A boat day beats bus tours. This half-day Saxdor rental lets you set your own pace along Santorini’s coast and nearby islets, with snorkeling gear and time slots that fit your day. It’s the kind of plan that turns the Aegean into your moving backdrop, not just something you look at from shore.

I especially like two parts. First, the power and comfort: a new 115hp Mercury engine paired with a luxurious boat build means you can cover more water without feeling like you’re on a flimsy water taxi. Second, the easy onboard treats: snacks, bottled water, and an ice box (with ice cubes) to keep you comfortable, plus snorkeling equipment ready to go.

One drawback to weigh: a license is required, and fuel is not included—so your final day cost depends on how much you roam and what you use at the end.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• 115hp Saxdor with a Mercury engine for a confident feel out on the water
• Snorkeling equipment included, plus snacks and bottled water to keep you fueled
• Ice box with ice cubes so you can add your own drinks
• Morning or afternoon slots, including a sunset-friendly pace when conditions allow
• Practical guidance at the marina so you get oriented fast before you take off
• A route that can include volcano sights and boat-only swim stops when you plan for it

What You Really Get: a 115hp Saxdor Rental from Santorini Blue Waves Cruises

This isn’t a sit-and-hope type of excursion. It’s a half-day boat rental experience built around freedom—get on a 115hp Saxdor and explore Santorini’s coast and small islets at your own pace. The boat is described as new and luxurious, with a strong Mercury engine meant to make the ride feel smooth and capable rather than underpowered.

The meeting point is at the Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport in Vlichada (Vlichada 847 03, Greece), and the activity returns you back there. That matters, because you’re not guessing how to get back. You’re also starting from a real marina setup, which typically makes the whole day feel more “on rails” even though you’re roaming.

One other practical win: you can choose a morning or afternoon slot. That gives you control over the kind of light you want, and it also helps if you’re trying to work around other plans on the island.

Vlychada Marina Timing: Morning vs Afternoon for Views and Swim Time

Santorini changes hour by hour. The cliffs and villages look different in morning sun than they do under late-day glow. With morning or afternoon departures, you can line up your boat time with the rest of your day instead of forcing your schedule around a fixed tour.

If you’re going in the afternoon, plan your timing for sunset. One booking described extra time being allowed so the group could watch the sun set, and that’s a big deal when you’re on a half-day window. It’s also when cruisey views of places like Oia and Fira tend to feel the most dramatic from the water.

If you’re going in the morning, you’ll usually have an easier time setting a calm pace early: cruise first, then stop for swim and snorkeling when you’ve had a moment to get your bearings.

Onboard Setup: Snacks, Ice Box, Snorkeling Gear, and Comfort Details That Matter

The included onboard “comfort package” is more thoughtful than it sounds on paper. You get snacks and bottled water, plus an ice box with ice cubes. The ice box is a sneaky good feature in Santorini’s heat—if you bring your own drinks, you’re not stuck with warm bottles by the time you’re ready for a break.

Snorkeling gear is included, and that shifts the day from purely scenery to a more active water experience. You’re not paying extra for equipment or scrambling to rent it later. You just bring your swim stuff and make the most of the areas you find along the way.

On newer boat versions with similar rentals from this operator, people have pointed out practical extras like on-board GPS, a USB port, and comfort shade like a Bimini top. Even if you’re not using every feature, it’s reassuring when the boat has the tech and the basics for a day on the water.

Snorkeling on Your Terms: What Included Gear Lets You Do

Because the rental is flexible, snorkeling becomes a choice rather than a chore. With snorkeling equipment included, you can stop when a place looks right, when the water feels calmer, or when you want a quick swim break between longer cruises.

You’ll also want to think like a sailor, not like a museum visitor. Water access is often about picking the right moment and the right spot, and a flexible rental helps you do that. One captain-like guide experience included a stop at a cave where guests could swim through, which is exactly the kind of thing you can’t do from a standard beach-only stop.

Practical tip: wear what you can swim in easily, and bring a towel. You’ll also be glad you packed sunscreen, because you’re moving across bright open water for hours.

Safety and Driving Reality: License Rules and Getting Oriented at the Marina

Here’s the key point: a license is required. The boat rental info is clear on that, so don’t assume you can wing it. If you don’t have the paperwork, ask ahead before you fall in love with the idea of a captain-free day.

Even if you’re licensed, the first minutes matter. You should expect an instruction and safety briefing before you take the boat out. Multiple experiences described fast setup and clear communication at the marina, which helps you get your bearings quickly. That “you’re safe and you know what to do” feeling is part of why this style of rental works so well.

One thing to note about the reality on the water: this setup is designed around you being in charge, but you might still get help from staff who know the local routes. In one experience, a captain named Alex was described as knowledgeable about sites and even letting guests captain the vessel. Another staff member named Leo was mentioned for great communication. So even if a skipper isn’t part of the standard inclusions, you’re not necessarily walking onto the water without any human support.

Where Your Boat Day Can Take You: Coast Views, Boat-Only Stops, and Volcano Time

Santorini from the water has a way of making everything feel closer and more dramatic at the same time. With your rental, you’re set up to explore coastline, islets, and water-access-only areas without being stuck on someone else’s schedule.

A few “targets” show up in real day stories from this type of route:

• Views of Oia and Fira from the water, especially around sunset light
• Volcano area time, including the chance to climb up to a crater
• Beaches only accessible via boat, where you’re not fighting crowded shore access
• Swim stops like a cave swim-through, which is more memorable than a basic float-and-back

The important word here is possible. Your exact route depends on your comfort driving, the conditions that day, and the time window. But the structure of the rental makes those kinds of stops realistic.

If you’re aiming for a volcano-focused route, be ready for a longer stretch of planning: you’ll want to think about how much time you’ll spend cruising versus time on land, and how quickly you need to be back at the marina to finish your half-day.

Fuel, Snacks, and Cost Value: Is $481.65 per Group Worth It?

The price is $481.65 per group (up to 5), with fuel not included. That means the value depends heavily on how you group up.

Here’s the quick math:

• If you use all 5 spots, you’re paying about $96 per person for the boat rental portion.
• If you only have 2 people, that can jump to around $240 per person.

So this rental shines when you can pack your group. It also makes sense when you want to spend your money on a day on the water instead of stacking paid tours and transfers all over Santorini.

Fuel not included is the biggest “hidden” variable. Still, one experience described fair fuel charges, and that’s what you want to hear when you’re doing a self-driven day. Ask questions early about how fuel is tracked, then plan your route realistically so there are no surprises.

Value check for your own style:

• If you want flexibility and direct water access, this is strong value.
• If you want a guided route with fixed stops, the lack of a skipper in the base inclusions may not match what you’re looking for.

Who This Half-Day Saxdor Rental Fits Best

This rental fits best if you want control. You’re not herded. You’re not racing a timetable. You’re picking your own swim breaks and photo moments while the engine does the heavy lifting.

It also fits groups who want a shared experience:

• Families up to 5
• Friends who can split the boat cost
• Couples who don’t mind paying the full group price for space and privacy

Service animals are allowed, and the start point is near public transportation. Also, the experience states that most people can participate, which is a good sign for general suitability, especially if you already meet the license requirement and you’re comfortable with boats.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple without a license, you may want to reconsider, because a rental designed for independent operation can become frustrating if you can’t legally take the helm.

Booking Tips That Keep Your Day Stress-Free

A few practical things will make the day smoother from the first message to the moment you park the boat back at the marina.

Bring:

• Your swim gear and a towel
• Sun protection
• Any drinks you want for the ice box
• Comfortable footwear for getting on and off the boat

Plan:

• Decide whether your priority is volcano time, long scenic cruising, or snorkeling and swim stops
• Build in a realistic pace so you’re not rushing at the end

Ask ahead:

• Confirm what the license requirement means for your situation
• Clarify how fuel is handled and how they estimate charges

One more small but meaningful note: experiences described clear communication and helpful orientation with a map on board. That kind of prep reduces decision stress once you’re out on the water.

Should You Book It, or Choose a Different Boat Option?

Book this if you:

• Want a half-day that feels like your own
• Have a group of up to 5, or you’re willing to pay for space and privacy
• Plan to use the included snorkeling gear
• Can handle the license required setup and want to steer the day yourself

Skip or reconsider if you:

• Don’t have the required license and don’t want to gamble on whether you’ll still be able to take the boat out
• Expect a fully guided, step-by-step itinerary with a skipper included in the price
• Have a tight budget once fuel comes into play

If you’re the type who loves flexibility and doesn’t mind making your own route, this is one of the better ways to see Santorini without feeling trapped by a bus schedule.

FAQ

How many people can this Saxdor boat rental accommodate?

It’s priced per group for up to 5 people.

How long is the boat rental in Santorini?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need a license to rent and drive the boat?

Yes. A license is required.

Is a skipper included with the rental?

No. A skipper is not included.

What does the price include, besides the boat?

Included items are snacks, bottled water, an ice box with ice cubes, and the use of snorkeling equipment.

What costs are not included?

Fuel is not included, and transportation is not included.

Where do we meet, and where does the rental end?

You meet at Boat Rental in Santorini – Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport, Vlichada 847 03, Greece, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon time slot?

Yes. There are options for morning or afternoon slots.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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