Santorini: Traditional Fishing Trip and Fresh Fish Lunch

Imagine setting sail on a classic wooden boat, fishing alongside local Greek fishermen, and then sitting down to enjoy a freshly caught seafood feast. That’s what this Santorini fishing experience promises. It’s not your typical boat tour—this one offers a genuine look into the island’s maritime traditions, combined with scenic views and delicious food.

What really makes this trip stand out is the opportunity to participate in traditional fishing techniques alongside the crew, who are both knowledgeable and friendly. Plus, with the boat anchored near iconic beaches like Red, White, or Black Beach, you get a different perspective on Santorini’s coastline—one that land-based views can’t match.

One potential consideration is the group size—this experience is limited to just 8 participants, which is great for intimacy but might feel crowded if you’re used to private tours. It’s also a 4-hour trip, so it’s a good choice for a morning or early afternoon activity, but not a full-day adventure.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers, food lovers, and those eager to experience local life firsthand. If you’re after a mix of culture, scenic beauty, and culinary delight, this trip checks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn traditional Greek fishing techniques with local fishermen.
• Scenic Views: See Santorini’s southern coastline from a unique vantage point.
• Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy a fresh fish meal prepared from your catch, with drinks and snacks included.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.
• Comfortable Boat: Spacious vessel with a cabin, kitchen, toilets, and beds.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into This Santorini Fishing Adventure

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Setting Sail

The experience begins with hotel pickup by a luxury minivan, making it easy to start your day without navigating busy ports yourself. Depending on your location, pickup might be up to an hour before the trip departs, which is worth planning for. The ride to the harbor is smooth, and you’ll quickly find yourself onboard a large, stable wooden boat designed specifically for fishing trips. The boat is equipped with a cabin, five beds, a small kitchen, and toilet—offering comfort after the hustle of land-based travel.

The Crew and Guides: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Captain Anthi, along with crew members like Vaggelis and Saïd, are praised repeatedly for their friendly attitude and extensive knowledge. Many reviews highlight their willingness to teach, entertain, and ensure everyone is involved—whether that’s helping unload nets or learning different fishing methods. One reviewer even noted that on semi-private tours, children over 10 are shown how to bait hooks, making it an engaging activity for the whole family.

The Fishing Itself: Techniques and Marine Life

Once out on the water, the crew demonstrate traditional fishing techniques. Participants get a chance to help or simply watch in awe as nets are set and retrieved. The catch typically includes medium-sized rock fish and breams, with the possibility of larger fish like barracuda occasionally making an appearance. Several reviews mention the entertaining and educational nature of the fishing, with guides explaining the fish types, local fishing history, and safety tips.

You’ll be provided with fishing gear—rods, hooks, lures, and bait—along with a demonstration on how to use them. Many guests appreciated the hands-on involvement, especially kids and novices. One guest shared that their son caught his first fish on this trip, which made the experience all the more memorable.

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Snorkeling and Swimming: A Chance to Cool Off

Along With fishing, the boat anchors near the most beautiful beaches—Red, White, or Black Beach—giving everyone the chance to swim and snorkel. The included snorkeling masks and towels encourage a quick dip into the clear waters, adding a refreshing break to the activity.

The Highlight: Fresh Fish Lunch

The culinary highlight of the tour is the fresh fish lunch prepared directly from what was caught that morning. The crew serve local drinks alongside the meal, which often includes shrimp, squid, and side dishes. Several reviewers rave about how delicious and plentiful the meal is, with some saying it exceeded their expectations. Many mentions of the “authentic” nature of the food and the attention to detail—like the fish being cooked immediately on board—show how much care goes into this part of the experience.

Scenic Sailing: Views from the Water

After lunch, the boat sails back along the southern coast of Santorini, revealing views that you won’t see from land. Travelers love the stunning photo opportunities of the coastline, with its rugged cliffs and colorful beaches. It’s a relaxing way to end the trip, soaking in the scenery and reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration and Booking

The tour lasts around 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. Check availability for different starting times, as the trip is flexible. It’s advisable to reserve in advance—especially during peak season—since the small group size creates a more intimate atmosphere, but also limits spots.

What to Bring

• Passport or ID: Necessary for identification.
• Comfortable shoes: Suitable for walking and some fishing.
• Sunglasses and hat: Essential for sun protection.
• Change of clothes: In case you get wet or want to change after snorkeling.
• Swimsuit and sunscreen: For swimming and sun protection.

What’s Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Fresh fish lunch
• Snacks, drinks, and beverages
• Fishing gear and snorkeling masks
• Towels
• First aid equipment

Important Considerations

• The boat has a cabin and toilet, but it’s advisable to wear shoes suitable for a fishing trip.
• The experience is not suitable for children under 9, due to safety and activity nature.
• Drones and pets are not allowed onboard.
• If you have dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or kids’ meals, it’s best to notify the operator at least one day in advance.

The Cost: Is It Good Value?

At $164 per person, this tour offers a significant value for the experience. It combines cultural authenticity, scenic beauty, and culinary delight—all with a small group for more personalized attention. Many guests felt they received more than they paid for, especially considering the expert guides, fresh meals, and opportunity to learn traditional fishing.

What Past Guests Say

Reviews consistently praise the friendly guides—notably Captain Nikos, Vaggelis, Saïd, and Larry. Many highlight the knowledgeable, approachable nature of the crew, who made the experience both fun and educational.

Guests also love the scenery and the fresh seafood, with descriptions of delicious fish caught that day and eaten immediately. The snorkeling and swimming? Frequently described as incredible, with many mentioning the beautiful beaches near the anchor points.

Some reviews mention catching only a few fish, but everyone agrees that the overall experience—learning, enjoying the scenery, and eating fresh fish—more than makes up for it. Several mention how authentic and personal the trip feels, especially with the small group setting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip appeals most to adventurous travelers eager to try local fishing techniques and enjoy scenic sailing. It’s ideal for families with children over 9, couples wanting a relaxed yet engaging activity, and anyone who appreciates authentic food and cultural experiences. If you’re after a luxury cruise or a private charter, this isn’t the right fit, but for those craving a hands-on, local experience, it’s a gem.

It’s also perfect for foodies who want to see how fresh seafood is caught and prepared right on the boat. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it very convenient for travelers staying throughout Santorini.

How long is the trip? The tour lasts approximately 4 hours—a perfect half-day activity that fits well into most itineraries.

Can kids join this tour? Children over 9 years old are welcome. Younger kids might find the activity less suitable, especially if they’re not comfortable on boats or with fishing.

What should I bring? Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and a light jacket for sea breezes.

What fish will I catch? The typical catch includes medium-sized rock fish and breams, with occasional larger fish like barracuda.

Is the fish lunch included? Yes, a fresh, cooked-onboard fish lunch is part of the tour, along with drinks and snacks.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians? You can request vegetarian meals or kids’ meals at least a day in advance, ensuring dietary needs are met.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini traditional fishing trip offers a genuine, engaging way to connect with the island’s maritime roots. From learning traditional fishing techniques to snorkeling in clear waters and tucking into freshly caught fish, it’s an activity that combines adventure, culture, and food in a compact 4-hour package.

The small group size and friendly guides create an intimate environment, perfect for making new friends and sharing stories. The scenic sailing along Santorini’s southern coast adds a memorable backdrop to the day, with views that are simply inaccessible from land.

For travelers seeking a hands-on, authentic experience that’s both fun and educational, this tour delivers. Whether you’re a seafood lover, an adventure seeker, or just curious about local Greek fishing traditions, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Santorini itinerary.

In summary, if you’re after a unique, cultural activity that offers stunning scenery, fresh food, and expert guidance, this tour is a top choice. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy a relaxed pace, small group intimacy, and learning something new — all while having fun in the sun.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby