Snorkeling in Santorini: The Ultimate Guide 2024

Are you wondering about snorkeling in Santorini? Look no further!

Santorini is a beautiful Greek island that offers much more than just Insta-worthy views and delicious Greek eats. There are many fun activities that allow travelers to get up close and personal with the crystal-clear waters, one of which is snorkeling in Santorini.

One of the most interesting and unique characteristics of Santorini is the different minerals that make up the different colorful beaches caused by its volcanic origin. Red beaches, black beaches, and shades in between!

Its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and great tour operators make snorkeling in Santorini an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you leave. 

Read on to take a look at some of the best beaches on the island for snorkeling as well as some excellent tours that offer incredible guided tours of Santorini’s underwater world. 

The Best Snorkeling Santorini Tours

If you don’t have any transport arranged during your stay on Santorini, taking a snorkeling tour is a great way to get to see some of the beautiful beaches on the island! 

Many of these tours take you to the volcano which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Be warned though that there is a lot of volcanic sulfur in the water which can stain your swimsuit, so make sure to wear an older bathing suit.

1.Santorini: All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran Small Group Cruise

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5  |  ⚓ Boat: Catamaran |   Group max: 15 people 

???? Food: BBQ lunch | ⏳ Length: 5 hours | ⏰ Departure: 9:30 am/2:45 pm

✅ Book it!

If you want to sail with a small group and avoid the crowds, the All Inclusive Luxury Catamaran Cruise is perfect for you! You’ll have plenty of space to sunbathe on the boat, and there will be a maximum of 15 people on the tour. 

Picture this: vibrant Santorini, breathtaking Aegean Sea, and two tempting options – a morning cruise or a captivating sunset voyage. 

And let me tell you, the Santorini sunsets are pure magic, so I highly recommend the sunset cruise!

Get ready to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Santorini Caldera on the brand-new Lagoon 450 catamaran. You’ll make two stops for swimming and snorkeling, and then feast on a mouthwatering barbecue meal onboard with vegetarian options. 

The first stop is the vibrant Red Beach, known for its bright sand. After some relaxed swimming and fantastic snorkeling, you’ll sail to White Beach, with its stunning rock colors and more opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

Need to freshen up? This tour has got you covered with onboard rinsing facilities and a bathroom. 

Don’t miss the chance to admire the beautiful uninhabited islands of Aspronissi and Akrotiri as you sail by. Your last stop is the hot springs, where you can unwind and take a soak for 30 minutes.

The tour ends at the port, where round-trip hotel transfers by minibus are offered.

Get ready for an incredible catamaran cruise experience!

➡️ Click here to book All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran Small Group Cruise

2. Santorini: Premium Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5  |  ⚓ Boat: Catamaran |   Group max: 50 people 

???? Food: BBQ with veg | ⏳ Length: 5 hours | ⏰ Departure: 9:30 am/2:30 pm

✅ Book it!

Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Premium Catamaran Cruise with BBQ and Drinks! This tour is similar to the last one but is more affordable since it is a large group tour. 

Choose between the magnificent 74-foot Ocean Voyager or the luxurious 80-foot Tahiti catamaran, both ready to sweep you away on a 5-hour journey. 

Your odyssey begins with a convenient hotel pickup an hour before departure, followed by a scenic sail to Red Beach, and secluded White Beach, offering swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Soon after the crew will make a barbecue feast onboard, featuring an array of mouthwatering salads and grilled meat and veggie options. 

With your appetites satisfied, you’ll sail through the captivating crescent-shaped Caldera, brushing close to the magnificent volcano, and even taking a refreshing dip in the Hot Springs. 

And the cherry on top? As the day gracefully brings us to a close, you’ll witness a jaw-dropping sunset that is unique to Santorini.

 Just remember to bring your towel, as well as a jacket if you opt for the sunset cruise since cool breezes often accompany the spectacle.

Though there won’t be guided commentary along the way, the mesmerizing sights, and enchanting ambiance will speak for themselves.

Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

➡️ Click here to book Premium Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks

3. 3-Hour Private Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure from Fira

⭐ Rating: 5/5  |  ⚓ Boat: Motor boat |   Group max: 4 people 

???? Food: light snacks |  ⏳ Length: 3 hours | ⏰ Departure: 10 am/1:30 pm

✅ Book it!

Take part in the enchanting private Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure Tour that will leave you captivated. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Nea Kameni and Thirassia as you snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

This personalized experience ensures exclusivity and eliminates the need to rush through crowded group tours.

While cruising, delve into Santorini’s volcanic history and the rich folklore of its inhabitants with your private guide.

Get up close and personal with lava rocks, while indulging in delectable Greek snacks and refreshing drinks on the boat while listening to the music of your choice.

 Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, dietary preferences are easily accommodated. Conveniently located in Fira’s Old Harbour, this activity offers a captivating journey through the island’s history.

The excellent communication, stellar customer service, and unforgettable adventure all mean that although it may not be the cheapest option, it truly is remarkable value for your money.

➡️ Click here to book 3-Hour Private Sailing and Snorkeling

4. Santorini: Sea Caves Kayak Trip with Snorkeling and Picnic

⭐ Rating: 5/5  |  ⚓ Boat: Kayaks |  Group max: 9 people 

???? Food: picnic lunch |  ⏳ Length: 8 hours | ⏰ Departure: 10:00 am

✅ Book it!

Imagine exploring the natural wonder of Santorini’s breathtaking caves. When the sunlight dances on the water, these caves turn a beautiful shade of blue! 

Join your private tour guide on a day of fun and adventure. One of the best spots on the island for snorkeling is Red Beach. From there, you’ll leave on a sea kayak adventure along the stunning south coast.

As you paddle along the coastline of Akrotiri, you’ll be mesmerized by the numerous little caves and fascinating formations.

Don’t miss Black Mountain! 

Along the way, take breaks to explore beautiful sea caves and enjoy some snorkeling. And for an extra thrill, feel your heart race as you cliff jump at White Beach!

During the day, indulge in a delightful beach picnic featuring locally sourced organic products. There are even vegetarian options available. Transportation to and from your hotel is included, and dry bags are provided to keep your personal belongings safe. 

Plus, they’ve got you covered with sunblock and hats!

Note that if you have young kids, this tour isn’t for them, but kids above 15, can join in the fun with parental consent.

This is a fabulous opportunity for a great day out! Not to be missed!

➡️ Click here to book Sea Caves Kayak Trip with Snorkeling and Picnic

Best Beaches To Go Snorkeling in Santorini 

Let’s now cover the best beaches for snorkeling in Santorini! The diversity and unique traits of each of these beaches make it incredibly hard to pick just one, so if you can schedule a few into your itinerary!

Red Beach

Red Beach is known for its bright red sand. Although it is one of the most famous beaches on the island it is definitely worth a day trip because of the incredible volcanic landscape.

Experienced snorkelers can explore the underwater caves and swim near the fascinating rock formations.

White Beach

White Beach offers incredible white cliffs and an opportunity to snorkel among the vibrant fish species inhabiting its shallow underwater caves. To get here you’ll need to take a water taxi from Perissa beach since it’s not accessible by land.

This means there are fewer people here than in other great snorkeling spots, but it can still get crowded during the high season, so make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Black Beach

Black Beach is a beautiful beach located in Perivolos. With crystal clear waters, it is perfect for snorkeling activities and admiring the colorful fish life beneath you.

Kambia Beach

Kambia Beach is a dream come true for those looking for a quiet spot to relax and explore the underwater world.

The shallow waters make it an ideal place to take up snorkeling.

Caldera Beach

Offering picture-perfect views of Santorini’s caldera, Caldera Beach also makes for an incredible snorkeling spot. It boasts interesting rock formations and deep water that you won’t want to miss!

This is the only beach accessible by car on the caldera side of the island and is usually quieter and less touristic than other beaches on the island.

Ammoudi Bay & St. Nicholas Rock

Ammoudi Bay is a tiny cove right below Oia and has some really nice little restaurants right on the water’s edge.

This bay isn’t so much a beach since it’s mostly a rocky outcrop that was built up to put quaint local restaurants right on the water.

That being said it is truly a unique spot perfect for snorkeling. Make sure to swim out to  St. Nicholas Rock, which houses a tiny chapel on it.

This is a spot to remember for a lifetime and holds the essence of the Aegean islands! 

Perissa Beach

Perissa Beach is one of Greece’s best black pebble beaches, offering great visibility underwater due to its clear waters which make it one of the blue flag beaches on the island. 

It’s also a very calm beach which is very family friendly since the water is shallow and can be coined as a resort area due to the lively boardwalk and range of water activities, restaurants, and bars available here.

FAQ’s: Santorini Snorkeling

Moving onto some commonly asked questions about Santorini snorkeling.

Is Santorini good for snorkeling?

Yes! While not as well-known for its snorkeling as some other destinations, Santorini still offers plenty of opportunities for incredible underwater experiences.

The crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean allow for up to 20 meters of visibility and reveal fantastic coral reefs, hundreds of species of fish, and even sunken ruins from an ancient city.

Enjoy spectacular sea caves and stunning rock formations that can only be seen while snorkeling in Santorini. Many of the beaches offer rentals and guided groups to help show you around this mesmerizing hidden world.

What can you see snorkeling at Santorini?

Santorini is a great place for snorkeling! The crystal clear waters and stunning scenery make it a great spot to observe some of the Mediterranean’s aquatic life.

You can see an array of species of colorful fish, vibrant coral formations, octopus, moray eels as well as lots of shrimp and incredible rock formations.

The warm climate and calm waters provide perfect conditions for snorkeling all year round.

Are there coral reefs in Santorini?

Yes, there are coral reefs in Santorini! The warm Mediterranean waters are home to a variety of colorful coral systems that serve as a habitat for various fish species.

You can find different types of corals, including hard and soft corals. This is an incredible sight while snorkeling in the area.

The vibrant colors of the corals combined with the bright blue waters create an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after your experience is over.

Where to stay in Santorini?

Looking for the best places to stay in Santorini?

Check out my blog post: Best Places To Stay In Santorini!

Is it safe to snorkel in Greece?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to snorkel in Greece! The waters surrounding the Greek islands are very clean and clear, so you can easily spot colorful fish and interesting rock formations.

Snorkeling in Greece is also quite popular, so you can find numerous spots with facilities that will make your experience even better. There are professional guides who can show you the best places for snorkeling and teach you how to do it safely.

Additionally, the warm climate makes snorkeling a pleasant activity all year round.

Can you snorkel off the beach in Santorini?

Yes, you can absolutely snorkel off the beach in Santorini! The crystal-clear waters of the island’s beaches make for a great snorkeling experience.

You can explore the beautiful rock formations and coral reefs, and get a glimpse of some of the diverse aquatic life that Santorini has to offer.

There are also several tour companies offering snorkeling experiences off the beaches of Santorini, where you can get all the necessary equipment as well as guides who will show you where to go and help you stay safe during your experience.

Snorkeling in Santorini: The Wrap-Up

Whether you want to explore the stunning rock formations and coral reefs of Santorini or just cool off in its crystal clear waters, snorkeling is a great activity that can be enjoyed all year round. 

 A tour is a perfect solution for tourists without transportation who are looking to see a variety of beaches on the island. You can explore the rugged and rocky coastline of Santorini, discover hidden coves, take in the views from secluded spots, and don’t forget about all that snorkeling!

Make sure to get the most out of your time in Santorini and experience all that this stunning Greek island has to offer.