Love Santorini beaches but can’t sit still for more than 10 minutes? You’re not alone. From scuba diving to sea kayaking, we’ve selected the best ways to enjoy sun, sea and sand with a shot of adrenaline and adventure! Get your beach fix and get wet in Santorini without getting bored. Here are the 7 best Santorini water sports activities, as recommended by our guests.
1. Paddle past volcanic rock formations, towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters in a kayak
If the idea of paddling through crystal clear waters along the dramatic Santorini coastline sounds like fun, then check out Serenity Sea Kayak.
After an introduction to the basics of sea kayaking, you’ll glide across the sparkling Aegean waters passing spectacular rock formations and beautiful beaches, stopping for swimming and snorkelling along the way. Highlights include passing the Red and White beaches, paddling past the rugged, volcanic coastline and swimming in pristine clear waters only accessible by sea.
Santorini is begging to be explored by kayak and culturetrip agree, saying ‘it’s the best option for exploring and allows more flexibility than a boat’. For more information check out their website.
2. Embark on a Semi-Private or Private Sailing or Catamaran Cruise – MOST POPULAR
This is one of the most popular things to do in Santorini as it combines some great sightseeing, swimming and a full meal with drinks included. Embark on a journey around the blue waters of the Aegean Sea on this fabulous semi-private or private Santorini sailing cruise or Catamaran Cruise.
Choose either the morning or afternoon departure and sail along the southern coastline of Santorini to the unique Red Beach and White Beach. Swim and snorkel in places only accessible by boat and relax and soak up the warm Greek sunshine and stunning views from your fully equipped boat. View the Faros lighthouse, one of the oldest in Greece and sail into the caldera for breath-taking views of the cliffs and volcano. You’ll also have chance to a therapeutic swim in the hot springs. Highly recommended and an absolute must if you’re enjoying a honeymoon in Santorini!
If you like the idea of a small group sailing experience, then check out Grand Little Miracles. If you want to stretch out on a catamaran, we highly recommend Santorini Star Luxury Sailing.
Check out this video from Grand Little Miracles…..
3. Explore the world beneath the waves in the largest underwater caldera
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or complete novice, exploring the world beneath the waves is one of life’s great privileges. Santorini doesn’t immediately spring to mind when you think of diving. Yet, it still has enough going on underwater to have even impressed Jacques Cousteau, as he searched – in vain – for the lost city of Atlantis.
Diving conditions are ideal in Santorini thanks to the clear waters and excellent visibility, while dive centres provide all the equipment and a complete range of programs for all levels.
First-time divers get their bearings in shallow waters before heading to the depths of the lagoon that is the caldera. Certified divers can enjoy the freedom of a private dive and explore undersea lava caves and volcanic reefs, shipwrecks and drop offs.
There are several dive centres on the island. Santorini Dive Centre with its base on Caldera beach and office on Perissa Beach offers dives for both beginners and experienced divers. For more information on this fully PADI certified dive centre with quick access to all the dive sites and glowing TripAdvisor reviews, go to their website.
4. Captain Your Own Private Boat for the Day and enjoy the Santorini Seascape at your own pace
As far as adventures on the water go, nothing beats the flexibility and thrill of renting your own boat. Away from the crowds, you can experience the privacy of your own boat either for a half day or full day and enjoy the unique Santorini seascapes at your own pace.
No boating experience is required for this boat rental. After some simple instructions, you will be ready to captain your boat and head out to explore. Full instruction on handling, navigating, and mooring the boat is provided as well as a map with suggested routes and places of interest.
It’s hard to describe the sheer magnificence of cruising along Santorini’s coastline; but as you glide across the crystal-clear waters passing towering cliffs and anchoring for swimming at the multi-coloured volcanic beaches, your time on the water in your own boat may well be the highlight of your holiday.
More info here
5. Jet Ski Safari Adventure – the best jet ski tour in Santorini
Thrill-seekers will love the speed and exhilaration of shooting across the waves on this jet ski safari adventure. There are 3 tours on offer but the most popular one is the Volcano tour.
Starting from the beach in Perivolos, this sea adventure takes you past the south coast beaches, including Red Beach around the lighthouse of Akrotiri and into the awe-inspiring caldera to the volcano. There are stops along the way for swimming and snorkelling as well as some time to recharge your batteries. Lasting around 2.5 hours this is a great alternative way to see the coastline of Santorini and constantly voted as one of the best Santorini Water sports !
For more information on the tours check out their website.
6. Deep Sea Fishing on a Traditional Greek caique
For an alternative, slower paced fishing excursion aboard a traditional Greek caique, book your spot on Giorgaros (or Big George). Anthi is your captain, as you sail the southern seas of Santorini. She arranges incredible fishing excursions that begin either in the morning or in the afternoon with the sunset finding you at sea.
You’ll still see all the sights but also be able to try your hand at deep-sea fishing. The excursion truly is a hands-on adventure where you will learn how to bait fishing lines, remove fish from nets, and properly descale and clean a fish. Then your catch of the day will be cooked for you and served with Santorinian wines.
More info
7. Water sports on Tap at Wavesports Santorini
If you’re looking for a classic beach day with water sports on tap, then head down to Wavesports on Perivolos beach and spend the day enjoying getting wet and having fun on the water.
You can choose from the best selection of water sports activities on the island including jet skis, water-skiing, wake boarding, parasailing, hoverboard and water bikes (just to name a few!). Wave Sports are an extremely professional and friendly team and are there to make sure you have an amazing day on the water. Call or prebook and enjoy some great Santorini water sports activities.
Check out their reviews on TripAdvisor.
So, there you have it. Our highly recommended list of the best water activities to do when you stay in Santorini. To reserve any of the above activities during your stay, let us know. Start planning your Santorini activities and you’ll have a very special Santorini holiday to look forward to. See also the Best Santorini Beaches.
Other Water Sports Activities in Santorini
Windsurfing in Santorini
By far the most professional company in Santorini for windsurfing is the Nemely Windsurf Centre on Avis Beach, close to Kamari. Offering windsurfing lessons for beginners and an excellent range of equipment for more advanced surfers. They also offer Sup Surf and Wing Foil. Click here for more information.
Snorkelling in Santorini
A daily speedboat excursion starting from Kamari and lasting 5 hours will whisk you along the southern and eastern coastline of Santorini. Stops will be made in Perissa, Perivolos, Vlichada, Red Beach, White Beach, Akrotiri and swimming in 3500 years old, lava caves. Note that weather conditions will determine the best places to stop for snorkelling.
All necessary equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit) are included as well as a small lunch snack, water, hot and cold beverages. More info.
More info on Santorini
