Crete: Santorini Guided Day Trip by Boat

Travelers seeking a snapshot of Santorini’s iconic beauty often turn to organized day trips, and this Crete to Santorini tour by boat is a popular choice. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on over 550 reviews, it’s clear that many find this experience worthwhile — but, like all adventures, it has its pros and cons.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning views of the Caldera are a highlight, providing incredible photo opportunities. Second, guided exploration of Oia and Fira means you won’t miss the best spots or hidden gems. Third, the convenience of transportation and ferry tickets included makes it easier to focus on enjoying the day.

However, a possible snag is the length of the day—it’s quite long (up to 11.5 hours), which might be tiring, especially if you’re not accustomed to early mornings or long boat rides. Still, it offers a solid value for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Santorini without the hassle of planning everything independently.

This trip suits travelers who want an efficient, well-organized way to see Santorini’s highlights, particularly if you’re already based in Crete and prefer a guided experience. It’s also ideal for those short on time but eager to tick Santorini off their bucket list with minimal fuss.

Good To Know

• All-in-one experience: Combines ferry, bus transport, and guided tours for convenience.
• Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking views of the Caldera and picturesque villages.
• Flexible exploration: Free time in Oia and Fira allows for relaxed sightseeing and shopping.
• Optional volcano tour: A boat cruise to the volcano can be added for closer volcanic views and hot springs.
• Long but immersive day: The itinerary is packed, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and travel.
• Value for money: For around $200, the tour offers a comprehensive taste of Santorini, including transportation, guided commentary, and scenic stops.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

Getting There and Transport

Starting from the ports of Heraklion or Rethymno, the journey begins early — with pickup times between 5:40 AM and 7:05 AM if you choose the transfer option. The day kicks off with a ferry ride lasting about 2.5 hours, which some travelers find smooth and scenic, while others mention rough seas. One reviewer vividly described the seas as “very rough,” leading to some passengers feeling seasick, especially on windy days. Packing seasickness remedies and extra patience for the boat ride is advisable.

Once on land, the bus or coach system takes you from the port to the villages, with the entire transportation setup praised for being well-organized and efficient, even if a little rushed at times. The bus ride from the port to Oia is about 45 minutes, then a short 30-minute drive to Fira.

Oia: The First Stop

Arriving in Oia, you’re given approximately 1.5 hours to explore this postcard-perfect village. The narrow streets, white-washed buildings, and blue-domed churches are exactly what you’d expect, and the view of the Caldera from Oia’s cliff edges is breathtaking. One reviewer noted, “We took some amazing photos of the blue domed buildings — so pretty,” capturing the essence of why many visit.

Guided tours often include some walking, with free time to wander shops, grab a coffee, or just soak in the scenery. Keep in mind that during high season, Oia can get crowded, so some travelers appreciated having a guide to avoid the worst queues and find quieter spots.

Fira: The Heart of Santorini

Next, the group moves to Fira, the island’s bustling capital. Here, you get another 1.5 hours of free time, with opportunities to explore shops, cafes, and take photos of the iconic caldera views. Several reviews mentioned how much they enjoyed simply strolling through Fira’s lively streets, with some opting for optional excursions like a volcano boat trip.

The guide often shares tips on where to eat or shop, enhancing the experience. One reviewer appreciated their guide, Christo, saying, “He was very good and advised us of places to eat,” which adds value when you’re in a new place trying to find authentic spots.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Optional Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

Starting mid-May, an optional boat tour to the Santorini Volcano is available at an extra cost. This involves a traditional wooden boat cruise, offering close-up views of the volcanic island and the chance to swim in the hot springs. Reviewers who chose this excursion described it as “great,” although some noted the water wasn’t always hot enough, and the hot springs could be more accurately called warm patches.

One downside is that on busy days, the itinerary might be adjusted, with Fira becoming the first stop to manage crowds. If you’re particularly interested in the volcano, it’s worth noting that this optional trip is a highlight for many, offering a different perspective on the island’s volcanic history.

Return Journey and Duration

After a full day of sightseeing, the journey back takes about 2.5 hours by ferry—sometimes longer if weather conditions delay. The return to Heraklion is around 6:00 PM, or 7:30 PM from Rethymno, depending on the port. Reviewers mention that the long day can feel tiring, but most agree the experience is worthwhile.

How Value Meets Expectations

For about $200, this experience delivers quite a bit. The price includes ferry tickets, guided tours of Oia and Fira, and transportation from the port — making it a convenient package. Several travelers highlighted the value, with one reviewer stating, “Great value for the money paid,” and another calling it “super.”

What you get is a full day that balances guided insights with personal exploration time. The guides, particularly Sophia and Christo, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, with many reviews mentioning how their stories added depth to the trip.

Transportation and Timing

The early start and long hours are a trade-off for seeing two major villages plus optional volcano views. The buses and ferries are generally reliable, though some mention a bit of a rush — especially in Oia, where time can feel tight. Be prepared for a long day, but also for seamless organization and smooth transitions, which many travelers appreciated.

Food and Shopping

While food isn’t included in the package, the free time in Fira and Oia allows you to indulge in local tapas, cafes, or shops. Several reviews mention taking the opportunity to sample local delicacies or buy souvenirs. If you opt for the volcano excursion, bringing swimwear is recommended, as some travelers enjoyed swimming in the hot springs.

Real Travelers’ Insights

One review highlighted how the guide, Liliia, kept the group entertained with interesting facts, making the long coach ride more engaging. Another mentioned the importance of wearing comfortable shoes and packing extra water, especially since the day involves quite a bit of walking and exposure to the sun.

A common theme among reviews is that the overall experience is “well-organized” and “worth the long day,” with some noting that the trip’s length is a small price to pay for the stunning scenery and hassle-free logistics.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided overview of Santorini without the stress of self-planning. It’s ideal for those visiting Crete and eager to add Santorini to their itinerary for a day. If you’re comfortable with early mornings, ferry rides, and a busy schedule, you’ll find this trip offers fantastic value and memorable sights.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed, less rushed experience or are sensitive to seasickness, it’s worth considering whether the long boat ride and packed schedule fit your travel style.

The Sum Up

This Crete-to-Santorini day trip by boat packs in an impressive amount of sightseeing into a single day, making it an appealing choice for busy travelers or first-time visitors. The combination of scenic villages, volcanic views, and guided commentary creates a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Santorini’s charm.

The value for money is high, given that ferry tickets, transportation, and guided tours are included in the price—plus, the guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge. The optional volcano trip adds an extra layer of adventure, perfect for those wanting a closer look at the island’s volcanic past.

While the day is long, most travelers agree that the stunning scenery and seamless organization make it worthwhile. It’s particularly suited for those who love guided experiences, want a snapshot of Santorini’s beauty, and don’t mind a full day on the move.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience Santorini without the hassle of independent planning, this tour offers a practical, scenic, and memorable solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes ferry tickets, guided tours of Oia and Fira, and transportation from the meeting point or hotel pickup if selected.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there is free time to explore local cafes and shops.

Can I opt for the volcano tour?
Yes, the volcano boat cruise is an optional addition starting mid-May, available at an extra charge.

What is the duration of the entire trip?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 10 to 11.5 hours, including transportation, ferry rides, and sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes, cash for expenses, passport or ID, and sunscreen are recommended. If you plan to swim in the hot springs, packing swimwear is advised.

Are there any age restrictions?
Infants must sit with their parents on the bus, with no separate seats provided.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to walking and uneven surfaces in villages.

What’s the weather like?
The trip is weather-dependent; poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

How long are the stops in Oia and Fira?
Each stop offers about 1.5 hours of free time, enough for photos, shopping, and sightseeing.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

You can check if your dates are available here: