Santorini SUP

Santorini SUP is stand-up paddleboarding on the volcanic coast of Santorini, standing on a long board and moving with a single paddle. Guided tours pass sea caves and coves and stop to snorkel. Tours across the rest of the country are listed on Greece Tours.

The sections below cover the tours, the start points, the coast, the steps, how to stand up, the snorkel stop, boards and gear, wind and sea, safety, who it suits, inclusions, timing and booking, with links into the Santorini pages. The tours shown are checked on GetYourGuide.

What is Santorini SUP?

Santorini SUP is stand-up paddleboarding on the volcanic coast of Santorini. You stand on a long, wide board and move with a single paddle. Guided Santorini SUP tours follow the cliffs and coves of the south and east coasts, with a swim stop.

SUP stands for stand-up paddle. The board is longer and wider than a surfboard, so it floats you steadily on calm water. A single paddle with one blade pushes you forward.

A Santorini SUP outing is slower and quieter than a boat trip. You sit close to the water, look straight down into it and stop wherever the guide finds a cove.

Guided Santorini SUP tours run from Kamari, Akrotiri and Perivolos. Rentals on the black sand beaches let confident paddlers go out alone for half an hour or an hour.

Which Santorini SUP tours can you book?

Three GetYourGuide listings cover Santorini SUP: a guided stand-up paddle and snorkel tour, a board rental at a black sand beach and a combo at Agios Georgios beach. Local centres at Kamari, Akrotiri and Perivolos run their own Santorini SUP sessions.

• Stand-Up Paddle and Snorkel Adventure: a guided paddle along the coast with a snorkel stop.
• SUP Rental at Black Sand Beach: a board to paddle on your own near the shore.
• Water combo at Agios Georgios beach: jet ski, kayak or SUP, plus a tubing ride.
• Santorini Sea Kayak, Akrotiri: an introductory SUP tour for beginners.
• Nemely Windsurf SUP Center, Kamari: the SUP and snorkel tour from Avis beach.

The guided Santorini SUP and snorkel tour meets at the Nemely Windsurf SUP Center on Avis Street in Kamari. Copies of the listing give a length of 2.5 hours, with groups of up to 6 people.

The Akrotiri tour by Santorini Sea Kayak lasts 2 hours, with 1.5 hours on the water. It takes 4 to 8 guests. The same company runs the guided Santorini sea kayaking trips.

Where does Santorini SUP start?

Santorini SUP starts from the beaches of the south and east coasts, away from the steep caldera cliffs. The main bases are Avis beach at Kamari, Akrotiri beach below the ancient site, and Perivolos and Agios Georgios on the long black sand coast.

• Kamari: the Nemely centre on Avis Street, at the north end of Kamari beach.
• Akrotiri: the Santorini Sea Kayak office, 300 metres below the Akrotiri excavations.
• Perivolos: Wave Sports rents boards on the black sand beach.
• Agios Georgios: the beach for the jet ski, kayak or SUP combo.
• Perissa: the black sand neighbour of Perivolos, covered on the Perissa beach page.

These beaches face east or south. The caldera side of the island drops straight into deep water and has no easy launch spots for a Santorini SUP session.

Each centre has its own meeting point. Transport to the Akrotiri tour can be added at booking.

Which coast does a Santorini SUP tour paddle?

A Santorini SUP tour paddles a short stretch of volcanic coast near its base beach. From Akrotiri, the route passes the pumice formations of Vlychada. From Kamari, the guide picks coves and a sea cave along the cliffs of the east coast.

The Akrotiri tour covers about 2 miles on the water. Its highlight is the pale pumice cliffs of Vlychada, shaped by wind and sea into folds and hollows. Pumice is a light volcanic rock full of tiny air holes.

From Kamari, the paddle runs below the bulk of Mesa Vouno, the mountain that separates Kamari from Perissa. The guide adjusts the route to the group and the wind on the day.

The south coast also holds the red cliffs of Red Beach, close to Akrotiri. Its colour comes from iron-rich volcanic rock, a contrast to the black sand further east.

What happens step by step on a Santorini SUP tour?

A Santorini SUP tour starts with a safety briefing on the beach, then a short lesson on standing up. The group paddles out with the guide, stops in a cove to swim or snorkel, and returns to the beach after about two hours.

• Meet at the centre and sign in with the guide.
• Put on a life jacket and fix the leash to your ankle.
• Learn the stance and the paddle stroke on the sand.
• Launch in knee-deep water, kneeling on the board first.
• Stand up and paddle in a line behind the guide.
• Stop in a cove to swim, snorkel and eat a snack.

The beach lesson is short and covers the grip, the stroke and how to fall safely away from the board. On a Santorini SUP tour, falling in is part of learning, and the water is warm in summer.

The guide keeps the group together and watches the wind. On the Akrotiri tour, guests also get fresh fruit during the break. For snorkelling on its own, see the Santorini snorkeling page.

How do you stand up on a board for Santorini SUP?

For Santorini SUP, you start on your knees in the middle of the board, then stand one foot at a time. Feet sit hip-width apart, knees stay soft and eyes look ahead, not down. The paddle in the water steadies you as you rise.

• Kneel just behind the handle in the middle of the board.
• Paddle six or seven strokes on your knees to gain speed and balance.
• Place your hands flat and bring one foot, then the other, under you.
• Rise slowly with soft knees and a straight back.
• Look at the horizon and keep the paddle moving.

Speed helps balance. A board that moves forward wobbles less than a board that sits still, so the first strokes on your knees matter on a Santorini SUP lesson.

The stroke starts with the blade far forward and ends at your feet. Switch sides every four or five strokes to keep a straight line. Wave Sports at Perivolos lets nervous beginners stay on their knees for as long as they like.

What does the snorkel stop add to Santorini SUP?

The snorkel stop turns Santorini SUP into a look below the surface. In a sheltered cove, guests leave the boards, put on a mask and snorkel and swim over the volcanic rocks. The guided Santorini SUP and snorkel tour from Kamari includes the snorkelling gear.

Santorini’s seabed is dark volcanic rock, so the clear water looks deep blue. Rock walls near the shore shelter small fish, and the black pebbles shine in the sun.

The boards stay together during the stop, tied or held by the guide. Guests climb back on from the water, belly first, then kneel and stand again.

Snorkelling needs no special skill. You float face down, breathe through the tube and keep the mask sealed on your face. The guide shows how to clear water from the snorkel with one sharp breath out.

For a longer time under water, the island’s dive centres run trial dives and courses, listed on the Santorini diving page.

Which boards and gear does Santorini SUP use?

Santorini SUP uses wide, stable boards, an adjustable paddle, a leash and a life jacket. Guided tours supply all of the equipment. The Kamari tour adds a mask, snorkel and snack, and Wave Sports offers a wetsuit on request.

• Board: long and wide, built for stability rather than speed.
• Paddle: one blade, set to your height before launch.
• Leash: a cord from your ankle to the board, so it never drifts away.
• Life jacket: worn for the whole paddle.
• Snorkel set: mask and snorkel for the swim stop.

The centre adds its own comforts. Wave Sports at Perivolos beach lists safety lockers, a shower and free parking for its board users.

Board rental on its own, without a guide, is also covered on the Santorini watersports page, along with the island’s motor sports.

How do wind and sea affect Santorini SUP?

Wind shapes every Santorini SUP outing. Strong wind makes standing hard and can push boards away from shore, so guides choose the start time and route on the day. Santorini Sea Kayak sets its pick-up time to the wind and the calmest part of the day.

In summer, the Aegean has a northerly wind called the meltemi. On Santorini, the south and east beaches give shelter from it, which is one reason the Santorini SUP bases sit there.

When the wind rises, guides keep the group close to the shore, shorten the route or ask guests to paddle on their knees. Wave Sports keeps the right to stop or cancel a session in unsafe conditions.

Sea state changes fast on an island this exposed. A flat bay at nine in the morning can carry small waves by noon, so a Santorini SUP group heads out early and keeps an eye on the water.

Calm water is clearer for the snorkel stop too. On windy days, the jet ski trips of Santorini jet ski run in the same bays with more power to handle the chop.

Is Santorini SUP safe for beginners?

Santorini SUP is safe for beginners who can swim. Guided tours accept people with no experience, give a lesson on the beach, keep everyone in a life jacket and leash, and stay near the coast. The guide sets the pace for the slowest paddler.

Swimming is the one firm rule. The Kamari tour, the Akrotiri tour and Wave Sports all ask guests to know how to swim, since every paddler falls in at least once.

The Akrotiri tour asks for basic physical condition. Its guides are certified and speak English, and its groups stay at 8 people or fewer, so the guide sees everyone.

The leash matters on every Santorini SUP session. After a fall, the board stays about a metre away and floats like a raft until you climb back on from the side.

Sun is the other risk. Black sand and calm water reflect strong light, so a hat, sunglasses with a strap and reef-safe sun cream help. Beaches such as Vlychada have little shade.

Who suits Santorini SUP?

Santorini SUP suits swimmers with basic fitness, from teenagers to older adults. The Kamari tour takes guests from 12 years old, with minors joined by an adult, and the Akrotiri tour from 14. Couples, friends and families with teens join the guided tours.

• Minimum age: 12 on the Kamari tour, 14 on the Akrotiri tour.
• Swimming: required on every listing.
• Fitness: basic condition, no experience needed.
• Group size: up to 6 at Kamari, 4 to 8 at Akrotiri.

Younger children have other ways onto the water. Families find calmer options on the Santorini with kids page.

A Santorini SUP tour asks for balance more than strength. People with back or knee problems can stay kneeling, which still moves the board well.

How long does Santorini SUP last, and what is included?

A guided Santorini SUP tour lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, with about 1.5 hours on the water. The price covers the board, paddle, leash, life jacket and guide. The Kamari tour adds snorkel gear, a snack and water.

• Kamari SUP and snorkel: 2.5 hours; guide, board, paddle, life jacket, snorkel gear, snack and water.
• Akrotiri introductory tour: 2 hours, 1.5 on the water; all SUP gear, a certified guide, taxes and fresh fruit.
• Perivolos rental: 30 minutes or 1 hour; board, life jacket, wetsuit on request.
• Agios Georgios combo: jet ski, kayak or SUP, plus a tubing ride.

Drinks are not included on the Akrotiri Santorini SUP tour. Transport to Akrotiri can be added as an option.

For a longer day on the water, the Santorini catamaran cruise and the island’s other boat tours fill five hours or more with swim stops.

When does Santorini SUP run, and what do you bring?

Santorini SUP runs through the warm months, when the sea is calm enough to stand. Start times follow the wind, so morning sessions are common. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun cream, a hat and sunglasses with a strap.

The Akrotiri office opens from 09.00 to 18.00. Its Santorini SUP tour has no fixed start; the team sets the time to the calmest part of the day.

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes.
• Beach towel and a dry set of clothes.
• Sun cream, put on before you arrive.
• Hat and sunglasses with a strap.
• Water, since drinks are not always included.

Late afternoon paddles end near sunset on the east coast, though the classic sunset views face west. The Santorini sunset page lists the viewpoints.

How do you book and cancel Santorini SUP?

You book Santorini SUP online through GetYourGuide or directly with the centres at Kamari, Akrotiri and Perivolos. Bad weather leads to a free change or a refund on the Kamari tour. Wave Sports keeps the deposit for cancellations inside 48 hours.

Each listing shows the free dates and the meeting point once you choose a day. Give a phone number at booking, since a windy forecast can move the start time.

The Kamari Santorini SUP tour is flexible on weather and offers a new date or a refund. Wave Sports keeps the deposit for cancellations made within 48 hours, unless the session is rescheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do Santorini SUP if you have never paddled?

Yes. Every guided Santorini SUP tour listed here takes beginners. The guide teaches the stance and stroke on the beach before launch. Guests who feel unsteady paddle on their knees, which still moves the board forward. Falling in is normal and does no harm in calm, warm water.

Is Santorini SUP better in the morning or the afternoon?

Santorini SUP works when the wind is low, which on summer days tends to be the morning. The Akrotiri team picks the hour on the day. Afternoon sessions run when the meltemi stays light. Ask the centre the evening before for the start time it expects.

Do you need your own gear for Santorini SUP?

No. The centres supply the board, paddle, leash and life jacket, and the Kamari tour adds snorkel gear. Bring only a swimsuit, towel, sun cream and a hat. Water shoes help on the pebble and rock entries, though the black sand beaches are soft underfoot.

Which beach suits a first Santorini SUP rental?

Perivolos suits a first rental, with boards by the half hour or hour and a life jacket included. Its long black sand shore is open and easy to launch from. The wider list of beaches, with their sand and facilities, is on the Santorini beaches page.

Can you take photos during Santorini SUP?

Yes, with care. A phone in a waterproof pouch on a lanyard stays safe if you fall in. Guides stop in coves where the boards sit still, which is the moment for photos. The guide on a Santorini SUP tour carries a dry bag for small items.

Can you combine Santorini SUP with a visit to Akrotiri?

Yes. The Akrotiri base sits below the prehistoric town of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement buried in volcanic ash by the great eruption of Thera. Its covered excavations open to visitors, so a morning Santorini SUP tour and an afternoon at the site fit into one day on the south coast.