Santorini: Rent Your Own Boat & Captain the Caldera
Take the wheel of your own boat in Santorini's volcanic waters
You captain a 17-foot boat around Santorini's Caldera, volcanic beaches, and Thirasia island with no license required. The day includes a safety briefing, GPS and fish finder, bottled water, and complete freedom to build your own itinerary. Groups stay under six people, and the boat carries everything from a fresh-water shower to an ice-cooler and Bluetooth speakers.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Captain your own Santorini cruise
- Attend 30-minute safety briefing
- Rent Poseidon BluWater 170 boat
- Cruise around Santorini Caldera and volcanos
- Visit island of Thirasia
- Swim at secluded beaches
- Explore hidden coastal gems
- Customize stops and activities
The experience
Steering out from the marina, you're in control of a 17-foot BluWater 170 that handles like it was built for this, because it was. No boat license required, which means if you've never captained anything before, today changes that. The 30-minute safety briefing covers the GPS plotter, the depth finder, the route suggestions, and how to read the Caldera's moods. Then you're loose on the Aegean with up to four other people, a Bimini top for shade, and the whole day to decide where the boat goes next.
Most Santorini boat tours herd you onto a catamaran with sixty strangers and a fixed schedule. This is the opposite. You anchor off a volcanic beach nobody else is using and stay as long as you want. Swim in water so clear you can see the seabed. Snorkel where the fish finder says they are. Glide past the cliffs of Thirasia, the neighboring island, or loop back to explore Aspronisi. The boat carries fresh water for rinsing off salt, an ice-cooler for drinks, Bluetooth speakers, and USB chargers: small comforts that matter when you're out for hours. If someone wants to sunbathe on the bow while others dive, that works. If the group decides to chase the sunset from a different angle, you turn the wheel and go.
The BluWater 170 runs on a 30-horsepower engine that's smooth enough you're not fighting the water, and the auxiliary engine gives you backup. The boat is equipped with safety gear beyond what the state requires (GPS tracker, depth finder, plotter), because Seascape Santorini, the operator, takes that seriously. You're not alone out there. The briefing makes sure you know what you're doing, and the gear makes sure you can call for help if you need it. Bottled water is included, and the waterproof phone cases mean you can document the Caldera without losing your camera to the sea.
The catch is that you're steering, not lounging. If you want a boat day where someone else handles the navigation and you just drink wine, this isn't it. But if you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to captain your own route through one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastlines, to stop where you choose and stay as long as the light holds, this is the day that does it.
What’s included
Boat rental (BluWater 170, 17ft), 30-minute safety and equipment briefing, GPS plotter, fish finder, depth finder, GPS tracker, bottled water, Bimini top for shade, fresh-water shower, ice-cooler, Bluetooth audio system with MP3 player, USB chargers, waterproof phone cases, and route suggestions. You choose your own itinerary and stops.
Options for this experience
2 optionsBefore you book
Prices and times updated yesterday
Operated by Seascape Santorini Boat Rental
Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to steer their own course around Santorini's Caldera and volcanic islands without a crowded tour boat or a license. Expect to be the one navigating and making decisions. That's what gives you the freedom to anchor where others don't go.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Do I need a boat license to rent the BluWater 170?
No. This boat type does not require a license in Greece, and the operator provides a 30-minute safety and equipment briefing before you depart.
How many people can fit on the boat?
Up to 5 passengers, plus the boat itself. Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
What's included in the rental?
The boat, GPS plotter, fish finder, bottled water, safety briefing, and route suggestions. The boat also has a Bimini top, fresh-water shower, ice-cooler, Bluetooth audio system, and USB chargers.
Can I visit other islands like Thirasia?
Yes. You can build your own itinerary and visit Thirasia, Aspronisi, and any beaches or spots you choose within the Caldera.
What if I want to swim or snorkel?
You can stop and swim at any beach or spot you want. The boat has a fresh-water shower to rinse off salt afterward.
Is this suitable for people with no boating experience?
Yes. The safety briefing covers everything you need to operate the boat safely, and the BluWater 170 is designed to be easy to navigate for all skill levels.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, swimwear, towels, and any food or drinks you want (the boat has an ice-cooler). Bottled water is provided.
Are there any health restrictions?
The experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Service animals are allowed.
Santorini: Rent Your Own Boat & Captain the Caldera
10h
from € 210 per group
5.0093 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider