Santorini’s best coastal moments may happen far from the famous caldera towns. With this license-free private boat, you can leave Vlichada, follow clear instructions, and choose how long to linger at beaches, swimming spots, and quiet stretches of coast. You are not tied to a large group’s clock.

I like the freedom to stop for a long swim or simply tie up and sunbathe, and I like that the boat comes with useful gear such as a GPS plotter, depth meter, cooler, boarding ladder, and waterproof phone case. The main consideration is that fuel is extra, and the information about snorkeling equipment is inconsistent, so confirm exactly what is supplied before you go.

Key points at a glance

• You drive the boat without a license: The team gives operating instructions before you set out.
• Vlichada is the starting point: The boat leaves from 8CPM+W7 Vlichada and returns there.
• You control the pace: Stop at beaches, swim, sunbathe, and visit snorkeling areas without a fixed group schedule.
• Thirassia and the volcano may be part of the day: These are suggested destinations, but the exact route depends on your chosen plan and conditions.
• The boat is set up for a relaxed outing: Expect a Bimini top, boarding ladder, foam deck, cooler, GPS equipment, phone case, speaker, water, juice, and snacks.
• The price works best for a full group: The cost is $301.03 for up to five people, before fuel.

Leaving Vlichada on a private boat

Your outing begins at Vlichada, on Santorini’s southern coast. This is both the meeting point and the return point, and private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

The boat rental is designed for people who want control over the day rather than a standard sightseeing cruise. You receive instructions before departure, then operate the boat yourself. A reviewer described Petros as giving detailed directions with a map, snacks, and the needed supplies. That practical briefing matters, especially if you have never handled a small motorboat before.

The boats are from 2022, according to the operator, and are fitted for a five-hour outing. The Bimini top gives you shade when the sun is strong, while the foam deck makes sitting and moving around more comfortable. A boarding ladder is particularly useful when you are getting back into the boat after swimming.

You also get a GPS tracker, GPS plotter, and depth meter. These tools are reassuring, but they do not replace careful attention to the instructions or local conditions. Treat the equipment as help with navigation, not as permission to wander anywhere you like.

Five hours with no group schedule

The half-day option runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or from 3 p.m. into the sunset period. The later departure is the choice for warm evening light and sunset views. The morning departure gives you more daylight for swimming and a relaxed lunch stop.

Because this is a private activity, only your group participates. That changes the feel of the day. You do not have to wait for a large party to board, and you are not pushed away from a favorite swimming place after ten minutes. You can sit in the sun, move to the shade, swim again, or continue along the coast at your own pace.

That freedom is the central reason to book. A fixed cruise can cover more sights with less effort, but it also gives you less control. Here, you are paying for space, privacy, and time rather than a guide narrating every minute.

The boat holds up to five people per group. For five people, $301.03 works out to about $60 per person before fuel. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, so this option offers the clearest value for a family or group of friends sharing the boat.

Beaches, swimming, and quiet coastal stops

The suggested plan includes beaches and snorkeling spots along Santorini’s coast. The appeal is simple: you can stop where the water and setting suit you, rather than following a predetermined swimming break.

A small boat also lets you see parts of the coast that are difficult to reach by road. The activity description points to inaccessible coastal areas and lesser-known places around the island. Do not expect every stop to be guaranteed as a formal itinerary. The route can depend on weather, sea conditions, timing, and the instructions provided on the day.

For sunbathing, the boat is well suited. One of the most useful details is the ability to tie off and remain in place while other boats move on. That gives you a chance to enjoy the water without treating every stop as a quick photo break.

Bring your own swimwear, sun protection, and anything else you need for several hours outside. Bottled water, juice, soda, and snacks are supplied, but this is not presented as a full-service meal onboard. The cooler box helps keep drinks cold, and the waterproof mobile case protects your phone while you take pictures near the water.

The snorkeling information needs a quick check before booking. The equipment list says snorkeling equipment is included, and the included section repeats use of snorkeling equipment. But another part of the information says snorkeling equipment is not included. Ask Costa Di Lusso Santorini Boat Rental what will actually be on the boat, or plan to bring your own if possible.

Thirassia for a Greek lunch

One of the more appealing suggested stops is Thirassia, a smaller island near Santorini. The plan allows time for lunch at a traditional tavern, giving you a break from the boat and a taste of local island life.

This is a valuable addition because five hours on the water can feel long if every moment is spent swimming or sitting in the sun. A tavern stop gives the outing a cultural and food-related element. It also lets you see more of the area than you would from a standard beach break.

Lunch is not listed as included, so you should expect to pay for it separately. The same applies to fuel, which is specifically excluded from the price. These extra costs do not make the trip poor value, but they do mean the advertised price is not the complete cost of your day.

Thirassia is presented as a possible destination, not a guaranteed stop on every departure. If lunch there is important to you, ask about the route before you leave Vlichada. The same advice applies if you want to give priority to swimming, sightseeing, or sunset.

Volcano views and nearby Greek islands

The activity also gives you the option to visit the majestic volcanic area and nearby islands. Santorini’s volcanic setting is one of the main reasons the coastline looks so different from a typical Greek beach destination. From the water, you get a different view of the island’s cliffs and coastal shapes than you do from inland roads.

The exact access and timing are not spelled out, so you should not assume that every five-hour booking includes every possible stop. Thirassia, the volcano, beaches, snorkeling locations, and sunset viewpoints may require choices. A half-day simply cannot cover all of them at leisure.

That is not a flaw, but it calls for a clear plan. At the start, tell the staff what matters most to you. If you want a quiet swim, a long lunch, and sunset light, you may need to skip some sightseeing. If you want to see more of the volcanic area, you may have less time to linger at a beach.

The full-day option lasts about ten hours, from 10 a.m. to sunset. That is the better choice if you want to combine several stops without rushing. The supplied price is for the half-day experience, so confirm the cost of the full-day option separately.

What is supplied on the boat

The equipment list is practical rather than extravagant. You get:

• A Bimini top for shade
• A boarding ladder
• A foam deck
• A cooler box
• GPS tracker and GPS plotter with depth meter
• Waterproof mobile phone cases
• Bluetooth speaker
• Bottled water, juice, soda, and snacks
• A first aid kit

These details matter more than they may seem. The ladder makes repeated swimming stops easier. The shade is welcome during the strongest sun. The cooler means you do not need to hold drinks in your bag, and the phone case lets you keep your camera close to the water.

The Bluetooth speaker is a nice extra for a private outing, though music should remain at a level that does not disturb other boats or coastal communities. The first aid kit is standard safety equipment, but it is still worth knowing it is onboard.

Champagne is not included. A champagne package is listed as an optional extra, so ask the operator about its price if you are planning a proposal, anniversary, or other special occasion. One person used the boat for a proposal and found the private setting suited the moment well, but the package details are not provided.

Safety, instructions, and weather

You do not need a boat license for this experience, but you do need to listen closely to the operating instructions. The staff explain how to use the boat and provide navigation help. Petros is specifically named in connection with a detailed briefing, though the person assisting you may vary.

The boat has GPS equipment and a first aid kit, but sea travel still depends on good judgment. Follow the route and safety advice given at departure. If you are unsure about a destination or the conditions, ask before setting out.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is sensible for a small boat outing, where wind and sea conditions affect comfort and safety much more than they do on a large cruise vessel.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows Santorini local time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from another country.

Who will enjoy this Santorini boat rental

I would choose this for a group that values privacy and flexibility. Families, couples, and friends can shape the day around their own interests, and the five-person limit keeps the boat personal without making it feel crowded.

It also suits anyone who wants a special setting for a proposal or celebration. The private boat, sunset departure, speaker, and open water create a more personal setting than a shared excursion.

You should think twice if you want a fully guided tour with constant commentary, guaranteed stops, or an all-inclusive price. This is a boat rental with instructions and suggested destinations, not a traditional guided cruise. You are responsible for making choices about time, route, and fuel costs.

It may also be less suitable if you dislike being responsible for a boat, even a small license-free vessel. The staff provide guidance, but the appeal of the experience comes from being in control.

Is the $301.03 price good value?

For up to five people, the price is reasonable for a private five-hour boat. At full capacity, the base cost is about $60 per person. You receive the boat, private use, safety equipment, drinks, snacks, and the freedom to set your pace.

The value drops when only one or two people book, especially after adding fuel and any lunch at Thirassia. Still, couples may consider the privacy worthwhile for a proposal, sunset, or special occasion.

Think of the price as covering a private platform for the day rather than a package of attractions. You are paying to reach coastal areas on your own schedule, swim without a crowd around you, and choose between beaches, Thirassia, volcanic views, and sunset time.

Before booking, confirm three points: the fuel charge, the exact snorkeling equipment supplied, and which destinations are realistic within your chosen five-hour departure. Those answers will tell you more about the final value than the headline price alone.

Should you book this Santorini private cruise?

Book it if you want control, privacy, and time on the water. The strongest feature is the ability to stop and stay put instead of being moved along with a large sightseeing group. The new boats, practical equipment, snacks, drinks, GPS tools, and phone case add useful comfort.

Choose the full-day option if you want several destinations and a proper lunch stop without rushing. Choose the morning half-day for swimming and sunbathing, or the afternoon departure for sunset light.

I would not book without clarifying the fuel cost and snorkeling equipment. Once those details are settled, this is a strong choice for a group of up to five that wants a relaxed Santorini day with beaches, island views, and the freedom to make its own route.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start and end?

The activity starts at 8CPM+W7 Vlichada, Greece, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the private cruise?

The half-day experience lasts approximately five hours. Departure options are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 3 p.m. into the sunset period. A full-day option lasts about ten hours, from 10 a.m. to sunset.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to five people.

Do I need a boat license?

No boat license is required. The staff provide instructions before you set out.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Gasoline is not included and is charged separately.

Is lunch included?

No lunch is listed as included. You may be able to stop at a traditional tavern in Thirassia, but any meal there is separate.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The supplied details conflict. One section says snorkeling equipment is not included, while the included items list says it is provided. Confirm this directly with Costa Di Lusso Santorini Boat Rental before departure.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.