Santorini for Cruise Ships: Avoid Cable Car Lines and Crowds!
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
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. Then, if time permits, head to Prophet Ilias, the highest point on the island.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Transfers by our Private Boat to bypass the Cable Car
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
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
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
Shared boat transfer only
No guided tour included: This option does not include a tour or a guide, only boat transfers.
Only transfer to Athinios Port: Please note this option does not include a guided tour and only a shared transfer from the Old to the Athinios Port by boat.
Drop off location: Please note your drop-off location is at the Athinios port where you will need to take a taxi to transfer to Fira Town.
Shared Tour Ticket
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.
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
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.
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Loving Santorini
Karen D,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was amazing. The views were spectacular! Our tour guide Yiannis was wonderful. It was very busy with too many tourists. There was 3 different cruise ships.
Great way to spend a day in Santorini!
Kathleen E,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great way to spend your day in Santorini, especially if coming off a cruise ship. They coordinate with your arrival and departure schedule. Great communication so easy to find in the busy port area. Tour is great and you are in a small van so its very comfortable. Our guide Gina and driver Dmitri were awesome!
Santorini Adventure
Connie S,
Sep 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00We saw a lot of beautiful sites, and our guide was so delightful and fun! It was a great adventure!!!
We loved the tour but had...
susana c,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00We loved the tour but had a hard time finding the meeting place in Santorini . Tasos was an amazing tour guide and made the entire experience unforgettable
Great Tour!
Gwendolyn M,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Although we went from one tender from the ship to another tender to get to the bushes, it is still better than the long wait to get on the cable cars or the donkeys! It was particularly busy on the day of our trip but the team made a quick pivot to get us directly to the ship when the tour was over. George was a great guide and photographer. Nick was a great driver. It was a great experience and I would definitely return to Santorini.
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