Half Day Saxdor Boat Rental in Santorini

Santorini looks very different from the water. This five-hour Saxdor rental lets you leave Vlichada Marina and set your own pace along the island’s coast and nearby islets, rather than following a fixed sightseeing boat route. You need a valid boating license, and you operate the boat yourself because a skipper is not included.

I like the new 115hp Mercury-powered Saxdor and the freedom to stop for a swim or photos when you choose. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, and an ice box with ice cubes. The main catch is that fuel, transport, and a skipper cost extra or are left to you, so this is best for a properly licensed group that feels comfortable handling a motorboat.

Key points to know before booking

• You need a boating license: This is a self-drive rental, not a standard captain-led cruise.
• The boat fits up to five people: The listed price is $481.65 per group, before fuel, which works out to about $96.33 each if five people share it.
• Vlichada Marina is the starting point: You arrange your own transportation to Santorini Blue Waves Cruises at Santoriniport in Vlichada.
• You control the pace: Morning and afternoon slots are available, with time for swimming, photos, and coastal exploring.
• Snorkeling supplies are included: So are snacks, bottled water, and ice for the onboard ice box.
• Expect a polished, modern boat: The Saxdor has a 115hp engine, built for a more powerful and comfortable ride than a small basic runabout.

Why seeing Santorini from Vlichada makes sense

Vlichada, on Santorini’s south side, is a practical launching point for a private boat outing. You avoid starting in the island’s crowded cliff-top towns, and the marina puts you close to the coast and the volcanic sights that make a boat trip worthwhile.

From the water, Santorini becomes less about packed viewpoints and more about its cliffs, beaches, sea caves, and changing angles on the island. Fira and Oia are famous from land, but a boat gives you a different view of the caldera side and lets you appreciate how sharply the island rises from the Aegean.

The southern marina also makes sense for a self-drive rental because you can get underway without first crossing the island by boat. Transportation is not included, though, so you will need to arrange your own way to Vlichada Marina. Check your pickup details carefully before setting out, especially if you are staying in the north.

What five hours on the Saxdor feels like

The rental lasts about five hours, which is enough time for a real outing rather than a quick spin around the harbor. You begin at the Blue Waves Cruises meeting point, complete the rental process and safety instructions, and take possession of the boat for the allotted period. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The Saxdor is described as brand new and fitted with a 115hp Mercury engine. That power matters if you want to cover more coast during a half-day rental, although it also makes your license and comfort at the controls important. A boat with this engine is not something to treat like a floating scooter.

The exact route is not fixed. You can explore Santorini’s coastline and nearby islets at your own pace, using the five hours for a longer run, several short stops, or a mixture of cruising and swimming. You should plan the day around what matters most to your group, since time can disappear quickly once you begin stopping for photos and water time.

A good approach is to leave enough time for the return to Vlichada. The rental is not a one-way transfer, and the boat must come back to the meeting point. That simple detail matters when you are tempted to keep extending a swim stop or linger near a scenic section of coast.

Swimming, snorkeling, and Santorini’s sea caves

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack a full set of gear for the boat. Bottled water and snacks are also supplied, which is helpful during a five-hour trip when you may not want to interrupt the outing to find food.

The most rewarding use of the rental is likely to combine cruising with time in the water. Santorini’s coast is the reason to book a boat rather than another land-based tour. You can pause at suitable spots, look below the surface with the included equipment, and enjoy the sea without having to follow a group schedule.

Specific swimming locations are not guaranteed in the supplied details, so do not book expecting one named beach or cave as a fixed stop. Other Blue Waves outings have included beaches accessible only by boat and a cave that could be swum through, but your route depends on the rental arrangement and your own choices.

The ice box comes with ice cubes, giving you a place to keep additional drinks cold. Bring your own beverages if you want something beyond the supplied water, but remember that fuel is not included in the price. Your final cost depends partly on how far you go and how long you run the engine.

The freedom, and the responsibility, of self-driving

The strongest feature here is independence. You are not tied to a guide’s timetable, a large group, or a set sequence of stops. If your group wants to spend longer taking photos, swim in one place, or simply cruise the coast, you have more control than you would on a standard shared excursion.

That freedom only works if someone in your group has the required boating license and is comfortable taking responsibility for the vessel. A skipper is not included. Do not assume a captain will be added automatically at the marina, and do not book this as a workaround if nobody in your party is licensed.

Several Blue Waves boat outings have included a clear introduction to the vessel, safety instructions, and a quick explanation of the controls. One larger group also used multiple boats and felt comfortable after meeting the team at the marina. These details suggest that the handover is an important part of the experience, but you should still listen closely and ask questions before leaving the dock.

The boat may offer a more premium feel than a basic rental. Other boats in the company’s fleet have been described with features such as a Bimini top, onboard GPS, USB charging, speakers, and a motorized anchor. Those features were not specifically promised for this Saxdor, so confirm the exact equipment at booking if any one item matters to you.

Morning or afternoon: choosing your five-hour slot

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. Morning is the sensible choice if you want to make the most of the day and have time afterward for Santorini sightseeing, dinner, or a second activity. It may also suit a group that wants the calmest, most organized start to its island day.

An afternoon departure gives you a slower start and may work better with a late breakfast or a morning visit to Fira or Oia. It also creates the possibility of seeing the coast in changing light as the day progresses. A sunset outing has been offered elsewhere in the Blue Waves fleet, but do not assume this five-hour Saxdor rental is specifically a sunset tour unless your selected time confirms it.

Whichever slot you choose, allow time to reach Vlichada before the appointment. The experience begins and ends at the marina, not at your hotel, and transportation is not part of the booking.

What is included, and what can raise the cost

The listed price is $481.65 per group of up to five people. At full capacity, that is about $96.33 per person before fuel. For a group of five, that can be fair value for a private boat and five hours of use. For two people, the same group price becomes much harder to justify unless the freedom and privacy are central to your plans.

Included items are:

• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Ice box with ice cubes
• Snorkeling equipment

Fuel is not included. This is the most important extra cost to keep in mind because a longer route or more engine time can affect the final bill. Transportation to Vlichada and a skipper are also excluded.

The price makes the most sense for a group that can fill most of the five available places, already has a licensed driver, and wants to control the route. If you need a captain, you should ask whether one can be arranged and what the extra charge would be before booking. Do not count on it being part of the advertised price.

What the strongest service points mean for you

The company has received a perfect recommendation rate from the ten supplied ratings, with repeated praise for clean, modern boats, easy communication, and a smooth handover. Several experiences specifically highlight clear safety instructions before departure. That matters more here than flashy extras because you are responsible for the boat once you leave the marina.

Alex is named in several private outings and is praised for explaining Santorini’s sights, taking groups to swimming caves and beaches, and allowing people to take the controls. Leo is also praised for communication and service. Still, this Saxdor rental is advertised without a skipper, so you should not assume Alex or Leo will be your captain. Their involvement may relate to other arrangements in the fleet.

The positive pattern is useful: you can expect a company focused on communication, boat condition, and a practical introduction before departure. The less certain part is the exact boat setup, route, captain availability, and fuel total. Ask about those points if they affect your decision.

Who should book this boat rental?

This experience fits a small group of friends or family members who want privacy and already have a licensed boat operator. It also suits people who have visited Santorini’s main towns and want to spend a half-day seeing the island from a new angle.

You will get the most value if you enjoy making your own plan. The rental gives you room to choose your swimming stops, photo pauses, and cruising time. It is less suitable if you want a guide to explain every landmark, handle navigation, and take care of the boat while you relax.

Families may appreciate the space and the ability to carry snacks and drinks, though the listing does not provide age-specific guidance or detailed seating information. Anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator for current boat-access details before booking. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate according to the supplied information.

A group of five has the clearest price advantage. Solo couples may prefer a guided cruise if they do not want to pay the full group rate or manage fuel and navigation themselves.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone. The activity is offered in English and returns to its starting point at Vlichada Marina.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Canceling or changing the booking less than 24 hours before the start is not accepted for a refund.

Before paying, confirm three things: that your boating license is accepted, whether a skipper can be added if needed, and how fuel is calculated. Also check which exact Saxdor features are on the boat reserved for your date, since equipment such as GPS, USB charging, speakers, or a canopy has not been guaranteed for this specific rental.

Should you book the Half Day Saxdor Boat Rental?

Book it if you have a valid boating license, can reach Vlichada Marina, and want a private five-hour outing with room to set your own pace. The modern 115hp boat, snorkeling gear, snacks, water, and group pricing make it a strong option for up to five people who plan to spend real time on the coast.

Skip it if you need a captain included, want a fixed sightseeing route, or dislike open-ended costs for fuel and transport. For the right group, this is not just a boat ride. It is a practical way to turn Santorini’s coast into your own half-day itinerary, with the freedom to stop when the water and views tempt you.

FAQ

Is a boating license required?

Yes. A license is required for this Saxdor rental, and a skipper is not included.

How many people can share the boat?

The price covers one group of up to five people.

How much does the rental cost?

The listed price is $481.65 per group of up to five people. Fuel is not included.

How long does the experience last?

The rental lasts approximately five hours.

What is included in the rental?

Snacks, bottled water, an ice box with ice cubes, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Where does the boat rental start and finish?

It starts at Santorini Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport in Vlichada, Santorini, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.