Santorini day trip from Heraklion: Boat, Oia & Fira

Step off a luxury catamaran and wander Santorini’s cliffside streets and caldera views

A full-day guided tour from Heraklion to Santorini by speed catamaran, with a professional guide leading stops in Oia and Fira and free time to explore each. The boat leaves Heraklion port in the morning and returns in the evening. Hotel pickup is available in Malia, Hersonisos, Gouves, Heraklion and nearby areas for an extra charge. Lunch and drinks are on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Santorini island boat trip

• Transfer from Heraklion port
• Board luxury speed catamaran
• Travel to Santorini island
• Guided tour of Santorini by vehicle
• Visit village of Oia and admire views
• Free time to explore Fira town
• Return boat trip to Heraklion port

The experience

The day starts at Heraklion port, where you board a luxury catamaran for the crossing to Santorini. Once you arrive at Athinios port, an air-conditioned vehicle takes you on a guided tour of the island, with your guide explaining the history and geology of this volcanic landscape in English, French, German, Russian or Polish (Monday through Thursday). The route moves through the countryside toward Oia, the village perched on the caldera's northern edge, where the blue and white houses sit stacked along the cliff face overlooking the Aegean.

You get free time in Oia to walk the alleys, photograph the architecture, and take in the views at your own pace. Then the tour continues to Fira, the island's capital, where you have more hours to explore. Fira sits higher on the caldera rim, and the streets wind through shops, cafés and bars with views of the volcano and its cliffs. You can browse, eat (at your own cost), or simply sit with the view. The return boat departs in the evening from Athinios, arriving back at Heraklion port after 12 hours away.

If you're staying in central Crete (Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Gouves, Heraklion, Ammoudara or Agia Pelagia), hotel pickup is available for an extra fee. The driver will collect you up to 90 minutes before departure. If you're meeting at the port, arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. An optional volcano boat tour costs €20 extra and can be added at checkout.

What’s included

• Boat tickets from Heraklion to Santorini and back.
• professional guide in English, French, German, Russian or Polish.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport on the island.
• hotel pickup in select Crete areas (Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Gouves, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia) for an additional fee.

Options for this experience

2 options

Meeting point at the Heraklion PortGuide in 4 languages · 08:00

Santorini with PickupGuide in 4 languages · 08:00Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PLATANOS TOURS

Is this one for you?Book the port meeting point option if you're staying outside the hotel pickup zones or prefer to arrange your own transport to Heraklion. Choose the hotel pickup option if you're in Malia, Hersonisos, Gouves or central Heraklion and want the driver to collect you before the tour starts.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's the difference between Oia and Fira on this tour?

Oia sits at the northernmost tip of the island on the caldera's edge, known for its blue and white houses stacked along the cliff and its views of the volcano. Fira is the island's capital, also on the caldera rim but with more shops, restaurants and bars mixed into the hillside streets. Both offer free time to explore on foot.

Do I need to arrange my own way to Heraklion port?

If you're staying in Malia, Hersonisos, Gouves, Heraklion or nearby areas, hotel pickup is available for an extra charge and starts up to 90 minutes before departure. If you choose the port meeting point option, you'll need to get to Heraklion port on your own and arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour departs.

Is lunch included?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You'll have free time in Oia and Fira to eat at restaurants or cafés at your own cost, or you can bring your own snacks.

Can I add the volcano boat tour?

Yes, an optional volcano boat tour is available for €20 extra and can be added when you complete your booking.