Santorini looks different from a small boat. This half-day Saxdor rental is a smart way to explore the coast and islets at your own pace, and it comes with snorkeling gear plus 115hp Mercury power. You’ll get the freedom to stop when you want photos, swim breaks, or a quiet moment away from shore.

The main thing to think through is the practical side: fuel isn’t included and a license is required, so driving may depend on your paperwork. Also, a skipper isn’t part of the package, so you’re going to want to feel comfortable running the boat yourself.

Key things to know before you go

• 115hp Mercury engine: enough push for island-hopping views and smooth cruising around the Aegean.
• Snorkeling equipment included: plan for swim time, not just sightseeing from the surface.
• Ice box + snacks + bottled water: you can stay comfortable and keep energy up without leaving the boat.
• Morning or afternoon slots: choose the timing that fits your day, including sunset-style cruising.
• Skipper not included: you’ll handle the boat, with any local driving rules needing a license.
• Vlychada Marina meeting point: the start/end is the same spot at Blue Waves Cruises in Vlichada.

A 115hp Saxdor rental: why this format works in Santorini

Santorini can feel like a “one town per day” place if you stay on land. This boat rental changes the pace fast. Instead of chasing viewpoints with buses and crowds, you get to move along the coastline and nearby islets and decide where to stop—whether that’s for a quick swim, a photo with the cliffs in the background, or a calmer cove moment.

The boat itself is a luxurious new Saxdor with a 115hp Mercury engine. That combo matters. More power usually means you can reposition without feeling stuck waiting for conditions. It also makes the ride feel more purposeful, especially when you’re bouncing between coastal sights.

I also like that the trip is sized for real groups and real flexibility. It’s priced per group, up to 5 people, and you choose a morning or afternoon slot. That makes it easier to plan around your hotel location and your energy level. Early slot if you want less of a rush. Afternoon slot if you want more time to linger on the water and watch the light change.

One more practical note: it’s not a party boat vibe. This is a self-driven experience, so the boat stays focused on comfort, movement, and your own timing.

What you get on board: snacks, snorkeling gear, and an ice box

The best “included” item here isn’t just snorkeling—it’s that everything supports the day turning into an actual time on the water, not a rushed sightseeing loop.

You get:

• Snacks
• Bottled water
• An ice box with ice cubes
• Use of snorkeling equipment

You can absolutely treat this like a light-day plan: cruise, stop for a swim, and eat something simple without searching for a shop. The ice box is a nice touch because you can keep things cold while you’re out cruising. If you prefer your own drinks, you can add them to the ice box.

This setup also helps you avoid the common boat rental problem: you get out there, and suddenly everyone is hungry and thirsty but the day depends on whatever you packed. Here, you start with basics already handled.

And the snorkeling equipment included is a big deal for value. Santorini’s coast has underwater chances that feel better when you control the stop length. If you find a spot that looks good, you can spend time actually in the water rather than “hovering” and moving on.

Morning or afternoon slot: timing that matches your priorities

The booking gives you a choice of morning or afternoon. That choice is more than scheduling—it affects what kind of day you’ll have.

If you pick the morning slot, you’ll typically get a fresher start and more time to do more than one swim/photo stop before your day gets crowded back on shore. Morning also tends to feel less “pressured” if your group includes people who like to take their time checking in and getting settled.

If you pick the afternoon slot, it can turn into a golden-hour style outing. One boat-rental experience specifically mentioned being given generous time to watch the sun set, plus fair fuel charges. That tells you the operator understands that sunset moments are part of the appeal.

So here’s how you can decide:

• Choose morning if you want a flexible day with extra breathing room.
• Choose afternoon if you want light changes and a more relaxed pace.

Either way, you’re back at the same meeting point at the end, so you’re not planning a complicated logistics puzzle.

Cruising the coast and islets at your own pace (and what to expect)

The headline promise is clear: explore Santorini’s coast and nearby islets at your own pace on a 115hp boat. In practice, that pacing is where this shines.

You’ll be moving around the island by water, which means:

• You see coastline angles that you cannot get from the main roads.
• You can chase your own rhythm—short stops for photos, longer stops for swims.
• Your group doesn’t have to “keep up” with a fixed shore itinerary.

The Aegean also changes how Santorini looks. Cliffs look sharper from certain angles. The towns and caldera edges can look dramatically different depending on the direction you’re facing.

From real captained experiences with this operator, routes can include places like beaches only accessible via boat, and even the volcano area where you can climb toward the crater (when that fits the day and conditions). Some trips also include a swim-through style stop at a cave—again, not guaranteed as a universal itinerary, but it shows what’s possible when the captain plans around what’s visible and swim-friendly.

What to watch for: this is a “you control the pace” rental, but it’s still a boat day. Choppy water or strong winds (even if the day is calm) can change comfort levels. If you have anyone in your group who gets motion sick easily, pack meds and choose your timing carefully.

Also, remember the trip length is about 5 hours (approx.). That’s plenty for multiple stops if your plan stays simple and you don’t overcomplicate it with “must-do” lists for every minute.

Snorkeling and swim stops: how to make the most of the gear

Because snorkeling equipment is included, you can treat snorkeling like a real activity rather than a backup plan. You’ll want to set your expectations: some days will be more clear than others, and the best spot tends to be the one you find at the right stop—not the one you planned before you left.

Here’s how I’d use the gear for maximum payoff:

• Start with one comfortable swim first. That’s the easiest way to see how the conditions feel.
• Then decide if you want a second swim or a longer rest stop.
• Keep your timing flexible so you don’t feel rushed back onto the boat.

Snorkeling from a rental boat can also be better than shore snorkeling because you can choose areas that feel safer and more suitable for swimming breaks. If you notice a spot that looks calm and accessible, you can stay longer and actually enjoy it.

One practical tip: bring swim essentials you like (even though snorkeling gear is provided). If you use your own mask or have preferred fins or rash protection, bring it. The rental provides the gear, but personal comfort still matters.

And if your group is mixed—some swimmers, some non-swimmers—that’s okay. Boat stops can still work as photo moments, and everyone gets to enjoy the water views even if they skip snorkeling.

Taking the helm: licensing, safety, and crew expectations

This is the part you should get straight early, because it affects who can drive.

The experience notes that a license is required, and the tour doesn’t include a skipper. In other words, this isn’t a “sit back while someone else drives” package. Your ability to captain the vessel depends on your license and what the operator requires.

The good news is that the operator provides a safety briefing and instructions before you go out. One experience described a full briefing and that the process helped people feel safe in the marina environment before leaving.

Also, captains may be willing to explain local patterns and help you feel confident. In at least one guided experience, a captain named Alex was described as knowledgeable and welcoming, including allowing guests to drive the boat. That’s a great sign for beginners with proper authorization, but still treat it as a “follow the rules” situation and confirm what your specific group needs.

So if you’re deciding whether to book, be honest about this:

• If you’re licensed and comfortable driving, you’ll probably get the most out of the self-drive freedom.
• If you aren’t sure you meet the licensing requirement, ask before you show up. Don’t gamble on it.

Comfort matters too. A new, “luxurious” boat concept usually means better seating and calmer feeling compared with older rentals. It also helps on a day that’s long enough to notice small comfort differences.

Price and value: what $481.65 for up to 5 people really buys

The price is $481.65 per group (up to 5) for about 5 hours. That pricing structure can be genuinely good value if you’re traveling with friends or family.

Think of it this way:

• If you split among 4–5 people, your cost per person drops quickly compared with “per person” sightseeing tours.
• You’re paying for a full boat experience, not a seat on something crowded.
• You also get essentials included—snacks, bottled water, and snorkeling gear—so you’re not starting the day empty-handed.

There’s one extra cost you should plan for: fuel isn’t included. One experience also mentioned that fuel charges were fair. Still, you should treat fuel as an expected add-on and budget accordingly.

Also, you’re not paying for transportation to the marina, and you’re not paying for a skipper. That keeps the package lean, but it means you need to bring your own plan for getting there and being ready to handle the boat responsibilities.

If your group wants maximum time in the water with freedom to stop where you choose, this is the kind of rental that can feel like the most cost-effective way to see more of Santorini than the usual land-based route.

Meeting in Vlychada Marina: how to keep the start smooth

The meeting point is at Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport, Vlichada (Vlychada) 847 03, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so the day stays tidy.

A few details that help make the start easy:

• It’s noted as near public transportation, which is a relief if you’re not renting a car.
• Confirmation happens at booking time.
• The meeting spot is a marina setting, so plan to arrive early enough to park, check in, and get yourself organized before the briefing.

The transition from “on land” to “on boat” is usually the make-or-break moment for self-driven rentals. A quick check-in and clear instructions help you get your bearings fast. In real experiences with this operator, pickups and instructions have been described as easy and smooth, with helpful maps and straightforward guidance on board.

Once you’re out, you’re not tethered to a time clock for fixed shore stops. That’s the whole appeal—your group can decide what’s worth your limited 5 hours.

Who this boat rental suits best

This works best for groups that want freedom and water time. It’s especially good if:

• You have up to 5 people who can share the group cost.
• You want snorkeling and not just a quick look at the coast.
• You’re comfortable with the idea of driving, since skipper isn’t included and a license is required.

It’s also a decent option if your schedule is tight, because it runs about 5 hours (approx.) with a clear start/end point.

If you’re traveling with mobility limits, the note says most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed too. As always, on-board space and steps can vary by boat model, so it’s smart to confirm any specific needs directly with the operator.

Should you book this Saxdor boat rental?

Book it if you want Santorini from the water with real control over the day. The combination of snorkeling gear, snacks and water, and an ice box makes it feel like a complete half-day plan, not a bare-bones rental. If your group can split the cost, the $481.65 per group setup can be a strong value.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You don’t have the required license for driving under local rules.
• You want a fully guided experience with a skipper handling everything.
• You’d rather have transportation arranged as part of the package.

My practical advice: if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to pick your own stops and actually use the time you paid for, this rental fits that style well.

FAQ

How long is the Saxdor boat rental in Santorini?

It runs for about 5 hours.

How many people can the boat rental accommodate?

It’s priced per group for up to 5 people.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks, bottled water, an ice box with ice cubes, and the use of snorkeling equipment are included.

What isn’t included?

Fuel, transportation, and a skipper are not included.

Where do we meet and where does the rental end?

You meet at Boat Rental in Santorini – Blue Waves Cruises Santoriniport, Vlichada 847 03, Greece, and you return to the same meeting point.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Do I need a license to drive?

The experience information states that a license is required.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. There is free cancellation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.