The 8 Best Boat Rentals in Santorini

1.Explore Santorini’s volcano with Alex Private Boat Rental

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 298 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) Our pick

Captain Panos and first mate Alex take your private group of up to six from Fira Old Port around Santorini’s caldera. Swim at volcanic hot springs, snorkel near Thirassia, eat five local dishes with wine, and add a sunset cruise if you choose the afternoon departure.

“Excellent Cruise, the highlight of our trip, should not miss seeing the island from the water. The information about the history was greatly appreciated and the food was amazing.”

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2.Rent a Boat in Santorini without a License

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 10 hours (approx.)

Santorini SeaBreeze gives you a boat, safety briefing, GPS, snacks, water, and snorkeling gear for a private day on the water. No license is needed. Aris and the team explain the route, then you set the pace for up to six people.

“I’m so glad I trusted the reviews for this excursion and did this activity. Seriously was the best time I had in Santorini. My fiancé and I actually came back 2 days later and did this activity for a second time since we loved it so much. The instructors give you a detailed map, laying out each potential stopping spot and give you a brief tour of the boat. I found their instructions clear and my fiancé easily drove the boat around both times. This boat rental is so much better than catamaran excursions because you can move at your own pace (and can go really fast) and can stop…”

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3.Self-Drive License-Free Boat Rental in Santorini from Vlichada

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 174 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Take a five-hour, license-free boat rental from Vlichada with a safety briefing, GPS, shade, cooler, water, and snacks. You choose the route around Santorini and Thirasia, with time for Red Beach, White Beach, Black Beach, swimming, or a sunset cruise. Skipper and transport cost extra.

“We were not given clear enough details regarding the tender to port and the fact that we needed to take a cable car to the top BEFORE taking a simple 15 min taxi ride. We were able to get on the 4th tender but then had to stand in line for at least 90 minutes to take the cable car (we are both over 50, so walking or donkeys were not an option). Our excursion was set to start at 3pm and we didn't get up top until almost 5 pm. We ended up getting Gelato, and walking around for about an hour. At this point we saw the line…”

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4.5 Hours Boat Rental in Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Take the 18-foot Nikita boat from Santorini’s Vlichada area and explore the coast at your own pace. A watercraft driving licence is required. Expect a safety briefing, GPS, snorkeling gear, water, snacks, and an ice box. Staff members including Alex, Mario, Leo, and Louis have been praised for helpful service.

“From the first call with friendly Leo, we got a good impression of the organization, photos were sent by WhatsApp to choose what we needed, then met up to make the booking and met colleague Louis. On the day we were greeted like old friends and given training on all aspects of operating the boat, including the good Garmin GPS, safety equipment and areas to avoid (ie rocks).”

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5.Santorini Boat Rental: License Free and Full or Half Day Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 132 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

From Vlychada, you’ll learn to handle a small boat, then set your own course past Red Beach, the volcano, hot springs, Thirasia, and Ammoudi. Dimitris, Anthony, and the local team provide the briefing, GPS points, drinks, and practical help. Fuel and a €500 refundable deposit are separate.

“The was great experience. They had all the spots to see and avoid marked into the gps for us. They even took us back to the boat via boat when there were no cabs available . Made sure we got back to ship”

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6.Rent a Boat in Santorini with Free License

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

At Vlichada, you receive a 20-minute boating lesson and temporary sailing license before taking a well-equipped boat around Santorini. Plan your own route, snorkel, watch the Caldera from sea, or arrange sunset time. Fuel and an optional skipper cost extra.

“The boat was easy to navigate but since the weather was not great during our trip, so we hired Karolos as skipper to help navigate the boat for us with extra charges, plus charges for the fuel. We started at 10.30am and reach the dock at 2.30pm. That is only 4 hours and not 5.50hours as advertised. Nevertheless, we still had great time.”

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7.Boat Rental in Santorini License Free

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 10 hours (approx.)

Take control of a private motorboat from Vlichada Harbor and spend about 10 hours exploring the waters around Santorini and Thirasia. You receive a safety briefing, route tips, snacks, water, and an ice-filled cooler. Snorkeling gear, fishing gear, transfers, and a skipper are available at extra cost.

“We had a good time with Santorini blue waves amazing experience the boat was clean and fast the staff was friendly and helpful I recommend!!!”

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8.Full Day Boat Rental Without a License in Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 10 hours (approx.)

Take charge of a 17-foot boat from Vlichada for 10 hours, with a safety briefing, lifejackets, water, snacks, ice, and a cooler included. Plan your own route around Santorini and Thirasia, add snorkeling or fishing gear on request, and return after sunset.

“Safe and thorough safety instructions, easy to understand. Very nice and helpful people that run the business. They even called us a taxi when we were done. I recommend renting a boat if you wanna roam free and not have to follow whatever routine activities the catamaran-tours offer and want to get away from other tourists:)”

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