Your schedule is the itinerary. I love that this is a license-free way to run a 17-foot, 6-person boat in Santorini, and that the team gives a full, clear safety briefing before you go. I also like that you get solid gear for real life on the water, from life jackets for adults and kids to flares, smoke signal, and a first aid kit.

The other big win is freedom: you set your day, and even your soundtrack. The MP3 player/USB charger plus a cooler, water, and snacks make it feel like you’re hosting your own mini cruise instead of following a set routine. The one thing to think about is fuel and driving comfort: fuel isn’t included, and you’ll be the one steering for the whole 10-hour stretch.

Key highlights to know before you book

License not required for this 17-foot, 6-person boat

Full safety kit plus life jackets for both adults and kids

Your own itinerary and music (MP3 player and charger included)

10am to 8pm for an after-sunset outing

Snorkeling or fishing equipment on request

Price works as a group deal up to 6 people

License-Free Boat Time: What You Really Get for $410 Per Group

This is a value-focused kind of day on the water. At $410.32 per group (up to 6), it can work out surprisingly well if you’re traveling with friends or family and you don’t want to line up with a crowded catamaran rhythm. You’re paying for the boat, the safety gear, and the chance to make Santorini (and Thirasia) fit your interests.

The license-free part matters more than it sounds. A smaller 17-foot boat for up to 6 people is built for getting out there and choosing your own pace, and you’re not locked into someone else’s timing. You’ll still get a proper handoff and safety briefing, so you’re not going in blind.

That said, you should be honest about what this style of tour demands. You are captaining. If you’re expecting someone to drive for you, that’s not included. A skipper can be arranged for an extra charge, and transportation from/to your accommodation can also be arranged for an extra charge. Fuel is also not included, so you’ll want to plan for that added cost.

The Boat Setup in Plain English (Safety Gear, Tech, and Comfort)

The boat comes ready for a full day, and the kit list is thorough in the way you want when you’re responsible for your own route. Here’s what stands out:

Safety is not hand-wavy. You get third-party insurance plus life jackets for both adults and kids. There’s also a first aid kit, emergency smoke signal, signal flares, and a fire extinguisher. That’s the kind of coverage that helps you feel like the basics are actually covered.

You’ll have tools to navigate and find fish. The GPS plotter and fish finder are included, which is useful when you want to explore around Santorini and Thirasia without guessing.

Comfort details are built in. There’s a bimini top for shade and a shower onboard, which is handy if you swim and don’t want to end the day feeling salty and sandy.

Music and charging are sorted. You get a USB charger and an MP3 player. If you like controlling the vibe, this is where that freedom shows up in a practical way.

One more nice touch: snorkeling equipment can be provided if you request it, and fishing equipment can also be arranged on request. That turns the day from just sightseeing into something more hands-on, depending on what you feel like doing.

Your Full-Day Timeline: From 10:00 Safety Briefing to 8:00 Return

Expect a long day on purpose. It runs from 10:00am to about 8:00pm, and the schedule is designed for an outing that goes well past sunset.

Here’s how the day typically starts:

• You meet at the starting point in Vlichada (the activity starts and ends at the same meeting point, listed as an unnamed road, Vlichada 847 03, Greece).
• Your team provides a full safety briefing.
• You’ll also get guidance on where you can find special areas around Santorini and Thirasia.

After that, the day becomes yours. You choose where to spend time, where to pause, and how long to stay in each spot. The boat setup supports that kind of flexible pacing, especially with the shade (bimini top), shower, and the practical onboard tech.

As evening approaches, you’re not forced into a quick-photo-and-go routine. The late hours are part of the appeal for this specific experience. You’ll be returning to the meeting point by the end of the day, which keeps the logistics simple: you’re not dealing with a confusing drop-off.

One small consideration: since you’re on the water for roughly 10 hours, bring a mindset for a full maritime day. Plan for time in the sun, time getting cool/warm between swims, and time winding down before heading back.

Planning Your Own Santorini and Thirasia Route Without Feeling Lost

I like this format because it’s freedom with training wheels. You’re not just handed a boat and told good luck. Before you set off, you’ll get a safety briefing and the team reveals where you can find special areas on Santorini and Thirasia islands.

What that means for you:

• You get direction at the start, so you can aim your day rather than spend it figuring things out.
• After that, you can flex. If one area feels right, you can stay longer. If the wind or water vibe changes, you can shift your plan.

If you’re the type who likes structure, you can still create your own structure: decide your priorities before departure (swim time, snack time, scenic time, sunset time). If you’re going as a group of six, this approach is especially helpful because it reduces negotiation. One person can pick the music and timing, another can handle navigation on the GPS plotter, and everyone else can focus on enjoying the day.

A key practical point from the way the day is set up: the boat is designed to be easy to drive for most people. The operation is structured so you don’t feel like you’re struggling with basic control, and the briefing is meant to be clear and easy to understand.

Food, Water, and the Cooler: Keeping the Day Easy

This is not a bring-everything experience. You’ll have:

• Snacks included
• Bottled water included
• A cooler stocked with ice cubes

Then there’s the smart part: you bring your own drinks. That’s where this day really becomes customizable. Want sparkling water or a specific mix? Bring it. Want to keep things light? Bring simple favorites. The cooler and ice cubes make it realistic, not just a nice idea.

This matters because it reduces friction. When food and water are already handled, you can spend less time thinking about logistics and more time actually being on the water. It also makes sense for families and groups, since kids often need frequent breaks.

Also, the onboard shower is a comfort upgrade after swimming. It doesn’t replace towels and swimwear, but it helps you transition back to land-mode without feeling gross.

Snorkeling and Fishing Options on Request

If you want to add activities beyond cruising, you can. Snorkeling equipment is available upon request, and fishing equipment is also available upon request. That gives you a menu without forcing you into anything you might not want.

Here’s how to use that in a practical way:

• If snorkeling is a priority, request the equipment ahead of time so you’re not scrambling when you decide you’re ready.
• If fishing interests you, request the gear and treat the day like a relaxed try-it-out session rather than a strict plan.

Keep expectations sensible. This setup supports add-on activities, but it’s still a full-day boat rental where you control the timing. So the best results come when you plan around your energy level and weather.

Where You Start (Vlichada) and How You Keep the End of the Day Smooth

The meeting point is listed as an unnamed road in Vlichada 847 03. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with the stress of a different return location.

Two other practical notes:

• The meeting point is near public transportation.
• Transportation from/to your accommodation can be arranged for an extra charge.

Even better, the service includes helpful support when you’re done. One highlight from customer experiences is that the team can help with a taxi when the boat day wraps up. That’s small, but it matters when your day ends late and you want an easy landing.

Who This Boat Rental Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is built for people who want real flexibility. If you’re tired of set schedules and you’d rather spend your time choosing where to go, this is the style to pick.

It’s also a strong match if you like:

• Traveling with a group (up to 6)
• A long day that includes late evening time
• Clear safety guidance and complete basic water safety gear
• A “we control the pace” day rather than a ride-with-everyone-else day

It may not be the best fit if:

• You don’t feel comfortable driving a boat for about 10 hours
• You were expecting the skipper to be included
• You want zero planning involved beyond showing up

Families can be a great match because life jackets are provided for adults and kids. Still, because you’ll be captaining, it helps if at least one person in the group is ready to take that on.

Should You Book This Santorini Blue Waves Cruises Boat Day?

If your dream day is simple: boat time, your own music, a flexible route around Santorini and Thirasia, and a proper safety briefing before you go, I think this is worth serious consideration. The combination of license-free captain time plus a full safety kit plus onboard comforts like the bimini top and shower makes it more than just a rental—it’s a guided transition into independence.

Book it if you’re traveling in a group that can split the cost and you want to be out there during the longer, after-sunset hours. Skip it if you want someone else to handle the driving, or if fuel costs would stretch your budget too much.

If the weather looks good, you’ll get the most out of the 10-hour format. And if you’re the kind of person who enjoys choosing your own pace, this is the kind of day that feels like it’s designed for you.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license to rent this boat?

No. This experience is designed so that you can captain a 17-foot (5-meter) boat for up to 6 people without needing a license.

What safety equipment is included?

The boat includes a full safety setup: life jackets for adults and kids, a first aid kit, emergency smoke signal, signal flares, and a fire extinguisher. Third-party insurance is also included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is not included.

Can I add snorkeling or fishing?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and fishing equipment are available upon request.

Is a skipper included?

No. You captain your own boat. Transportation and a skipper can be arranged for an extra charge.

What if bad weather cancels the boat day?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Santorini: Caldera Private Catamaran Cruise with Meal & DrinksSmall-Group Tour: Best of SantoriniArchaeological Bus Tour to Akrotiri Excavations & Red BeachSantorini: Top Sights Small-Group Tour with Local Guide