Santorini: Self-Drive Boat Rental without Boat License

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising around Santorini’s famous caldera on your own terms, this self-drive boat rental might just be what you’re looking for. Offered by MY BOAT RENTAL SANTORINI, this experience allows you to become the captain of your own vessel—even without a boat license. It’s a chance to explore the island’s stunning coastlines, volcanic islands, and hidden beaches with complete privacy, all while creating your own adventure.

What we love about this experience is the freedom it offers. You can choose between full-day or half-day rentals, giving you flexibility to fit it into your travel plans. Plus, the boats are fully equipped with modern navigation and safety gear, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the views. One thing to consider, though, is that the cost of fuel isn’t included, which can add up depending on how much you cruise around.

This tour is ideal if you’re someone who enjoys independence and a bit of novelty—perfect for small groups or couples who want to escape the busy tour boats and carve out their own path. It’s particularly suited for those comfortable with navigating new waters or willing to follow provided instructions carefully. If you prefer a guided experience or aren’t comfortable handling a boat yourself, this might not be your best fit.

Key Points

• Freedom to Explore: You get to decide your route and schedule, making it highly customizable.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: The boats come with navigation systems, safety gear, and amenities like Bluetooth speakers and towels.
• Ideal for Confident Swimmers: Not suitable for non-swimmers, as you’ll need to manage the boat responsibly.
• Fuel Costs Extra: Budget around 50-70 EUR for fuel, depending on your cruising distance.
• Safety First: The rental includes lifejackets, first aid kits, and digital route maps for safe navigation.
• Flexible Scheduling: You can book for a half or full day, with starting times checked for availability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Self-Drive Experience

Picture yourself stepping onto a well-equipped boat that feels more like a private vessel than a rental. The process starts with a thorough briefing from the professional team, who’ll explain how everything works and ensure you’re comfortable before casting off. Once underway, the real fun begins.

Your first stops are the iconic beaches—Red Beach, White Beach, and Black Beach—each famous for their unique colors and geological features. These beaches are accessible only by sea, so cruising here offers a rare perspective. The crystal-clear waters at Mesa Pigadia are perfect for a quick swim or just relaxing on deck.

Next, you’ll pass Akrotiri and its Lighthouse before reaching the Caldera. The caldera itself is a breathtaking sight, with towering cliffs and volcanic formations. The tour includes a ride around the Volcano Islands, where you can stop at the Hot Springs to bathe in the warm waters—an experience that many find memorable.

A highlight for many is the chance to anchor near Thirasia, where you can enjoy lunch at a traditional taverna. Visiting this small, picturesque island provides a quiet contrast to the lively tourist spots on Santorini itself. The entire journey offers plenty of opportunities to take photos, swim, or simply soak in the scenery from your boat.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The starting point is easily accessible at My Boat, where you’ll pick up your vessel. After a brief orientation, the boat is yours to command. The route is flexible, but the general plan includes:

• Visiting the famous Red, White, and Black Beaches—each with distinctive geological features that are best appreciated from the water.
• Enjoying the crystal waters at Mesa Pigadia, where you can swim or lounge.
• Passing the Akrotiri Lighthouse—a historic marker along the southern coast.
• Circumnavigating the Caldera, with stops at volcanic islands and the hot springs.
• Taking a break at Thirasia, a lesser-visited gem with authentic tavernas, for a relaxed lunch.
• Exploring other picturesque spots inside the caldera, with plenty of time to customize your experience.

The reviews highlight how easy and enjoyable the process is. Nicolai mentioned it was a “superb experience,” appreciating the well-suited motor and amenities. Vanessa Duque praised the excellent service, noting how well the team explained the boat’s operation and provided useful extras like route maps, water, and snacks.

What’s Included & What You’ll Need to Budget Extra

The rental includes top-quality boats equipped with digital navigation systems, GPS trackers, Bluetooth sound systems, safety gear, and comfort features like pillow decks and sun tents. You’ll also receive safety and emergency equipment, including lifejackets, flares, first aid kits, and backup engines—important considerations for peace of mind.

On the other hand, fuel is not included, and based on reviews, you should budget approximately 50-70 EUR for a full day. The actual cost depends on how much you cruise around the caldera and volcanic islands. Additional costs include snorkeling gear if you wish to rent it (about 20 EUR per set), and any special requests like transfers or specific occasions.

The rental also provides water, soft drinks, snacks, and towels—a small touch that makes a difference for comfort and convenience.

Practical Considerations

While the experience is accessible without a boat license, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or people uncomfortable on the water. You’ll want to be confident in managing a boat with guidance from the provided instructions. The group size is private, so you’ll be cruising with your friends or family, not strangers, which adds a layer of intimacy and flexibility.

Weather plays a big role—in case of bad weather or safety concerns, the experience can be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund. It’s worth checking the forecast before heading out.

Getting to the meeting point is straightforward—simply pick up your boat at My Boat, and the experience ends back there as well.

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Cost and Value

At a glance, the price may seem like a significant investment, but considering the fully equipped boats, custom itinerary, and privacy, it offers good value for those looking for independence on the water. Remember, fuel and extras are additional, so keep those in mind when planning your budget.

Many travelers, like Nicolai, appreciated the ease of planning and the amenities provided, which make the experience smooth from start to finish. Vanessa noted the excellent service and the helpfulness of the team, which can make a big difference when trying something new.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This self-drive boat rental is perfect if you want total control over your day and enjoy a bit of adventure. It’s ideal for confident swimmers comfortable with basic navigation or willing to follow instructions carefully. If you’re seeking a private, flexible way to explore Santorini’s coastlines and volcanic sights, this experience offers a beautiful combination of freedom and safety.

If you’re traveling with a small group or as a couple, and like the idea of customizing your route away from crowded tour boats, you’ll likely love this. However, if you prefer guided tours or aren’t comfortable handling a boat, you might prefer a more traditional cruise or guided experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a boat license to rent this boat?
No, you don’t need a boat license. The rental is designed for self-driving without prior licensing, provided you follow safety instructions.

What safety measures are included?
Your boat comes with lifejackets for adults and kids, safety flares, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and digital route mapping to help you avoid dangerous areas.

How much does fuel cost?
Fuel is not included in the rental price, and you should budget approximately 50-70 EUR depending on your cruising distance.

Can I choose my own route?
Yes, you can create your own schedule and route, making the experience tailored to your interests and time constraints.

Is this experience suitable for families?
It’s primarily suitable for confident swimmers and those comfortable managing a boat. Non-swimmers or very young children might find it less suitable unless accompanied by experienced adults.

What do I need to bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, food and drinks, waterproof camera, and a charged smartphone. Towels and snacks are provided, but you can bring your own.

What happens in bad weather?
If weather conditions prevent safe travel, your reservation can be rescheduled or canceled for a full refund.

If you’re after a personalized day on the water in Santorini, this self-drive boat rental offers a fantastic opportunity to see the island from a different perspective. It’s especially appealing if you value independence, privacy, and a bit of adventure. The boats are modern, well-equipped, and come with helpful safety features, ensuring peace of mind.

While it requires a bit of confidence and some extra planning for fuel, the freedom to explore at your own pace is hard to beat. Whether you want to visit the iconic beaches, swim in hot springs, or just relax with a scenic backdrop, this experience can be tailored to your preferences.

Overall, it’s a great choice for travelers who enjoy a more hands-on approach to exploring one of Greece’s most stunning islands, offering a memorable day on the open sea that’s all about your own adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: