Shaped by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption over 4,000 years ago, Santorini has some of the most geologically diverse terrain of any of the Greek islands.
On this private, half-day boat trip around the island, you’ll get to examine the layers of the steep pumice cliffs up close, see the vivid hues caused by mineral deposits, and swim in waters warmed by geothermal activity. With views of the whitewashed villages on the clifftops, you can swim and snorkel in coves only accessible from the water, and finish with a sunset meal on board.
You’ll be collected from your hotel on the day of your tour and taken to the port where you’ll meet your skipper for the day and board your boat, a white-sailed catamaran.
Setting off from the port along the base of the cliffs, the massive scale of the caldera becomes ever more apparent as the cliffs tower over you and the whitewashed buildings of Fira diminish in size.
From the vantage point of the water, the Santorini villages appear almost model-like, their white houses and blue-domed churches tumbling over the cliff edges in a jumble of multi-level streets. Below them, the volcanic history of the island is revealed through the stratification of the rock in the cliffs.
As you motor past, you can see the layers of rock change from grey to black, white, burnt orange and blood red depending on their origins and mineral deposits.
Your itinerary will take you around the island with plenty of cruising time and stops for swimming. When your skipper anchors, you’ll have the chance to swim past unusual rock formations in clear, turquoise water. Snorkels and fins are provided, and there are a few spots around the island where the water is warmed by geothermal activity.
You’ll have dinner served on board before your captain finds a suitable spot to anchor and watch the sunset. From your vantage point, the sun often glitters gold on the water before dipping below the horizon. As the light fades, you’ll return to the port and after disembarking, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Greece specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Hike Fira to Oia
Santorini’s volcanic landscape makes for rewarding hiking, with the caldera-edge route between Fire and Oia its most scenic trail. Take in churches, panoramic viewpoints and traditional towns as you hike with a local guide.
Santorini wineries
With a wine-making tradition that stretches back thousands of years, Santorini is known for producing some of Greece’s finest labels. This private, half-day tour takes in two of the island’s wineries and offers an insight into the island’s unusual production methods.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tour below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
