Embarking on a day tour from Rethymno Port to Santorini is an enthralling prospect. Travelers will traverse the azure waters aboard the high-speed catamaran, Elite Jet, en route to discovering the island’s captivating villages like Oia and Fira. With a guided bus tour and the option to explore the volcanic landscape, this 11-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience. While the tour’s pricing falls within a reasonable range, certain restrictions may apply. Whether you’re seeking picturesque vistas or an immersive cultural encounter, this Santorini day trip from Rethymno Port could be the ideal addition to your Greek island adventure.
Key Points
- A day trip from Rethymno Port to Santorini is available, priced between $195.40 and $184.66 per person with up to 6% savings.
- The 11-hour excursion includes transportation by high-speed catamaran, a guided bus tour, and free time to explore villages like Oia and Fira.
- Additional tours and activities, such as a volcano visit or Perissa beach, can be added for an extra 20 EUR.
- Prohibited items include alcohol, drugs, weapons, and pets, and the tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or babies under 1 year.
- The tour has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the guided tour and mixed experiences regarding time management and activities.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This day trip from Rethymno Port to the picturesque island of Santorini costs between $195.40 and $184.66 per person, offering a savings of up to 6% for the 11-hour excursion.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also provides a reserve now and pay later option, making it convenient for those planning their trip.
Whether you’re looking to explore the charming villages, visit the volcano, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery, this day tour to Santorini has a lot to offer.
Travel Experience
The tour provides a high-speed catamaran, the Elite Jet, to transport travelers from Crete to the island of Santorini. Once on the island, visitors can enjoy a guided bus tour offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Polish. This allows guests to explore the picturesque villages of Oia and Fira, taking in the local architecture and charming shops along the way. Travelers also have the option to join an additional volcano tour or visit the black sand beach of Perissa, for an extra 20 EUR.
| Experience | Rating |
|---|---|
| Guided Tour | 4.4/5 |
| Transportation | 4/5 |
| Service | 3.8/5 |
The tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty and culture of Santorini.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes round-trip boat transportation from Rethymno to Santorini, a guided bus tour, and free time to explore the village of Fira.
However, it excludes food, drinks, personal expenses, and museum tickets.
Travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
Certain individuals, such as children under 2, pregnant women, and those with mobility impairments, aren’t suitable for this tour.
Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed.
It’s recommended to arrive at the meeting point in the Port of Rethymno at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.
Important Information
Travelers should meet at the Port of Rethymno (Seajets Boat), Sofokli Venizelou 37, Rethymno, Greece, and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
It’s essential to bring along a few key items:
- Passport or ID to facilitate smooth boarding
- Comfortable shoes for exploring the sights
- Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen to stay protected in the Mediterranean climate
The tour doesn’t permit the consumption of alcohol or drugs, so guests are advised to plan accordingly.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Passengers have rated this Santorini day tour 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 41 reviews, with the tour guide receiving the highest score of 4.4.
The overall service and organization earned scores of 3.8 and 3.8, respectively. Reviewers praise the enjoyable trip overall and the must-see status of Santorini, but some note the need for better directions at the port.
While the transportation received a solid 4 out of 5, there were mixed experiences with time management and activities.
Meeting Point and Arrival
The meeting point for the Santorini day tour is the Port of Rethymno (Seajets Boat), located at Sofokli Venizelou 37 in Rethymno, Greece.
Travelers must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This allows for:
- Checking in with the tour operator
- Passing through security
- Finding the correct boarding area
Once at the port, guests should have their passport or ID ready, wear comfortable shoes, and bring any necessary sun protection like sunglasses and a hat.
Adhering to the arrival time ensures a smooth start to the exciting day trip from Crete to the iconic island of Santorini.
Prohibited Items
Certain items are prohibited on the Santorini day tour, including alcohol and drugs. Guests must refrain from bringing these substances, as they are not allowed on the tour.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the following items are also not permitted:
| Prohibited Items | Reason |
|---|---|
| Weapons | For safety |
| Pets | To avoid disturbance |
| Drones | Restricted in certain areas |
| Bulky luggage | Limited storage space on the boat |
Guests are advised to pack light and be mindful of the tour’s guidelines. This will help maintain a pleasant and organized journey to the beautiful island of Santorini.
Suitability and Restrictions
Those with mobility impairments, pregnant women, and babies under 1 year old aren’t suitable for this day tour to Santorini.
The high-speed catamaran and guided bus tour require a certain level of mobility and stamina. Plus, the tour may not be able to accommodate the unique needs of these groups.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, the tour operators have implemented these restrictions:
- The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility issues, as it involves walking and navigating uneven terrain.
- Pregnant women may face increased physical demands during the tour.
- Babies under 1 year old aren’t permitted, as the tour isn’t designed to cater to their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
According to the information provided, passengers are not allowed to bring their own alcohol or drugs on the tour. However, the tour does not mention any restrictions on bringing personal food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Is There Wifi Available on the Boat or in Santorini?
The boat does not offer onboard WiFi, but there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and hotels in Santorini that provide free WiFi access for customers. Visitors should inquire about WiFi availability at their destination before the tour.
Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?
The tour provider offers discounts for seniors and students, though the specific percentage is not provided. Customers should inquire about these discounts when booking to ensure they receive the best available pricing.
Can I Extend My Stay in Santorini After the Tour?
The tour does not include an extended stay in Santorini. However, travelers can easily extend their time on the island at their own expense after the guided tour ends. They’d need to arrange their own accommodations and transportation for the additional time.
Are There Any Language Options for the Guided Tour Besides the Ones Mentioned?
The guided bus tour is offered in English, French, German, and Polish. While no other language options are specified, the tour operator may be able to accommodate additional languages upon request, depending on the guide availability and group size.
Recap
The day tour from Rethymno Port to Santorini offers an unforgettable experience, with a high-speed catamaran transporting visitors to the island’s picturesque villages.
Priced between $184.66 and $195.40 per person, the 11-hour excursion provides a guided bus tour and optional volcano visits, though certain individuals may face restrictions due to mobility concerns.
Travelers can enjoy a hassle-free adventure with a flexible cancellation policy, exploring Santorini’s stunning landscapes.
