If you have several days on the island, I strongly suggest enjoying a Santorini boat tour. This is the best way to appreciate the unique landscape of the submerged caldera and to admire the colors of the cliffs. Below is my guide to help you choose the best Santorini boat trip for you. Spoiler alert: my favorite is the catamaran cruise!
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Why a boat trip in Santorini is a must-do...
Let's start with a picture as I believe this tells it all...
Santorini boat tour to the volcano
How better to appreciate the cliffs of Santorini that are between 150 and 300m (500 to 1000ft) in height than from a small boat exploring the caldera?
When sailing between the islands of the volcanic archipelago, it is hard to believe that it was once a single large landmass that sink during a huge eruption around 1600 B.C.
But it allows you to see the strates of rocks recording history in the cliffs, and how humans took over the top of them.
All boat tours will take you inside the caldera
But you can also take longer tours that will allow you to also admire the colors of South coast, as you can see on the picture below.
Santorini Catamaran Cruise
In my opinion, a boat tour is a must-do in Santorini to fully appreciate the unique landscape.
6 best Santorini Boat Tours - How to choose + Tips
Before sharing more pictures of Santorini from the sea, below is a summary of my tips to choose your boat adventure in Santorini:
- To see more of the scenery - The full day Catamaran Cruise in Santorini is my favorite option - small groups and lots of scenery including the South Coast -
Check out the program and book - Focus on the volcanic island - if you are more interested in the volcanic lava and hot springs, opt for the Santorini volcanic islands cruise - you can even walk on the path to the crater
Check out program and book - If you are short in time - then you can book a quicker tour from the Thira old port to the hot springs. You will enjoy beautiful views under 3h
Check out this option - For a romantic option - if you want to enjoy the sunset with a smaller crowd of people around you, joining a sunset cruise in Santorini is a good choice
See several options - For the more active of you - there are several tours possible kayaking along the cliffs of Santorini this will be an unforgettable experience
See options - For a cheaper option - if you are arriving on one of the largest ferries between the islands, you can go outside and admire the views as you approach Santorini
Book your ferries
Below is a video of my first choice, the catamaran cruise, to give you a better idea of what to expect! (Note, I did not swim because I had a twisted ankle)
Tips for your boat tour around Santorini
- If you are staying over 3 days, book your boat tour at the beginning of your trip. This way, if the wind prevents you from doing it, you may be able to rebook on a later day.
- Bring socks - as well as layers of clothes (the wind can get chilly) - it can be strange but when you are at the front of the catamaran with the wind, your feet are first to get cold - we were all coving our feet with our towels
- If you go for a swim, you have to be able to swim 50m without holding anything, even to go to the hot springs since there is no beach - they give you objects to help you float, but still
- Don't go into the hot springs if you have an open wound
- Don't bring jewelry when swimming in the hot Spring, and avoid light color swimsuits (especially white) as they will stain
- Cover yourself to prevent sunburns!
Wondering where to stay in Santorini?
Check out my article to find the best areas depending on your criteria and discover inspiring accommodation suggestions
The Santorini Catamaran Cruise for a day - amazing sailing adventure!
Let's start with my favorite option: the Catamaran Cruise.
They will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Vlichada marina. It is quite well organized, they have many catamarans and many minibus picking up guests.
I booked this one via Getyourguide and had a great time.
Then you board your catamaran, get set up. What I love about this option is that you are not surrounded with 50 other people. You are a small group on your catamaran. However you are surrounded by other catamarans with makes for great pictures 🙂
You start by cruising the whole south Coast to head first to the volcano. The scenery is stunning, but you are not stopping yet.
As you approach the island of Palea Kameni, you can sail really close to shore and admire the volcanic rock.
Your first swim spot is at one of the main hot springs around Palea Kameni. Sadly I could not go as I had twisted my ankle.
Note that other boats are stopping there and it is quite busy!
You have to swim around 30m from your boat to the warm waters which are normally between 30 and 35°C (86 to 95ºF).
Palea Kameni hot spring
Back on board you sail back towards the South Coast, close to shore.
You first admire the Akrotiri lighthouse above the beautiful rainbow cliffs.
Akrotiri lighthouse
Then one of my favorite parts, was when we sail around the black cliffs. They are straight and tall, and we could approach and admire Nature's sculpture work of erosion
Then you past the white cliffs of White Beach.
Amazing South coast cliffs on a Santorini Catamaran Cruise
And you head to Red Beach and enjoy another swim with magnificent views!
Few notes:
- Although you are on a catamaran, you are not sailing most of the time but using the motor. We lifted the sail only for the last 30min
- Food is cooked onboard with cold salads, meat and fish. I was surprised by the choice of food and it was quite good.
- Be aware that all catamarans have a tendency to play loud music. I really don't understand why, as it distracts from the experience, but some people do enjoy it.
Volcano Tours in Santorini & boat tours to hot springs
Another famous boat tour in Santorini is the one focusing on the volcano.
It departs from the main port and takes you around the volcanic islands with the hot springs.
Check out program
Your first stop at Nea Kameni where you can take the path up to the volcano with brillant views of the area.
Then you sail to Palea Kameni and the same hot spring as the catamaran cruise goes to.
It is easily identified with the small white church. Here you can go for a swim.
Santorini hot spring
Then you will sail to Thirassia, the second largest island, where you have free time and can climb the stairs to the village of Manolas.
During the summer months, you can take the option to extend with a sunset tour in Oia.
Shorter alternative
If you are short in time, there are options under 3h leaving from the Fira old port to the hot springs and back.
Check out program and book
Old port of Fira
Oia sunset cruises
Oia is famous for its sunset.
It is like the whole island flocks to Oia 1h before sunset and everyone is trying finding a good spot.
If you want a more peaceful experience, a sunset cruise can be a good alternative. There are several tours in large or small boats (so with more or less people) and even private options.
Some start with some swimming activities, other combine with the hot spring.
If you have several days you can do one sunset from land and one sunset from the water.
Sunset in Oia
Kayaking in Santorini
With a kayak, you won't be able to go as far, but you will take the time to enjoy the fascinating cliffs on the South Coast.
This is a great way to stay close to shore and notice the landscape and old houses.
Kayaking in Santorini
Santorini boat tour - cheap alternative
If you are short in time or in cash, arriving in Santorini by ferry is a good way to admire the coastline.
On the smaller ferries you can't really go out. But on the larger ones, if the weather permits, you can go to the deck until the final approach to the port.
My pictures below were take on the ferry from Mykonos.
Planning a trip to Santorini? Check out my guide to help you plan your itinerary:
- 6 easy-to-plan Maps
- 40 scenic locations and photo stops to consider for your itinerary
- Planning tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates for peace of mind
- 90+ photos to help you select where to go
Want to see more of Santorini?
The best way to see the island, don't you think?
