From Rethymno: Full-Day Trip to Santorini by Boat

If you’re planning a trip to Crete and dreaming of experiencing Santorini’s famous cliffs, blue-domed churches, and stunning vistas, a day trip like this might be on your radar. We’ve looked into this particular tour offered by PLATANOS TOURS, which promises a full day of sightseeing, scenic drives, and island exploration, all comfortably packed into roughly 13 hours. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, we’ve gathered enough insights to give you a clear picture of what it involves — the good, the not-so-good, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we really like about this experience? First, the combination of a high-speed ferry and guided bus tour means you get to enjoy Santorini’s iconic views without the hassle of planning your own transportation, and the expert guides seem to make the long day both informative and engaging. Second, the opportunity to see both Oia and Fira, two of the island’s most photogenic towns, makes it a well-rounded way to get a taste of the island’s beauty — even if your time is limited.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is the tight schedule. The reviews often mention how rushed everything feels, especially in Oia, where the time for photos and wandering is just over an hour. If you’re someone who loves to soak in every little alley or take countless photos, this might feel a bit hurried. This tour suits travelers who want a snapshot of Santorini in a day, rather than those seeking a leisurely exploration.

This trip works best for those who want a convenient, guided experience that hits the highlights of Santorini with ease. It’s especially good for first-timers, busy travelers, or anyone who prefers to trust a company to handle the logistics while they enjoy the scenery. Now, let’s break down what you can expect from this full-day adventure.

Key Points

• All-in-one package: Includes boat tickets, transportation, and a multilingual guide.
• Time-efficient: Designed to give a quick but comprehensive taste of Santorini’s top spots.
• Scenic highlights: Oia’s famous blue and white buildings, Fira’s lively streets, and potentially a volcano boat ride.
• Long day: Expect about 13 hours, including ferry rides and travel time.
• Hectic schedule: Limited time at each stop, especially Oia.
• Good value: Priced around $234, which includes most logistics and guided commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Includes and How It Runs

First off, this tour is quite straightforward but packed. It kicks off early in the morning with an optional hotel pickup or a meeting point at Rethymno’s port. The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps the long drives comfortable, especially on warm days. Once you’re at the port, you’ll board a luxury high-speed catamaran for the approximately 2.75-hour cruise to Santorini. Travelers have mentioned the ferry ride can be choppy, so bringing motion sickness remedies might be wise if you’re sensitive.

Upon arrival at Athinios Port, the real sightseeing begins. You’ll hop onto an air-conditioned bus that will guide you around the island, giving you insights you might not get exploring on your own. The guide’s knowledge is often appreciated — reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides who add extra context when asked.

The itinerary then includes stops at Oia and Fira, two must-see towns. Oia, at the northern tip, offers those postcard-perfect views of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches perched on the caldera. However, time here is limited — roughly an hour and twenty minutes, according to reviews — so you’ll need to be strategic about your photography and wandering. Many visitors feel this is a bit rushed but still worth the visit, especially if it’s your first time.

Next, you’ll visit Fira, the island’s lively capital, where you can stroll the alleys, browse shops, and enjoy a drink with a view. You’ll also have a couple of hours here, which gives you a bit more breathing room than Oia. Some travelers choose to skip optional activities like the volcano boat tour to maximize their free time in Fira and Oia, especially considering the tight schedule.

The day wraps up with a return ferry to Rethymno, followed by transportation back to your hotel or meeting point. The entire experience is designed for efficiency, but that means some stops are brief.

The Highlights: What You’ll Love

Stunning Views and Picturesque Towns
From the ferry, you’ll enjoy spectacular caldera vistas, and the stops in Oia and Fira are filled with photo opportunities. Both towns are renowned for their architecture and scenic beauty, even if you only have a limited window.

Expert Guides and Comfortable Transport
The guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the long day more engaging. The air-conditioned bus and boat are comfortable, which is essential for a trip that lasts over 13 hours.

Hassle-Free Logistics
Everything is planned out — from ferry tickets to transportation — so you can relax and enjoy the trip without stressing about details. The included hotel pickup (if opted for) is a plus, especially if you’re staying outside the city center.

Good Value for Money
At around $234, you’re paying for a full-day, guided experience that covers transportation, ferry rides, and sightseeing. Many reviews say it’s worth the price, especially considering how much is included.

Things to Keep in Mind: The Downsides

Time Is Tight, Especially in Oia
Multiple reviews mention how rushed Oia feels, with only about an hour to take pictures and walk around. If photography and leisurely exploration are your priorities, this may not satisfy your craving for a relaxed pace.

Long, Busy Day
Traveling over 13 hours with ferry rides, bus tours, and sightseeing can be exhausting. Some travelers find the schedule intense, especially in hot weather.

Optional Activities Not Included
Activities like the volcano boat tour are optional and not covered in the main package. If you want to get closer to the volcano or enjoy a swim, you’ll need to pay extra and plan accordingly.

Potential for Crowds
Santorini is popular, and even in the shoulder season, some stops—particularly in Oia—can be crowded. A review mentions that human traffic can make photos difficult, even in September.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

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Starting Point and Transfer

The tour begins either from a designated meeting point or with a hotel pickup, making it flexible for different travelers. Early start times mean an early wake-up, but it helps maximize your day.

Ferry Ride to Santorini

Traveling by high-speed catamaran offers a quick, scenic passage across the Aegean. Be prepared for potentially choppy waters; some travelers mention the ride was rough but manageable with motion sickness remedies.

Exploring Oia

The highlight for many, Oia’s charm is undeniable. Built on the caldera’s edge, the town feels like a fairytale. The time here is brief, so plan your photos wisely. You might find this is the most picturesque stop, with many people lamenting how little time they had to soak it in.

Fira — The Island’s Capital

Fira offers a blend of history, shopping, and vibrant streets. You’ll have enough time for a leisurely walk, some shopping, and a drink with a view. Some trip participants say they preferred to skip optional volcano or beach excursions to spend more time here.

Return Journey

After exploring Fira, the group heads back to the port, then boards the ferry again for the return trip to Rethymno. The ferry ride back can be equally choppy, and some reviews note the trip was longer than expected.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Santorini who want a rundown without the stress of planning logistics. It’s particularly suitable for those comfortable with long days, as the trip is quite full and demands stamina. If you’re someone who prioritizes seeing iconic sights in a short amount of time over lingering in each spot, this tour will fit well.

It also works for travelers who appreciate guided commentary and prefer to relax rather than navigate public transport or drive themselves. However, if you’re seeking a more leisurely, unhurried exploration, you might prefer to split your day or stay longer in a single location.

The Sum Up

This full-day boat trip from Rethymno to Santorini offers a solid way to tick off one of Greece’s most famous islands in just a single day. With comfortable transportation, a scenic ferry ride, and guided tours of Oia and Fira, it delivers a good mix of scenery and sightseeing. The guides are generally well-reviewed for their friendliness and knowledge, adding value to the experience.

However, be prepared for a long, busy day with little flexibility in timing — especially in Oia, where photo opportunities are quick. It’s best suited for travelers who want a convenient, guided snapshot of Santorini rather than a slow-paced exploration. For those eager to see the highlights with minimal fuss, this tour hits the spot and offers good value for its price.

If you’re a first-timer or short on time but want a taste of Santorini’s beauty, this trip could be a smart choice. Just keep in mind the tight schedule and plan accordingly — perhaps bring extra snacks, water, and patience for the crowds. It’s a whirlwind day, but for many, it’s a memorable way to add Santorini to your Greek adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older children who can handle long days and a ferry ride might enjoy the sightseeing. Just consider the duration and the busy schedule.

Will I have enough time to see Oia?
You’ll get about an hour and twenty minutes in Oia, which is enough for quick photos and a stroll, but not for a deep exploration. If you love wandering and photography, be prepared to move fast.

Does the tour include meals?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during stops.

Can I opt to do the volcano tour?
The volcano boat tour is optional and costs extra. It’s not included in the main package, so you’ll need to pay separately if you want that experience.

What if I’m not a morning person?
The tour starts early, with pickup options from your hotel or meeting point, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with early mornings and full days.

Is the ferry ride comfortable?
Most reviews mention the ferry can be choppy, especially in the afternoon, so bring motion sickness remedies if needed. The boat is described as luxury and high-speed, but waves can still cause discomfort.

How is the overall value?
Given the included transportation, guided tour, and ferry rides, most reviews say it’s good value, especially for travelers wanting a hassle-free day.

This tour offers a balance of stunning scenery, guided insights, and convenience, perfect for those who want to see Santorini without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Keep your expectations aligned with the schedule, and you’ll likely find it a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: