The Best Boat Rentals in Thera

Expect license‑free self‑drive motorboats to start around €250–€350 for a half day and €400–€600 for a full day, usually plus fuel. Shared catamaran cruises commonly run about €110–€160 per person for 4–6 hours with hotel transfers, a BBQ or buffet, beer/wine/soft drinks, and snorkeling gear. Private catamarans for small groups often range roughly €900–€1,500 for a 5‑hour daytime or sunset cruise with food, open bar, towels, and transport included. Large traditional boats that visit the volcano and hot springs can be as low as €25–€50 per person with more basic inclusions. Always check whether fuel is included on self‑drive rentals and whether transfers and meals are included on cruises. (expedia.com, manawa.com, santoriniyachtcruises.com, santorini360tours.com, santorini-view.com)

You’ll find a wide range: license‑free small motorboats perfect for DIY coastal cruising, modern sailing catamarans for shared or private day trips, motor yachts for premium private charters, classic wooden sightseeing boats for larger group volcano outings, and RIBs or speedboats with skipper for faster caldera runs. Routes typically cover Red and White Beaches, the Akrotiri lighthouse, the caldera and volcano islets, hot springs, and Thirassia. (seascapesantorini.com, santorini-yachts.com, santoriniyachtcruises.com, santorini-view.com)

In Greece you do not need a license to operate a motorboat up to 30 hp, which is why license‑free boats are popular in Santorini. For more powerful motorboats and any bareboat sailing yacht, a recognized skipper’s license (or ICC/ASA/RYA‑level equivalent accepted by local port authorities) is required, and many travelers simply book a captained charter instead. (seascapesantorini.com, rentaboatsantorini.com, blog.theglobesailor.com)

The two most common departure points are Vlychada Marina in the south and Ammoudi Bay below Oia. Many volcano and caldera excursions also use the Old Port of Fira (Gialos), accessed by the cable car, and some budget volcano trips leave from Athinios Port (the main ferry harbor). Your booking will specify pickup or meeting point, and many tours include hotel transfers to and from these ports. (santorini360tours.com, santorini-yachts.com, santorini-view.com, greeka.com)

Typical routes circle the caldera to view the cliff‑top villages of Fira and Oia, stop at Nea Kameni volcano and Palea Kameni hot springs, and cruise past Red Beach, White Beach, the Indian Rocks and Black Mountain formations, the Akrotiri lighthouse, and across to Thirassia. Sunsets at sea line up under the Oia cliffs for the classic view. (santorini-yachts.com, santoriniyachtcruises.com)

Yes—children are welcome on most shared and private cruises as well as on private license‑free rentals with an adult in charge. Boats provide life jackets (request child sizes in advance), and crews brief guests on safe swimming spots and ladder entry for swim stops. Always supervise young swimmers, especially at the hot springs, where you may have to swim a short distance from the boat. (santimaris.com, tripadvisor.com, santorini-view.com)

On shared catamarans, meals and local beer/wine/soft drinks are usually included and outside food and drinks may be restricted. Private charters often include a full meal and open bar and may allow you to bring additional beverages or spirits. License‑free self‑drive boats typically include a cooler with ice and water and allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks; fuel is usually extra. (santorini360tours.com, santorini-view.com, getyourguide.com)

Policies vary. Many shared catamaran cruises do not allow pets, while some private charters may permit small pets if kept in carriers and by prior arrangement. If traveling with a pet, confirm before booking and note that ferries and some operators have specific documentation and carrier requirements. (getyourguide.com, tripadvisor.com)

Summer brings the Meltemi, a strong northerly wind that’s most intense from mid‑July to mid‑August and often peaks in the afternoons, which can make seas choppier and occasionally cause schedule changes. Reputable operators offer weather guarantees with free rescheduling or refunds if trips are canceled for safety. If you’re prone to motion sickness, mornings are usually calmer. (en.wikipedia.org, manawa.com)

Absolutely. Private catamarans and motor yachts are popular for celebrations and can include round‑trip hotel transfers, a full meal, open bar, music, and time for swimming and sunset photos. For larger groups or a lower budget, semi‑private catamarans still deliver a festive atmosphere with BBQ and drinks. Book early for peak dates. (santoriniyachtcruises.com, santorini-view.com)

Peak boating season runs roughly May through October, with the busiest months June–September. Morning departures are usually smoother and less crowded than afternoons, especially during Meltemi season. While Greece doesn’t observe U.S. holidays, demand from American travelers often spikes around Memorial Day (late May), July 4th, and Labor Day (early September), so plan ahead for those weekends. Weekdays typically have better availability and pricing than Saturdays and Sundays.

Old Port departures meet at Gialos, the small harbor directly below Fira. Reach it by the Santorini Cable Car from Fira’s cliffside station; the ride takes about 3–5 minutes and operates frequently in summer. Allow extra time for queues when cruise ships are in. (santorini-view.com, en.wikipedia.org)

Yes—the hike on Nea Kameni offers sweeping caldera views, and the Palea Kameni hot springs provide a unique warm‑water swim. You’ll usually anchor offshore and swim a short distance to the springs; confident swimming is recommended, and the sulfur can discolor light or white swimsuits, so wear darker swimwear.