The volcanic caldera of Santorini beckons exploration by sea, with boat tours launching daily from Perissa’s shores. The essential cruise follows the coastline to the hot springs, combining swimming stops with dramatic views of the cliffs. I’m particularly fond of the small-group caldera tours – they dodge the crowds and offer more personal attention from local guides who know every cove and inlet.
For independence-minded travelers, license-free boat rentals let you chart your own course, while guided snorkeling excursions reveal the island’s underwater treasures. The sunset tours to Oia remain a classic choice, worth every euro for the postcard-perfect views.
Check our selected tours below for the best ways to experience Perissa’s waters.
Key Points
- Private boat tours offer 4-5 hour customizable itineraries to explore Santorini’s coastline, swim in hot springs, and snorkel in clear waters.
- Luxury boat rentals provide 5-hour cruises on an 18ft Poseidon Ranieri boat with amenities like Bluetooth radio, sunshade, and shower.
- Shore excursions like the “Santorini Magic” tour provide 5-hour guided experiences visiting Firostefani, Oia, Profítis Ilías, Megalochori, and Perivolos Beach.
- Advanced boat rentals from Vlychada marina offer 5-hour excursions with stunning Aegean views, requiring a valid watercraft driving license.
- The Santorini Daily Bus Tour offers a 9-hour guided experience including highlights like the Prophet Elias Monastery, Pyrgos Village, Akrotiri Excavations, and Oia sunset.
Santorini: Daily Bus Tour With Oia Sunset & Optional Sailing
Embarking on the Santorini: Daily Bus Tour with Oia Sunset & Optional Sailing provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of the island’s captivating sights and cultural heritage.
Priced at $57.74 per person, this 9-hour tour offers an immersive experience, complete with a live English-speaking guide and audio commentary.
Highlights include the panoramic views of Prophet Elias Monastery, the picturesque Pyrgos Village, the significant Akrotiri Excavations, and the iconic Oia sunset.
Travelers can also enjoy leisure time at the Red and Perissa Black Sand Beaches.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a range of pickup locations, this tour offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility for discovering the wonders of Santorini.
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Private Boat Tour With Snorkeling, Hot Springs & Caldera
For travelers seeking a more intimate and immersive experience of Santorini’s natural wonders, the Private Boat Tour With Snorkeling, Hot Springs & Caldera offers an exceptional opportunity.
This 4-5 hour excursion, rated 4.6 out of 30 reviews, allows guests to explore the island’s picturesque coastline, swim in the rejuvenating hot springs, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.
With flexible start times and customizable itineraries, the tour provides a personalized adventure tailored to individual preferences.
Priced at $257.21, the tour presents an excellent value for those desiring an exclusive and unforgettable encounter with Santorini’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Read our full review: Private Boat Tour With Snorkeling, Hot Springs & Caldera Review
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Santorini: License Free Luxury Boat
Travelers can charter a luxurious 18ft Poseidon Ranieri boat for a 5-hour license-free cruise around Santorini’s picturesque coastline.
The experience includes a guided tour, swimming, snorkeling, and sunset views. Priced from $387.39 to $430.43 for up to 6 people, the boat is equipped with a Bluetooth radio, sunshade, shower, and GPS.
Snacks, water, and optional transportation are provided. This activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or those prone to seasickness.
Guests must bring their own water, snacks, camera, swimwear, sunscreen, and hat.
With a 5/5 customer rating, this is an ideal way to explore Santorini from the sea.
Read our full review: Santorini: License Free Luxury Boat Review
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Santorini: Sail Into Serenity With Our Pedal Boats
Santorini’s serene Perissa Beach beckons visitors to explore its waters in a unique way – through pedal boats.
These self-powered watercraft allow you to glide across the tranquil sea at your own pace, taking in the stunning views of the volcanic landscape and the iconic Santorini caldera.
The pedal boats can accommodate up to 4 adults, making them perfect for families or groups of friends.
With rental options ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour, you can customize your experience to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely cruise or a gentle workout, Perissa’s pedal boats offer a serene and memorable way to connect with Santorini’s natural beauty.
Read our full review: Santorini: Sail Into Serenity With Our Pedal Boats Review
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Santorini Magic: Your Unforgettable Cruise Shore Adventure
Immersing oneself in Santorini’s captivating landscapes is a must-do for cruise passengers seeking an unforgettable shore excursion.
“Santorini Magic” delivers precisely that – a 5-hour guided tour showcasing the island’s iconic landmarks, picturesque villages, and the alluring Perivolos Beach. Priced from $120.73 per person, the tour provides expert guidance, comfortable transportation, and seamless logistics tailored to cruise schedules.
Highlights include guided visits to Firostefani, Oia, Profítis Ilías, and Megalochori, as well as ample time to bask in the tranquility of Perivolos Beach.
With a 5/5 rating from previous guests, this shore adventure promises an immersive and unforgettable Santorini experience.
Read our full review: Santorini Magic: Your Unforgettable Cruise Shore Adventure Review
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Santorini: Luxury Private Boat With Food and Drinks
Embarking on a luxury private boat cruise in Santorini promises an unforgettable experience, transporting guests to the island’s picturesque landscapes and hidden gems.
Priced at $944.85 per group (up to 2), the 5-hour excursion departs from Vlychada port and visits the Red Beach, Mesa Pigadia, the Indian Rock formation, Venetian Lighthouse, and volcanic springs.
Guests can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and sunset viewing, accompanied by a snack menu with vegan and vegetarian options, unlimited drinks, and local Santorini wine.
With free hotel pickup from 8 locations and a live English-speaking guide, this cruise offers a personalized and well-appointed Aegean experience.
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Santorini: Boat Rental With License
Nestled within the Vlychada marina, the Santorini: Boat Rental with License activity offers adventurous travelers a chance to captain their own vessel and explore the island’s picturesque coastline.
Lasting 5 hours, this excursion provides stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the freedom to discover Santorini’s shores away from the crowds. A valid watercraft driving license is required, making this activity unsuitable for pregnant women and those prone to seasickness.
Included in the price, ranging from $472.42 to $425.18 per group, are a small snack, water, and ice packs. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a skipper at an additional charge.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Santorini: Luxury Boat Rental With License
For those seeking a more luxurious boating experience in Santorini, the Santorini: Luxury Boat Rental With License activity offers a premium option.
Priced at $614.15 per group of up to 4 people, the 5-hour cruise features a powerful 115 Hp Saxdor boat. Explore Santorini’s coastline, visiting popular spots like Red Beach, White Beach, and the volcano.
Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. The rental includes snacks, water, and fuel, with the option to hire a skipper if needed.
Wheelchair accessibility and a flexible cancellation policy add to the convenience. However, certain health restrictions apply, and a boating license is required to operate the vessel.
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Santorini: Private Boat Tour With Sea Caves and Hot Springs
The Santorini: Private Boat Tour With Sea Caves and Hot Springs activity allows visitors to explore the island’s stunning coastline and natural wonders from the comfort of a private boat.
This 4-5 hour tour has a rating of 4.6 out of 30 reviews, with a price starting from $257.21 per person.
Guests can enjoy the flexibility of a private tour and discover hidden sea caves, swim in the volcanic hot springs, and take in the breathtaking views of the island.
The tour includes boat transfers, making it a convenient option for cruisers or those looking for an intimate and personalized experience on the water.
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Recap
Santorini offers a variety of cruises and boat tours to suit different preferences. Visitors can choose from daily bus tours, private boat tours with snorkeling and hot springs, pedal boats, luxury boat rentals, and more. These options provide opportunities to explore the island’s stunning coastline, caves, and caldera, making for an unforgettable Santorini experience. Travelers should carefully consider their interests and budget when selecting the best cruise or boat tour for their Perissa visit.