Santorini Boat Rental: No-License, Full & Half Day Options

Summary

Set your own pace on Santorini’s blue water, captain for a day

You’ll steer your own boat along Santorini’s coast — no license needed — stopping where you like: Red Beach, hot springs, or quiet coves. Swim off Black Mountain, share snacks with friends, and laugh over small mistakes as you learn together. The freedom sticks with you long after you dock again.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I got the anchor stuck before we even left Ammoudi Bay. The guy showing us the ropes just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, everybody does that.” He had this easy way about him, like he’d seen every possible mistake and nothing could faze him. The sun was already sharp at 10am and I could smell sunscreen mixing with salt air while we tried to remember which rope did what. There’s something funny about being handed the keys to a boat in Santorini without needing any kind of license — you feel both free and slightly ridiculous.

We drifted past Red Beach first (it really is that red), then cut the engine near Mesa Pigadia because someone spotted a goat on the cliffs. The silence out there is different — just water slapping against fiberglass and someone opening a can of soda. At one point my friend tried to steer toward the volcano hot springs but got distracted by a fishing boat waving at us; I think they were amused by our “captaining.” We didn’t have a guide onboard, but the rental guys had pointed out all the spots on a map before we left, circling Thirasia and Aspronisi like secret codes only locals know.

I still remember how warm the water felt when we jumped in near Black Mountain — not cold at all, just soft around your skin. We shared bottled water and laughed about who would be worst at docking (me again). By late afternoon, the light started turning everything gold behind the old lighthouse, and honestly, I didn’t want to head back yet. There’s no rush when you’re making up your own route — so yeah, maybe we took too long at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini boat trip highlights

• Rent license-free boat
• Visit Red Beach and Mesa Pigadia
• Explore Black Mountain and Old Lighthouse
• Stop at Aspronisi island
• Swim at Hot Springs Volcano
• Visit Thirasia island
• Explore Ammoudi bay

Top questions

Do I need a boating license to rent this boat in Santorini?

No boating license is required for these rentals in Santorini.

How many people can fit on one boat?

The boats can accommodate up to 8 people comfortably.

What places can we visit during our rental?

You can visit Red Beach, Mesa Pigadia, Black Mountain, Old Lighthouse, Aspronisi, Hot Springs Volcano, Thirasia, and Ammoudi.

Are drinks included with the rental?

Your rental includes bottled water and soda/pop for everyone onboard.

Is there a guide on board?

No guide joins you onboard; however staff provide instructions and tips before departure.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you start from Ammoudi Bay or another local port.

Are infants allowed on board?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during the trip.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day comes with a brand new no-license boat (room for up to 8), full safety briefing from local staff before setting off, plus bottled water and soda onboard so you don’t have to pack drinks yourself. You’ll chart your own course between beaches and volcanic spots before returning whenever you’re ready.