Santorini for Cruise Ships: Avoid Cable Car Lines and Crowds!
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Designed for cruise passengers, this tour lets you explore Santorini without wasting time in long lines. Instead of waiting in the heat for the cable car, step onto our boat from your cruise ship’s tender and enjoy a scenic ride across the Aegean Sea with stunning views of the Caldera. Upon arrival, an air-conditioned bus will take you on a journey across the island.
Your first stop is Finikia, where you can admire the blue-domed church and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Next, visit Oia, Santorini’s most famous village, known for its whitewashed houses, boutique shops, and breathtaking caldera views.
You’ll also visit Perivolos Black Beach, where you can relax by the water or enjoy a drink on the beach. At the end of your tour, skip the cable car lines once again as our boat takes you back to your cruise ship’s tender for a smooth and stress-free return.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour start time will be adjusted to your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting and accommodate possible disembarkation delays. You’ll receive the final meeting time in the Meeting Instructions about one week before the tour.
In the event of exceptionally rough sea conditions preventing boat transfers, we reserve the right to operate the regular tour route instead. In such cases, a refund of €10 per person will be provided for each cable car ride required in place of the boat transfer.
Please note that wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, electric scooters, and other mobility devices cannot be accommodated on shared tours. Tours on Santorini involve uneven surfaces, cobblestone pathways, and some sections with stairs. We kindly request that all participants carefully assess their physical ability to complete the tour prior to making a reservation. Refunds cannot be issued to guests who are unable to complete the tour due to accessibility limitations.
What To Expect
Athinios Port Santorini
Skip the long cable car lines and make the most of your time in Santorini with our hassle-free tour, designed specifically for cruise passengers. Instead of waiting in the heat, step off your ship’s tender and onto our private boat for a direct transfer. Take in stunning views of the Aegean Sea and Santorini’s famous Caldera along the way. This efficient and scenic route allows you to start exploring the island immediately, saving you time and helping you avoid the crowds.
Finikia
Upon arrival at our designated pick-up spot, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Your first stop is Finikia, a serene neighborhood known for its iconic blue dome. This is your chance to take in Santorini’s beauty away from the crowds at the port.
Options
Ticket for Shared Tour
Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a tour shared with other passengers. Boat Transfers: This tour uses boat transfers to and from Athinios Port, after you disembark from your ship's tender. Duration: 4 hours Max : 15 People per Group
Shared ShorEx
Meeting Point for Tour: Upon debarking from the tender, please remain in the Old Port at the exact spot where your ship’s tender drops you off.
2027: Ticket for Shared Tour
Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a tour shared with other passengers. Boat Transfers: This tour uses boat transfers to and from Athinios Port, after you disembark from your ship's tender. Duration: 4 hours Max : 15 People per Group
Private Tour/Shared Boat Rides
Skip the cable car: Private guided tour and shared boat transfers from the Old Port to the Athinios Port and back - bypass the cable car. Private tour&shared boat rides: The boat transfers are shared with other guests. The private tour starts at Athinios Port where you meet your guide & driver. Duration: 4 hours
What‘s Included
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Free time for fast meal & souvenir shopping (duration is subject to traffic and ship docking times)
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
Port pickup and dropoff
One complimentary bottle of water per person
Gratuities are welcome if you enjoy your tour. We recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers
Food and drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
102 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Experience of Santorini!!
Jill B,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a group tour for cruise travelers but it never felt crowded!! We had a wonderful time on the fancy shuttle bus, with some time to shop & dine in Santorini. Our guide & driver were very knowledgeable & gave us great insights! A HUGE plus to avoid the cable cars -- it is worth every penny!
We were able to enjoy all...
Kevin L,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were able to enjoy all of Santorini and the amazing sites. Yianni was an awesome and super knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend for those on cruise.
Gina( guide) and Yanni (...
Deirdre R,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gina( guide) and Yanni ( driver) were excellent. Just the right amount of stops and got a real feel for the island.
Great experience
Vicki C,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful scenery, first rate tour guide and a chance to have lunch at a beachside Cafe. Tour includes a great variety and far exceeds cruise excursion experiences. Not having to wait in the hour long line for the cable car makes the entire investment more than worth the money!
Our guide was very...
Stephanie L,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide was very friendly & funny. I truly enjoyed him. It took a bit to get going but I think that’s to be expected. I greatly appreciated all of the communication.
Very organised and interesting tour to see highlights of beautiful Santorini
Mandy L,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience with guide Victor and driver Odi. Really enjoyed seeing the highlights of beautiful Santorini including a walk through a lovely local village. Had an hour to spend in both Oia and black beach. Highly recommend and great to avoid the cable car.
Very detailed and thorough tour of the island
Paul R,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour filled with beautiful sites, historical and cultural insights in a fun and relaxed day. Victor was the prefect host and Odi a great driver. They made the day truly enjoyable and managed every detail with warmth and ease. Great way to see the island in a day.
Great tour!
Jennifer S,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Victor was great. City was beautiful and we are so glad to have seen the whole island. Will definitely recommend!
Our guide made a busy Island seem intimate and personal! Beautiful day!
Josh O,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very clean Transport and professional semi Private tour! We thoroughly enjoyed the day, learned a lot about the island, but more importantly loved being guided around by a local who seem to know everyone we saw. I grew up on a small island off the coast of North Carolina and it totally gave me the same vibes, even though it was a very busy day in Santorini, we were able to find pockets of peace and incredible pictures! Highly recommend this tour!
Very organized and great...
Amber B,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very organized and great way to see the city. The bus was very clean and the tour guide was very knowledgeable.
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