Santorini isn’t just about stunning sunsets and iconic white-washed buildings; it’s also a fantastic place to explore beneath the waves. The island’s clear waters, volcanic formations, and sea caves create a perfect setting for snorkeling and related water adventures. One of our favorite options is the Small-Group Santorini Sea Caves Kayak Trip with Snorkeling & Picnic, which offers a highly personal way to see hidden spots only accessible by sea. If you prefer a more private experience, the Santorini Private Cruise boat fishing tour combines fishing, snorkeling, and a sunset backdrop. For those seeking adventure and stunning scenery, the Santorini: Adventurous Catamaran Experience with Snorkeling provides a lively cruise around the caldera, stopping at beaches and hot springs. Lastly, if you want a quick, relaxing sail, the Private Boat tour with snorkeling & Sea Caves offers a short but memorable journey along the coast.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a range of snorkeling and sea exploration options—from small-group kayak adventures that include cave snorkeling and cliff jumping, to private boat charters perfect for intimate gatherings. We highlight tours like the Small-Group Sea Caves Kayak Trip for its personalized experience and excellent reviews, and the Adventurous Catamaran for its liveaboard fun. Whether you’re into kayaking, fishing, or a high-energy boat cruise, there’s an option here to suit your style.
1. Small-Group Santorini Sea Caves Kayak Trip with Snorkeling & Picnic
This 7-hour adventure offers an intimate kayaking experience along the Akrotiri coast, where you’ll explore sea caves, paddle past lava formations, and jump from cliffs at White Beach. This tour truly stands out because it combines active water sports with the chance to see Santorini’s secret spots, which are impossible to access from the shore. The tour includes a generous gear package—water, dry bags, snorkeling gear, sun hats, and towels—making it easy to focus on the fun.
What makes this trip special is the personal touch. Your guide, Kalliopi, receives rave reviews for her ability to create a memorable day, including a homemade Greek picnic featuring fresh salads and spanakopita. High-resolution photos are part of the package, so you’ll have lasting memories of your adventure. This tour is perfect for active travelers who enjoy small groups (capped at just eight people) and want a balanced mix of snorkeling, paddling, and cliff jumping.
Bottom line: If you love hands-on, personal experiences with great scenery and a friendly atmosphere, this kayak trip is a winning choice. It combines physical activity with authentic local touches.
2. Santorini Private Cruise boat fishing tour – BBQ, Snorkeling
At number 2, this private boat experience offers a relaxed yet adventurous way to see Santorini from the water. For around $960 per group, up to two people can enjoy a 5-hour trip with a local fisherman guiding the way. The focus here is on fishing, but plenty of time is spent snorkeling and enjoying the scenic views.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized nature—you can ask the captain to target specific locations or fish, and you’ll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch prepared on board with what you catch. The tour includes drinks and a chance to see the spectacular sunset from the boat, making it ideal for couples or small groups wanting exclusivity. The guides, Captain Makis and Elias, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, creating a relaxed and genuine experience.
Guests mention how this trip offers a different perspective of Santorini—away from crowds and with a focus on local craftsmanship. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy fishing, snorkeling, and tranquil scenery, with an added bonus of a private setting.
Bottom line: For a personalized, authentic experience that combines fishing, snorkeling, and sunset views, this private boat tour offers excellent value for those with a bit of budget flexibility.
3. Santorini: Adventurous Catamaran Experience with Snorkeling
This 5-hour catamaran cruise promises a lively, scenic trip across the caldera, with stops at key beaches like Red, White, and Black Mountain, plus the volcanic island. The tour is ideal for active travelers who want plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters. Highlights include snorkeling at the volcanic hot springs and exploring iconic beaches with plenty of photo ops.
The boat itself is equipped with a lively crew that makes the experience feel like a small party—lunch with grilled dishes and fresh salads is served onboard, adding a tasty layer to the day. Guests appreciate the variety of stops, especially the chance to swim in geothermal hot springs. The tour offers a great combination of adventure and sightseeing—from the volcanic crater views to the chance to snorkel in waters heated naturally by the volcano.
Reviews mention how the experience is “very expensive but an amazing experience,” especially noting the stops for swimming and the crew’s effort to make everyone comfortable. It’s suited for those who want a sociable, energetic day on the water with plenty of photo opportunities and aquatic fun.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a lively, all-in-one cruise with snorkeling, scenic vistas, and hot springs, this tour balances fun and sightseeing well.
4. Private Boat tour with snorkeling & Sea Caves
Last but not least, this short but sweet 1.5-hour private boat tour offers a quick escape from the crowds. It’s perfect if you’re after a relaxed experience, sailing along the coast of Akrotiri and exploring some of Santorini’s most photogenic sea caves. The highlight is snorkeling into sea caves that turn a stunning blue when the sunlight hits the water, giving you a colorful underwater spectacle.
This tour is geared toward those who want a short, intimate experience with a local captain guiding the way. It’s a good choice for travelers with limited time or those who want to add a quick aquatic activity to their itinerary. The review mentions just how beautiful and peaceful the experience is, with no complaints about the length or value.
Given the price of $395 for up to four people, it’s an affordable way to enjoy snorkeling and sea caves without the larger boat crowds. It’s especially good for families or small groups who want a quick, scenic, and private adventure.
Bottom line: If you’re short on time but want to see sea caves and snorkel in calm waters, this private boat is an excellent, budget-friendly option.
How to Choose Your Best Santorini Snorkeling Experience
When picking between these tours, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and the kind of experience you prefer. For a personalized, active adventure, the Small-Group Sea Caves Kayak Trip is hard to beat. If you’re after exclusivity and a laid-back vibe, the Private Fishing & Snorkeling Cruise offers a more intimate setting. For those who want a lively boat trip with spectacular scenery and geothermal springs, the Adventurous Catamaran is perfect. And if time is tight, the Private Sea Cave Tour provides a quick but memorable underwater experience.
Book early, especially for popular tours and during the high season, to ensure your spot on the water. Think about your interests—active paddling, relaxed fishing, or energetic boat cruises—and pick the one that fits your style best.
To sum it up, Santorini offers a surprisingly diverse range of snorkeling and sea exploration tours. Whether you want a small-group kayak adventure, a private fishing trip, or a fun-filled catamaran cruise, there’s something for all. For those seeking a more relaxed, short trip, the private boat with snorkeling and caves is ideal. Active travelers should consider the kayak or catamaran options for their mix of scenery and aquatic fun. No matter what you choose, booking early will help you secure the best experience. Enjoy the water, and don’t forget your sunscreen!