Where to Go Ashore: 6 Private Shore Excursions in Santorini

1.Santorini 8-Hour Private Tour with Hotel & Cruise Port Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $392Our pick

Spend 6 to 8 hours touring Santorini in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Visit Oia, Firostefani, Prophet Elias, Perissa, Red Beach, the lighthouse, and Fira, with four wine tastings at Estate Argyros. Hotel and airport pickup are included, while cruise passengers meet near the cable car.

“We had 12 travelers & they were able to accommodate our group in a very nice van. They were also able to shift to an alternative port pick up at the last minute when there was a power outage at the main port with the funicular. Our guide was able to show us the whole island, avoid the crowds & do a wine tasting all in 6 hrs. Fabulous day! Definitely recommend doing a private tour with them on Santorini. Very worth the price! Slight hiccup at the end of the day with a super long line for the funicular due to the earlier power outage & 5 cruise ships…”

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2.Private Luxury Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Port Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $1,025

Spend about five hours on a private luxury catamaran with pickup from accessible Santorini hotels, villas, the airport, or the cruise port. Swim at Red Beach and Palea Kameni’s warm springs, then enjoy grilled chicken, Greek salad, spreads, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Captain Isidoro and crew members such as Corina and Pablo have earned warm praise for their care and hospitality.

“Amazing experience, this was probably our favorite part of our visit to Santorini. The boat was nice and new, the crew was attentive and super friendly. Highly recommend this, glad we spent the extra money for the private tour.”

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3.Private Shore Excursion: Best of Santorini Customized Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 4 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $199

See Santorini with a private English-speaking driver and guide, choosing from Oia, the blue-domed churches, volcanic beaches, Akrotiri, hill villages, and wineries. Guides such as Theodore and Michael have tailored short cruise visits, helped with family photos, and timed drop-off at the cable car. Expect 4 to 8 hours, with entry fees and wine tastings extra.

“We had a great time touring through Santorini on a private tour with Theo, an informative guide, and a clean car. We were able to customize our tour to view whatever we wanted, but we trusted Theo to take us to places we needed to see. From secret picture locations to back alley streets, Theo knew the entire Island. Strongly recommend Kallisti Tours.”

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4.Skip Gondola Private Tour : Cruise Port pick up included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $199

Spend 6 to 7 hours touring Santorini with a private driver-guide, visiting Oia, the Three Bells of Fira, Pyrgos, Prophet Elias, the Heart of Santorini, and Perivolos Beach. Guides such as Nikos, Katerina, Vasilis, Tony, and Paulina tailor the pace to your group. Cruise pickup and water taxi options help you avoid long waits.

“Absolutely Amazing Experience – Worth Every Penny! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had the BEST day in Santorini thanks to VIP Santorini Transfers and Tours and our incredible guide, Vasilis! 🙌 From the moment we were picked up, everything was smooth, professional, and perfectly timed—no waiting in long cable car lines or crowded shuttles. The fact that this was a private 6-hour shore excursion meant we could fully customize our itinerary, and Vasilis was more than happy to help us make the most of it! He took us to all the must-see spots—from the stunning views in Oia, to the black sand beach, to the breathtaking cliffside villages. Along the way, he shared…”

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5.5-Hour Private Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 5 hours

Spend five private hours touring Santorini by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan with an English-speaking local guide. Visit Oia, Pyrgos or Megalochori, volcanic beaches, the caldera, and Prophet Elias monastery. Add wine tasting or lunch if time allows, and shape the route around your interests.

“Our guide who called herself Mary was knowledgeable and interesting.”

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6.Private Shore Excursion: Best of Santorini Customized Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 4 - 6 hours · from $194Best value

Build your Santorini day around the places you care about, from Oia and Akrotiri to black beaches and a winery. Your English-speaking private driver-guide handles the roads and timing in an air-conditioned vehicle. Guides including Theodore, Theo, Michalis, and Marcos have led relaxed, family-friendly tours with photo stops and local insight.

“Theodore was awesome. He took us around the entire island of Santorini. Took us to the best spot for photos and gave us the history. I highly recommend this tour.”

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