Santorini looks different from the water, and this five-hour rental puts you in charge of the view. You can steer a 115hp Saxdor boat along the coast, stop for a swim, and use the included snorkeling gear around the island’s islets. I like the freedom to choose your own pace, and I like that the boat comes with snacks, water, and an ice box.

The main catch is simple: a license is required, and neither fuel nor a skipper is included. That makes this a better fit for confident boaters than for anyone hoping to arrive, sit back, and let a captain handle everything.

Key points to know before you book

• You drive the 115hp Saxdor yourself: A valid boating license is required for this rental.
• Vlichada Marina is a practical launch point: The southern harbor offers access to Santorini’s coast, the volcano, and views toward Fira and Oia.
• Five hours gives you room to choose: Use the time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or a longer run along the coast.
• Snacks and water are included: You also get an ice box with ice cubes, and you may add your own drinks.
• Morning and afternoon departures are available: Pick the slot that best fits your sightseeing plans or preferred light.
• Fuel and a skipper cost extra: Check the final arrangements carefully before you set off.

Starting from Vlichada Marina

The rental begins at Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport in Vlichada, postal code 847 03, on the island’s south coast. The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end, so you do not need to arrange a different drop-off.

Vlichada is a sensible place to start a boat day. The harbor puts you close to several of Santorini’s coastal sights, and you are already on the southern side of the island instead of spending your rental time crossing the island by road. The launch point is also near public transportation, though transportation to the marina is not included in the price.

Allow time to find the port and complete the handover. The staff provide instructions and a safety briefing before you leave. That matters on a self-drive rental, especially if you are not familiar with the boat’s controls or local boating conditions.

The setup is aimed at English-speaking customers. Confirmation is sent when you book, and the activity ends back at the starting marina.

What the Saxdor 115hp boat offers

The boat is described as brand new and fitted with a 115hp Mercury engine. That is a useful amount of power for exploring more than one small section of coast during a five-hour rental, though you should still follow the staff’s directions about where and how far to go.

This is not just a basic open boat. The Saxdor is presented as a luxury model, with comfort built into the experience. The exact onboard equipment can vary by boat, but the rental includes a cool box with ice, water, snacks, and snorkeling equipment. Previous boat renters also found features such as GPS, USB charging, a Bimini top, and onboard audio on boats in the company’s fleet. Ask the staff to confirm which features are fitted to your specific Saxdor before departure.

The Bimini-style shade, if available on your boat, is useful during the strong midday sun. Five hours on open water can feel long without shade, particularly in the afternoon. Still, the boat’s capacity is limited to five people, and that is worth treating as a comfort limit rather than simply a maximum number.

With five adults, storage and seating will be tighter than with a group of two or three. A smaller group can spread out more easily, keep bags out of the way, and take turns enjoying the best seats.

Planning your five hours on the water

This is a private rental rather than a fixed sightseeing cruise. You choose how to use the time, within the instructions and limits set by the rental team.

A useful plan could include a run along the southern coast, a swimming stop, a little snorkeling, and time near the volcano or the island’s famous coastal cliffs. The exact route is not promised, so you should treat these as possible targets rather than guaranteed stops.

The best part of this format is the control. You can linger at a good swimming spot instead of watching the clock on a large group boat. You can also stop for photos when the light works well, or keep moving if the sea is calm and you want to see more.

The tradeoff is that you are responsible for the shape of your day. A captain-led cruise normally comes with local route planning built in. Here, you need to judge how much time to spend at each stop and leave enough time to return to Vlichada.

A short briefing and an onboard map can help you get your bearings. Staff have also been praised for clear communication, an easy collection process, and a full safety explanation before departure. Take that briefing seriously. Ask about the route, fuel, weather, swimming areas, return time, and any places you should avoid.

Swimming and snorkeling near Santorini

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The gear gives you an easy way to break up the boat ride and see more of the water rather than treating the rental as a sightseeing trip from the seat.

Some stops may be especially appealing for a swim. One captain, Alex, has taken people to a cave they could swim through, and he has also guided private outings to beaches that are accessible only from the sea. Those stops are not listed as fixed parts of this Saxdor rental, but they show the kind of local possibilities you can ask about before leaving the marina.

Do not assume every cave, beach, or swimming area will be suitable on every day. Conditions, access, and the boat’s route can change. Ask the staff what is practical for your departure slot, and be ready to adjust your plan.

The snorkeling stop is also where the rental feels most personal. On a crowded boat, you usually follow the schedule. Here, your group can decide whether a ten-minute swim is enough or whether the water deserves a longer pause.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and a secure way to store phones. Those items are not listed as included. The ice box is useful for drinks and small provisions, but it is not a substitute for packing anything your group needs for five hours.

The volcano, coastal caves, and views toward Fira and Oia

The southern harbor is close to some of Santorini’s best-known water views. From the sea, the island’s cliffs rise above you in a way that is quite different from looking down from a village terrace.

The volcano is one possible target for a longer outing. A previous private trip reached the volcano, where the group went ashore and climbed toward the crater. That kind of stop can add a land walk to your day, but it also takes time from swimming and cruising. You should confirm whether your planned route allows a volcano visit and how much time you will have for it.

Views toward Fira and Oia are another reason to consider the rental. You will not see the villages in the same way as you do from the caldera rim. Instead, the buildings appear high above the water, giving you a wider sense of the island’s height and shape.

The southern coast also includes beaches and rock formations that are easier to appreciate from a boat. You can stop for photos without a fixed group schedule, which is helpful if you want a relaxed private outing rather than a checklist of sights.

Keep your expectations sensible. The route is not described as a guaranteed full-island circumnavigation, and five hours passes quickly once you include the briefing, departure, swimming, and return. Pick two or three priorities instead of trying to see everything.

Morning or afternoon: choosing your departure

The rental offers morning and afternoon time slots. Morning usually makes sense if you want to combine the boat with an evening meal, sunset viewing, or another Santorini activity. It also gives you a full afternoon on land after returning to Vlichada.

An afternoon start may suit you if you prefer a slower morning or want softer light later in the day. Previous rentals with the company have included sunset outings, but this specific experience is described as a half-day rental rather than a dedicated sunset cruise. Confirm the exact operating hours if sunset is important to you.

Your choice should also reflect how you handle sun and sea conditions. Five hours in the afternoon can be hot, while morning may feel easier for people who want to spend the rest of the day sightseeing. The staff can provide the most useful advice for the date of your booking.

What the $481.65 group price really means

The listed price is $481.65 for up to five people, not per person. At full capacity, that works out to about $96 per person before fuel and any skipper charge. For a group of five, that can compare well with several individual seats on a boat excursion, especially because you control the route and do not share the boat with a large crowd.

For two people, the same price becomes much harder to justify. You are paying for privacy, control, and the boat itself, not simply for transportation along the coast.

Fuel is not included, so ask how it is calculated before departure. A past rental customer considered the fuel charge fair, but your cost will depend on how far you go and how much engine time you use. You should also confirm the skipper arrangement. The skipper is not included, and the listing states that a license is required, so this is not automatically a captain-led experience.

The included snacks and bottled water are helpful but modest. Think of them as a welcome supply, not a full meal. You can place your own drinks in the ice box, which makes it easier to tailor the outing to your group.

Who should rent this boat?

I would choose this experience for a group that wants privacy and already has a properly licensed boat driver. It suits couples, families, and friends who would rather decide when to stop than follow a fixed cruise schedule.

It is especially useful if you want to combine several interests: coastal scenery, swimming, snorkeling, photography, and the possibility of reaching the volcano. A private boat also works well for a special day when you want more control over the pace.

I would be more cautious if no one in your group is comfortable driving a 115hp boat. You can ask about hiring a skipper, but that is an extra cost and should be arranged clearly before booking. Do not assume a staff member will join you automatically.

The experience is also not ideal if you want a fully narrated sightseeing tour. Captains such as Alex have provided useful local explanations on private trips, but a self-drive rental does not promise a guide. If local stories and route decisions are your main reason for going, ask whether a skipper is available.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Still, the operator’s safety instructions should guide decisions about who boards and what you bring.

Booking details, cancellation, and practical checks

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

The rental is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and returns to the same marina. Transportation is not included, so plan your own way to Vlichada.

Before you arrive, I would confirm four things:

• The license requirements for the person who will drive
• The expected fuel charge
• Whether a skipper is available and at what price
• Which onboard features are fitted to your specific Saxdor

It is also worth asking about the suggested route for your date. Wind and sea conditions can affect where you can comfortably go, even though the rental itself gives you a flexible schedule.

Should you book the Santorini Saxdor rental?

Book it if you have a licensed driver, a group close to five people, and a clear interest in making your own day on the water. The strong points are the private format, the modern 115hp boat, included snorkeling gear, and the chance to pause for swimming or photos without a fixed sightseeing timetable.

Skip it if you want a captain included, a set route, or a simple all-inclusive price. Fuel and skipper costs are extra, and the person at the wheel carries real responsibility.

For the right group, this is a practical way to see Santorini from a fresh angle. Keep the route realistic, ask clear questions at the marina, and leave room for the sea to set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the boat rental start?

It starts at Boat Rental in Santorini, Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport in Vlichada, Santorini, postal code 847 03, Greece.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Vlichada.

How long does the rental last?

The rental lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can share the boat?

The price covers one group of up to five people.

Is a boating license required?

Yes. A license is required for this Saxdor boat rental.

Is a skipper included?

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

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is not included.

What is included with the rental?

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

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.