Oia is famous for its stunning cliffside architecture, captivating sunsets, and vibrant marine life, making it a top spot for cruise and boat tour enthusiasts. Unlike just strolling through its quaint streets, taking to the water offers a chance to see Santorini from a different perspective—sailing past iconic spots like Oia’s cliffs, volcanic hot springs, and colorful beaches. Whether you’re after a private romantic cruise, a lively day trip, or a sunset sail, Oia’s waters provide a perfect backdrop.
One of our favorite options is the Private All-In Catamaran Cruise, which offers personalized experiences with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying local food. Meanwhile, the Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch stands out for its elegant setting and included Greek meal. For those seeking a shorter experience, the 3-hour caldera cruise to Hot Springs and Thirassia delivers a quick, memorable splash of Santorini’s most famous sights. And if you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion, the Private Sailing Cruise provides intimacy and exclusivity.
Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of each tour, helping you pick the one that fits your style, budget, and timing.
1. Santorini: Private All-In Catamaran Cruise, with Food|Drinks
At number 1 the Private All-In Catamaran Cruise is perfect for travelers who want total flexibility. This 5-hour private charter allows you to customize your route around Santorini’s caldera, with options to include scenic bays, hot springs, or secluded beaches. The boat comes equipped with snorkel gear, and you’ll have the chance to swim in thermal waters and explore vibrant marine life.
What makes this cruise stand out is its personalized touch: the crew is happy to tailor the experience to your desires. You’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ meal, with local wines, beers, and soft drinks, all served onboard. These reviews highlight how well the crew adapts to guests’ wishes, making it ideal for special occasions or just a private escape. Many say the combination of stunning views, flexible itinerary, and attentive service makes it a top choice.
Bottom line: If you’re seeking privacy, customization, and a luxurious experience, this cruise offers excellent value for a small group of up to six people. Be prepared for a 5-hour minimum, and check availability early as private charters fill quickly.
2. Santorini: Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, BBQ & Drinks
At number 2, the Luxury Catamaran Cruise is a refined way to see Santorini from the water, with small group comfort and premium amenities. This 5-hour trip includes a Greek lunch buffet with BBQ, paired with an open bar of wine, beer, and soft drinks. The cruise departs from various pickup points, offering flexibility for your stay.
The highlights include sailing past the Indian Rocks and Venetian Lighthouse, swimming at Mesa Pigadia, and taking a dip in the volcano’s hot springs. The boat’s design emphasizes comfort, with plenty of space for lounging, and the crew maintains a friendly, professional atmosphere. Guests frequently comment on the delicious food and the spectacular views of the caldera, especially during the sunset.
This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a more elegant setting with excellent service. The reviews mention the crew’s attentiveness and the beautiful scenery, making it a high-value experience for those wanting a relaxed, upscale day. Expect it to be a popular choice, so booking in advance is advisable.
Bottom line: Great for couples or small groups seeking a balance of comfort, scenery, and good food at a reasonable price.
3. Santorini: 3-Hour Boat Tour to Oia & Thirassia Hot Springs
Number 3 offers a short but sweet cruise, perfect if your time is limited. This 3-hour caldera cruise focuses on the highlights around Oia’s cliffs, the hot springs, and nearby Thirassia island. It’s a straightforward itinerary: cruising past the iconic Oia, swimming near Saint Nicholas Church, and relaxing in the volcanic hot springs.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick overview of Santorini’s most famous sights without sacrificing the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters or enjoy scenic volcano views. The boat is typically smaller, which means a more intimate vibe, but it’s less customizable than private options. Reviews mention the beautiful scenery and the enjoyable swim in the hot springs as the highlights.
Bottom line: If you’re short on time but still want to see the caldera, this tour offers a solid snapshot of Santorini’s natural beauty, perfect for a half-day adventure.
4. Santorini: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise, with Food|Drinks
Number 4 is the full-day option, ideal for travelers who want to maximize their water time. This 10-hour cruise includes multiple swim stops, a BBQ feast with seafood, and Greek yogurt with honey for a sweet finish. It covers scenic spots in Santorini and Ios, with the flexibility to customize your route.
The itinerary features stops at the Red Beach, White Beach, and the volcano’s hot springs. Guests consistently praise the variety of swim and snorkel spots, along with the delicious food and drinks onboard. The cruise also offers sightseeing of cliffs, caves, and landmarks along the caldera. The reviews highlight how well the crew manages the long day, keeping everyone comfortable and entertained.
This tour is best suited for active travelers or those eager to explore more of the island’s waters and coastline. It offers excellent value with its inclusive meals, drinks, and diverse stops, though it’s a full day and might be tiring for some.
Bottom line: For those wanting a comprehensive day on the water with plenty of swimming and great food, this cruise is hard to beat.
5. SANTORINI PRIVATE SAILING CRUISE TOUR
Topping off our list at number 5 is the Private Sailing Cruise, perfect for romantic getaways or special celebrations. This luxury catamaran offers a completely private experience for up to two people at a starting price of $1,355 per group. It’s ideal for couples dreaming of a romantic day or even a private wedding ceremony in the caldera.
The cruise focuses on intimate sailing around Santorini, with the crew preparing traditional Greek BBQ and drinks, and providing a personalized route based on your preferences. Guests often mention how peaceful and exclusive the experience is—no crowds, just you, your loved one, and the stunning scenery surrounding you. Because of its private nature, it’s best suited for couples or small groups celebrating something special.
Reviews point out how well the crew can accommodate special requests — like decorations or photos — making this a truly memorable experience. Keep in mind, it’s the most expensive option, but the intimacy and exclusivity are unmatched.
Bottom line: If you’re seeking the ultimate romantic escape, this private cruise delivers a personalized, luxurious day on the water.
How to Choose Your Perfect Oia Boat Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your budget, time, and what you want to experience. For luxury and privacy, the Private All-In Catamaran or Private Sailing Cruise are hard to beat—ideal for special occasions or couples. If you prefer a more social atmosphere with included meals and drinks, the Luxury Catamaran or Full-Day Cruise offers great value.
For a shorter overview of Santorini’s highlights, the 3-hour tour is perfect. And if your schedule is tight but you still want to enjoy the hot springs and scenic cliffs, that quick trip is a good choice.
Book early, especially for private or small-group tours, as they tend to fill quickly during the high season. Also, check the availability to match your travel dates and desired experience.
Final Thoughts
From private charters to lively full-day adventures, Oia offers a wide range of boat tours that showcase its volcanic beauty and crystal waters. If you’re after romance and exclusivity, the Private Sailing Cruise is unmatched. For a relaxed, all-inclusive day, the Full-Day Catamaran provides excellent value. And if a quick glimpse of Oia’s cliffs and hot springs suits your schedule, the 3-hour tour hits the spot.
Whatever your travel style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these fantastic experiences. So, grab your sunscreen and swimming gear, and get ready to see Santorini from the water—an unforgettable way to enjoy Greece’s most iconic island.