Viator
From €49
Skip Cable Car® Santorini For Cruise Ships With Boat Transfers
Start your Santorini day with a boat transfer from the Old 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.
Tour information provided by Viator.
- · Minimum 1 travelers
- · Up to 15 travelers
Photos
23 photos
Itinerary
Select a stop or tap a pin on the map to see details. 6 of 7 stops have map coordinates.
Walking route is approximate — path follows available footpaths where possible.
- 1
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.
30 min - 2
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.
30 min - 3
Oia
The adventure continues as you venture into the vibrant heart of Oia. Its bustling market streets, quintessential white structures, and the mesmerizing beauty of the caldera form a captivating tableau, ensuring your time there is truly unforgettable. Don't miss a photo of the iconic windmills overlooking the sea.
60 min - 4
Picturesque Blue Dome Santorini
Pass byMarvel at and take some pictures of the world-famous picturesque Blue Domes of Santorini!
- 5
Megalochori - Traditional Village
Experience the timeless charm of Santorini in Megalochori, a village where tradition comes alive for you to explore. This quaint destination is a living museum, showcasing traditional architecture that reflects Santorini's rich heritage and culture. Unveil the secrets of Santorini's winemaking tradition as you discover the unique grape cultivation methods found only in this region.
30 min - 6
Perivolos Beach
You’ll also visit Santorini’s famous Black Beach, where you’ll have free time to relax by the sea and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine at one of the many waterfront tavernas and bars (at your own expense). If you’d like to take a swim, don’t forget your swimsuit - the unique volcanic shoreline and crystal-clear waters make it the perfect place to unwind and soak up the island atmosphere.
60 min - 7
Santorini Old Harbor
You'll return to the port by boat, avoiding the long cable car lines entirely. Sit back and enjoy the perfect ending to your day in Santorini as you're brought directly back to your cruise ship's tender.
30 min
What's included
- Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
- Small group limited to 18 participants
- Full refund if your ship cannot dock
- Guaranteed return to ship on time
- Professional local English-speaking tour guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Transfers by boat to bypass the Cable Car
- Bottled water: 1 complimentary bottle of water per person
What's not included
- Gratuities (Recommend 10% for guides, and 5% for bus drivers)
- Food and Beverages
Good to know
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- In the event of exceptionally rough sea conditions preventing boat transfers, we reserve the right to operate the regular tour route instead. In such cases, a refund of €10 per person will be provided for each cable car ride required in place of the boat transfer.
- The tour start time will be adjusted to your ship’s docking schedule to minimize waiting and accommodate possible disembarkation delays. You’ll receive the final meeting time in the Meeting Instructions about one week before the tour.
- Please note that wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, electric scooters, and other mobility devices cannot be accommodated on shared tours. Tours on Santorini involve uneven surfaces, cobblestone pathways, and some sections with stairs. We kindly request that all participants carefully assess their physical ability to complete the tour prior to making a reservation. Refunds cannot be issued to guests who are unable to complete the tour due to accessibility limitations.
Tickets
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Tour options
Shared ShorEx
Meeting Point for Tour: Upon debarking from the tender, please remain in the Old Port at the exact spot where your ship’s tender drops you off.
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 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.
Shared Skip The Cable Car Tour
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.
Reviews
4.8 · 573 reviews
Similar Experiences
Tours, activities and experiences you can book online
TourSantorini Highlights Private Tour
5.0iscover the very best of Santorini on a unique private tour with a local expert. Your personal guide will lead you to the island's top attra
TourSantorini Must-See Highlights Private Tour
5.0Ideal for first-time visitors and cruise guests, this flexible private tour covers Santorini’s most spectacular sights with a local guide an
TourSantorini in 5 hours: Oia, Traditional Villages & Black Beach
4.9The ideal Shore Excursion for cruise passengers! This 5-hour tour showcases Santorini’s top destinations and authentic villages. Your expe
TourSantorini 6 Hour Custom Private Sightseeing Tour
4.9-100% private experience—no strangers joining your group -Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests -Friendly local guide with insider k
TourSantorini's Iconic Villages: Oia, Imerovigli & Firostefani
4.7The ideal Shore Excursion for cruise passengers! Discover the highlights of Santorini in a stress-free 3-hour small-group tour, specially d
TourSantorini Half-Day Small Group Tour: Villages, Oia, Caldera Views
4.7Discover Santorini’s most scenic villages and caldera viewpoints on a relaxed half-day small-group tour with hotel pickup. Visit Prophet Eli