Santorini: License-Free Boat Rental with Ice, Water, & Fruit

Santorini looks different from the water: its volcanic caldera opens around you, and the island’s steep edges become part of the view rather than a backdrop. This private, license-free boat rental gives you five hours to steer your own course, with the hot springs and nearby islands within reach.

I like two things in particular: you set the pace, choosing when to swim or anchor, and Sasha’s introduction helps first-time boat drivers get comfortable before setting out. Fruit, water, towels, snorkel gear, and a shaded boat top also make the outing feel well equipped for a long stretch on the water.

The main consideration is that fuel is not included in the $282 group price, so your final cost will be higher. The outing also calls for getting in and out of a boat and swimming, and it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

At a glance

• Five hours at the helm: You steer your own boat after instructions from Sasha, rather than following a group tour on someone else’s schedule.
• Hot springs and island stops: The plan can include swimming in the hot springs, visiting nearby islands, and anchoring at secluded beaches.
• Private group for up to five: The $282 price covers the group, so the per-person cost drops as you fill the boat.
• Useful basics are included: Expect snorkel gear, floating noodles, towels, fresh fruit, water, ice, a boat-top tent, and swimming ladders.
• Fuel costs extra: Budget for that on top of the advertised group price. Lunch, hotel transfers, and fishing equipment are not included either.

A different view of Santorini from the water

Santorini is not just one island. It is part of a small island group in the southern Cyclades that includes Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea Kameni, and Nea Kameni. From a boat, you get a closer sense of the volcanic caldera and the open sea around it, rather than seeing the famous curve of the island only from land.

The experience is a rental with a briefing, not a narrated sightseeing cruise. Sasha explains how the boat works and suggests places to anchor, then you set out as a private group. If you want to spend more time swimming and less time following a fixed route, that freedom is the main attraction.

There is a practical tradeoff. You are responsible for steering and deciding where to stop, so you should be ready to pay attention to Sasha’s instructions and manage your own time. The outing suits people who want some independence on the water, not anyone hoping to sit back while a captain handles everything.

Getting started with Sasha

Meet at the pier in front of Notos Hotel. The rental ends back at the same meeting point, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way there and back.

Before leaving, Sasha goes through how to operate the boat and shares suggestions for places to anchor and relax. First-time boat drivers have found the instruction reassuring, with one describing how they got comfortable navigating soon after the briefing. That is useful context if you like the idea of steering but have never handled a boat before.

The host speaks Croatian, English, Greek, and Serbian. Bring a passport or ID card. Leave strollers and large bags behind, as they are not allowed.

Five hours to choose your own stops

The exact route is not fixed in the details provided, and that flexibility is part of the appeal. You can shape the outing around the stops Sasha recommends and the time you have. A sensible plan is to prioritize the hot springs, then leave room for another island or a quieter swimming stop rather than trying to fit in everything.

The hot springs are a headline stop, and swimming there gives the day a distinct Santorini flavor. The caldera’s volcanic setting is a striking part of the experience, but remember that the outing is built around being on the water. If swimming is not appealing to you, this rental may not make the best use of its five hours.

You can also steer toward nearby islands and look for secluded beaches where you can anchor. The benefit is choice: you can stay longer when a spot suits you, or move on when you are ready. The drawback is that there is no guaranteed stop-by-stop itinerary described, so keep your expectations flexible and use the briefing to understand which options make sense for your outing.

The boat’s swimming ladders make getting back aboard easier after a swim. Snorkel equipment and floating noodles are included, along with towels, which means you do not need to bring those particular items yourself. The boat-top tent provides shade, and the onboard fridge comes with ice for the water and fruit provided.

What the private format changes

A private group means the boat and its time are for your party, up to five people. You do not have to coordinate your swim breaks with a larger group or wait for a set of strangers to finish at each stop. If you value privacy and control over the pace, that can be worth more than a more structured outing.

The format works especially well for a small group that agrees on what kind of day it wants. You might prefer a long swim and a relaxed anchor stop; your companions might want to cover more water. Talk through those preferences before you leave, then use Sasha’s advice to make a plan that feels realistic for five hours.

It is still a shared boat outing, not five separate itineraries. You will need to settle on stops together, and the person steering has a job to do even when the views are calling for attention. Take turns only if Sasha explains that it is appropriate, and follow the instructions you receive before departing.

What the $282 price buys, and what it does not

At $282 for a group of up to five, the base price works out to $56.40 per person if you fill the boat. For two people, it is $141 each before fuel. That makes the group size an important part of the value calculation: the more people sharing the cost, the lower the base price per person.

The price buys a five-hour private outing and the included items that make swimming more convenient: snorkel gear, floating noodles, towels, fresh fruit, water, ice in a fridge, a boat-top tent, and swimming ladders. The freedom to spend the time at your own pace is also central to what you are paying for.

Fuel is extra, and no fuel amount is provided, so ask about it when planning your budget. You will also need to pay separately for lunch at a tavern on a nearby island, if you choose to stop for a meal. Hotel transfers, a GoPro, and fishing equipment are not included. If you were planning to use any of those, arrange them separately rather than assuming they come with the rental.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule for a time that suits your plans.

Is this boat rental right for you?

I would put this outing high on the list if your group wants a private day on the sea and likes the idea of steering rather than joining a standard boat tour. It is particularly appealing for a group of friends or a family with older children who can manage a boat outing and want time to swim, anchor, and explore at their own pace.

It is a less suitable choice if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, are pregnant, or would rather not get in and out of a boat. The activity is not suitable for those groups, and the experience centers on swimming and moving around on the water. It is also not the best fit if you need a tightly planned sightseeing route or a guide to steer for you.

My decision rule is simple: book if the flexibility and privacy are the point, and if you are comfortable following the boat briefing and paying fuel on top of the group rate. If you want a fixed itinerary, included transport, or a fully guided ride, look for a different kind of outing.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license?

No. This is advertised as a license-free boat rental. Sasha gives you instructions on how the boat works before you set out.

How long is the rental, and how many people can join?

The outing lasts five hours and is for a private group of up to five people.

What does the $282 price include?

The group price is $282. Snorkel gear, floating noodles, towels, fresh fruit, water, ice in a fridge, a boat-top tent, and swimming ladders are included.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is not included in the price.

Where do I meet, and where does the outing end?

Meet at the pier in front of Notos Hotel. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a tavern on a nearby island is not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.