Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options worth booking?
Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options is a 8-hour experience in Santorini, Greece, from $458 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $458 per person
A fully private Santorini shore excursion combining a full-day private island tour with an optional one-way or round-trip private water taxi service between Fira Old Port, Santorini’s cruise tender port, and Athinios Port. Choose the private tour only and reach your guide independently by public cable car, or select a private water taxi to bypass the Santorini cable car route on arrival or in both directions. Unlike fixed group skip-the-line tours, this experience is reserved exclusively for your party. Your boat arrangement, private vehicle, local guide, sightseeing route and pace are planned around your group, tender arrival and ship schedule. The one-way water taxi is best suited to ships with late-evening departures, while the round-trip option is recommended for afternoon departures, when return timing is tighter.
What you get
About this experience
A fully private Santorini shore excursion combining a full-day private island tour with an optional one-way or round-trip private water taxi service between Fira Old Port, Santorini’s cruise tender port, and Athinios Port. Choose the private tour only and reach your guide independently by public cable car, or select a private water taxi to bypass the Santorini cable car route on arrival or in both directions. Unlike fixed group skip-the-line tours, this experience is reserved exclusively for your party. Your boat arrangement, private vehicle, local guide, sightseeing route and pace are planned around your group, tender arrival and ship schedule. The one-way water taxi is best suited to ships with late-evening departures, while the round-trip option is recommended for afternoon departures, when return timing is tighter.
What's included
Included
- Insta-worthy tour guarantees stunning photo opportunities at multiple stops away from crowds
- Fully private Santorini shore excursion reserved only for your party
- Flexible route shaped around cruise traffic, interests and pace. Return-to-ship timing plan
- Comfortable private vehicle and knowledgeable local guide
- Optional one-way or round-trip water taxi service option to bypass the public cable car route
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and additional drinks
- Cable car tickets for cruise ship travelers (10€ pp)
- Entrance fees at optional visits (Wineries & Museums)
- Services not specifically included in the selected booking option
What you'll see and do
Your cruise line tender brings you independently from the ship to Fira Old Port. Guests who select a private water taxi meet our team directly at the Old Port. Tour-only guests take the public cable car independently and meet their local guide outside the upper cable car station in Fira.
Pass by without stopping
Athinios Port Santorini
Board a private water taxi reserved exclusively for your party and travel across the caldera from Fira Old Port to Athinios Port. This route bypasses the public Santorini cable car if option is selected. Round-trip water taxi guests return to Athinios Port and board their private boat back to Fira Old Port, bypassing the public cable car route in both directions.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Three Bells of Fira
Begin your private Santorini tour at one of the island’s most recognisable caldera viewpoints. Photograph the blue-domed Three Bells of Fira with the volcano, caldera and Aegean Sea behind it while your local guide introduces Santorini’s landscape and history.
15 minutes here
Imerovigli
Drive through Imerovigli, Santorini’s highest caldera village, known for its cliffside homes, volcanic views and position above Skaros Rock.
Pass by without stopping
Oia
Explore Oia at your own pace, with time for its marble lanes, whitewashed cave houses, blue-domed churches and famous caldera viewpoints. Your local guide helps you find the best access and photo locations away from crowds
90 minutes here
Pyrgos Kallistis
Drive through Pyrgos, Santorini’s former capital and one of the island’s highest traditional villages. See its hillside houses, winding lanes and panoramic position as you continue through the island’s wine-growing countryside. Depending on your interests and cruise-day timing add a visit to a nearby Santorini winery. Wine tasting is not included in the tour price.
Pass by without stopping
Megalochori - Traditional Village
Explore Megalochori, one of Santorini’s best-preserved traditional villages. Walk through its narrow pathways, see historic cave houses and bell towers, and enjoy the peaceful village square away from the island’s busiest areas.
45 minutes here
Perissa Black Sand Beach
Continue to Santorini’s black-sand coastline for a relaxed seaside stop. Walk or swim the Aegean, enjoy the volcanic landscape or choose an optional lunch at a beachside restaurant. Lunch, drinks and refreshments are not included.
60 minutes here
Fira
Tour-only and one-way water taxi guests are dropped near the upper cable car station in Fira for their independent return to Fira Old Port. Cable car tickets are not included.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santorini
Please note that cruise ships do not dock in Santorini Port, they use tender boats for disembarkation at the Old Port of Fira. Guests booking the private tour only take the public cable car and meet their guide outside the upper cable car station in Fira. Cable car tickets are not included.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Please note that cruise ships do not dock in Santorini Port, they use tender boats for disembarkation at the Old Port of Fira. Guests booking the private tour only take the public cable car and meet their guide outside the upper cable car station in Fira. Cable car tickets are not included.
Ends at
The round-trip water taxi option finishes at Fira Old Port.
Ends at
The one-way water taxi and tour-only options finish near the upper cable car station in Fira.
Options you can book
Round-Trip Water Taxi + Tour
Fully Private Package: Including round-trip water taxis from Santorini cruise port, private vehicle and local guide for your party. Duration: 8 hours: Recommended for afternoon or early-evening sailings, usually before 7 PM, when return timing is tighter. Old Port Round Trip: Meet at Santorini cruise port, ferry to Athinios, tour Santorini and return by private boat to the Old Port. Private Vehicle: Private car (1-3), minivan (4-7) or Sprinter-style vehicle (8+) selected according to your group size. Cable Car Alternative: Bypass the public cable car route in both directions with private water taxi service from cruise port. Pickup included
One-Way Water Taxi + Tour
Private Water Taxi: Private experience with a one-way water taxi, private vehicle and local guide exclusively for your party. Duration: 8 hours: Recommended for late-evening sailings, usually after 9 PM: private water taxi on arrival and independent return via Fira. Old Port to Fira: Meet at Fira Old Port, boat to Athinios, tour Santorini and finish near the Fira cable car. Private Vehicle: Private car, minivan or Sprinter-style vehicle selected according to your group size. One-Way Boat Service: Includes Old Port-to-Athinios water taxi. Return to the Old Port and cable car tickets are excluded. Pickup included
Private Santorini Island Tour
Fully Private Tour: Private Santorini tour exclusively for your party, with a private vehicle and local guide. Duration: 8 hours: Best for guests on a quiet cruise day to enjoy the public cable car ride and a full 8-hour private island tour. Private Vehicle: Private car, minivan or Sprinter-style vehicle selected according to your group size. Fira Meeting Point: Meet outside Fira’s upper cable car station. Cable car tickets and queue time are not included. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Santoriginal Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Fully private experience: Only your party participates, with no waiting for other tour guests.
- Cruise ships do not dock at Santorini’s Old Port. Your ship will arrange its own tender service to bring passengers ashore. Your meeting point is reached only after you have boarded your ship’s tender and arrived at the Old Port.
- Your cruise ship’s tender between the ship and Fira Old Port is operated by the cruise line and is not included in this experience.
- If your tender is delayed, the private water taxi can normally wait 30–45 minutes, subject to port and safe operating conditions.
- Cable car delays: Your guide waits complimentary if tendering or cable car queues delay your arrival. Please remain in contact with our team through WhatsApp.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect Santorini Day
Our group of 11 was in Santorini for the day with only had 7 hours to explore and booking a tour with Santorigianls was the best decision. Kostas was an amazing guide - friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the island. He made sure we saw all the major highlights without feeling rushed. What really stood out was how well he knew exactly where to go and when. He got us to all the must-see spots and experiences everyone comes to Santorini for, yet somehow it always felt like we had the place to ourselves. We never felt rushed, and the entire day felt effortless. He shared great insights about the island and gave us excellent local recommendations that made our experience even better. Thanks to his expertise, we experienced far more than we could have on our own. This was easily one of the best days of our trip, and everyone in our group loved it. I highly recommend this tour, especially for those wjth limited time on the island.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your thoughtful 5✨ review and for sharing so many lovely details from your Santorini Private Shore Tour. We’re thrilled Kostas helped your group of 11 enjoy the island’s highlights without feeling rushed. For cruise guests with limited time, knowing where to go and when to go makes all the difference, and we’re so happy your day felt effortless. Wishing you the best in all your future endeavors and travels! 💙 — The Santoriginal Tours Team
via Tripadvisor
Perfect day in Santorini
Babis gave us the perfect day in Santorini. His passion for the island really showed and we got to learn so much as well as see beautiful things. The restaurant probably took us two was outstanding. I would recommend this tour and Babis to anyone.
via Tripadvisor
Santorini Tour
Our guide, Babis is very nice, knowledgeable and welcoming. Best guide/driver ever. 100% satisfy with the service and the tour. He makes the bad situation (weather was hot and a bit humid) into a fun and informative tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your glowing 5✨ review! We're thrilled to hear that Babis made your tour enjoyable despite the weather. His dedication to providing a memorable experience truly shines. Sending our best wishes your way!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour of Santorini
Konstantinos provided an excellent tour of Santorini hitting the high points and sharing lots of history and humor. We saw the beautiful town of Santorini, black beach and he took us to a beautiful winery where we enjoyed some delicious wine and made wonderful memories. I highly recommend this trip with Constantino’s
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic 5 ✨ review! We're really happy to hear that Konstantinos made your Santorini experience unforgettable with his blend of history, humor, and beautiful locales. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable adventures!
via Tripadvisor
The Best of Santorini 🇬🇷👍🏼❤️
Thomas is the best guide ever! He catered to all of our needs and helped us to explore Santorini’s highlights as a group. Very happy about the entire experience highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Your brilliant 5✨ review is proof of our team's hard work and careful attention. They've catered to your needs with precision and focus, thereby meeting your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back and aim to go beyond your expectations once again.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $458 to $1,285
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Santoriginal Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Santoriginal Tours runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santorini.
How much does Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options cost?
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Prices start at $458 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santorini usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santorini is not rushed.
Is Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santorini, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santorini can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santorini and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santorini within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santorini?
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On Outty we rank every Santorini experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half Day Premium Catamaran Cruise in Santorini including Oia, Private Santorini Tailor Made - Choice of the Guest!, Private Tailor-Made Santorini Land Tour with a Local Driver. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santorini?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options?
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Included: Insta-worthy tour guarantees stunning photo opportunities at multiple stops away from crow; Fully private Santorini shore excursion reserved only for your party; Flexible route shaped around cruise traffic, interests and pace. Return-to-ship timing pla; Comfortable private vehicle and knowledgeable local guide; and Optional one-way or round-trip water taxi service option to bypass the public cable car ro. Not included: Lunch, snacks and additional drinks; Cable car tickets for cruise ship travelers (10€ pp); Entrance fees at optional visits (Wineries & Museums); and Services not specifically included in the selected booking option. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Santorini.
What languages is Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Santorini. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Santorini Private Shore Excursion with Water Taxi Options?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Round-Trip Water Taxi + Tour, One-Way Water Taxi + Tour, Private Santorini Island Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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