I am sure you will no doubt have heard about the amazing Santorini sunset or Oia sunset as some may refer it too.
The plenty of cool vantage spots to see the sunset on the island, my favourite spot to see the Santorini sunset is away from the crowds and hoards of tourists that clog up the alleyways and rooftops of the small island is far at sea.
Quiet, serene, wine glass in hand, shimmering waters ahead of you basked in the golden glow from the sun. Suddenly everything comes to a stop.
Catamarans stop moving on the water, any noise that may have been coming from the island stops as everyone just takes a moment to enjoy the sun setting and the sunlight disappear away to invite night time activities on the island.
As intoxicating as Santorini sunsets are, one must still choose wisely which one of the cool Santorini boat tours you enjoy the sunset on.
Below is a guide to the boat types used for many of the sunrise and sunset tours in Santorini. You can escape the throngs of tourists, on a tailor-made cruise to picturesque ports and remote beaches in Santorini to experience another side to this popular Greek island.
Tours also include a stop to the volcano, where you can swim between the hot and cold turquoise patches of the sulfuric springs of Palia Kameni.
You can also snorkel in the deep blue waters around the caldera, sunbathing while taking in the striking beauty of the landscape, tasting the delicious Greek food offered onboard.
If you are lucky you some of the best Santorini sunset boat tours also get to taste some of the Greek beers and wines from the local Santorini wineries.
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Types Of Boat Tours In Santorini Available
When you visit Santorini, whether for a quick visit or an extended island hopping tour or even to work through an Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini itinerary in Greece, you will likely not want to miss out sailing around the caldera.
If you happen to go on one of the Santorini boat tours below are the variety of tours you will find in Santorini. I have another post on our sailing trip around Santorini with more pictures.
- Private Tours: These are perfect for couples, groups of friends or families wanting to have a private tour. If you are looking for things to do in Santorini with kids. This in addition to the larger boats might be the way to go. You get private, personalized service as you sail to the hidden gems that only the locals know about. Or, if you prefer, visit nearby or even far-away Cycladic islands. These tours use the Catamarans or Yachts.
- Small/Limited Capacity Tours: You have the option of doing the sunrise or sunset cruise around the island. My preference is the sunset cruise unless you are an early bird. You can sail into the Santorini sunset with a 5-hour tour around the island. The tour includes stops for swimming at iconic beaches, such as the Red Beach and White Beach, and the healing hot springs. This usually uses the Catamarans or Yachts and limit passengers to up to 16 or 20 depending on catamaran or yacht size.
- Large Boat Tours: These most tend to do half-day boat tours in Santorini. Some of which can start as early as 10.30 am. These tours are usually among the cheapest as they tend to cater to large groups of people sometimes between 50-100 on the boat. The plus side is that they are cheaper, but on the negative side, the boats can seem a little crowded.
Types Of Fleets To Choose From For Your Tour
Even a 3-day itinerary to Santorini would not be complete without doing on the boat trips in Santorini. Below are the fleets used for the Santorini boat tours to the caldera and around the island or even to nearby islands to Santorini.
- Speed Boats: Perfect if there are only 2 or 3 of you as the maximum occupancy for these tends to be 4 people. You can enjoy an exciting adventure on a private day or sunset tour aboard the luxury speedboat in sheer style. Swim at secluded beaches around Santorini or neighboring islands, or enjoy an intimate romantic cruise. With quick and easy adjustments, the exterior space can be transformed to a lounging area. Gourmet snacks, unlimited drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment and hotel transport included in these tours.
- Catamarans: Santorini boat tours on Catamarans come in a number of sizes; 14, 16, 18, 22, 48, and 80 passenger maximum capacity. While the boats are beautiful, I highly recommend on doing the tours with a maximum capacity of 22 or better yet 14. You will have a far better experience. Particularly if you prefer adult-only company on the boat. These do mostly the 5-hour day and sunset tours, starting from Ammoudi Bay and Vlychada port respectively. They include stops for swimming at the hot springs, the White Beach and the Red Beach (towels and snorkeling equipment included). On-board barbeque with local delicacies, salads, fruit, Santorini wine and soft drinks. Transport from/to your hotel is included.
- Powered Catamarans: Similar to the Catamarans above but will mostly not have the sails on them. Complete with two powerful 310 hp engines allow this vessel to cruise at a maximum speed of 20 knots while the hulls are specially designed for maximum stability. The shallow draft allows it to approach hidden island gems safely. These tend to be mostly used for private tours around Santorini and nearby islands as well as multi-day charters. Full barbeque meals, drinks, towels, etc included. Hotel transport included in the tour prices too.
- Motor Yacht: Amazing yachts with 4 cabins and a maximum speed between 30-40 knots, the yachts smoothly connect Santorini with Mykonos and remote islands of the Small Cyclades. They are available for day trips or multiday cruises and perefect for thoe looking for luxury boat tours in Santorini. Spacious indoor and outdoor areas for leisure and enjoyment; four luxurious cabins with en-suite bathroom facilities. First-class service, gourmet meals, beverages, towels, snorkeling equipment and surprise amenities are provided onboard. Transport from/to hotel included. These are perfect for private hire or if you want to do multi-day tours around Greek islands.
The best Sunrise & Sunset Santorini Boat Tours
Below are among the best Santorini boat tours, with vary duration and costs. Many the Santorini boat tours to the volcano will stop for a few minutes allowing you to swimm around the caldera hot spring.
This 9-hour trip begins from the Athinios port and takes you on the cruise. The cruise continues further to Thirasia and heads back to Athinios if you are not going to Oia. It includes a hotel pickup and cost £60. You can check availability here.
Go on a tour for 3 hours across the main island into the caldera. You get to walk along the rim of volcanoes and learn about them while also dipping in the Palea Kameni hot springs. The trip costs approximately £27 per head with no pickup facility. You can check availability here.
The 3-hour tour will take you for fishing at Santorini coast or Nea Kalmani volcano. The cost of this private tour is £77 per head and includes fishing gear and no hotel pickup. You can check availability here.
The trip with hotel pickup facility costs £108 per head and takes approximately 12 hours. Go through the first Museum for Lost Atlantis and the calderas of Thirasia to take a dip. You can check availability here.
The bus and boat trip costs £40 per head and takes 12-13 hours. The trip offers a tour through Pyrgos village, Prophet Elias Monastery tour through Thirasia island and Oia village at sunset. No pickup offered. You can check availability here.
This boat tour costing £131 per head includes hotel pickup. It allows you to go on a comfortable boat ride, snorkeling, swimming, or treat yourself to barbecue and wine aboard. You can check availability here.
The trip is just a 5-hour cruise ride of Thirasia, Palaia Kameni, and Nea Kameni back to Santorini. Check out the best scenic on tour, which does not include hotel pickup and costs £29 per head. You can check availability here.
The trip costs £137 per head offering hotel pickup. This 12-hour tour is the best one of Santorini and port of Heraklion. You can check availability here.
The trip is just for 3 hours and yet is by far a perfect outing for those keen only on the volcanoes and hot springs near Santorini. It will cover Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. It costs around £22 per head and does not include hotel pickup. You can check availability here.
The 5-hour cruise starts from Vlychada port and heads to the Red Beach and White beach for snorkeling and leisurely barbecue. It heads to Hot springs for a mud bath and finally reaches Amoudi. The cost is around £165.46 per head with no pickup facility. You can check availability here.
The 5-hour cruise ride starts from Amoudi and sails through Caldera, past the old lighthouse and Red and White Beach areas to Oia. It does not have hotel pickup, and the cost per head is £202 minimum. You can check availability here.
The magical Greek islands are worth a watch from this traditional boat ride covering hot spots in 10 hours. The minimum cost per group of four is £896. You can check availability here.
The 5-hour cruise starts from Vlychada port and takes you through Red Beach, Ancient lighthouse and finally at Amoudi. It costs £176 per head and does not include hotel pickup. You can check availability here.
Watch sunrise up the horizon as you sail on the azure waters of Aegean. The tour costs £176 and starts at Amoudi. It takes you through the hot springs and Aspronisi before heading out to Indian rock and ends at Vlychada port. It takes 5 hours and does not include a pickup facility. You can check availability here.
Heading To Greece? Also Read:
- Where To Stay In Santorini
- Cheap Santorini Hotels With Infinity Pools
- How To To Get Around In Santorini
- The Best Restaurants In Santorini
- The Perfect Itinerary For Athens In 2 Days
- The Best Beaches In Athens
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