Santorini looks different from the water. This private Saxdor boat rental gives your group 10 hours to set its own pace, stop for swims, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the ride. Staff at Blue Waves Cruises help you plan the route, then the day is yours.

I like the freedom to avoid a fixed itinerary, and I like that the boat comes with snorkel gear, snacks, bottled water, ice, and a cooler. The main catch is important: fuel and a skipper are not included, so you need to understand the boating requirements and extra costs before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• A full 10 hours on the water: The day starts at 10:00 am and ends back at Vlichada Port.
• You control the route: Staff offer local suggestions, but your group decides how to spend the day.
• A modern Saxdor with a 115 Hp Mercury engine: Expect a fast, smooth ride rather than a slow sightseeing cruise.
• Snorkeling supplies are included: You get equipment, snacks, bottled water, ice cubes, and an ice box.
• Best value for a full group: The price is $578.80 for up to five people, before fuel.
• No skipper or hotel transfer: You must arrange your own way to Vlichada and account for the skipper exclusion.

Starting at Vlichada Port at 10:00 am

Your day begins at Boat Rental in Santorini, Blue Waves Cruises, at Vlichada Port, Santorini 847 03. The meeting point matters because transportation is not included, so you need to reach the port on your own.

A 10:00 am start gives you most of the day on the water. With about 10 hours available, you have time for a relaxed outing rather than a short ride squeezed between other plans. The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

I would allow extra time to find the port and get organized. You will also want to bring the drinks your group prefers, since the boat provides an ice box and ice cubes but does not promise a full drinks service. Bottled water and snacks are included, which helps with the basics.

The mobile ticket is handy for booking and arrival. Confirmation is issued at the time of booking, so keep the details easy to reach on your phone.

Choosing your own Santorini route

The biggest appeal here is control. You are not tied to a tour boat schedule, a set lunch stop, or a list of timed photo breaks. The staff share local ideas, and you decide whether your day should focus on swimming, snorkeling, cruising, or quiet time in the sun.

That flexibility works especially well for a mixed group. One person can relax while others use the snorkel equipment. Families can keep the day easy and unhurried. Friends can spend more time in the water and less time moving from one required stop to the next.

The route is not spelled out in advance, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed list of named beaches or landmarks. The value is in having a boat and the freedom to shape the day, not in following a formal sightseeing program.

You may also be able to discuss nearby island options. One group used the boat as a way to visit another island for the day after receiving choices about destinations and beaches. That possibility should be confirmed with the operator before you book, since the supplied details do not promise a particular island or stop.

What the Saxdor boat is like on the water

The boat is a Saxdor powered by a 115 Hp Mercury engine. That gives the outing some energy. You are not simply being carried around at a slow pace. You can expect a boat designed for both movement and leisure, with enough performance to make the ride itself part of the day.

The description emphasizes a clean, new, fully equipped, and safe boat. The feedback also points to the boat working well for families, which is useful if you want something more comfortable than a bare-bones small craft.

A faster engine also means you should pay attention during the briefing and follow the operator’s instructions. The provided information does not explain licensing rules, boating qualifications, or the precise skipper arrangements, so ask about these before arrival. The listing clearly says a skipper is not included.

That omission is the most important practical issue. If you are not qualified or comfortable operating the boat, ask Blue Waves Cruises whether a skipper can be added and what the extra fee would be. Do not assume one will be present simply because staff help you plan the route.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time to relax

The day is built around simple pleasures. Stop, get in the water, use the supplied snorkel gear, dry off in the sun, and move on when you are ready. You do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, which saves space and one more thing to remember.

The boat includes snacks, bottled water, an ice box, and ice cubes. That is enough to cover light refreshments, but I would still bring any drinks or food your group especially wants. You are told to fill the coolers with what you like, so plan ahead rather than expecting a full meal.

The open schedule is useful here. A fixed cruise may give you a brief swim stop and then call everyone back aboard. With this rental, you can spend more time at a stop if the conditions suit you, or leave sooner if the water is not appealing.

The tradeoff is that no detailed swimming map or stop list is provided. You will rely on the staff’s route advice and the day’s conditions. That is part of the adventure, but it also means you should be comfortable making decisions as a group.

The human side: Ledio, Loui, Luis, and Mario

The staff are a strong part of the experience. Names that come up in the feedback include Ledio, Loui, Luis, and Mario. Ledio is praised for making sure one family had what it needed, while Loui is described as kind and cheerful. Luis is also singled out for being helpful, and the team is described as professional and friendly.

Because different names appear, I would not assume that one particular person will be your skipper or host. Still, you can expect the company team to help with planning and practical questions at the start.

That early conversation is your chance to get useful advice. Ask which route fits your group, where the best swimming opportunities are that day, how much fuel you should budget for, and what the skipper arrangement means in practice.

The personal attention matters more on a private rental than on a standard cruise. You are not just choosing a departure time. You are making decisions about distance, stops, fuel, and how to use the boat. Friendly help at the start can make the day much easier.

Is $578.80 a good price for five people?

The listed price is $578.80 per group of up to five. If five people share it, that works out to about $115.76 per person before fuel. For a 10-hour private boat day, that can be a reasonable value, especially if your group would otherwise pay separately for several shorter activities.

The calculation changes if you have only two or three people. A smaller group pays more per person, and fuel still needs to be added. You should also ask whether a skipper can be arranged and what that costs, since the skipper is not included.

The boat’s equipment improves the value. You receive snorkeling gear, snacks, bottled water, ice, and an ice box. You also get privacy and control, which are the main reasons to choose this over a shared cruise.

I would compare the total price, not just the headline rate. Add fuel, possible skipper charges, your transport to Vlichada, and any food or drinks you plan to bring. Once you know that final figure, compare it with a shared cruise or a shorter private charter.

For five people who want a full day and will use the boat for swimming and cruising, the rental looks more attractive. For a couple seeking a quick scenic ride, a 10-hour rental may be more time and money than needed.

Family comfort and group fit

This boat suits people who want a private day without a rigid schedule. Families can choose a gentler pace, and the included snacks and water reduce the need to manage every small detail. The boat has also been described as suitable for families and well equipped.

It can work well for friends who want a social day on the water. You can bring drinks for the cooler, stop to swim, and share the cost across five people. The private format also means you do not have to match the mood of a large group.

The activity is not automatically ideal for everyone. The supplied information says most people can participate and service animals are allowed, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information for the boat itself. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, ask the operator about boarding and onboard access before paying.

People who dislike making their own plans may prefer a standard cruise with a set route. Here, your group needs to discuss how far to go, where to stop, and how much time to spend in each place.

Weather, cancellation, and timing

This is a weather-dependent activity. If poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That protection is useful, since wind and sea conditions can make a major difference to the comfort of a boat day.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Santorini time.

Plan your holiday schedule with that rule in mind. If the boat day is important, avoid placing a flight, ferry, or other fixed appointment too close to the return time. The outing ends back at Vlichada, but the exact cruising conditions can affect how the day feels.

The 10:00 am start is practical for a full day, but it also means you should protect the morning. A rushed arrival is a poor way to begin a self-guided boat outing.

What to bring for a better day

The boat covers several basics, but I would still prepare carefully:

• Drinks and any favorite food beyond the included snacks
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• A phone, preferably protected from water
• Confirmation details on your phone
• Any personal medication your group needs

The supplied details confirm snacks, bottled water, ice, and snorkeling equipment. They do not mention towels, sunscreen, or a dry bag, so do not count on those items being available.

You should also bring a clear idea of your group’s priorities. Do you want long swim stops, more cruising, or a chance to visit another island if that can be arranged? A short discussion before departure helps you use the 10 hours well.

Who should book this Saxdor rental?

I would recommend it most strongly to a group of up to five that values privacy and freedom. It is a good fit if you want to make your own day, have several hours for swimming and snorkeling, and are willing to sort out fuel and skipper details.

It is also a sensible choice for a family celebration or personal occasion. One booking was made for an important personal day, with the Saxdor chosen for its equipment, safety, and comfort. The boat gives the occasion a sense of space and privacy without forcing you into a formal cruise program.

I would be more cautious if your group wants a fully staffed charter with a guaranteed skipper, a precise route, or all costs included. This is a rental, not a classic escorted excursion. Ask direct questions before booking so the arrangement matches your experience and boating ability.

Final verdict: book it if freedom matters most

Book this Saxdor rental if you want a long, private day on Santorini’s water and like the idea of making the decisions yourself. The 115 Hp boat, included snorkeling equipment, ice box, snacks, and bottled water give you a solid starting package, while the staff can help shape a route.

The best value comes with five people sharing the cost. Before you confirm, get the full figure for fuel and any skipper service, and make sure everyone understands that transport to Vlichada is on you.

If that sounds manageable, this is a strong choice for a relaxed family day, a special occasion, or a group of friends who would rather set their own rhythm than follow a cruise timetable.

FAQ

How long does the boat rental last?

The rental lasts approximately 10 hours. It starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point in Vlichada.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is Boat Rental in Santorini, Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport, Vlichada 847 03, Greece.

How many people can join the rental?

The price covers one group of up to five people.

Is a skipper included?

No. A skipper is not included in the listed price. Fuel is also not included.

What equipment and refreshments are provided?

The rental includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, an ice box, and ice cubes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.