.
  • If you land at the Old Port, allow time for the cable car. Queues can be long on busy cruise days.
  • An Old Port volcano tour is often the simplest independent boat trip. You are already at the departure port and do not need to transfer across the island.
  • A catamaran takes more time. Tours from Vlychada or Ammoudi require a road transfer as well as the tender logistics.
  • Be very careful with sunset cruises. I would not book one unless your ship stays exceptionally late.
  • Allow a large return buffer. Tender queues, cable-car queues, traffic, wind, and boat delays can all slow the return.
  • The cruise line will not wait for an independent tour. If the port call is short, book through the cruise line or skip the boat tour.

Best Boat Tour for Cruise Passengers

The Volcano and Hot Springs Tour is the simplest independent choice when it leaves from the Old Port after you can realistically get ashore and returns well before all aboard.

A catamaran is more comfortable, but it takes more logistical time. For a short port call, I would book through the cruise line or skip the boat tour.


Map showing Santorini boat tour routes, beaches, volcanic islands, and departure ports.

Santorini Boat Tours: Photos

Santorini boat picking up guests in Ammoudi Bay below Oia.

A boat collecting passengers at Ammoudi Bay below Oia.

Swimming from a boat below Oia in Santorini.

Swimming below Oia.

Barbecue meal served aboard a Santorini boat tour.

Barbecue served aboard a Santorini catamaran.

Lunch served aboard a Santorini catamaran cruise.

Guests swimming from a boat toward the Santorini hot springs.

Guests swim through cooler seawater to reach the warmer mineral water near Palea Kameni.

Child jumping from a Santorini tour boat into the caldera.

My son jumping from the boat.

Bathroom aboard a Santorini catamaran cruise.

This is as small as bathrooms come. Most are bigger than this.

White volcanic cliffs seen from a Santorini boat tour.

The white volcanic cliffs on Santorini’s southern coast are best seen from the water.

Private catamaran cruise sailing in the Santorini caldera.

The Private Catamaran Cruise with swimming and an onboard meal.

Santorini Boat Tour FAQ

Are Santorini boat tours worth it?

Yes. I rank a boat tour alongside the Fira-to-Oia hike and a winery visit as one of Santorini’s essential experiences.

How much do Santorini boat tours cost?

Traditional volcano tours are the cheapest. Shared catamaran cruises cost more but usually include transportation, food, and drinks. Private cruises are priced per boat and make more sense for families and groups splitting the cost. Check prices for your exact date.

Do boat tours stop at Red Beach and White Beach?

Catamarans pass or anchor offshore for swimming and photos. They do not normally land on the beaches.

Are the Santorini hot springs actually hot?

No. The water is warmer than the surrounding sea but not hot like a thermal pool.

Are life jackets available?

Licensed boats carry required safety equipment. If you or your child needs flotation support for swimming, confirm what the boat provides before booking.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment included?

They’re included on many catamaran cruises, but check your specific tour.

Do catamarans have bathrooms and shade?

Yes. Catamarans have onboard toilets and some covered seating, though the amount of shade varies by boat.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a light layer for sunset. Wear a dark swimsuit for the hot springs. For the volcano hike, bring water and supportive shoes.

Can babies and children join?

Many cruises accept children, but minimum ages vary. I prefer a private cruise for families with very young children.

Which tour is best for travelers with limited mobility?

A catamaran is usually a better choice than the volcano tour, which involves walking over rough lava terrain. Boarding varies by boat, so travelers with significant mobility limitations should confirm access before booking.

How rough is the water?

The caldera can get choppy, especially when the wind picks up. Morning often has lighter winds.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The operator can change the route, reschedule, or cancel when conditions are unsafe.

Do Santorini boat tours operate in April and October?

Yes, though there are fewer departures and the sea is cooler than in summer.

How far ahead should I book?

Book early for June through September, especially for private charters and sunset cruises. Last-minute bookings are possible, but you’ll have much less choice in summer.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.

  1. Ammoudi Bay Cruise

    Hi – Your site is great! Regarding the options for catamaran/boat tours, we would prefer to take an afternoon-evening 1/2 day semi-private tour that departs from ammoudi bay or one of the ports near Fira, instead of Vlychada beach port, as we would prefer to see the town of Oia with the sunset on the return back to port.
    I am having a very time figuring out which companies with good reviews departs from Ammoudi?
    Do you have a recommendation(s) for a tour that departs from Ammoudi or Fira or other within the caldera?
    Thanks
    Austin, San Diego, CA

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Many highly-rated companies specialize in these types of caldera cruises. When searching, focus on sunset catamaran tours specifically mentioning departure from “Ammoudi Port” or “Fira Old Port” – which is pretty easy to get to from Oia. Once you find a listing you may need to contact directly (phone) to enquire about actual departure location as it can flip around for no apparent reason (though they will always pick you up from where they say). Look for options described as “small group” or “semi-private” to ensure that more intimate setting. These trips typically last about five hours, starting mid-afternoon. The usual itinerary includes sailing past stunning coastal landmarks, stopping for swimming and snorkeling opportunities at the unique Red Beach and White Beach (or nearby Mesa Pigadia), and taking a dip in the warm waters near the volcano’s Hot Springs. A highlight is often the BBQ/Greek meal prepared onboard, usually served with local Santorinian wine, beers, and soft drinks. The crucial part, which aligns with your preference, is that these sunset tours typically position themselves perfectly in the caldera, often below Oia, to give you breathtaking, unobstructed views as the sun descends into the sea.

  2. Swimming in April

    Hey Dave!
    We met at Titignano in Umbria. Do you think the first week of April will be too cold to swim in the Aegean? It looks like average water temps are 60 – 64 F. Brrrrr. Thanks!

    Carlos Mendoza

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Hi Carlos! Swimming in April is almost always too cold for my tastes but doable for the bold. A warm sunny day will help, of course, and while they’re not the norm, they do happen. Hope that helps.

  3. Which Boat Tours

    Hi Dave – great site with so much information!

    My partner and I can’t decide which tour to go on in July – we want to do the volcano excursion, see the sunset at Oia onboard but also see the south coastline (mainly the red beach).

    Is it best to do a cheaper volcano boat tour on one day and then a catamaran sunset cruise on another (we are visiting for 6 days). Or I saw you’ve posted about water taxis to see the different beaches, so I guess we can do the volcano boat tour and then take the bus (or drive) to Akrotiri and make our way to the beach?

    We haven’t decided on whether to rent a car or use the buses. I’ve seen you posted about pros/cons of both types of transport. I think our main consideration is the wait for buses due to peak season vs the cost of renting a car. Or maybe we rent a car for part of our trip.

    Thank you so much!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      As much as I love and recommend boat tours, I generally would not recommend doing two different boat trips. I think that time is better spent exploring the island, and yes, taking the water taxi between southern beaches is a good option. I would rent a car for two or three days and use the bus the other days. The boat tours will have hotel pick up, so you need not worry about transportation that day.

  4. Valuables on Boat

    Dave: When you go swimming on these boat trips (especially one going to hot springs), where can you keep your valuables, e.g. your camera? It would be terrible to lose your photos. I am a trustworthy person, but wonder what other people do to avoid any problems. You can’t swim with a camera.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Honestly, it’s never been anything I’ve considered. It’s usually a small group of people and there’s never an issue with leaving your stuff. I suppose you could leave it with one of the staff, but I expect they’d just laugh and say, this is Greece, your stuff is fine, go swim.

  5. Sea Sickness?

    Hi Dave, thanks so much for all your recommendations. How choppy are these boat rides? I am concerned about sea sickness if you have any specific recommendations? Thanks so much!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I find the boat tours to be pretty calm. Most time is in the protected caldera waters and if the sea is really rough the tour will be canceled, in any case. The boat tours are definitely less rough than the worst ferry rides, so if you’re ok on the ferry you’ll be fine on a boat tour.

  6. Age Requirements on Boat Tour

    Just found this fantastic website – thanks Santorini Dave, have been finding it really useful! One question about the boat tours please, we’d like to do one, will they take 5 year olds? Thank you

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Unless otherwise stated, boat tours allow all ages. My kids have loved the boat tours at all ages.

  7. Private Catamaran Caldera Cruise

    Hi, Dave
    My friend and I are considering to book the Private Catamaran Cruise. Could you please give us some ideas about the range of the gratuities we should provide? Thanks!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Tipping in the 10% to 20% is appreciated. But I believe the more the better – tourism workers really rely on tips to make a living wage.

  8. Short Santorini Boat Tour

    Hi Dave – are there any boat trips available from Santorini that are maybe just 2-3 hours instead of a half or full day? Would like to be able to swim and just see some beautiful scenery, but will have a 4-year-old and husband that might be debatable if he would get sea-sickness so 5 hours feels like a big commitment. We’re staying in Oia – what might you suggest? We’ll only be on Santorini for 2 nights/1.5 days before moving on to Naxos. Thanks for all of your excellent insights!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      There are no shorter tours that I know of on Santorini. However if you booked a private boat tour (expensive, obviously) they would return you to port whenever you wanted. I will say the 5 hours goes very quickly. The only other option (as far as getting on a boat) is the ferry to Thirassia or the water taxis along the south coast beaches.

  9. Santorini Boat Tour in November

    We are visiting Santorini the first week of November, will the water be too cold for these awesome excursions with swimming in hot springs and volcanoes? And if it is, is it still worth doing?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      For me, November is too cold to swim (though not impossible for the bold). But I would still recommend a boat tour even if you don’t swim. Views and perspectives from the water are incredible any time of year.

  10. Best Santorini Towns

    Hi Santorini Dave

    I’m looking to travel next year by myself possibly in May/September, which area of Santorini would you recommend I stay? I’m debating the time I’ll be staying but it will be between 5 or 7 nights.

    Also, would you recommend any day trips to another island?

    Many thanks, Alison.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I have several posts on this site about where to stay on Santorini and best towns and beaches. Take a look. In general, I do not recommend day trips to other islands. With the ferry schedules, it’s difficult to get more than a few hours on neighboring islands when you do a day trip. It’s much better to pack your bags and move to whatever island you want to see.

  11. Boat Tours in Santorini and Mykonos

    I’m going to Santorini and Mykonos for 8 days. Do you think it’s worth doing a boat tour on each island? I’ll only have 3 days in Mykonos.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I definitely recommend going on a boat tour in Santorini. For Mykonos it’s more of a toss-up. (If Greek cooking sounds interesting to you, I’d recommend the cooking course instead of a boat tour.)

  12. Santorini Boat Tour Without Swimming

    Hi Dave,
    Thanks for all the information on this site.
    Is there a sailing trip that just goes for a trip around the caldera, with no swimming or snorkeling? Maybe with the option of seeing the volcano close up and also the sunset?
    Thanks,
    Tansen.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I’d say pretty much all tours have swimming but you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. And while others are swimming you can relax on deck and gaze at the views. The tour carries on even when some are swimming so it’s not as if you just sit there on your own, bored – there’s still plenty of fun on board the boat.

  13. Santorini Boat Tours in Off Season

    Hi Dave,

    Do you think boat tours are fine during winter season? Otherwise, do you have any recommendations for winter excursions?

    Many thanks in advance.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      If by winter, you mean December, January, and February then there will be few (if any) boat tours running and I don’t think I’d recommend them. If, instead, you might be visiting in March and get some good weather then they’ll be fine (though still not many running). A wine tour is a great year-round thing to do in Santorini. And walking the Fira-Oia path is my top pick, any time of year.

  14. Santorini Boat Tours with Swimming

    For the boat tours, do you need to swim to the beach or is walkable to the shore once they dock as close as they can? We’re not great swimmers and if that’s requirement we’ll have to book another boat tour.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      For tours that visit the volcano, the boat will dock and you’ll be able to walk off without getting wet. For tours that visit the hot springs, the boat will anchor about 30 to 50 meters from the hot spring area and you’ll need to swim to the warm water. Otherwise, most tours stop near a beach for swimming and snorkeling but don’t really directly visit the beach. You’re fine staying on the boat and viewing the scenery (which is great) while others swim. On most tours I’ve been on, about half the people swim and half remain on the boat, so it’s unlikely you’re the only one left on the boat while everyone else is off playing.

  15. Is The Boat Ride to the Santorini Volcano Rough?

    Will the boat tour to the volcano and hot spring be suitable for those who get sea sick?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Generally, it’s usually pretty calm. Depending on where you depart from most of the tour will be inside the protected caldera. Catamarans are more stable than single-hull boats.

  16. Santorini Boat Tour with Kids in March

    We are taking our kids to Santorini the last week of March. What private boat tour would you recommend to take for the volcano tour?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      It’s not so much what is the best tour but more what is available. As the time grows closer (February or early March) search Getyourguide for Santorini Boat Tours and choose the most appropriate.

  17. Santorini Day or Sunset Boat Tour

    Dave, your advice on this site is awesome and very detailed. My fiancee and I are going to be in Santorini in August for our honeymoon and are definitely booking one of the boat tours, but we just can’t decide on whether to do a day or sunset voyage. Anything you can tell us that would help make our decision easier? Not sure if this has an effect on the analysis, but we are staying in Imerovigli which I understand has nice views of the sunset. Thanks!!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I don’t think there’s not a huge difference: the day tour has more swimming time, the sunset tour has more evening hours. Be sure to take a change of clothes for the sunset tour (it can get chilly at night). The sunset tour has a later starting date which allows you to do something in the morning.

  18. What Day is Best for a Santorini Boat Tour

    I am about to book the semi-private boat tour and we are going the last week of June into July (which, from what I understand, is a very crowded time of year). Do you think that the day of the week that we book the day tour matters much (Friday vs. Saturday vs. Monday)? I assume everyone on board is likely vacationing so I’m not sure if this would be significant, but if it may make a different in terms of the number of people on board, I’d love to know. Thanks!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      There’s no difference between days of the week and busyness. Do whatever works best.

  19. Boat Tour or Sea Kayaking in Santorini

    I have 3 full days in Santorini in the beginning of July. I’m looking into a boat tour or sea kayaking. Is it worth it to do both? What would you suggest? Thanks for your amazing resources!!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      If you can only do one do the boat tour but if time allows do both, as they each have a very different feel. It’s a more surreal feeling being in a kayak at water-level looking up at the huge cliffs (depending where your tour goes). But you do get to do more when on the boat tour – I think it’s a more complete introduction to the caldera.

  20. Passport Information To Book Tour

    I am looking to book the sunset catamaran trip this summer. In the check out it asks for passport information. I just wanted to check this was a normal request/it’s safe to provide my information to this company?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Yes, it’s safe and secure. The information is requested by the port authority but it’s never used. I usually put in my correct name and then just make up a letter/number combination for my passport number. They’ll never know and never look at it.

  21. Santorini Boat Tour on Day Trip from Crete

    We are going to Santorini for one day in July via fast ferry from Crete. Are there any shorter cruises around Santorini that we can do in that window of time that we will be there?

    Thanks,
    Ed

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      No, sorry. There’s no boat tour (that I know of) that would get you back in time to get your return ferry to Crete.

  22. Milos Day Trip

    We will be in Santorini for 3 days after ferries from Athens-Mykonos then Mykonos-Santorini. We were thinking of taking the ferry to Milos for a day trip. Is it reasonable to do in a day or will we be ferried out?
    Thanks for your insight, love reading all of your suggestions.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Not worth it. If you want to visit Milos then I recommend staying at least 2 nights and 1 full day.

  23. Santorini Boat Tours in May

    Hi Dave,
    I’m planning a honeymoon in Greece this upcoming May and your site has been an amazing resource – thanks! Quick question: Is May too early for the boat tours that have swimming? Thanks.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Yes, they’ll be running in May (usually start in April) and you’ll be able to swim. But water can still be a bit chilly. And note, hot springs are not “hot” just warm.

  24. Santorini Boat Tours

    Hi there, I love to read and follow all of your posts so thank you for always having the most up to date information! We will be in Santorini in July and I would like to do a catamaran tour of the island and go into caves and see some of the hidden gems of Santorini. Is there a tour or boat that would do that?
    Also, is there a boat that will take you to Mykonos for a day and back to Santorini?
    Thank you,
    Alissa

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I don’t know of any boat tours that take in caves. And don’t know of any Santorini to Mykonos tours either. There are much better islands to visit on a day tour from Santorini. Ios for beaches, Naxos for inland sightseeing. (That said, I typically don’t recommend doing a day trip from Santorini as time is much better spent on Santorini than on a boat. If you do want to see another island then stay a night or two to see it best.)

  25. Best Boat Tour in Santorini

    Hi Dave – Awesome site. Just became a patron!

    Trying to select the right boat tour for my husband and I (going in a few weeks!). They all seem great so it’s hard to select. What are the key differences between these three tours:

    Semi-Private Luxury Catamaran Day Cruise
    5-Hour Small Group Catamaran Cruise
    Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Caldera

    In particular, trying to understand if it’s worth paying the premium for the semi-private luxury catamaran day cruise.

    Many thanks!
    Lily

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      The single biggest difference is whether the tour goes through the day or in the late afternoon (and gets the sunset). The 5-hour small group tour is cheaper than the other two but will have a few more people on the boat and the food served is not quite as robust as for the semi-private and sunset catamaran cruises. More appetizers than the full meal you get on the other two. Fewer drinks are served as well. All 3 are great and you’ll love whatever you choose. My advice is to first decide whether you want the sunset or more sun/swimming.

  26. Self Guided Tour of Volcano in Santorini

    Hello,

    We are visiting Santorini in the next few weeks. Is there a ferry that 2 people can take on their own and explore the volcano/hot springs, or is it only by tour? Please let me know! Much appreciated.
    Gabriel M

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      There are no ferries to the volcano or hot springs. You have to do a tour or a chartered/private tour. There are small boats that do regular routes to the neighboring island of Thirassia (that forms the western side of the caldera) but this isn’t the volcano.

  27. Best Sunset Cruise in Santorini

    We are looking for the best sunset tour around Santorini. Our only concern is that we also want lots of swimming. If we do the sunset tour will we have enough time to swim?

    Thanks
    Miller

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Not sure what you mean by “enough” but you’ll certainly get a good stretch of time to swim. It won’t be 10 minutes and let’s go. More like 2 to 3 hours.

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