SKIP CABLE CAR® The Original Santorini Tour for Cruise Passengers
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Avoid long lines, donkeys, and the cable car chaos. Start your Santorini day with a boat transfer from your cruise port — no waiting, no stairs — and enjoy a seamless small-group tour to iconic spots like Oia, the black sand beach, and the village of Megalochori. This tour is built for cruise passengers, with on-time return guaranteed and space to breathe — even during peak season.
Travel in comfort by air-conditioned minibus with a top-rated local guide who brings Santorini’s history and beauty to life. You’ll stop in postcard-worthy villages, taste local flavors if you wish, and take in panoramic views without rushing. The route is crafted specifically around cruise schedules — with enough free time to enjoy each stop and a smooth return to port by boat. This is the smarter, safer way to experience Santorini in just one day — no lines, no chaos, no stress.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Port pick-up and drop off
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Small group limited to 18 participants
Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
1 complimentary bottle of water per person
Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
Food and Beverages
What To Expect
Athinios Port Santorini
Our Skip Cable Car 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. Start your sightseeing at Santorini’s famous blue dome in the peaceful Finikia area. This spot is ideal for iconic photographs without the Oia crowds, offering a relaxed first impression of the island’s unique Cycladic architecture.
Options
Shared Tour Ticket
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.
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.
Shared Tour
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
259 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A good way to see as much as possible while on a cruise
BArry s,
Oct 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a very good way to see Santorini and you DO NOT want to take the cable car I am sure it’s a lovely experience but the line is something to behold (and you need to behold it 2x). This is a small group. Our guide was exceptional and very interactive with the group. You have time to take the pictures you want and see all the things you have seen pictures of that made you want to come Pro tip. Bring a protein bar Your opportunity to have lunch is at the very end of the tour Beyond that this was the way to go Much less expensive than the ship excursion and we were at all the same places
Great tour!
Nancy B,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was fantastic to get off from the cruise ship tender and simply hop on the tour boat, totally skipping the funicular line!
The small buses that they...
Theodore V,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
3.00The small buses that they pick you up in are 18 people, but the seats are very small and uncomfortable. Overall, there’s not that much to see in Santorini. They did not take us to the town where the Cable car let you off. I think people would have left The tour.
Good service. We were met...
Janet O,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Good service. We were met at the harbour side. Our guide George was friendly and informative. Luxury small coach trip. Plenty of time to enjoy our stops
Beautiful Santorini
JANE M,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour was wonderful! It allowed us to see everything we wanted to see in Santorini! Our tour guide, George, was wonderful! He was knowledgeable and very present throughout the tour. Additionally, he made certain that everyone’s questions were answered and that we had ample time at each site to explore and learn!
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