Santorini: Boat Rental No License & Volcano Tour

Steer a motorboat around Santorini's volcano without needing a license

You take the wheel of a motorboat that holds up to six people and navigate Santorini's caldera on your own schedule: Red Beach, Nea Kameni volcano, and Thirasia are all within reach. Snorkel gear is available, and water and snacks come with the rental. A 200€ security deposit secures the booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat rental and island exploration

• Rent motorboat without license
• Travel along Santorini Island
• Discover Thirassia Island
• Visit the volcano
• Use provided mask and snorkel

The experience

You're holding the wheel, throttle under your hand, and nobody's asking to see credentials. That's the whole point of this boat rental in Santorini: no license required, no paperwork, just you and up to five others steering a motorboat out toward the caldera. The boat fits six people comfortably, and the rental includes bottled water and snacks for the day, so you're not scrambling to pack provisions before you leave the dock.

The route takes you past Red Beach first, where the volcanic rock rises in rust-colored cliffs and the water stays shallow enough to jump in if you want. From there you head toward Nea Kameni, the younger volcano that rose out of the sea in 1707. You can see the black lava fields from the water, still bare and otherworldly after all this time. Thirasia sits across the caldera, quieter than Santorini's main towns, and the boat rental gives you the freedom to linger at any of these spots instead of following a fixed schedule.

Snorkel gear is available on request, so if the water calls you in, you don't have to say no. The rental comes with a 200€ security deposit (cash or card, your choice), and that's held against any damage. Most people get it back in full. Bottled water and snacks are already on board, which sounds small until you're out on the water for hours and grateful you don't have to ration what you brought.

You'll need to arrange your own transport to the dock, though public transportation runs nearby if you don't have a rental car. The boat handles all physical fitness levels, and if you're traveling with a service animal, they're welcome aboard. Pick your departure time, head out into the caldera, and spend the day moving at your own pace instead of waiting for a group to finish at each stop.

What’s included

Motorboat rental for up to 6 passengers, bottled water, snacks, and access to snorkel gear on request. You arrange your own transport to the dock and provide the 200€ security deposit at pickup.

Options for this experience

2 options

5-hour sunset cruise15:00Lasts 5 hours and lets you watch Santorini's well-known sunset from the best vantage point on the water. The briefing runs 30 minutes from 14:30, and the cruise starts at 15:00.

5-hour morning boat rental09:00A 5-hour morning cruise through the Caldera, where you can discover the lesser-known coastal spots of Santorini. The 30-minute briefing begins at 08:30.

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

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Santorini SeaBreeze

Is this one for you?Right for groups or families who want to explore Santorini's caldera without following a tour schedule: steering your own boat means you stop where you want and stay as long as you like, which is what makes a full day around the volcano and Red Beach possible without a guide.

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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 boating license to rent the motorboat?

No. This rental is specifically designed for unlicensed operators. You steer the boat yourself without any certification required.

How many people can fit on the boat?

Up to 6 passengers. It's suitable for groups or families.

Is snorkel gear included?

Snorkel masks and fins are available upon request but not automatically included. Let the rental company know in advance if you want them.

What's the security deposit?

200€, payable by cash or card. It's held against damage and returned if the boat is returned in good condition.

What's included in the rental?

Bottled water and snacks. You provide your own food beyond that, or arrange a picnic beforehand.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

How do I get to the dock?

Public transportation runs nearby. If you don't have a rental car, local buses can get you there.

What are the main stops?

Red Beach, Nea Kameni (the volcano), and Thirasia. You choose where to go and how long to stay at each.