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)
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.
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.
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.
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent way to skip cable car line and see Santorini sites and learn of its history.
Ronald P,
Sep 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00This truly is a great way to skip the cable car line. Our guide Zeuss was very entertaining and knowledgeable. He made sure we could always great a good photo spot and was happy to take our photo. The only negative was that our time at the the beach was limited and we hardly was able to put our feet in the water before we had to leave.
The best group ever.
David B,
Sep 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Terrific tour which skipped the queue at the cable car. The tour guide, Yainni, was excellent. According to him, we were 'the best group ever'. A word of warning, however, Santorini is extremely busy if two or more large cruise ships are visiting together.
Great day out with wonderful view points
chris s,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
4.00Great experience and Janna was very informative and friendly and funny. Our only issue was the mini bus was very cramped inside, but still a very enjoyable trip
Slow start but great turn out
Kathleen Z,
Sep 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Tour guide was knowledgable. Tour started late and seemed disorganized in the beginning. We didn’t get to the last stop as we were behind in time but they tendered us themselves back to our ship in order to save time and paid for everyone to have a drink at the black beach. Our guide offered to take pictures of everyone also at every stop which was nice for large groups.
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.
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