Santorini Boat Tours & Cruises — Caldera, Sea Caves & Kayak Compared
Beyond the big catamarans, Santorini's water is best explored by traditional wooden boat, sea-cave kayak, dinner cruise, or a self-drive licence-free boat.
Available
13 options
Avg. rating
4.6 - 8,156 reviews
From
$30 EUR
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
Boat Tours & Cruises: what to know before booking
Beyond the big catamarans, Santorini's water is best explored by traditional wooden boat, sea-cave kayak, dinner cruise, or a self-drive licence-free boat.
- Availability
- 13 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $30 EUR before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.6 stars across 8,156 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Departures from Vlychada, Amoudi Bay, the Old Port, and south-coast marinas
- Best time
- Morning for calm water and kayaking; late afternoon for sunset cruises
- Ticket note
- Date- and departure-specific; arrive at the meeting point 15–30 minutes early
Boat Tours & Cruises in Santorini
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Everything you should know before you book
Santorini is an island, so the best views are from the sea — the caldera cliffs, the coloured beaches, and the volcanic islets all read better from a boat than from the rim road. Options range from shared caldera cruises and romantic dinner sailings to small-group sea-cave kayak tours and licence-free boats you drive yourself.
Pick the format to match your pace. Kayak tours hug the volcanic coastline and reach sea caves the big boats can't; traditional wooden boats are slower and more intimate; dinner cruises trade swimming for an on-board meal at sunset. Most depart from the south coast or from Amoudi Bay below Oia.
Frequently asked questions
Which Santorini boat tour is best for swimming?
Shared caldera and catamaran cruises build in two or three swim stops at the hot springs and beaches. Kayak tours focus on the coastline and sea caves with shorter dips.
Do I need a licence for the self-drive boats?
No — the licence-free boat rentals are kept under the engine power that requires a permit, so anyone can drive them after a short briefing.
Is the sea-cave kayak tour suitable for beginners?
Yes — guided kayak tours include instruction, stable sit-on-top kayaks, and a guide, and stick to the sheltered volcanic coast.