Santorini: Private Boat Tour with Sea Caves and Hot Springs

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and want to escape the crowds while soaking up some truly stunning scenery, a private boat tour like this can be an excellent choice. We haven’t personally taken this specific trip, but from all the info available, it sounds like a balanced and memorable way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights without the hustle and bustle of larger group cruises.

What really appeals to us about this experience are the personalized nature of a private boat—allowing more flexibility and intimacy—and the chance to snorkel in sea caves and unwind in natural hot springs. These are experiences that feel authentic and a bit special, especially if you’re keen on seeing a different side of Santorini. One consideration to keep in mind is that it doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point, which could be a minor inconvenience depending on your plans.

This tour is particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, scenic outing with a focus on natural beauty and unique geological features. It’s ideal if you’re traveling as a small group or a family of up to four, and want a more personalized experience than a big cruise might offer.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Perfect for small groups wanting a tailored experience.
• Stunning scenery: Sail along the rugged coastline with views of volcanic terrain and rock formations.
• Unique stops: Visit famous beaches like Red, White, and Black Beach, and explore sea caves.
• Relaxing in hot springs: End with a soak in mineral-rich waters for a soothing finish.
• Includes snorkeling gear: Great for exploring underwater caves and crystal waters.
• No hotel transfers: Must arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Details of the Santorini Private Boat Tour

This tour offers a two-hour journey along Santorini’s southern coast, providing a fantastic snapshot of the island’s volcanic landscape and scenic coastline. The price of $508 covers up to four people, which makes it a fairly intimate experience—think of it as a luxury escape for a small group. It’s important to note that it’s a private experience, so you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, which adds a sense of exclusivity.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour begins at the meeting point, where you’ll check in with staff at Extreme Water Sports. Once aboard, your experienced local skipper takes the helm, guiding you along the coast. From here, the real fun begins.

First stop: Red Beach. This is one of Santorini’s most iconic sights—its striking red cliffs contrasting sharply with the blue sea. It’s a brief stop, but you’ll get a chance to admire the vivid colors and take photos. Some reviews mention that the boat approaches closely enough for great photo ops, making it worthwhile.

Next, you’ll sail along the coastline of Akrotiri, passing the White Beach and Black Mountain. The White Beach is known for its white volcanic cliffs, while the Black Mountain offers a stark, dark volcanic landscape. Here, you’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel in clear waters, exploring the caves and rock formations that dot the shoreline. Several travelers mentioned how peaceful and scenic this part was, appreciating the chance to get into the water away from crowded beaches.

Snorkeling in Sea Caves

One of the highlights is snorkeling into the sea caves. The caves are naturally formed, and the crystal-clear water makes for excellent underwater visibility. Guests often rave about how quiet and pristine the caves are, providing a sense of adventure and discovery. The snorkeling gear is included, so you can spend as much time as you like exploring these underwater features.

The Hot Springs

The final stop is the hot springs at the active volcano, a well-known attraction on the island. Here, the waters are sulfur-rich, reputed for their healing and detoxifying properties. A lot of reviewers mention how refreshing and relaxing it was to dip into these mineral waters, describing it as a soothing experience after the day’s exploration. Keep in mind there might be some natural debris or sulfur smell, which is typical for hot springs, but most find it part of the charm.

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What Makes This Tour Special

Beyond the itinerary, what sets this experience apart is the small group and private setting. Many travelers appreciated the flexibility—you can ask your skipper to linger longer at certain sites or skip others if you prefer. The use of a luxury speed boat ensures a smooth ride, and the inclusion of amenities like sunscreen, towels, dry bags, and floating devices adds to comfort.

The local skipper isn’t just a driver but also a guide, full of stories and insights about Santorini’s volcanic history and geology, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing. The music adds a fun vibe, making the cruise feel lively yet relaxed.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $508 for up to four people, this tour is a fair value if you’re looking for a personalized, scenic outing. Compared to larger group tours, you get more privacy and flexibility. While it’s not cheap, the experience includes snorkeling gear, safety equipment, insurance, and the chance to visit multiple remarkable sites in just 2 hours.

Some reviews mention that it’s perfect for a romantic getaway or small family outing, thanks to its intimate nature. While it’s not specifically designed for children, younger travelers comfortable with boat rides and snorkeling should have a good time.

Practical Considerations

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point at Extreme Water Sports. The activity lasts about 2 hours, so check the schedule when booking to align with your plans. Since it’s a private group, you’ll have the skipper’s full attention, and the experience can be tailored somewhat to your preferences.

It is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, given the nature of the activity and boat boarding requirements. Be sure to bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, and a camera.

Overall Verdict: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private boat tour is ideal for small groups or families seeking a more exclusive, relaxed way to explore Santorini’s coastline. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the larger crowds and experience the island’s geological beauty from the water. The opportunity to snorkel in caves and relax in hot springs adds a sense of adventure and wellness that many travelers find memorable.

If you’re someone who values personalized service, stunning natural scenery, and a peaceful vibe, this tour will likely tick all your boxes. However, if you prefer all-inclusive experiences with hotel transfers and a longer itinerary, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ About the Santorini Private Boat Tour

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for kids, children comfortable with boat rides and snorkeling should enjoy this tour. Keep in mind the activity is about 2 hours long, so young children should be able to sit comfortably during that time.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, it’s best to bring sunglasses, swimwear, and a camera. The tour provides towels, snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and floating devices, so you don’t need to worry about those.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility is handy if your plans change unexpectedly.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at the meeting point, Extreme Water Sports. You will need to arrange your own transportation there.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, which is a good length for a relaxed sightseeing cruise without feeling rushed.

What language is the guide in?
The tour is conducted in English and Greek, with the skipper providing insights in these languages.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private group, meaning it’s just your party and the skipper, providing a more personalized experience.

Are the hot springs safe for swimming?
Yes, many travelers have enjoyed swimming in the sulfur-rich hot springs, describing it as a detoxifying and relaxing experience.

What’s the overall value?
Compared to other tours on the island, this private experience offers a good balance of exclusivity, scenery, and activities for its price point, especially considering the inclusion of snorkeling gear and safety equipment.

If you’re after a scenic, intimate slice of Santorini’s coast that combines natural beauty, gentle adventure, and relaxation, this private boat tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a peaceful way to experience the island’s volcanic charm, away from the crowds, with enough flexibility to make it feel personalized.

You can check availability for your dates here: