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.
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.
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.
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour in Santorini
Brigette W,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00I had an excellent tour in Santorini with driver Christos and tour guide George. They were so friendly and patient with our group. They made us feel like VIPS! I learned so much about the island and we were taken to such great places in Santorini. I want to return and hopefully can rebook with this group! They were awesome!! Highly recommend.
Santorini half day tour
Douglas B,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience , our tour guide Zeus was well informed about the history of Santorini and made the experience rewarding . . The bus driver Ulysses was amazing navigating the narrow roads.
Santorini
Nakia T,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Zeus (tour guide) Ulysseus (driver) provided a very safe and informative trip. It was easy to get to the port from the cruise ship using the Tinder boats. Zeus was very entertaining, I would do it all over again if I could. Well done guys! The pictures alone is not enough. This place is a definitely must see.
Best option tour of the island and saved time lining the cable car.
Cheryl L,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wonderful guide and tour of the island. Caught the sunset on Oia village jd time to eat and shop. I’d recommend this tour and slipped the long lines of the cable car. Head some people lined up waiting two hours to get in the cable car. We got on a small boat to our tour bus and missed all the lines.
Excellent day trip.
Linda V,
Oct 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Tour was very organized. Zeus did a fantastic job showing us the site's of Santorini. He was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to answer questions. The time on the beach was really appreciated.
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