Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in Santorini

An island located in the Aegean Sea, part of Greece. Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets, beautiful beaches, and delicious local cuisine. A romantic destination for couples!

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Frequently asked questions

What happens when I request a quote?

Once we receive your request, we will confirm the availability of the boat, as well as check for alternative ones. To ensure your experience is the best it can be, we may contact you to discuss your request in detail. Let us do the research for you - free of charge.

When can I get in touch with the captain/skipper?

The timing depends on your charter type. For crewed charters, we can provide the captain's contact details upon request. For bareboat charters with a hired skipper, you can request the contact information 1-3 weeks before departure.

What is the Charter Fee?

The Charter Fee is an additional, obligatory cost, which typically includes the end cleaning of the boat, home port fees, and linen & towels. The details of the charter fee differ depending on the boat, location and charter partner.

Are there any other costs I should be aware of?

There are marina fees and fuel costs which vary depending on the type, duration and location of your sailing holiday. Marina fees need to be paid at each marina you choose to dock overnight - the amount varies but you may be able to find this information in advance by contacting the marinas directly. Fuel costs depend on whether you’re sailing a motorboat or a sailboat. You can estimate fuel costs by double-checking your chosen boat’s engine, and the expected distance you aim to sail.

Sailing Guide Santorini

For a truly amazing summer vacation in Greece, rent a boat in Santorini. The island is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Greeks isles. Most-known for its white houses and blue rooftops, it is a truly magnificent place to visit. Sail along the stunning coastline and head to the island of Anafi to discover some incredible remote beaches.

Things to do and see when sailing in Santorini

Sailing in Santorini comes with a lot of fun activities. Of course you can stroll around the famous streets of the island, go on an adventurous hike or explore historical sites, but there is much more to see and do.

Activities in Santorini

  • Hire a boat in Santorini to see the island from a different perspective and to avoid the tourist crowds roaming the streets

  • Rent a jet ski for some additional adventures on your sailing holiday in Santorini

  • History lovers will enjoy visiting the Ancient Thera. This mountaintop is filled with ancient ruins and the view is not bad either. It is a bit of a hike to get there, but it is so worth it!

  • Visit the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri where you get to see some well preserved art and buildings

  • The red beach is one of the highlights for every visitor. Its stunning colour and surrounding rock formations make this beach a special place

  • Ammoudi Port is a stunning seaside town away from the masses. Visit this little gem to experience authentic Santorini

  • Santorini is well known for its wine making traditions, so why not visit Santorini Wine Museum, which offers wine tasting tours where you get to taste some fabulous local wines.

  • The Kamari Open Air Cinema might be a bit of an unusual recommendation, but this outdoor cinema is located in the middle of the forest and makes for a romantic evening activity

Beaches in Santorini

  • If you want to visit a unique beach, head to Kokkini Beach, also known as the red beach which you can reach by walking or driving. Another alternative is reaching the beach by boat. As it is a popular tourist attraction, the beach can get quite crowded - especially during the busy summer months

  • You can find Eros Beach in the South of Santorini, surrounded by stunning rock formations. Although it doesn’t get as crowded as many of the more touristy beaches, you can find a bar here

  • Aspri Paralia or the White Beach can only be reached by boat. The beach doesn’t exactly consist of white sand only - it is a mixture and the crystal clear water makes it worth a visit

Restaurants in Santorini

Casual dining in Santorini:

  • Falafeland offers, you might have guessed correctly, falafel and other delicious street food. If you want to save some money, take your pick and savour the delicious dishes

  • Il Forno Pizza and Pasta is a great place to get some tasty Italian food. The queues that regularly line up here speak for themselves

  • Santa Irini Bakery: If you’re just looking for a little treat, head to this fabulous bakery. Here you have to try the highly praised spanakopita.

Beach restaurants in Santorini:

  • Nikki Beach Restaurant is a popular spot for a delicious meal and incredible views over the Aegean sea. Organic and healthy meals are their speciality

  • Barkià Santorini Restaurant Beach Bar: This popular spot on Perivolos beach is the perfect place for a quick bite and a refreshing drink. Take in the amazing view of the Mediterranean and feel the holiday vibes

Fine dining in Santorini:

  • 1500 BC Restaurant is a wonderful establishment to enjoy the local cuisine as well as delicious dishes inspired by other parts of Europe. You can see the volcano and watch the most beautiful sunset while eating the most delicious food

  • Seafood is the specialty of Fly Away Creative Restaurant & Bar in Imerovigli. Elegant furniture invites you to take a seat and enjoy a classy dining experience with a view. Come early to sip on a cocktail while admiring the sunset

Bars and Clubs in Santorini

  • PK Cocktail Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink before heading out for dinner. Amusing guests with funny names for their cocktails, you get to enjoy a drink named Donkey Kick or Nightcrawler

  • Aion Cocktail Bar offers refreshing drinks and a stunning view of the old port. Try the Greek goddess cocktail - you’re in for a treat!

  • Enigma Club in the heart of Santorini’s capital Fira is the perfect spot for a fun night out. The tunnel-like club offers enough space to dance the night away

Explore historical Santorini

A location that will make the heart of history nerds beat faster is Akrotiri, a Bronze Age city that has, for the most part, passed the test of time. Just like Pompeii in the South of Italy, the city of Akrotiri has been buried in ashes after a volcanic eruption. This means that a lot of the artwork and structure of the city have been preserved.

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is an architectural piece of art. Shaped like many of the island’s buildings, the cathedral is not white, but yellow, orange and blue. Originally built in 1823, it had to be completely rebuilt after it was severely damaged in the earthquake that took place in 1956.

The history of Santorini has been strongly influenced by volcanic activity. To learn more about its eruptions and other interesting facts, you should take a volcano boat tour taking you to Nea Kameni. It is probably not surprising that the island is not inhabited by people - witness various active volcano craters when visiting the island.

Discover mystical Santorini

No Greek island comes without ancient myths about its creation. In the case of Santorini, Greek mythology teaches us that Euphemus, son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, created the island out of a lump of mud. Of course he did that, because he had a dream about impregnating the daughter of Triton who needed a place to hide until giving birth. It’s how all good myths begin.

Sailing conditions in Santorini

As part of the Cyclade islands, Santorini and its surrounding area are known for ideal sailing conditions. However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. This area of the Mediterranean is known for its challenging areas. You might not guess it, but the winds become stronger in July and August - the perfect time to set your sail and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. The sailing season in this part of the Mediterranean runs between May and the end of October/beginning of November. Want to avoid the tourist crowds? Avoid the months of July and August - instead you should try your luck in May, June or September. The temperatures are warm, but it’s not too hot.

Aside from that Santorini is an island with plenty of warm and sunny days, attracting tourists from all over the world.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Santorini?

Renting a boat in Santorini doesn’t have to break your bank. In fact, Greece is one of the most affordable places to rent a boat in the Mediterranean. In fact, renting a sailboat in Greece will only cost you as little as 50 EUR per person per day on average. If you have a bigger budget, you might consider renting a motorboat. This is going to cost you 190 EUR per person per day on average. Renting a catamaran is a little bit cheaper - on average it will cost 150 EUR per person per day. If you want to save even more money, you can rent a gulet for an average price of 105 EUR per person per day or a RIB for 93 EUR per person per day. However, you should keep in mind that a gulet is not the ideal type of boat for everyone. It requires real sailing skills or at least the willingness to learn with an experienced skipper on board. Hiring a skipper means that you can sail in Greece without a boat licence - this will, of course, means that you need to pay extra.

These average prices give you a brief overview of the costs of renting a boat in Greece, but you need to keep in mind that there are boats that are cheaper than that and ones that are more expensive than that. You should also keep in mind that Greece is a very popular destination for boat holidays and prices can significantly increase during high season. Renting a boat during shoulder season means that you can save quite a bit of money. It’s up to you and the size of your wallet!

What type of boat is best for sailing in Santorini?

Depending on the type of boat holiday you would like to experience on the island of Santorini, this determines which boat you should rent for your sailing vacation. A dreamy boat holiday with relaxed dips and sunbathing requires a different boat than the one you would rent if you plan on having the adventure of a lifetime. Make sure that you choose wisely and on time. If you hesitate, your dream boat might already be booked out when you want to book it.

Rent a catamaran in Santorini

Pros of renting a catamaran in Santorini

Catamarans are well-known for their shallow drafts. Unlike sailboats, which are equipped with a keel, renting a catamaran in Santorini means that you get to sail through shallow waters and to discover secluded beaches. This makes them the perfect choice to discover Santorini and the nearby islands. Bonus point: You get to anchor closer to the shore than with a sailboat so that you can swim in the turquoise and crystal clear waters to the beach - without using up all your energy. It’s also the perfect choice for anyone seeking to avoid the touristy crowds on all the streets and pathways - instead you get to see the island from a different perspective and can sail to all the amazing destinations without worrying about finding a spot to park.

Another advantage of chartering a catamaran in Santorini is the fact that they are equipped with a sail as well as an engine. This gives you a lot of flexibility when discovering the Aegean sea. You can use the wind when it's blowing, but can easily fall back on using the engine should the wind suddenly decide to stop blowing. A major advantage compared to the sailboat that completely relies on the wind.

The fact that catamarans stand on two hulls gives them more stability than other types of boats. The hulls also ensure that a catamaran stays relatively calm on water.

Catamaran Lagoon 450 F, which is available to rent at Vlichada Port, is one of the most popular catamarans for groups to rent in Santorini. Up to 25 people can sleep on the boat, making it the perfect type of water vehicle for a fun summer vacation with all your friends and their partners. Don’t miss out on having a boat party while vacationing on this boat!

Cons of renting a catamaran in Santorini

One of the disadvantages of renting a catamaran in Santorini is the fact that catamarans can be bigger than other types of boats - also due to the two hulls. This can make it difficult to find a spot for mooring at a marina - especially when the island becomes more crowded in June, July and August. You’re much better off trying to find a quiet bay to anchor your boat.

Catamaran rental in Santorini

Rent a sailboat in Santorini

Pros of renting a sailboat in Santorini

One of the advantages of renting a sailboat in Santorini is the fact that it’s a great spot for sailors who want to rent a boat for the sailing experience, not just for the destination. Of course you will still get to enjoy the incredible views while sailing, but it is much more important for you to feel a sense of freedom as soon as you set sail. As Santorini is part of the Cyclades islands, you get perfect sailing conditions almost all year round. However, the wind and sea can be a little rougher than in other parts of the Mediterranean. We would therefore recommend only experienced sailors to take on the challenge of sailing in these waters. If you don’t have much experience, but still want to enjoy your vacation on a sailboat, we would advise you to book a skipper in addition to your bareboat charter.

Another advantage of sailboats is the fact that they are fueled by the wind and don’t really need to rely on a full tank to move forward. Additionally, sailboats are in the lower price range when it comes to renting a boat in Greece. At an average price of just 50 EUR per person per day, they don’t cost a lot more than a hotel. If you want to experience a sailing vacation, but can’t spend a fortune, this might be the perfect choice for you.

A popular sailboat to charter in Santorini is Sailboat Dufour Gib Sea 34 which offers a freezer as an amenity that is included. This means that you can bring ice cream wherever you sail. Another great feature are the loudspeakers which allow you to dance to some fun music while sailing. Up to eight people can sleep on the boat.

Cons of renting a sailboat in Santorini

One of the advantages is also a disadvantage when renting a sailboat in Santorini. Sailboats depend on the wind in order to move from one place to another, but if the wind suddenly stops blowing, you might get stuck in the middle of the sea and have to wait patiently for the wind to pick up again. This can become incredibly frustrating. However, the wind conditions around Santorini are so ideal that you probably won’t have to worry about it for too long.

Another downside of renting a sailboat is the fact that it takes up a lot of space to keep all the necessary sailing equipment on deck. It become quite crowded and leave little space to sunbathe in the sun - but don’t worry, there are plenty of beaches where you can get your quick fix of sunshine.

Rent a sailboat in Santorini

Rent a motorboat in Santorini

Pros of renting a motorboat in Santorini

One of the greatest things about renting a motorboat in Santorini is the speed. If you crave to see as much as possible of Santorini and its surrounding islands, but only have a week to do so, a motorboat will be the perfect choice for you. Getting from A to B as fast as possible is as easy as tying your shoes.

Motorboats are also blessed with shallow drafts, meaning that they are perfect for discovering the nearby beaches and bays. Anchor as close to the shore as you can. If you prefer to anchor in a bay for the night instead of a marina, getting close to the shore means that you will be more protected from the wind.

A wonderful motorboat to charter in Santorini is Motorboat Azimut 30. Offering space for up to six guests, this is the perfect boat for a small group of friends. To experience a fun holiday, the snorkelling equipment and the barbecue are included.

If you just want to have a cruise around the sea for a day, you should rent Motorboat A-Hellas 4.7 which is available to rent in Vlichada Port without a boat licence! This is the perfect boat for a trip to some stunning remote beaches.

Cons of renting a motorboat in Santorini

One of the downsides of renting a motorboat in Santorini is the fact that motorboats run on fuel. The more fun you have, the more fuel you are going to use. This can come with a hefty price tag - especially with the ever increasing fuel prices.

Rent a motorboat in Santorini

Charter a luxury yacht in Santorini

Whoever has the means should charter a luxury yacht in Santorini. You will get all the amenities that would be included in any hotel room and more - sunbathing on deck included.

Charter a luxury yacht in Santorini

What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Santorini?

Small boats that are powered with less than 30hp don’t require you to carry a boat licence. Any boats that are bigger and faster require you to carry a boat licence. EU-residents are lucky, their boat licences are automatically valid on Greek waters. Non-EU-residents are not as lucky. It all depends on whether their foreign boat licences fulfill the criteria of the Greek authorities. Another requirement is that you need to carry a translation of your valid boat licence in either English or Greek. If you fail to present a translation, you are not allowed to operate a water vehicle in Greek waters - and you wouldn’t want to get caught without one!

Your best bet is to carry an International Certificate of Competency or short ICC.

Sailing routes in Santorini

Santorini, also known as Thira, is part of the Cyclades, making it part of one of the nine regions of the South Aegean region. As the weather conditions can be quite rough at times, only experienced sailors should try to take on the challenge of sailing to one of the other Cyclades islands. Sailing from Santorini to Mykonos is one of the most popular routes to take on a sailing vacation in Greece. Another great adventure takes you from Santorini to Crete which you can reach in under four hours.

Sailing Locations in Santorini

Rent a boat in Santorini

Rent a boat in Vlichada

Rent a boat in Oia

Rent a boat in Thira

 

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