Santorini: Fishing Tour with Cooking, Swimming & Pickup

Summary

Catch your fish in Santorini then cook & share it on the boat

You’ll cast your line from a traditional boat off Santorini’s coast, get tips from a local captain (who’s patient with beginners), swim in clear Aegean waters by Red and White Beach, then help cook whatever you catch for lunch right on board. There’s laughter, fresh air, maybe even some new friends—and one of those days you’ll want to tell people about.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to fish off Santorini with someone who actually grew up here? I didn’t think I’d be any good at it (I was right), but our captain—Maria—laughed and handed me a rod anyway. The Giorgaros boat felt solid underfoot, all old wood and sun-faded paint, and there was this faint smell of coffee and seaweed as we left the harbor. Maria showed us how to bait the line—she made it look easy, but my hands got slippery quick. She said something in Greek I didn’t catch, but her grin made it clear I wasn’t the first rookie.

The water near Red Beach looked almost unreal, that deep rusty color against the blue. We stopped for photos (everyone did), then drifted past cliffs that seemed to change color every time the sun peeked out from behind a cloud. At White Beach, Maria pointed out marble streaks in the rock—she said they’re older than anyone can remember. I jumped in for a swim; honestly, I’m not much of a swimmer but you kind of have to do it here. The water’s cold at first and then you just float, listening to someone else laughing from the deck.

Lunch happened right there on the boat—a mess of grilled fish (somebody else’s catch, not mine), tomatoes that tasted like sunshine, ouzo poured into tiny glasses. It wasn’t fancy but I still think about that taste when I’m back home staring at my fridge. There was this moment when everyone went quiet for a second except for the sound of forks on plates and waves slapping against wood. Afterward we sailed by the lighthouse and that weird rock at Akrotiri that looks like an old face if you squint—Maria swears she sees it too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini fishing and sightseeing tour

• Meet crew and board traditional boat
• Drive to official fishermen harbour
• Boat departs from harbour
• View volcanic cliffs of Vlichadas
• Photo shoot at Red Beach cliffs
• Photo shoot at White Beach cliffs
• Swim, snorkel, fish, and lunch
• View unique island lighthouse
• View Rock of Indian at Akrotiri

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini fishing tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in the tour price.

Do I need fishing experience for this Santorini fishing trip?

No experience is needed—the local captain will show you how to use all equipment.

Can we swim or snorkel during the fishing tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling at White Beach and other spots.

What kind of fish might we catch on this tour?

You’ll usually catch medium-sized rock fish or breams; sometimes barracuda.

Are drinks or lunch provided on board?

Yes—lunch is cooked on board with your catch plus unlimited drinks including wine and ouzo.

How long does this Santorini fishing tour last?

The experience lasts about 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children over 10 can participate in fishing activities with guidance from the captain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Santorini, all fishing gear (rods, bait, lines), snorkeling equipment with towels provided, unlimited drinks like local wine or ouzo plus bottled water and coffee or tea, and a fresh-cooked lunch made from your own catch before heading back to shore together.