From Rethymno: Santorini Day Trip by Boat, Visit Oia & Fira

Discovering the enchanting island of Santorini from the charming town of Rethymno is an opportunity not to be missed. This day trip by boat promises an unforgettable experience, whisking travelers across the Aegean Sea to explore the picturesque village of Oia and the vibrant capital of Fira. With guided commentary and options for a volcanic island visit, this excursion offers a chance to take in the stunning beauty and rich culture of this iconic Greek destination. Whether seeking breathtaking vistas or delving into the island’s unique history, this day trip is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Rethymno.

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Day Trip

2 Pricing and Inclusions

3 Detailed Itinerary

4 Cruise Across the Aegean

5 Exploring Oia and Fira

6 Optional Volcano Visit

7 Customer Feedback and Ratings

8 Important Travel Considerations

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A day trip from Rethymno to Santorini, including a boat cruise across the Aegean Sea and visits to the picturesque towns of Oia and Fira.
The excursion lasts 11.5 hours and is priced at €4,679 per person, including roundtrip boat and bus transfers.
Visitors have 2 hours of free time in Oia and 90 minutes in Fira to explore the towns and attractions.
The tour provides guided commentary in multiple languages for an enriching and informative experience.
There is an optional visit to the Santorini Volcano for an additional fee, offering insights into the island’s geological history.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Day Trip

This day trip from Rethymno to Santorini by boat and bus offers travelers an opportunity to explore the iconic island of Santorini, renowned for its stunning architecture, picturesque landscapes, and breathtaking views.

Priced from €4,679 per person, the 11.5-hour excursion includes a cruise across the Aegean Sea, bus transfers to the charming towns of Oia and Fira, and the option to visit the Santorini Volcano.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book now and pay later, making it a flexible and convenient way to experience the beauty of Santorini.

The tour includes guided commentary in multiple languages, ensuring an enriching and informative experience.

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Pricing and Inclusions

The day trip from Rethymno to Santorini by boat and bus is priced from €4,679 per person, with a duration of 11.5 hours.

This includes roundtrip boat transportation across the Aegean Sea, as well as bus transfers to the charming towns of Oia and Fira.

Travelers will have 2 hours of free time in Oia and 90 minutes to explore Fira, known for their stunning architecture and scenic views.

While food, drinks, and entry fees aren’t included, the package does cover a guided tour with commentary in English, German, and French.

Travelers can also opt for hotel pickup and drop-off.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this day trip offers flexibility and convenience.

Detailed Itinerary

The day trip begins with a departure from Rethymno port, where travelers embark on a 2.58-hour cruise across the Aegean Sea to reach the island of Santorini. From there, a bus transfer takes them to the charming town of Oia, where they enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore the area’s stunning architecture and scenic views. Next, they are transported to Fira, the capital of Santorini, for a 90-minute exploration of the city. Optionally, they can visit the Santorini Volcano at an additional cost. The return journey includes a bus back to the Santorini port and a boat back to Rethymno.

Itinerary	Duration
Depart Rethymno port	–
Cruise to Santorini	2.58 hours
Bus transfer to Oia	45 minutes
Free time in Oia	2 hours
Bus transfer to Fira	30 minutes
Explore Fira	90 minutes
Optional: Visit Santorini Volcano	Extra fee
Return to Rethymno	–

Cruise Across the Aegean

After departing from Rethymno port, travelers embark on a 2.58-hour cruise across the Aegean Sea to reach the island of Santorini, the ultimate destination for this day trip.

During the journey, passengers can enjoy the scenic views of the open waters and the surrounding islands. The boat ride provides a relaxing transition before the excitement of exploring Santorini’s iconic sights.

As the boat approaches the volcanic island, passengers can catch their first glimpse of Santorini’s dramatic cliffs and whitewashed buildings. The cruise offers a comfortable and efficient means of transportation, setting the stage for a memorable day exploring the unique beauty of Santorini.

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Exploring Oia and Fira

Upon arrival in Santorini, travelers are first whisked away to the charming town of Oia, where they enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore its stunning architecture and panoramic views.

Next, the group is transported to Fira, the island’s vibrant capital, allowing 90 minutes to wander through its picturesque streets, browse local shops, and take in the iconic caldera vistas.

In Oia, visitors can:

Stroll the narrow, winding lanes lined with white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches
Admire the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the iconic Santorini sunset
Browse the chic boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafés that give Oia its unique character

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Optional Volcano Visit

For an additional fee, travelers can opt to visit the Santorini Volcano during their day trip.

The volcano tour offers an opportunity to explore the island’s unique geological formations and learn about its volcanic history. Visitors can take a boat ride to the volcano’s main crater and hike along the rim, taking in stunning views of the caldera and the surrounding islands.

The tour also includes a stop at the volcanic hot springs, where travelers can soak in the therapeutic waters.

While the volcano visit is an optional extra, it’s a chance to delve deeper into Santorini’s captivating volcanic origins and gain a greater appreciation for the island’s dramatic landscapes.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers who’ve experienced the Santorini day trip by boat generally provide mixed feedback, with the overall rating averaging 3.9 out of 5 based on 31 reviews.

Specifically, reviewers highlighted:

Transportation and value for money both received 3.8/5 ratings, indicating room for improvement in these areas.
Positive remarks focused on the stunning beauty of Santorini and the knowledgeable tour guides.
Common complaints included large crowds, limited time in Oia, and discomfort due to the heat.

Important Travel Considerations

In an article titled ‘From Rethymno: Santorini Day Trip by Boat, Visit Oia & Fira’, it’s now time to discuss the important travel considerations.

Travelers can expect to receive confirmation of the exact departure time the evening prior to the Santorini day trip by boat.

Pickup options are available either at hotel entrances or nearby meeting points, affording convenient transportation to the port.

Visitors are advised to wear a hat due to the heat and remain cautious of pickpockets in the crowded Santorini towns.

With advance confirmation, comfortable transportation, and a few practical tips, travelers can look forward to seamlessly embarking on this captivating day trip from Rethymno to explore the iconic sights of Santorini.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Day Trip?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides customers with flexibility to change their plans without penalty if needed.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Other Santorini Locations?

The tour operator typically offers a set itinerary, but customizations may be possible for an additional fee. Travelers can inquire about modifying the itinerary to visit other Santorini locations during the booking process or by contacting the operator directly.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above get 10% off the regular ticket price. These reduced rates help make the day trip more accessible for families and older travelers.

Is There Wifi Available on the Boat and During the Bus Transfers?

The tour doesn’t provide free Wi-Fi on the boat or during the bus transfers. Travelers should plan to rely on their own mobile data or purchase a local SIM card to stay connected while exploring Santorini.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Day Trip?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the day trip. The tour operator does not provide any meals or beverages, so bringing personal snacks and refreshments is allowed and recommended to have during the long journey.