Snorkeling in Santorini: Private Boat with Red Beach & Sea Caves

Sea caves turn brilliant blue when the boat's lights hit the water.

A private snorkeling boat tour along Santorini's south coastline with an experienced local captain, departing from Perivolos beach. You swim and snorkel at Red Beach, White Beach and Mesa Pigadia, explore sea caves near the Black Mountain, and return with all equipment, sunscreen and towels provided. The boat holds a small group, and the captain speaks English.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini boat tour and snorkeling

• Begin boat ride at Perivolos beach
• Explore Red Beach and relax
• Sail along Akrotiri coastline
• Visit White Beach and enjoy views
• Snorkel at Mesa Pigadia Beach
• Discover caves and rock formations at Black Mountain

The Experience

You start at Perivolos beach on Santorini's south coast, where the captain meets you and the boat departs. The route runs along the Akrotiri coastline, passing volcanic rock formations and small caves as you sail. The first stop is Red Beach, a short distance away—the sand is crimson and the water is clear enough to see the bottom. You swim here, then move on to White Beach, where white cliffs rise above black sand and the Aegean stretches out in front of you. Both beaches are less crowded than the caldera-facing north side of the island.

At Mesa Pigadia, you put on snorkeling gear and enter the water to look for fish and marine life among the rock formations. The visibility is good, and the depth stays shallow enough that you control how far down you go. The final site is near the Black Mountain, where the boat slows so you can see the caves and unusual rock shapes carved into the coastline. One of the caves fills with blue light when the sun hits the water at the right angle—the captain knows the timing and positions the boat to show you.

The whole outing takes ninety minutes from start to return. You get snorkeling equipment, a floating device if you need one, a dry bag for your phone and keys, sunscreen, bottled water and a towel. The captain is local and speaks English. The boat is a speed boat, so the ride between stops is quick, and you spend most of the time in the water or looking at the coastline from close range.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and floating devices.
• sunscreen and bottled water.
• towels and a dry bag for your belongings.
• an experienced local captain who speaks English.
• all fees, taxes and full insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Extreme Watersports Σαντορίνη

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to snorkel without renting a car or joining a larger group tour. The private boat means you set the pace at each stop, and the captain knows the caves and the best light for them—something you would miss swimming from the beach on your own.

Top questions

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this boat?

No experience is required. The tour includes all snorkeling equipment and a floating device, and the captain is present throughout. The water at Mesa Pigadia and the beaches stays shallow, so you control your depth.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator. Floating devices are provided, and you can stay in the shallow water near the beaches or skip snorkeling and swim instead. Tell the captain your comfort level when you board.

Can children come on this snorkeling boat?

Yes. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. All snorkeling equipment is available for children who want to use it.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, bottled water, towels, a dry bag, a floating device, and full insurance are all included. The captain and all fees and taxes are included. Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and sunglasses; everything else is provided.