About this tour
When Lily from our team took the helm of a 17-foot Poseidon BluWater, she got what few Santorini visitors experience: the caldera and surrounding islands on her own terms, no tour group in sight. You're essentially renting your own boat for the day (no skipper's licence required) and plotting your own route past volcanic cliffs, secluded swimming spots, and the quieter island of Thirasia. The boat handles up to five people, comes with GPS and safety briefing, and lets you drop anchor whenever the mood takes. Ten hours gives you proper time to explore at a pace that suits your crew, whether that's lingering over a underwater snorkel or drifting past the famous caldera views.
Highlights
- Steer your own 17ft boat without needing a skipper's licence
- Anchor at secluded beaches other tours can't reach
- Volcanic cliffs and caldera views without the cruise-ship crowds
- Visit quiet Thirasia island at your own pace
- GPS and safety kit included; ten-hour window is genuinely spacious
- Group of up to five makes it intimate and flexible
- Build your itinerary on the water, not from a booking form
What to expect
Lily met the crew for a 30-minute safety rundown covering the boat's basics, GPS plotter, and suggested routes around the caldera. Once confident, she took the wheel and immediately felt the freedom: no schedule, no commentary, just open water and the choice of where to point the bow. The GPS made navigation straightforward even for a first-time skipper, and the fish finder added an extra layer of curiosity. Expect some real sea time—the boat moves at a decent clip between stops, so it's not a floating platform. Anchoring in smaller coves away from the main tourist beaches meant the water was clearer and calmer. The volcanic landscape never gets old; the caldera's sheer scale is something you absorb differently when you're navigating it yourself rather than listening to a guide.
Good to know
This is genuinely brilliant for groups who want autonomy and don't mind taking on a bit of responsibility. No crowds, no fixed itinerary, proper time to explore, and the boat is modern and well-equipped. Families and friends will love the flexibility—stay longer at a beach if you fancy it, skip a spot if weather shifts. Suits confident swimmers and anyone keen to feel more connected to the place than a standard tour allows.
You're paying for fuel separately, which adds cost. Snorkelling gear isn't included, so hire or bring your own. The boat does move, so it's not suitable if you're pregnant or have cardiovascular concerns. Poor swimmers should wear a lifejacket and stick to calmer anchorages. Ten hours sounds long but includes travel time, so manage expectations. On choppy days, the ride can get bumpy—not everyone's cup of tea. Group size caps at five, and you'll need to sort your own transport to the departure point. Summer crowds mean popular spots might still have other boats nearby.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.