Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Rethymno

If you’re considering a day trip from Crete to Santorini, this boat tour from Rethymno offers a chance to see one of Greece’s most iconic islands without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. We’ve looked into what travelers are experiencing with this trip, and it’s a mixed bag—some love the sights and guides, others find the organization a bit lacking.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to visit Santorini’s famous villages Oia and Fira with plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Second, it offers a scenic boat ride that promises some time for swimming at a black-sand beach—perfect if you’re craving a quick dip. But the main potential drawback? The journey can be quite long and, depending on weather conditions, sometimes runs late or takes extra time, which could cut into your sightseeing.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a full day of exploring Santorini without the stress of organizing transport and activities on their own. If you’re comfortable with a moderate pace, don’t mind some crowds, and are eager to see the highlights, it might be just right. However, if you’re after a more relaxed, less rushed experience or traveling with very young kids, you might want to weigh the options carefully.

Key Points

• Convenient Full-Day Trip: Offers a way to see Santorini from Crete, saving you the hassle of planning transport.
• Guided Tours & Free Time: Includes guided transportation and plenty of free time at key spots like Oia and Fira.
• Scenic & Active: Features a boat ride, with the option to swim at a black-sand beach.
• Weather-Dependent: The trip’s timing and length can vary with weather, affecting your schedule.
• Group Size & Cost: Small groups of up to 100 travelers and a price around $245 per person, offering a decent value for the experience.
• Potential for Rushing: Some reviews mention a tight schedule that could feel rushed, especially if weather delays occur.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Rethymno Port

The tour begins early in the morning at the port of Rethymno, with the expectation of setting sail for Santorini. You’ll be boarding either a sea jet or a similar vessel, and from the reviews, it’s clear that the boat trip is a significant part of the experience. You might find the crossing to be bumpy, especially if there are waves, which could extend your journey from the scheduled 2.5 hours up to 3 or even 4 hours on the return. That’s a considerable chunk of your day spent at sea.

Arriving in Santorini & the Guided Tour

Once on the island, your guide will escort you via air-conditioned vehicle to some of the best spots. The first major stop is Oia, perched on the caldera’s edge. Travelers rave about the stunning views, with many mentioning the picturesque white buildings and blue-domed churches that make for perfect photo ops. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, which is enough to stroll around, soak in the views, and perhaps grab a coffee or souvenir.

Exploring Fira

Next, the trip takes you to Fira, the island’s bustling capital city. You’ll get approximately two hours to wander the narrow streets, browse shops, and enjoy the scenery. From the reviews, many appreciate the free time to explore at their own pace—whether that’s snapping pictures, enjoying local food, or simply relaxing with a drink overlooking the caldera.

Beach & Swimming Options

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to swim at a black-sand beach. While the itinerary mentions this as an option, specifics aren’t given, so it’s worth noting you might need to coordinate with your guide or be prepared for some flexibility. Travelers have appreciated having this option, especially on a warm day, but it’s not guaranteed to be a long swim or in a specific beach.

Return Journey

The trip back to Rethymno can be similarly weather-dependent. Some travelers report the return taking longer than expected because of waves or wind, which could make your day feel a bit rushed. As one reviewer noted, they stayed in Oia for 1.5 hours instead of the planned 2.5, simply because of delays caused by weather.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a pretty honest picture. Many highlight the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm, which makes a difference in how much you enjoy the day. One reviewer said, “The tour guide was very knowledgeable and really added to the day,” showing that a good guide can elevate the experience.

Others point out that the trip can be crowded, especially in peak season, with one mentioning “it’s still crowded in May,” which is something to consider if you’re seeking a quieter experience. Several reviews also note the cost—around $244 per person—feeling somewhat steep considering food and additional expenses aren’t included. Some wish meals or snacks had been part of the package, but alas, you’ll need to budget for those separately.

A common theme is the weather’s impact—bad weather can delay the boat or make the crossing longer, which then shortens your time on land. One traveler shared, “Because of the weather, the boat trip was longer, and we had less time in Oia,” which is something to keep in mind if you have a tight schedule.

The Downsides

• The long boat ride can be tiring, especially for those prone to seasickness.
• The weather dependency means your experience can vary day-to-day.
• The rushing feeling from some reviews suggests it’s not the best choice if you prefer leisurely exploration.
• No meals included, so you’ll need to plan for food on your own.

The Upsides

• Seeing Santorini’s top spots with a guided group simplifies logistics.
• The scenic drive around the island is comfortable and air-conditioned.
• The option to swim at a beach adds a fun, active touch.
• The small-group setting can make the experience more personal, especially if you’re lucky with your guide.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re eager to tick off Santorini’s highlights in one day and don’t mind a packed schedule, this trip can be a great choice. It’s particularly suited for active travelers who enjoy boat rides and don’t mind some unpredictability with weather. Also, if you prefer guided tours with transportation included—saving you from navigating public transit or renting a vehicle—this setup works well.

However, if you’re after a more relaxed, in-depth experience or traveling with very young children, you might find the day a bit rushed or tiring. It’s also worth considering if you want to spend more time just soaking in the scenery rather than rushing from point to point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat trip from Rethymno to Santorini?
The boat journey typically lasts around 2.5 hours, but weather conditions can make it longer—up to 3 or 4 hours on the return leg.

Are meals included in this tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll need to plan for meals or snacks on your own during the free time in Fira or Oia.

Is there time for swimming or beach stops?
Yes, there’s an option to swim at one of Santorini’s black-sand beaches, though specifics depend on the day and guide arrangements.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the port of Rethymno. Pickup from hotels is available only in certain areas and is an optional extra.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, French, and Russian (on Tuesdays), making it accessible for many travelers.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 100 travelers, but it often feels more intimate thanks to the smaller vehicle groups for land transfers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This full-day boat trip to Santorini from Rethymno offers a manageable way to see some of Greece’s most famous sights without the stress of planning every detail yourself. The combination of scenic boat rides, guided land excursions, and free exploration time makes it appealing for those who want a structured yet flexible day.

The experience hinges on weather conditions, so if you’re lucky with clear skies and calm seas, you’ll probably enjoy a memorable day. The guides seem to make a real difference, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness. But expect some rushing and crowds, especially in busier months, and remember that it’s a fairly pricey outing if you’re not including meals or souvenirs.

This tour suits travelers eager to see Santorini’s highlights conveniently and efficiently, particularly if you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and some variable factors like weather. For those seeking a more relaxed or personalized experience, you might want to explore other options or plan a longer stay on the island itself.

Happy Planning! Whether you choose this trip or decide to explore Santorini at your own pace, you’re sure to find plenty of unforgettable moments in this beautiful part of Greece.