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Why To Go On a Santorini Boat Tour?
Types of Santorini Boat Tours
A Santorini Day Cruise allows you to enjoy stunning views of the caldera and its charming villages from the sea. You can also swim in clear waters at popular beaches like Red Beach and White Beach and relax in the hot springs of the volcano. Some tours even offer BBQ meals, unlimited local wine, and cocktails.
A Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise is a magical way to experience the beauty of the island. These Santorini boat tours take you around the stunning coastline of Santorini and to the volcano, followed by a breathtaking sunset experience. You can choose from different boats like catamarans or yachts and enjoy a meal with local wine on this cruise.
A Caldera Sunset Cruise is another wonderful boat tour in Santorini that offers memorable views of a serene sunset. As the sun sets, you can enjoy the gorgeous sunlit glow of the panoramic views of the caldera and the stunning coastline. With the gentle sway of the boat and soothing waves, the tranquil ambience adds to the magic of the tour.
If you want to see the best sights of Santorini in style, you can take the Premium Santorini Catamaran Cruise. This cruise lets you swim in the clear waters of Red Beach, White Beach, and the hot springs of the volcano. You can also enjoy delicious food on board and soak in stunning views of the caldera cliffs and volcanic islands.
You can experience one of the best boat tours in Santorini with a Small Group Luxury Catamaran Cruise. It lets you sail on a luxurious catamaran, swim, and snorkel in the clear waters of the Aegean Sea. With unlimited local wine, beer, and Greek food, this intimate cruise is a perfect way to explore Santorini.
To see the distinct beauty of the volcanic island, take the Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise. This cruise allows you to sail to the active volcano on Nea Kammeni and walk along its ridge with a guide. It also lets you relax in the hot springs of Palea Kameni, where you can enjoy mud baths.
Pick The Perfect Santorini Boat Tour
If you want to mix sightseeing with great food, a lunch or dinner cruise in Santorini is a perfect choice for you. On these cruises, you can enjoy tasty Greek meals prepared on board while soaking in the beautiful views of the island. It is a great way to see the sights and savour delicious food at the same time.
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You can choose a Santorini boat tour at any time of the day. For a stunning sunset view, you can book an evening cruise. You can try a dinner cruise with Greek cuisine if you want a delicious meal. A day-long sightseeing tour is great for a complete experience.
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You can try a full-day guided boat tour to dive deep into the beauty of Santorini. This 12-hour adventure takes you around the volcanic island to show its scenic wonders. It is one of the best boat tours of Santorini if you want to experience everything the island has to offer in one exciting day.
If you want to see the volcanic islands, charming villages, and sulfur-rich hot springs of Santorini, the Volcanic Islands Cruise is perfect for you. This tour lasts between 6 to 10 hours, depending on your choice of duration.
Type of Options Available in Santorini for Cruising
Volcano tours in Santorini are a great way to explore the volcanic history on the island. On these tours, you can hike up the famous volcano, Nea Kammeni, and swim in its hot springs which are known for their healing properties. Some tours also visit nearby Therasia island, which offers a chance to see the stunning Santorini sunset.
Catamaran tours are one of the best Santorini boat tours that offer a fantastic way to see the top attractions of the island. These tours allow you to swim in the clear waters of Red Beach and White Beach, relax in the hot springs of the volcano, and enjoy delicious food on board. You will also get stunning views of the caldera cliffs and volcanic islands.
Must-See Spots On a Santorini Boat Tour
You can start your boat tour from Ammoudi Bay and sail to the stunning Caldera. You can also take a dip in the warm springs near Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. These mineral-rich waters are like a natural spa, which is perfect for relaxing and refreshing yourself amidst the beautiful Aegean Sea.
You can take a luxury catamaran cruise from Vlychada Beach, which is famous for its unique moon-like landscape. This special spot offers a different charm from other beaches in Santorini. Here, you can relish the pristine waters as you dip your toes or take a refreshing swim, enjoying a delightful and unique coastal experience.
Red Beach is another must-visit place on boat tours in Santorini. This beach is unique with its red sand, cliffs, and pebbles. As you cruise along, you will see the striking brick-red cliffs set against the deep blue Aegean Sea. Although you can reach here by land, viewing it from the sea highlights its vibrant colours and rugged beauty.
Mesa Pigadia (White Beach) is a beautiful spot, hosting dazzling white cliffs that drop into clear blue waters. You can reach the beach by boat or a scenic hike. The contrast of the white sand and deep blue sea makes it a peaceful place for swimming and relaxing, away from the busy parts of Santorini.
You can experience the magic of the famous sunset in Oia from the deck of a boat. The view of Oia’s windmills and whitewashed buildings wrapped against this colourful backdrop is like a scene from a fairy tale. Watching the sunset from the sea adds a memorable touch to your Santorini boat tour.
Plan Your Santorini Boat Tour
Santorini is a popular tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year, so you can plan your boat tours to Santorini based on what you want to do.
- Beach Holiday: If you love the beach, you can visit the destination between June and September. During this time, the weather is hot and sunny. These months are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife on the island.
- Sightseeing Holiday: April, May, October, and November are ideal for exploring the sights, wineries, and food. The weather is still warm at this time, and the island is less crowded.
- Do not go on a boat tour in Santorini if you have walking disabilities or use wheelchairs/strollers.
- Always carry a valid photo ID and your mobile ticket.
- Wear a dark-coloured swimsuit if you plan to swim in the hot springs as the water can stain light-coloured clothing.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water, especially in the summer.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning views of the island from the waters.
- Accompany your children at all times during the tour.
- Get life jackets only in case of emergencies or ask for floating noodles if you are a non-swimmer.
FAQ's
How do you get to the Boatries in Santorini?
To get to the boat piers (Boatries) in Santorini, you can use local transportation such as taxis, buses, or rental cars from various parts of the island. The piers are typically located in popular ports like Athinios, where ferries and boats depart for tours, cruises, and transfers to other islands in the Aegean Sea.
What Boat is Santorini famous for?
Santorini is famous for its catamaran cruises. These cruises offer an incredible way to explore the island's stunning coastline, visit the volcanic islands, swim in the hot springs, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset views. Catamaran cruises are popular for their comfort, luxury, and the unforgettable experiences they provide on the Aegean Sea.
What is the best time to take the Santorini Boat tour?
Santorini's constant warmth makes it a perfect destination for sailing trips. The months of May through October are the best for sailing trips due to their moderate temperatures and reduced tourist activity. You can take beautiful coastal sailing cruises or go on island hopping excursions during these months.
How to reach Santorini?
To reach Santorini from Greece, you can take a flight from Athens International Airport (ATH) or Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Santorini (Thira) National Airport (JTR). Alternatively, ferries operate from Athens (Piraeus and Rafina) and other Cycladic islands like Mykonos and Crete (Heraklion). Ferry travel times vary depending on the route, ranging from 2 to 8 hours.
How long should one spend on a Small Group Catamaran Cruise?
You can spend a full day on a Small Group Catamaran Cruise in Santorini. These cruises start in the morning until the early evening. This provides enough time for swimming, snorkelling, visiting beaches, exploring hot springs, and enjoying meals onboard.
What types of Santorini cruises are there?
Santorini offers different types of cruises, like catamaran cruises, sunset cruises, and volcano cruises. Catamaran cruises are popular and may include meals and swimming. On the other hand, sunset cruises let you watch the sunset from the water. There are also private, sailing, and yacht cruises, along with special ones like dinner or lunch cruises.
How long does a Santorini cruise last?
Santorini cruises can last for about 3-12 hours, depending on the type of tour you choose. A classic catamaran cruise is about 5 hours long and includes a meal. On the contrary, a caldera cruise lasts around 6 hours and visits different islands. The volcano cruise is the longest at 12 hours.
What should I wear on a Santorini boat tour?
You should wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or linen to stay cool on boat tours in Santorini. It is also advisable to bring a swimsuit because you might swim or snorkel in the clear waters. Moreover, you should consider carrying a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
How long is the Santorini volcano tour?
Santorini volcano tours can last from 3 to 12 hours. You can take a 3-hour tour that allows you to visit the volcano and hot springs. A 3.5-hour tour offers ATV rides, while some tours lasting for a day may include hiking, swimming, and sunset views as well.
Is it worth doing a boat tour in Santorini?
Yes, a boat tour in Santorini is absolutely worth it because you get amazing views of the island and its coastline. You can visit special places like volcanic hot springs and enjoy the sunset on the sea. Some tours even include swimming, hiking, and other unique activities. You can also take kayak tours that offer a closer look at the cliffs.
How long does it take to boat around Santorini?
Boating around Santorini can take from 10 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the tour. Sunset tours usually last up to 5 hours, while full-day and catamaran cruises can last 5 to 6 hours. Volcano tours might also include a 90-minute hike along with the cruise.
What is included in a Santorini boat tour?
The boat tours of Santorini often include transportation to and from your hotel, food, and drinks. They also offer a wide range of activities such as swimming in the Santorini Hot Springs, visiting Red Beach with its unique red sand, or exploring the volcano and its craters.
Are Santorini boat tours suitable for families with children?
Yes, Santorini boat tours are suitable for families with children, especially if you choose family-friendly tours with guides. Volcano tours, where you can swim in hot springs, are fun for older children. You can also take a catamaran cruise during the daytime or a sunset cruise to enjoy the evenings with your children.
Can I book a private boat tour in Santorini?
Yes, you can book a private boat tour in Santorini. These tours offer a personalised experience with just your group and a dedicated crew. Whether it is a day cruise or a sunset cruise, you can enjoy special moments with your loved ones.
Are there any age restrictions for boat tours in Santorini?
Most boat tours in Santorini do not have strict age restrictions. However, some activities like hiking to the volcano crater or swimming in hot springs might be challenging for very young children or elderly people. Hence, it is advisable to check with the tour operator in advance.