From Crete: Santorini Day Trip by Boat With Oia & Fira Visit

Exploring the stunning island of Santorini from Crete is an opportunity not to be missed. This day trip whisks travelers away on a captivating journey, where they’ll enjoy the charming towns of Oia and Fira. With a convenient ferry ride, guided tours, and ample free time, adventurers can savor the breathtaking views and uncover the unique culture of this island gem. Whether seeking an optional volcano boat cruise or simply soaking in the picturesque landscapes, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. With flexible booking and hassle-free planning, the stage is set for an extraordinary Santorini adventure.

Key Points

This one-day tour from Crete to Santorini includes round-trip boat tickets, guided tours of Oia and Fira, and optional volcano boat cruise at an additional cost.
The tour duration is 10-11.5 hours, with hotel pickup/drop-off available across 32 locations in Crete.
Participants have allocated free time to explore Oia and Fira independently, in addition to the guided tours.
The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible booking and cancellation policies.
Reviewers have highlighted the organization and quality of the guided tours, while also noting potential issues with time constraints and crowding.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Santorini Day Trip by Boat with Oia & Fira Visit is a comprehensive tour package that costs $184.00 per person and lasts between 10 to 11.5 hours.

Travelers can enjoy a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and can reserve the tour now and pay later.

The tour includes roundtrip boat tickets, guided tours of Oia and Fira, and hotel pickup and drop-off if selected.

While the tour may be canceled or rescheduled due to bad weather, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Santorini, with ample free time to wander the charming villages.

Detailed Itinerary

The Santorini Day Trip by Boat itinerary includes a 2.5-hour ferry transfer from Heraklion or Rethymno on Crete to the island of Santorini.

Upon arrival, travelers will embark on a guided tour of the charming village of Oia, where they’ll have 2 hours of free time to explore the iconic white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning caldera views.

Next, the group will head to Fira, the island’s capital, for a guided tour and 1.5-2 hours of independent exploration.

An optional add-on is a boat cruise to the Santorini volcano.

At the end of the day, the ferry will return the group to their starting point on Crete.

Transportation and Pickup

For this Santorini day trip, travelers have the option of hotel pickup and drop-off at their accommodations or nearby meeting points across Crete. Once at the port, they board a bus/coach that transports the group to Oia in around 45 minutes, then to Fira in approximately 30 minutes, and finally back to the port in about 20 minutes. Pickup and drop-off locations are flexible, with 32 options including popular areas like Paralia Kourna, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos.

Pickup Location	Transit Time to Oia	Transit Time to Fira
Paralia Kourna	45 minutes	30 minutes
Hersonissos	45 minutes	30 minutes
Agios Nikolaos	45 minutes	30 minutes

Included and Optional Activities

This Santorini day trip by boat includes a round-trip ferry ride, guided tours of both Oia and Fira, and allocated free time for independent exploration at each location.

Plus, travelers can opt for an optional Santorini volcano boat cruise at an extra fee.

The key included activities are:

2.5-hour ferry transfer from Crete to Santorini
Guided tour and 2 hours of free time to explore Oia
Guided tour and 1.5-2 hours of free time to explore Fira
Return ferry transfer from Santorini back to Crete

For those seeking an extra adventure, the optional Santorini volcano boat cruise provides a unique opportunity to witness the volcanic landscape from the water.

Trip Requirements and Packing

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, some cash, and comfortable walking shoes for this Santorini day trip by boat.

The trip may be canceled or rescheduled due to bad weather, so it’s important to check the forecast and be prepared for variable conditions.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so guests with mobility issues should consider their ability to navigate uneven terrain and steps.

While the boat transfers and guided tours are included, travelers will want to have some extra money on hand for optional activities like the Santorini Volcano boat cruise.

With the right preparation, visitors can make the most of their day exploring the stunning island of Santorini.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup and drop-off at up to 32 locations across Crete, including popular tourist hubs like Paralia Kourna, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos. This service makes the day trip convenient for travelers staying in various parts of the island.

Some key pickup and drop-off locations include:

Paralia Kourna
Hersonissos
Agios Nikolaos
Rethymno

Guests can choose to be picked up and dropped off at their hotel entrance or nearby meeting points, ensuring a seamless start and end to their Santorini adventure.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who prefer not to drive themselves or navigate the logistics of getting to the port.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

With a cumulative rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 280 reviews, the Santorini day trip by boat has generally positive customer feedback, though some areas for improvement have been noted.

Travelers praised the organization and quality of the guided tours, though some felt time constraints in Oia were too tight. There were also comments about crowding issues in the popular destinations.

To better assist customers, some reviewers suggested providing handouts with directions for navigating the towns more easily.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

For this Santorini day trip, travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for those who need to change their plans.

This booking and cancellation policy offers several advantages:

Reserve now, pay later – Secure your spot without having to pay upfront.
Free cancellation – Cancel up to 24 hours before with a full refund if your plans change.
Flexible payment – Pay when you’re ready, not months in advance.
Risk-free booking – Try it out without committing fully in case something comes up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Trip for a Group of 10 People?

Yes, the tour can accommodate groups of up to 10 people. Customers can book the Santorini Day Trip by Boat online and select the number of travelers during the reservation process. Group discounts may be available.

Is There a Discount for Children or Senior Citizens?

Yes, there are discounted rates for children and seniors on this tour. Children under 12 receive a 20% discount, and seniors aged 65+ qualify for a 10% discount off the standard adult price.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Spend More Time in Oia?

The tour’s standard itinerary doesn’t allow for customization, but you can explore Oia longer on your own after the guided tour. There may be an option to extend your time there for an additional fee.

Are Meals or Refreshments Included During the Day Trip?

No, meals and refreshments are not included in the day trip. Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own food and drinks during the free time in Oia and Fira. Snacks and beverages may be available for purchase on the ferry.

What Is the Dress Code for This Boat Tour to Santorini?

The dress code is casual and comfortable. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the Mediterranean sun.