The 8 Best Santorini Day Trips by Ferry from Crete

1.Full-Day Trip to Santorini by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 279 reviews · 13 hours · from $243Our pick

Take a high-speed ferry from Rethymno to Santorini, then explore Oia and Fira by air-conditioned bus with a multilingual guide. You get about 105 minutes in Oia and two hours in Fira, plus an optional caldera boat ride. It is a long, busy day, but an efficient first look at Santorini.

“Santorini is a beautiful place to visit. It was extremely busy and the capital Thira was a good choice for lunch and enjoying the scenery.”

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2.Santorini Day Trip with Boat Transfer & Oia Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 269 reviews · 11 hours · from $199

You’ll cross from Heraklion to Santorini by SeaJets high-speed boat, then tour Oia and Fira by air-conditioned bus with an English, French, German, or Polish-speaking guide. Expect spectacular caldera views, free time in Fira, crowds in Oia, and an optional €20 volcano boat ride.

“Onze gids kon Nederlands en was heel aardig en vertelde enthousiast veel over het eiland. Oia zelf was heel erg druk zoals verwacht. De 2e stad vonden wij persoonlijk veel gezelliger en leuker om te winkelen. Jammer was wel dat de optie voor vulkaan bezoek van de tijd zou gaan dus hierom hebben wij er niet voor gekozen omdat de tijd al niet erg veel was. Verder mooie dag gehad.”

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3.Heraklion or Ag Nikolaos: Oia & Fira Full-Day Santorini Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 11 - 13 hours · from $234

Travel from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos to Santorini by high-speed catamaran, then tour Oia and Fira by air-conditioned bus. You get guided commentary in several languages, free time for photos and shopping, and an optional €20 volcano boat ride. Russian-speaking guide Tatiana has assisted guests on some departures.

“No one has told us that our tour guide will be in Santorini. it was really stressful as we didn't know what to do and have waited around for a long time.”

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4.Santorini Full-Day Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 133 reviews · from $191Best value

You’ll leave Crete by boat for a full day in Santorini, with hotel pickup, a guide, and free time in Fira and Oia. Guide Athina earned special praise, while driver Mario once added an optional Akrotiri stop. Bring printed vouchers, comfortable shoes, and ID.

“Very nice, unfortunately it rained a lot. We would like to stay longer in Oia than in Fira but in general it was great”

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5.Day Tour to Santorini Island from Heraklion Crete

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 117 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $203

Travel from Crete to Santorini by high-speed catamaran, then visit Oia and Fira by guided coach. You get free time for photos, shopping, and lunch, with an optional volcano and hot springs cruise in high season. Guides may include Maria, Lillia, Patricia, or Eleanor.

“The tour and tour guide were great but I was disappointed in the island itself. I guess I was expecting something different from all the pictures and descriptions from family and friends.”

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6.Full-Day Trip to Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 97 reviews · 13 hours · from $282

Take a 2.5-hour high-speed catamaran from Rethymno to Santorini, then tour Oia and Fira by air-conditioned bus. You get a guided island introduction, two hours in Fira, and an optional €20 volcano boat trip. Pickup is available across the Chania area.

“The coach to take us to the port was very efficient, arrived on time and it was lovely watching the sun rise. The high speed catamaran was very informative on what the activities were, how to book additional activities and that the tour guide on the bus would tell us more about this activity. The catamaran had refreshments on board. The tour guide on the bus was very knowledgeable and pointed out landmarks as we toured around Santorini. Timing is short in the towns if the volcanic activity is included and the towns are very busy during the height of the season. Overall a great day out, highly recommended.”

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7.Full-Day Santorini Island Trip from Crete

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 93 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $210

Travel by ferry from Crete to Santorini, then explore Oia and Fira by coach with free time in each town. Guides such as Roland, Myra, Maria, and Athina add history and practical tips. The optional volcano boat trip costs extra and replaces some time in Fira.

“Christo was wonderful and informative! The views were breathtaking.. Thea has some wonderful restaurants to choose from.”

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8.Day Tour to Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 72 reviews · from $202

You’ll cross from Rethymno to Santorini aboard the Elite Jet catamaran, then tour Oia and Fira by air-conditioned coach. Guide Felipe is among the named guides, and you’ll have free time in Fira plus an optional volcano and hot-springs boat trip for €20 when operating.

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