From Rethymno: Full-Day Trip to Santorini by Boat

Full-Day Trip to Santorini by Boat from Rethymno: An Honest Review

Taking a day trip from Crete to Santorini is a tempting idea for anyone wanting to see this famous Greek island without the hassle of planning everything independently. This particular tour, operated by Platanos Tours and reviewed by hundreds of travelers, offers a mix of boat travel and land exploration. The entire experience lasts around 13 hours, starting early in the morning and ending with a return to Rethymno in the evening.

What we really love about this trip is how it combines speed and convenience—you get to see Santorini’s iconic sights without spending multiple days there. The highlight for many is the chance to walk through Oia’s picturesque streets, admire the caldera views, and enjoy some free time in Fira. However, travelers should keep in mind that the schedule is tight, and you’ll likely have limited time at each stop, which might not satisfy those looking for a leisurely pace. This trip works best for curious travelers eager to tick off Santorini’s must-see sights quickly but efficiently.

One possible drawback is the long travel time—over five hours on a ferry each way. While the ferry ride on a luxury catamaran offers a scenic, smooth journey, it’s still a significant stretch, especially in the heat or if you’re prone to seasickness. The tour’s focus on efficiency means you’ll spend a lot of time on transportation rather than exploring; still, you get a taste of Santorini’s magic in a single day. This trip is perfect for those with limited time or for travelers who prefer a guided, hassle-free experience.

This tour is ideal for cruise lovers, first-time visitors, or those wanting a snapshot of Santorini’s top sights. If your travel style is all about seeing as much as possible in a short time, and you’re comfortable with a full day of activity, this trip offers good value and memorable views.

Key Points

• Speedy access to Santorini’s highlights without overnight stays
• Guided tours ensure you learn about the island’s landmarks and history
• Comfortable transportation on air-conditioned buses and a luxury catamaran
• Limited free time means some stops are brief, especially Oia and Fira
• Incredible views of the caldera, blue-domed churches, and hillside villages
• Long travel hours on ferries and buses, so be prepared for a full day

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Point and Convenience

The journey begins early from Rethymno, with options for hotel pickup or meeting at designated points. The tour includes hotel pickup in several locations, such as Bali, Panormo, and Scaleta, making it relatively easy to get to the port without extra hassle. If you choose the pickup option, you’ll be driven comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a relief after an early start.

The Ferry Ride: Setting the Tone

The ferry ride on a luxury high-speed catamaran takes approximately 2.75 hours each way. Several reviews mention the ride’s choppiness, with some travelers using motion sickness bags. While the boat is well-equipped with restrooms and snacks for purchase, the actual experience can be a bit bumpy, especially in windy conditions or late in the day when seas tend to roughen.

The advantage of this fast vessel is that it cuts down the travel time significantly, compared to traditional ferries, and offers a more comfortable ride. The scenery during the crossing is breathtaking—think endless blue waters, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or seabirds.

Santorini’s Landmarks: Oia and Fira

Once docked at Athinios Port, you’ll hop onto an air-conditioned bus for a guided tour of the island’s highlights. The first stop is Oia, at the northernmost tip. Here, the views are genuinely stunning—the iconic whitewashed buildings against the volcanic backdrop are every bit as picture-perfect as you’ve seen in photos.

Many reviews praise the guided tour of Oia, which lasts about 30 minutes plus a chance for photos and shopping. However, some mention the limited time—about an hour and twenty minutes—so don’t expect to explore the entire village deeply. Instead, this is your chance to snap pictures of the famous sunset views, browse some local shops, or just soak in the atmosphere.

Next, the group heads to Fira, the island’s lively capital. Here, you get around two hours of free time, allowing you to stroll through the alleys, enjoy a drink with a view of the volcano, or browse shops selling everything from jewelry to souvenirs. Many reviewers comment that Fira offers a more vibrant, bustling vibe compared to the peaceful Oia.

Optional Volcano Boat Tour: A Special Add-On

Depending on availability and your preferences, you might opt for a boat trip to the volcano, which is a highlight for many. This optional activity is often rated as worthwhile, offering a closer look at the volcanic crater and some unique photo opportunities. It’s typically an extra cost—around $20—but many say it adds a memorable dimension to the day.

The Return Journey

After exploring Santorini, you’ll reboard the bus to head back to the port, then embark on the ferry for the return trip, which mirrors the morning crossing. The whole experience wraps up with a bus transfer back to your original pickup points or hotel, depending on your booking.

The Value for Money

At $234 per person, the trip offers solid value, especially considering the included ferry tickets, transportation, and guided tours. The reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides, who share insights in multiple languages—English, German, French, Russian, and Polish—adding to the trip’s appeal.

While the itinerary is packed, many travelers appreciate the well-organized nature of the tour and the chance to see two iconic villages in a single day. Keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so packing snacks or planning to buy in Fira or Oia is advisable.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery as major highlights. One noted guide, “very pleasant and informative,” which enhances the experience. The free time in Fira and Oia is seen as just enough to get a taste of each place, though some felt rushed—particularly in Oia, where only about an hour and twenty minutes was allocated.

A few reviews pointed out logistical issues, like the importance of printing your confirmation email and arriving early at the dock. Seasickness is a concern for some, so bring medication if you’re sensitive. Conversely, many praise the smooth organization and the panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip appeals most to travelers who want a quick, all-inclusive way to see Santorini’s top sights. If you’re eager to tick off Oia’s postcard-perfect scenery, experience Fira’s lively atmosphere, and enjoy the caldera views—all in one day—then this tour fits the bill.

It’s ideal for those who are comfortable with a long travel day and don’t mind the pace. If you’re seeking a relaxing, immersive stay on the island, you might prefer to spend more days exploring independently. But if your schedule is tight and you want to maximize your Greek island experience, this tour provides a good balance of guided insights and free exploration.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or a nearby accessible location in several areas around Rethymno and surrounding towns.

How long are the ferry rides?
The ferry ride on the high-speed catamaran lasts approximately 2.75 hours each way, making it one of the quicker options for crossing from Crete to Santorini.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, some snacks, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses. Note that food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I visit the volcano?
There is an optional boat tour to the volcano, usually around $20 extra. It’s subject to availability and might require an additional booking.

How much free time do I get in Oia and Fira?
You’ll have about 1 hour and 20 minutes in Oia, and roughly 2 hours in Fira, which should be enough for photos, shopping, and a quick coffee or drink.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to the nature of transport and walking involved. The long hours might be tiring for very young children or elderly guests.

What language are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, French, Russian, and Polish. The reviews mention that guides are friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Santorini trip from Rethymno offers a fantastic snapshot of one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. The mix of high-speed ferry travel, guided island tours, and free time in Fira and Oia makes it an efficient way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. While the schedule is tight and travel hours long, the breathtaking views and expertly guided insights make it worthwhile—especially if you’re keen on covering a lot in a single day.

Perfect for travelers who want a convenient, guided experience with plenty of photo opportunities, and who don’t mind a full, energetic day. If you’re after relaxed, in-depth exploration, consider allocating more time on the island itself. But for a quick, memorable taste of Santorini’s charm, this tour hits the mark.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera!