Santorini Shore Excursion: Skip Cable Car & Port Pickup
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Skip the long lines and crowded cable car with the only original small-group Santorini tour built exclusively for cruise passengers. Your expert local guide will meet you for a direct boat transfer, whisking you away in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to explore the island's most iconic highlights. From the charm of Oia and Fira to the unique Black Beach, this tour is timed precisely to your ship's schedule, giving you more time to explore and less time waiting.
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 coordinated with your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting and accommodate any possible disembarkation delays. You will receive the final meeting time in your Meeting Instructions email approximately one week before your 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
Professional local English-speaking tour guide (if option selected)
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Port pick-up and drop off
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
One complimentary bottle of water per person
Food and Beverages
Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Athinios Port Santorini
The ONLY Original Skip Cable Car: Small-Group Santorini Tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers like you. This top-rated, time-saving tour lets you skip the long, hot wait for the cable car and dive straight into exploring Santorini. As soon as you step off your cruise ship’s tender, a boat picks you up and takes you directly ashore—bypassing the crowds completely. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Caldera during your transfer, making even the journey part of the experience.
Finikia
After the boat reaches your designated pick-up spot, an air-conditioned bus takes over. Your first destination is the serene neighborhood of Finikia, home to the famous blue dome. Here, you begin immersing yourself in the island's beauty, far from the crowded 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.
Ticket for Shared Tour
Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour.
Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor, we will pick you up by our boat, skipping the cable car.
Return by Boat: At the end of the tour, we will return you to your tender pick-up point by boat, once again avoiding cable car lines.
Included in tour price: This option already includes the private boat transfer in the price. There are no additional costs with this option.
Book an early tender!: Please book an early tender directly with your cruise ship's staff to ensure timely arrival.
Private with 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.
Ticket for Group Tour
Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a shared tour.
Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor, we will pick you up by our boat, skipping the cable car.
Return by Boat: At the end of the tour, we will return you to your tender pick-up point by boat, once again avoiding cable car lines.
Included in tour price: This option already includes the private boat transfer in the price. There are no additional costs with this option.
Book an early tender!: Please book an early tender directly with your cruise ship's staff to ensure timely arrival.
Check starting time!: Final time will be emailed a few days before your tour. You can also contact us anytime for starting time confirmation.
Shared Tour Ticket
Shared Tour: This is a ticket for a tour shared with other passengers.
Pick-up by Boat: Upon arrival by your ship’s tender to the Santorini harbor, we will pick you up by our boat, skipping the cable car.
Return by Boat: At the end of the tour, we will return you to your tender pick-up point by boat, once again avoiding cable car lines.
Included in tour price: This option already includes the private boat transfer in the price. There are no additional costs with this option.
Book an early tender!: Please book an early tender directly with your cruise ship's staff to ensure timely arrival.
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour and guide
MICHAEL B,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this tour and being picked up at the port as opposed to having to wait in line for the cable car was an added bonus. Our guide Anna was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and did a great job of keeping us organized and on schedule. I wouldn't want to try finding the places she showed us on my own. I would recommend this tour.
I had a truly wonderful...
Jean N,
Aug 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00I had a truly wonderful experience on this Santorini tour. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with great courtesy and professionalism. The tour felt private and unique thanks to the small group size — I was traveling with a friend and there were only 13 of us, but our guide Alex always made it feel like he was personally looking after us. Alex was absolutely exceptional — knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. He shared the history of each site, as well as the story of Santorini, in such a clear and easy-to-understand way. He was always kind and considerate, making sure we enjoyed every moment. We visited iconic spots in Santorini and even discovered hidden places we didn’t know about. Everything was well organized and perfectly on time. It was six spectacular hours exploring Santorini, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Excellent tour
Rory P,
Aug 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00A very well organised tour in comfortable mini buses. Communication prior to the tour was excellent. John our tour guide was very accommodating and helpful
They were very good about...
Robert T,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00They were very good about switching days,as the cruise ship changed days due to weather. Had a little problem hooking up at port.Tour guide Gina was very nice and informative. Would recommend this tour!
Amazing Tour!
brooke c,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour was incredible! Anna and Angelo are the perfect pair to tour around. Missing the cable car, but seeing all of the main sites made out Santorini visit perfect! We loved it all! Never felt rushed and great communication!!
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