Rent a SpeedBoat in Santorini with License or Skippered

Santorini Speedboat Rental: Explore the Best of the Island’s Coastline and Hidden Spots

If you’re dreaming of cruising along the stunning coast of Santorini, this speedboat rental experience offers the perfect way to see the island from the water. For about $681.37 per group, up to 8 people can enjoy a 10-hour day exploring iconic spots like Red Beach, Mesa Pigadia, the volcano at Nea Kameni, and charming Oia. Whether you want to pilot the boat yourself or prefer to relax with a skipper, this tour offers flexibility and an authentic perspective on Santorini’s breathtaking scenery.

What we love about this experience is how easy it is to customize your day — you decide where to go and how long to stay. Plus, being able to take photos or watch the sunset from the water makes it truly memorable. The inclusion of snorkel gear and bottled water keeps the adventure comfortable. The only thing to consider? Fuel isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for that.

This tour is a fantastic fit for families, groups of friends, or couples who cherish independence and want to avoid the crowds. If you’re comfortable with boats or eager to learn, driving yourself adds an extra layer of fun. If you’d rather sit back and enjoy the scenery without the hassle, opting for a skipper keeps things relaxed.

Key Points

• Flexible options: Drive yourself with a license or hire a skipper for a stress-free day.
• All-in-one itinerary: Visit Red Beach, Mesa Pigadia, the volcanic crater at Nea Kameni, Oia, and Thirassia island.
• Value for money: A full day on the water with bottled water, snorkeling gear, and no hidden fees.
• Authentic experience: See Santorini’s coast and hidden beaches away from crowded land-based tours.
• Customizable schedule: You decide where to linger and when to move on, making for a personalized adventure.
• Stunning sunset views: End your day watching the fiery sunset from the boat — a truly special way to conclude.

A Deep Dive into the Santorini Speedboat Experience

Cruising along Santorini’s coastline offers a whole new appreciation for this iconic Greek island. The 10-hour duration gives you ample time to explore multiple highlights, making it a flexible alternative to land-based tours that often rush through the sights. At a cost of around $680 for up to 8 people, this isn’t just a boat rental; it’s a day-long excursion that brings the island’s volcanic geology, secluded beaches, and charming villages into sharp focus.

What makes this boat rental truly appealing? First, the option to drive the boat yourself if licensed. We loved the idea of controlling our route, stopping at spots like Red Beach, famous for its striking crimson cliffs, and Mesa Pigadia, a quiet bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If none of your group have a license, no worries — requesting a skipper keeps the experience accessible and safe.

Second, the value-added extras — snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and even masks and snorkels on request — enhance the day without extra cost. The ability to snap photos of the caldera, watch the sunset, or just soak in the calmness of the sea makes for a memorable trip.

A small consideration: fuel costs are not included, so you should budget a bit extra if you plan to cover long distances or stay late. Also, since the boat fits up to six people comfortably, larger groups should consider splitting or booking multiple boats.

Who will love this? This is ideal for adventurous families, groups of friends, or couples who appreciate independence and scenic beauty. It’s especially suited for those who want a personalized day on the water rather than a crowded boat tour.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Red Beach — Known for its dramatic crimson cliffs and clear waters, Red Beach is a must-see. We loved the way the vibrant colors contrasted with the blue sea, making it perfect for photos. The 30-minute stop gives enough time to take in the views and dip your toes in the water.

Stop 2: Mesa Pigadia Beach — This secluded, quieter beach offers a peaceful spot for swimming and relaxing. The reviews highlight the appeal of being away from tourist crowds, and we agree — it’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the Greek sunshine.

Stop 3: Nea Kameni — The volcanic crater, about an hour’s visit, provides a fascinating glimpse into Santorini’s fiery past. If you’re into geology or just want a breathtaking photo, you’ll love walking around the volcanic landscape. The free admission makes it a budget-friendly highlight.

Stop 4: Oia — The famous cliffside village with its iconic white buildings and blue domes is a bit of a land-based icon, but from the water, it’s even more spectacular. Spend about an hour wandering or watching the sunset, which many reviews tout as a highlight of the trip.

Stop 5: Thirassia — The quiet island of Thirassia offers a glimpse into traditional Greek island life. The calm waters and scenic harbor make for an excellent stop to explore or simply relax on the boat.

This itinerary balances iconic sights with less crowded locations, giving you a well-rounded experience. Plus, the flexibility to stay longer or skip a stop makes it highly customizable.

From the Reviews: Real Traveler Perspectives

Many reviewers mention how the boat in excellent condition and well-equipped, with features like GPS, radio, electric anchor, and toilet. One traveler noted, “The boat is in excellent condition, spacious and comfortable,” which really emphasizes the quality of the vessel.

The skippers seem to make a difference — with praise for Vasilis and others who are friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. One reviewer shared, “Vasilis was great and very accommodating. He even showed us a few things about utilizing the boat ourselves,” highlighting the educational aspect some might appreciate.

Others described the experience as “breathtaking” and “unforgettable,” especially when watching the sunset, which is often considered the cherry on top. The personalized nature of the trip — being able to choose your own stops and timing — was a recurring theme that travelers loved.

However, a few reviews mention rescheduling issues or minor delays, which seem out of the company’s control (like boat damage). It’s worth noting that the company responds to feedback and strives to provide a smooth experience, but flexibility is always good to keep in mind.

Practicalities and Tips for Your Day on the Water

• Meeting point: Located at an unnamed road in Vlichada, so plan ahead or ask for detailed directions.
• Duration: The 10-hour window allows for a relaxed pace, but staying out later to watch the sunset is highly recommended.
• Group size: Fits up to 6 people comfortably, so if you’re a larger group, consider multiple bookings or splitting into smaller boats.
• Cost: At $681.37, it’s a solid value considering the full-day duration, private experience, and included gear.
• Fuel costs: Not included, so budget accordingly.
• Additional activities: Masks and snorkels are available on request, making it easy to add swimming or snorkeling without extra hassle.
• Weather considerations: The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you get a full refund or rebooking options.

The Ideal Candidate for This Speedboat Tour

If you’re someone who loves the idea of independent exploration, this tour is a winner. It’s best for travelers who want to cover multiple highlights in one day but still keep the experience personal and relaxed. It’s perfect for families with older children, groups of friends, or couples looking for a romantic, scenic journey.

Those who enjoy photography, snorkeling, or sunset viewing will find this trip particularly rewarding. It’s also a good choice if you’re a confident boat handler (with a license) or want to learn a bit about boat operation under the guidance of a friendly skipper.

In short: if you want a flexible, scenic, and immersive way to experience Santorini’s coast — on your terms — this speedboat adventure is hard to beat.

FAQ – Your Practical Questions Answered

Can I drive the boat myself? Yes, if you have a valid license, you can pilot the boat. This allows more flexibility in choosing your stops and pace.

What if I don’t have a license? You can request a skipper to handle the boat for you, ensuring a stress-free day.

How long is the tour? The experience lasts about 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore and relax.

What’s included in the price? Bottled water, snorkeling gear (on request), and all fees and taxes are included.

Are there any extras I should budget for? Fuel costs are not included, so expect to pay that separately depending on your route.

Can I customize the stops? Absolutely. The itinerary is flexible, and you can decide how long to stay at each location.

Is the boat comfortable? The boats are described as spacious and in excellent condition, with modern features like GPS, radio, and an electric anchor.

Is the experience suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the boat size and safety considerations.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this speedboat rental in Santorini offers a personalized, scenic day on the water that can suit a variety of travelers. Whether you’re looking to pilot your own vessel or prefer to relax with a skipper, the flexibility and stunning stops make it a compelling choice. The value for money, combined with the chance to see hidden beaches and volcanic sights, makes it a memorable way to experience Santorini beyond the usual land tours. It’s especially suited for those who value independent exploration, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed pace.

If you’re ready for a full day of adventure on the Aegean, this boat trip could be just what you need to make your Santorini trip truly special.