Half Day Saxdor Boat Rental in Santorini

Santorini’s coast is a different place from the water: you can set your own pace, stop for a swim, and see the island’s volcanic shoreline from a small boat. I like that this five-hour Saxdor rental gives your group room to shape the outing, and that snorkeling gear, snacks and water are included.

I also like the practical setup: the boat has a 115-horsepower Mercury engine, and you can choose a morning or afternoon start. The main catch is important: you need a boating license, and neither a skipper nor fuel is included, so this is for licensed boaters prepared to handle the boat themselves.

• A boat for up to five: The listed price is $481.65 per group, not per person.
• Five hours on the water: You choose a morning or afternoon slot, with the outing returning to Vlichada.
• Snorkeling kit included: You can bring your own drinks to chill in the ice box.
• Self-drive rules apply: A boating license is required, and a skipper is not included.
• Fuel and transport cost extra: Factor both into your plans and budget.

Vlichada Is Your Starting Point

The rental begins at Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport in Vlichada, on the island’s south side. You’ll also return there at the end, so plan your transport to and from the marina separately. Transportation is not included in the rental price.

Before setting out, expect to receive instructions on operating the boat. Several details from this operator’s boat outings suggest the handover can include a safety briefing and practical guidance, but the listing does not spell out the exact briefing for this particular rental. Ask what the briefing covers, how navigation works, and what areas you’re allowed to visit before you leave the marina.

The boat is described as new and luxurious, with a 115-horsepower Mercury engine. That power gives you a capable way to explore the coast, but it also makes the license requirement more than a footnote. If nobody in your group has the required license, this self-drive rental is not the right choice as offered.

Five Hours, With Room to Set Your Own Pace

This is a rental rather than a guided itinerary. You’re not signing up for a set sequence of stops with a captain leading the way. Instead, you and your group can explore at your own pace, within the time available and the limits of your boating instructions.

That freedom is the chief appeal. You might choose to spend more time swimming, linger for photos, or keep moving along the coastline. But don’t treat any particular beach, cave or island stop as guaranteed: the route is not specified, and conditions, fuel and the operator’s guidance will shape what is practical.

Some outings with this operator have included boat-accessible beaches, a cave where people could swim through, and views toward Oia and Fira. A volcano visit has also featured on a captain-led outing. These examples give you a sense of the kinds of sights possible around Santorini, but they are not promised stops on this self-drive rental. Ask the operator about the route you can take before setting off.

Five hours is enough to make this feel like a proper outing rather than a quick spin, while still leaving time in the day for other plans. Your start time is either morning or afternoon. If you have a particular goal, such as snorkeling or reaching a certain part of the coast, discuss it when you collect the boat rather than assuming the clock and fuel will allow it.

A Saxdor With Useful Extras

The boat’s 115-horsepower engine is the headline specification, but the small comforts matter too. The rental includes an ice box with ice cubes, bottled water and snacks, so you have basic provisions on board without having to arrange everything yourself.

You can also bring your own drinks to chill. That is a useful option for a five-hour outing, especially if your group has particular preferences. The included supplies are a helpful start, but the description does not specify quantities, so check what is provided and bring anything else you’ll want.

Snorkeling equipment is included, giving you the option to get in the water rather than just admire it from the boat. The listing does not describe the specific gear or promise particular swimming stops. If snorkeling is central to your plans, ask about the equipment and the places you can safely use it.

Other boats from the provider have had features such as a GPS, a Bimini top, a USB port and a motorized anchor. Those details were reported for a different boat, not confirmed for this Saxdor, so don’t count on them. Ask which equipment is fitted to the exact boat you’ll be renting.

What the Price Buys, and What It Doesn’t

The price is $481.65 per group of up to five. At a full group of five, that works out to about $96.33 per person before fuel and transport. With fewer people, each person’s share rises, but you still have a private boat rather than paying for separate seats on a shared excursion.

For a group that wants control over its time, the value comes from having the boat to yourselves for roughly five hours, plus the included snacks, water, ice and snorkeling equipment. You’re paying for flexibility and privacy, not a guide or a packaged sightseeing route.

Fuel is extra, and the price of fuel is not stated. That makes it hard to calculate the full cost in advance. Ask how fuel is charged, what affects the final amount, and whether the operator can give you an estimate for the route you have in mind. A past rental experience described fuel charges as fair, but your own bill will depend on your outing.

A skipper is also excluded. That matters both for the budget and the type of day you’re booking: this is not a captain-led cruise. Some of the operator’s other outings have included a captain who shared information about sights and, in one case, allowed passengers to take the controls. Don’t assume those features apply here. If you want someone else to steer or explain the coast, ask the provider about a separate option.

The License Question Is the First One to Settle

The boat description is clear that a license is required. The listing does not explain which license is accepted or what documents you must present, so confirm the requirements directly with the operator before booking. It’s better to settle this early than to reach Vlichada and find that no one in your group can legally take the helm.

The reviews of other rentals describe a quick handover and a full safety briefing, with clear communication about the collection point. That is encouraging, but a smooth start still depends on you understanding the boat and the route. Take the time to ask questions, especially if you have not driven this model before.

If you’re unsure about handling a powered boat, don’t let the word rental blur the distinction. The skipper is not included, and the experience is designed for a licensed person to operate the vessel. Ask about a captain-led alternative if that better suits your group.

Who Will Get the Most From This Rental

I’d consider this rental for a small group of friends or family members who already have the required license and want a private day on the water. The group limit of five keeps the outing intimate, and the flexible format suits people who would rather make their own stops than follow a fixed schedule.

It can also work well for a group with mixed interests. Some people may want to snorkel, while others prefer to relax on the boat or take photos. The included gear and provisions make that easier, though you’ll need to agree on a route and pace that suit everyone.

This is a weaker fit if your main goal is hearing local stories, visiting a guaranteed set of sites, or having someone else manage the boat. Those features are associated with captain-led experiences, not included in this rental. The provider’s outings have included guides such as Alex, whose local explanations and flexible stops were praised, but you should not expect Alex or any skipper to be part of this booking.

It may also be a poor choice if your budget is fixed to the advertised amount. Fuel and transport are additional, and the fuel cost is not given. Work out the likely total before you commit.

Booking Details Worth Checking

The rental is offered in English, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. The listing does not give detailed accessibility information, so contact the operator if you have specific mobility needs.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cutoff follows local time in Santorini.

Before you book, confirm the license rules, fuel charges, what equipment is fitted to the Saxdor, and the route limits. These questions matter more here than they would on a standard guided cruise because you are responsible for operating the boat and making the most of your hours.

Should You Book This Saxdor Rental?

Book it if someone in your group holds the required license, you want a private boat, and you’re happy to plan your own time on the water. The five-hour window, included snorkeling gear and basic refreshments make it a practical way to see Santorini from the sea.

Skip it, or ask about a skipper-led option, if you want a captain to handle navigation or provide a guided route. And before paying, get a clear estimate of fuel costs. That small bit of planning will help you decide whether the flexibility is worth the full price for your group.

FAQ

How long is the boat rental?

The rental lasts approximately five hours.

How much does it cost?

The listed price is $481.65 per group of up to five people. Fuel and transportation are not included.

Do I need a boating license?

Yes. A license is required for this rental.

Is a skipper included?

No. A skipper is not included.

What is included with the rental?

Snacks, bottled water, an ice box with ice cubes, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Where does the rental start and end?

It starts at Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport in Vlichada and ends back at the same meeting point.