- Who is on board
- Shared, up to 20 guests
- Boat
- Lagoon 450F catamaran
- Starts
- Day 10:00 · Sunset 15:00
- How long
- About 5 hours
- Route
- Red Beach, the hot springs, Mesa Pigadia
- Price
- from €85 per person
- Best for
- Best value, a first visit
Which Santorini Boat Tour Should You Book?
A Santorini boat tour offers the most amazing way to explore the island's volcanic beauty. Sail across the deep blue caldera, swim in crystal-clear waters, and witness spectacular views of the volcano that you simply cannot experience from land.
Is a Santorini boat tour worth it?
Three things to know before you book
Red Beach, the volcanic hot springs and the caldera cliffs are best seen from the sea, and the first two can only be reached by boat.
The caldera is best seen from the sea
Sail past towering cliffs and discover hidden coves that most travelers never see
Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 12,000+ reviews
From our guests on Google, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, Viator and more
Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead for June to August
In September and October a few days ahead is usually enough
Five ways to sail in Santorini, compared
Every cruise leaves from Vlychada Marina with free hotel pickup. Here they are side by side: who is on board, the boat, when it leaves, how long it lasts, where it goes and what it costs.
- Who is on board
- Shared, up to 20 guests
- Boat
- Lagoon 450 or 52 catamaran
- Starts
- Day 10:00 · Sunset 15:00
- How long
- About 5 hours
- Route
- The hot springs, Mesa Pigadia, Thirassia
- Price
- from €96 per person
- Best for
- Food lovers, one more island
- Who is on board
- Just your group, up to 10
- Boat
- Axopar 37 Sun Top
- Starts
- Day or sunset, your time
- How long
- 3, 4, 5 or 9 hours
- Route
- The caldera and Oia, your own stops
- Price
- from €825 per boat
- Best for
- Couples, speed, more swim stops
- Who is on board
- Just your group, up to 20
- Boat
- Lagoon 450 or 52 catamaran
- Starts
- Day or sunset
- How long
- 5 hours
- Route
- The caldera and Thirassia
- Price
- from €1,044 per boat
- Best for
- Families, groups, celebrations
- Who is on board
- Just your group, up to 10
- Boat
- Axopar 37 Sun Top
- Starts
- Morning, back around sunset
- How long
- About 10 hours
- Route
- Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Koufonisia or Amorgos
- Price
- from €2,500 per boat
- Best for
- Seeing more islands in a day
Swipe to compare all five. Prices are the lowest of the season; private prices are for the whole boat.
How to choose a Boat for Day Cruise or Sunset Cruise
With so many options available, choosing the right Santorini boat tour can feel overwhelming. Here’s some advice to help you decide based on what matters most to you.
If you want…
We recommend
Gold Catamaran Cruise
Why?
All the highlights at the best price.
See the Gold Catamaran Cruise
We recommend
Platinum Catamaran Cruise
Why?
Golden hour lighting, amazing sunset views.
See the Platinum Catamaran Cruise
We recommend
Private Motor Yacht or Private Catamaran Cruise
Why?
Your own boat, your own schedule.
See private boat tours
We recommend
Gold or Platinum Catamaran Cruise, 10:00 day cruise
Why?
Warm waters, more time at hot springs.
See the day cruises
We recommend
Island Hopping Day Trip
Why?
One, two or even three islands in one day.
See the island hopping day trips
We recommend
Private Catamaran Cruise
Why?
Space for up to 20 guests, fully customized.
See the Private Catamaran Cruise
We recommend
Gold Catamaran Cruise, 10:00 day cruise
Why?
Safe, fun, with plenty of swimming.
See the Gold Catamaran Cruise
Sunset cruises provide spectacular views as the sun dips below the caldera. Sunset Boat Tours are ideal for romantic experiences, offering breathtaking views of the sunset on the horizon.
Sunset in Santorini today
What to Expect on Your Boat Trip
Every Vista Yachting cruise is designed to exceed your expectations. Here's what you can look forward to on your Santorini boat tour, whether you choose a day cruise or sunset cruise. All tours offer round-trip hotel transfers, towels, and snorkeling gear.
- Round-trip hotel transfers
- Towels
- Snorkeling gear
All cruises
Every cruise sets off from Vlychada Marina. Tap a route or a place on the map.
Tap a point to see it on the map
The Gold, Platinum and private cruises all swim at the volcanic hot springs, in warm water near the volcano. The Gold cruise also swims at Red Beach and Mesa Pigadia, the Platinum at Mesa Pigadia and Thirassia; both sail past White Beach. Snorkeling gear is provided on all tours. We recommend sturdy shoes if you hike the volcano (an option on the private motor yacht) and a dark swimsuit for the hot springs, to avoid stains.
Relax while our crew prepares a freshly cooked lunch or dinner on board; on the private motor yacht the meal is at a tavern in Thirassia. Enjoy Greek BBQ and premium Greek cuisine, with unlimited wine and soft drinks, and beer on the Platinum and the private cruises. Food served on board is well-prepared and carefully selected to complement the sailing experience.
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our experienced crew members have years of expertise navigating the Aegean Sea. Our team ensures you have an amazing trip.
See Santorini from a perspective most visitors never experience. Sail past volcanic cliffs and capture photos of the iconic caldera and volcano. On the sunset cruise you watch the sun go down over the open sea while calm music plays on board. Classic volcano boat tours focus on geological sights: the volcano, the hot springs and Thirassia Island. On the private motor yacht, the 5- and 9-hour tours can add the moderate hike to the crater of Nea Kameni, with a small entrance fee.
Where do Santorini boat tours leave from?
From four ports: Vlychada Marina on the south coast, Ammoudi Bay below Oia, the Old Port below Fira, and Athinios, the ferry port. All our cruises sail from Vlychada, the island’s marina, and we pick you up from your hotel and drive you there for free.
Volcano tour or catamaran cruise?
The classic volcano tours leave from the Old Port below Fira: you hike to the crater of Nea Kameni, then swim at the hot springs. Our catamarans skip the hike and swim at the hot springs instead, with time for beaches, a meal on board and, on the sunset cruise, the sunset. If you want both, our private motor yacht can add the crater hike on its 5- and 9-hour tours.
Best time to book
Our season runs from March to November, with each month offering a unique experience. From June to August book 2 to 3 weeks ahead; in September and October a few days ahead is usually enough. April, May, September and October have fewer crowds and favorable weather.
Drag the boat to change the month
- Now
April
Warm (20-25°C)
Calm sea
Low crowds
Excellent for swimming, fewer tourists
- Now
May
Warm (20-25°C)
Calm sea
Medium crowds
Excellent for swimming, fewer tourists
- Now
June & July
Hot (28-32°C)
Windy afternoons in July
High crowds
Peak season, book in advance
- Now
August
Very hot (30-35°C)
Windy afternoons
Very high crowds
Most popular, tours get fully booked
- Now
September
Warm (25-30°C)
Calm sea
Medium crowds
Perfect balance, amazing sunset views
- Now
October
Mild (20-25°C)
Variable sea conditions
Medium crowds
Great price, quieter experience
We make it happen together
Frequently asked questions
WhatsApp usVista YachtingOur travel experts answer
Which Santorini boat tour should I choose?
It depends on your priorities. For the best value, choose our Gold Catamaran Cruise. For romance, book the Platinum Catamaran Cruise at sunset. For privacy, go with a private boat tour: the Private Motor Yacht or the Private Catamaran Cruise. To see other islands, take an Island Hopping Day Trip. Our travel experts can help you decide based on your specific needs and preferences. For custom requests, feel free to leave a comment or contact our team. We’d be glad to hear from you and provide personalized advice
What is the difference between a day cruise and sunset cruise?
A day cruise departs in the morning and offers more swimming time in warmer waters, ideal for families with children. A sunset cruise departs in the afternoon and lets you watch the spectacular Santorini sunset from the sea perfect for romance. Both sail to the volcano for a swim at the hot springs, stop at beaches, and include a meal and drinks. Day tours are preferred for better visibility and warm water swimming, while sunset tours provide a cooler, romantic atmosphere.
Is a boat tour suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Our boat tours are family-friendly and our crew is experienced with guests of all ages. The 10:00 day cruise is particularly popular with families as it offers more swimming time and the sea is warmer in the morning. Life jackets are available for children. It’s a fun experience for the whole family.
What if I get seasick?
Our catamarans are very stable vessels that minimize motion sickness. The Santorini caldera is also naturally sheltered, so the waters are typically calm. If you’re concerned, we recommend taking seasickness medication before boarding and choosing a day cruise when conditions are calmest.
Can I book a tour if I'm arriving by cruise ship?
Yes! We offer boat tours that work with cruise ship schedules. Connect with our team with your ship’s arrival and departure times, and we’ll help you find a tour that fits your port day perfectly.
What should I bring on the boat tour?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided at no extra cost. Don’t forget your camera to capture the amazing views of the caldera and volcano! Food and drinks are included: wine, soft drinks and water on every cruise, beer on the Platinum and the private cruises.
How far in advance should I book?
During peak season (June-August), we recommend booking 2-3 weeks in advance as tours get fully booked. In September and October, booking a few days ahead is usually sufficient, but earlier is always better to secure your preferred date, time, and the best price.
Where does the boat tour pick up guests?
We pick you up free from your hotel anywhere on the island. Where a car can’t reach the door, a short shuttle of up to 5 minutes takes you to the pickup point.
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Join the more than 100,000 guests who have sailed with Vista Yachting since 2016. With a 4.9/5 rating across all platforms and over 12,000 reviews, we're Santorini's most trusted boat tour company. Our team of travel experts is ready to help you book the perfect cruise, whether you prefer a day cruise, sunset cruise, or luxury private boat experience.
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