The volcanic island of Santorini lies north of Crete. And this daytrip by fast catamaran is a great chance to take a close-up look at it. Curved around a colossal, sea-filled caldera that was formed by a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago, it's all black cliffs, whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches. It's picture-postcard Greece.

Once you're on dry land, you'll take off on a scenic tour, exploring many of the island's attractions and learning about its history. Explore a caldera-edge town, where whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and tavernas cascade down the cliff-face in steep terraces.

You'll then have some free time in both Oia and the island's capital, Fira. Spend an hour or so snapping up treats in the quaint shops and boutiques. Or, visit some of the best lookouts to take photos – the views over the caldera are great. It's made for selfies.

Only negative point is that when booking, you are told it’s hotel transfer but we had to walk 15 minutes to the nearest bus stop for pick up. There was no map/link attached to the voucher or confirmation email so we had to work out where to go. The boats and coaches were all really efficient. There was no waiting around, delays etc which made the day very relaxing and enjoyable. Our tour guide Bruno was amazing, we learnt a lot which I wasn’t expecting!

The trip was good but it was too rushed as time was not enough to see everything

The pick up was on time, ferry was amazingly fast and bus driver was skilled driving around the narrow lanes. The tour guide was knowledgeable. Santorini prices are also higher than in Crete. Views were breathtaking from the top of the restaurant. There was a heavy traffic in tiny streets. Overall, experience you won’t forget.

Brilliant trip. Only exception was the bus picking us up was 25 minutes late and as we were the only pick up from our hotel we did think it wasn’t coming.

Trip felt very rushed

Bruno our host from SeaJets was fantastic - very knowledgeable of the area and gave us a lot of time in the two towns. The bus is a great way to have aircon in between the visits. Although it’s on the pricier side - you do get a 1st class seat on the ferry (or we did) along with other package holiday brands AND pickup from hotel with other people. Pickup from the hotel was from the road outside which was a little odd. Overall this is a long day but well worth doing if you are in Crete!

Why you’ll love this…

Boat trip from Crete to Santorini
Free time in both Oia and Fira
See a different Greek island

Important to know

Lunch and drinks not included
This is a very popular and in-demand activity. Expect higher levels of attendance during July and August
The itinerary order may change on the day of the tour
Departs Heraklion port at 08:00, arriving in Santorini between 10:30 and 11:00
Returns from Santorini at approx 16:00 arriving in Heraklion at about 18:15
Bring your passport or official EU identification
Bring money for extras or gratuities

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Bus tour

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA

What people say about this experience

4.2/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 997 reviews

Review categories

Safety

4.2/5

Service

4.2/5

Staff

3.8/5

Value for money

4.2/5

All ratings (997)

5 stars (483)

48%

4 stars (350)

35%

3 stars (136)

14%

2 stars (18)

1 star (10)

J
Jemma
Traveled with a group of friends
June 12, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Only negative point is that when booking, you are told it’s hotel transfer but we had to walk 15 minutes to the nearest bus stop for pick up. There was no map/link attached to the voucher or confirmation email so we had to work out where to go. The boats and coaches were all really efficient. There was no waiting around, delays etc which made the day very relaxing and enjoyable. Our tour guide Bruno was amazing, we learnt a lot which I wasn’t expecting!
L
Lay
Traveled with family
June 12, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
The trip was good but it was too rushed as time was not enough to see everything
S
Sabina
Traveled as a couple
June 8, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
The pick up was on time, ferry was amazingly fast and bus driver was skilled driving around the narrow lanes. The tour guide was knowledgeable. Santorini prices are also higher than in Crete. Views were breathtaking from the top of the restaurant. There was a heavy traffic in tiny streets. Overall, experience you won’t forget.
S
Sand
Traveled with family
June 4, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Brilliant trip. Only exception was the bus picking us up was 25 minutes late and as we were the only pick up from our hotel we did think it wasn’t coming.
M
Matt
Traveled with family
May 31, 2026
3
United Kingdom
Trip felt very rushed
E
Elliot S-H
Traveled as a couple
May 30, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Bruno our host from SeaJets was fantastic - very knowledgeable of the area and gave us a lot of time in the two towns. The bus is a great way to have aircon in between the visits. Although it’s on the pricier side - you do get a 1st class seat on the ferry (or we did) along with other package holiday brands AND pickup from hotel with other people. Pickup from the hotel was from the road outside which was a little odd. Overall this is a long day but well worth doing if you are in Crete!