BOAT TRIP IDEAS
Sail Into the True Santorini
Set your own course with a boat rental in Santorini. From the serene shores of Vlichada to the dramatic cliffs of the caldera, SantiMaris Boat Rental lets you explore at your own rhythm. No license needed—just a quick, easy briefing and you’re off to uncover hidden coves, volcanic gems, and unforgettable moments.
Every stop is a story, every wave a new adventure.
Vlichada Marina – The Start of Freedom
Your journey with SantiMaris Boat Rental starts at the picturesque Vlichada Marina, the official departure point for all our boat rentals in Santorini. The marina is easy to reach by car and features everything you need for a smooth and comfortable start to your trip.
From here, you’ll board your fully equipped boat, ready for a day of exploring the island’s stunning coastline. Surrounded by volcanic cliffs and traditional seaside tavernas, Vlichada offers a peaceful and scenic setting. And when you return, you can enjoy a delicious meal by the sea and relive the highlights of your unforgettable day on the water.

Vlichada Marina – The Start of Freedom

Red Beach – A Volcanic Wonder
Red Beach – A Volcanic Wonder
As you sail west from Vlichada aboard your SantiMaris rental boat, your first breathtaking sight is the iconic Red Beach. Known for its vivid crimson cliffs and volcanic sand, this stunning landmark is even more impressive when approached from the water. With your private boat, you have the freedom to anchor just offshore and swim in the crystal-clear waters that sparkle against the dramatic red and black rock formations.
This spot is a rare visual spectacle—where deep blue seas meet towering red cliffs and black volcanic pebbles. Snorkelers will love exploring the rocky underwater crevices shaped by ancient lava, home to a variety of marine life. For a peaceful experience, aim to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when the beach is at its quietest and the lighting is perfect.
Kabia Beach – The Hidden Sanctuary
Tucked between the famous Red and White Beaches lies Kabia Cove, a secluded spot untouched by crowds and completely inaccessible by road. With your private boat rental from SantiMaris, you can discover this peaceful hideaway that most visitors to Santorini never see.
Anchor in the calm, clear waters and take a refreshing swim surrounded by natural beauty. If you decide to go ashore, rock shoes are a smart choice for the pebbled beach. Quiet, remote, and only reachable by sea—Kabia is the kind of place that makes your boat journey feel like an adventure off the beaten path.

Kabia Beach – The Hidden Sanctuary

White Beach – The Calmest Horizon
White Beach – The Calmest Horizon
Next on your journey is White Beach, accessible only by boat. Its towering white cliffs, dark pebbles, and stunning blue waters create a serene space that feels worlds away from the crowds. Your boat hire in Santorini brings you here with ease.
Swim, snorkel, or relax under the sun while admiring the surreal landscape. The seabed is rocky, so wear proper footwear. If you’re adventurous, try a gentle cliff jump or simply float in the shallows. This stop is a favorite for those seeking both beauty and tranquility in their private boat hire Santorini experience.
Akrotiri Lighthouse – The Caldera’s Edge
As you cruise around the southern tip of Santorini aboard your private SantiMaris boat, the Akrotiri Lighthouse comes into view.
Built in 1892, this historic structure stands proudly atop the cliffs, its white façade framed by accented dark stone corners—an iconic contrast against the deep blue sky.
Spotting the lighthouse marks your entry into the island’s breathtaking Caldera. From here, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with towering cliffs and sweeping volcanic views unfolding before you as you continue your journey through Santorini’s most awe-inspiring waters, setting the stage for the most breathtaking part of your journey.

Akrotiri Lighthouse – The Caldera’s Edge

Aspronisi – A Floating Fragment
Aspronisi – A Floating Fragment
Born from the ancient Minoan eruption, the uninhabited islet of Aspronisi rises quietly from the sea—wild, untouched, and hauntingly beautiful.
With no buildings, no crowds, and no signs of modern life, it’s a place where nature speaks in soft tones of white rock and deep blue water.
Anchor here for a peaceful swim, a moment of reflection, or to feel the timeless stillness that only the sea can offer.
Palea Kameni – Sulfur Springs of Santorini
Near the heart of the Caldera lies Palea Kameni, an islet known for its warm, mineral-rich springs. The waters here shimmer with golden-green hues, naturally tinted by sulfur and iron—elements long believed to offer soothing benefits for the skin and joints.
From your anchored boat, swim toward the shore and feel the gentle shift in temperature as you enter this natural spa in the sea. For the best experience, we recommend avoiding light-colored swimsuits or delicate jewelry, as the minerals may leave a trace.
This stop is one of the most unforgettable highlights of your Santorini boat journey—a rare moment where you can float in volcanic warmth, surrounded by the ancient beauty of the Caldera.

Palea Kameni – Sulfur Springs of Santorini

Nea Kameni – The Black Volcano
Nea Kameni – The Black Volcano
Often referred to as ‘The Volcano’, Nea Kameni is a massive black island created by volcanic activity.
While you won’t hike it during this trip, sailing around it allows you to take in its raw beauty—steep, ash-colored terrain set against the open sea.
A must-see landmark on any private boat hire Santorini journey.
Thirassia – The Sister Island
Across the Caldera from Santorini lies Thirassia, a quieter, more traditional island.
With your boat, you can anchor near Riva, swim in peaceful waters, or explore the village of Manolas above—white houses, blue domes, and Cycladic calm.
The beaches here—like Agia Irini and Korfos—are simple and clean. Some choose to hike to the Thirassia caldera for views that rival those of Santorini.
It’s also a perfect place to enjoy local cuisine in one of the few traditional tavernas by the sea.

Thirassia – The Sister Island

Agios Nikolaos Peramataris – A Church Carved in Stone
Agios Nikolaos Peramataris – A Church Carved in Stone
Sailing along the southern edge of Ammoudi Bay, your eyes are drawn to a rocky islet across the water. There, etched into the volcanic stone, stands the small white church of Agios Nikolaos Peramataris—the Ferryman Saint and patron of sailors.
The setting is dramatic and deeply rooted in Santorini’s maritime tradition. Seen from the boat, the islet and church appear suspended between sea and sky, with swimmers often dotting the turquoise waters around it.
This spot offers one of the most authentic photo opportunities of your boat hire in Santorini, especially as the cliffs of Oia loom silently in the background.
Ammoudi Bay – Oia Framed from the Sea
As you sail beneath the cliffs of Oia, your boat glides past the enchanting Ammoudi Bay—a tiny fishing harbor cradled at the foot of towering red rocks. The scene unfolds like a painting: brightly colored boats swaying in the gentle tide, seaside tavernas with tables nearly brushing the water’s edge, and the whitewashed homes of Oia spilling down the cliffside like a cascade of light.
As your boat passes, the view becomes a moving canvas—full of color, charm, and a sense of timeless Greek island life.
It’s one of the most breathtaking moments of any boat journey in Santorini, especially for lovers of photography, beauty, and that unmistakable Aegean magic.

Ammoudi Bay – Oia Framed from the Sea

Armeni Bay – A Quiet Haven Beneath Oia
Armeni Bay – A Quiet Haven Beneath Oia
Just beyond Ammoudi lies Armeni Bay, a former port now resting in serene stillness. Tucked beneath Oia’s dramatic cliffs, it’s a place where the sea turns glassy and clear, and the world feels wonderfully distant. Here, you can anchor in calm waters—perfect for swimming, diving, or simply drifting as you take in the quiet majesty of the Caldera.
From the boat, Armeni offers one of the most cinematic views of Oia rising above—its whitewashed terraces catching the sun like a dream etched into the cliffs. For those seeking a peaceful pause along their private Santorini boat journey, Armeni is a hidden moment of stillness, beauty, and gentle wonder.
Vlichada – Returning at Sunset
As your boat glides back toward Vlichada, the cliffs are bathed in golden light, and the Aegean softens beneath the setting sun. It’s a quiet, glowing finale to a day that’s been more than a journey—it’s been an experience of Santorini’s soul.
You return not just with memories, but with a deeper sense of the island—its beauty, its rhythm, its quiet magic.
This is what a day with SantiMaris Boat Rental offers: not just a boat hire in Santorini, but a connection to the sea, the land, and something timeless in between.

Vlichada – Returning at Sunset
Ready to set sail?
Book your Santorini boat rental today and get ready to live your private Aegean experience!