Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)
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Santorini, Greece
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Combine a visit to Santorini's caldera and hot springs with a trip out to the island of Thirasia with this cruise. You'll start at Nea Kameni, a volcanic island, where you'll have time to walk around the island and swim in its hot springs. You'll the cruise on to Thirasia, where you'll have enough time to have lunch and explore before sailing back to Santorini.
- A local guide will provide commentary
- Foam pool noodles will be provided
- Explore Thirasia independently with plenty of free time
- Optional hotel transfer service is available
What's Included
- Guided volcano hiking tour (with expert insights into its history and geology.)
- Visit to the hot springs (for a unique swimming experience in sulfur-rich, warm waters.)
- Tour escort (to guide and assist throughout the trip.)
- Pick up and Drop off included (if the "with pickup" option is selected)
- Foam pool noodles for added support while swimming at the hot springs.
- Food and beverages (available for purchase or bring your own)
- Towels and swimwear (guests must bring their own)
- Pick up and Drop off excluded (if the "without pickup" option is selected)
- Entrance fee - Volcano€5.00 per person
- Cable car ticket - per way, Santorini Volcano€10.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Make your own way to the harborside meeting point or request hotel pickup (additional cost). After meeting your guide and group, board your vessel and set sail for the island of Nea Kameni.
At the jetty, you have the option of taking a guided tour to Santorini Volcano (additional fee) that takes you to the volcano’s ridge as your guide provides information about the history and geology of the volcano. After exploring the island, get back on the boat and sail to the island of Palea Kameni, which is known for its sulfurous hot springs and mud baths.
After dropping anchor near the beach, you can enjoy the healing powers of the shallow mineral waters in the bay of Agios Nicholaos.
Next stop is the tiny island of Thirassia, which you can explore at your own pace before getting back on the boat and returning to the harbor in Santorini.
At the jetty, you have the option of taking a guided tour to Santorini Volcano (additional fee) that takes you to the volcano’s ridge as your guide provides information about the history and geology of the volcano. After exploring the island, get back on the boat and sail to the island of Palea Kameni, which is known for its sulfurous hot springs and mud baths.
After dropping anchor near the beach, you can enjoy the healing powers of the shallow mineral waters in the bay of Agios Nicholaos.
Next stop is the tiny island of Thirassia, which you can explore at your own pace before getting back on the boat and returning to the harbor in Santorini.
1
Santorini Volcano
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Palea Kameni
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Explore Thirasia Santorini
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- For the volcano tour, wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and bring water.
- Dark swimsuits are recommended to avoid sulfur stains.
- A minibar is available on board for water and snacks.
- Bring sunscreen for sunny days or a light jacket if it’s windy.
- Swimming in the hot springs is not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with heart issues or serious medical conditions.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 130 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Andrew_L
This is a great trip, we enjoyed every aspect of it. The boat, crew and guide made it a great day out. The variety at the stops was amazing and the time at each stop worked perfectly. The views of Santorini from the boat are spectacular.
This trip is a “must do” when visiting Santorini.
Reviews
4.4
based on 1,317 reviews
Risha_S, Apr 2026
Very nice service. Staff is punctual, friendly and have good knowledge about the places and its history. Staff fluently speaks English and give very clear instructions. They give sufficient time to explore the places and even take pictures.
supriya_p, Apr 2026
The entire experience was well planned. The guide provided good information. Overall it was good experience. Will recommend it.
Sushma_L, Apr 2026
Lovely experience, great guide & very informative about the Volcano. Reason I am giving 4 Star, no fault of them however, weather was too cool to enjoy the sulpher Springs.
Anthony_D, Apr 2026
We really enjoyed this experience! The only suggestion I would sayis to get the vehicle color and license when being picked up at the hotel and confirm if the service will be pickup and drop off. Other than that, the tour itself was a really great experience! Be prepared to do a lot of walking with good walking shoes and you should also be a seasoned swimmer. You will have to jump off the boat into the hot springs. The sites were beautiful and the time in Thrissa was fun. It was an overall great experience!!!! The crew was very nice, funny and accommodating!
Isha_S, Apr 2026
Well planned - correct amount of time at each place.
Boat was clean and had plenty of seating.
Bit of a swim to get to the hot springs but pool noodles provided.
Could have done a bit more of a guided tour of Thirassia / the volcano, but great regardless.
Glass floor of boat needed to be cleaned to allow to see the coral reef.
Andrew_C, Apr 2026
This excursion is not as described. First, the boat tour is not on a small historic wooden ship as pictured in the tour photos, but instead on a 250 person ferry that was about as crowded as a NYC subway during rush hour. This was a huge disappointment. Next, the “private guide” for the volcano hike was not so private. There was one guide for 250 people and most passengers were unable to experience the tour. Next, the hot springs were a swim off the back of the boat and were not hot (only about 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
CarlosDaniel_S, Apr 2026
Really complete and nice tour its really good for what you pay for, tons of sightseeing and friendly staff!!!
Gautam_A, Feb 2026
For a day trip, this is the best. They'll take you to all the best places. Please don't forget to carry your swimming trunks for got water springs.
AllanM, Oct 2025
There were 110 people on this tour and when walking to the top of the volcano we needed to be very close to the tour guide as when on the occasions that he stopped and talked only the closest 15 to 20 people could hear his speak. There is no need to spend two hours on the island of Thirassia.
Stefan_R, Oct 2025
Great experience here on the boat to hike the volcano (€5 entry) on Nea Kameni, swim in the "hot" springs (not very hot, basically warm patch of ocean with Sulphur) on Palea Kameni and visit the small island of Thirasia with 270 step hike and restaurants, café & bars. On the way back you cruise by the village of Oia for a great photo OP before returning to Old Port of Fira. About a 5.5hr tour all together.
Delphine_L, Oct 2025
Nice trip to visit the volcano island, the hot springs and Thirassia. Very affordable option for a qualitative time.
Katherine_G, Oct 2025
We enjoyed this excursion that took us to hike the volcano, swim in the hot springs, and visiting Thirassia. We visited in early October so it wasn’t too hot for the hike. The water was a little cold when we jumped in, but we got used to it quickly. The hot springs weren’t that hot but it was still a cool experience. We had gyros for lunch on Thirassia before heading back.
Zach_G, Oct 2025
Overall, it was only okay. Not great, not horrable.
It all started with checking in. Our tender dropped us off very early, so I went to check in. The lady behind the desk resonated a "i really dont wanna be here" energy as well as being short and quite rude to me telling me to come back at 9:45am to check in.
Upon checking in later, we were told to wait in a line that really turned into a giant pile of people that the staff did nothing to control.
We boarded the boat and all of our boat staff was fantastic. They helped my wife get on and get off with my 1 year old who sometimes was sleeping. They were polite when we talked to them.
The locations were pretty. But we has some issues as well.
Up first was the Volcano. It was very pretty but was mostly a walking trail with very loose lava stone gravel. Felt like there wasn't much there for the 5 euro entrance fee.
Secondly was the hot springs swim. This is where we had the biggest issue. We were not told that the swim would be from the boat, so my wife and I did not wear our suits onto the boat because we thought there would be somewhere to change like all of the other hot springs we have been to and not wanting to hike up a volcano in a swim suit.
Also with the swim, we only had 30 minutes to swim, and this included the get in and get out process. Normally this would be fine but once I got in, we had to swim about 50 meters to the spring. By the time I was able to get in and swim over, they blew the horn saying it was time to come back. It would have been nice having 45 mins or an hour there.
Lastly was the town of Theresa. We loved this area. The reatraunt we ate at was reasonable and the food was good. We took our 1 year old along the coast and let her play in the water.
On our way back we took the long way back past Oia and Fira, not unpleasant, but made our ride back to the island approximately an hour and 20 mins. It was unexpected.
Overall, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't somthing I would do again.
Misook_L, Oct 2025
Great all around experiences of the sites around Santorini! It includes a small hike, a short swim, and a lengthy break and Thirasia for lunch or other leisure activities! Definitely worth a short day trip.
pol800, Oct 2025
Fantastic trip - definitely book but read the following tips! Lovely overall trip. Lots of lovely time on the sea and on the boat. Really fantastic value for money.
1) Wear a dark swimsuit
2) Bring a towel and wear sports clothes over the top that dry quickly
3) Wear water shoes - there are rocks under the water at the hot springs, watch out as it shallows!
4) Bring a water bottle
5) The trip is still worth while even if you don't want to swim - I am a nervous swimmer but they provide a float and once you're in, it was fine. A ladder was provided - you don't have to jump
6) Bring a snorkel goggle for the free time to explore the underwater world in your free time
We took the public bus and cable car (land slide on the path), it is €10 euros per person, cash and card, but much like everywhere else, cash is preferred
Overall a lovely day and worth while going!
Andrea_H, Oct 2025
Highly recommend; a way to get out in the water in Santorini and see the natural beauty. Make sure you bring a bathing suit, towel, water and ideally water shoes.
Kathryn_D, Oct 2025
Not knowing what to expect as there some fairly negative reviews. We were quite satisfied. Pick up was about 20 minutes late but no worries. The boat was lovely, the guide was very knowledgeable, lots of detail and was fluent in 3 languages. Used a microphone so all areas of the boat could hear. The imb to the peak was not easy but doable for anyone with no mobility problems. There were a few people who had small children....not a good idea. The only negative I can say is the swim was too short. With so many wanting to get off the boat there were some approaching the warm (not hot) as were whistled back in. Lunch in Therassi was great. Grilled squid at Captain John's. Fun music on the was back to port.We are glad we took the opportunity.
Charlotte_G, Oct 2025
We really enjoyed the whole day, the guide was friendly and plenty of good info, the boat was clean and well equipped. We had time to do everything that we wanted to do without being either rushed or waiting around. Would recommend
minahil_s, Oct 2025
The actual trip was great BUT the bus on our way back was 45 mins late to pick up from the port to take us to the hotel.
Scott_S, Sep 2025
Crowded boat, sit in the stern. Great views from the boat. Hiking the Volcano was cool. Hot springs were warm. Last stop 2hours is basically a lunch stop.
Good value fir the cost
Leisa, Sep 2025
The hot springs is not hot. The water is cold when you jump from the boat. The tour doesn’t go down into the caldera.
Donald_M, Sep 2025
Overall was a good experiment and worth the money. The transportation side of things was more challenging- we booked transportation through Viator and the bus was 30 minutes late to pick us up and the communication around this was not ideal.
Olga_K, Sep 2025
Excellent guides; beautiful boat, good value for a half-day activity. However, the drop off was extremely disorganized and unpleasant (bus 5 did not want to cooperate lol) put a damper on the end of the trip
Julie_R, Sep 2025
I picked this tour because we were arriving on a cruise and wanted to avoid the long cable car lines and donkey steps. It starts from the old pier so it’s very convenient for cruise passengers. The hot springs swim was nice but not long enough. My family was one of the last ones off the boat and the crew was whistling for us to return before we even made it to the springs. We were told there would be another place to swim at the next stop but there is no real beach at Thirassia. The small area where you can swim is covered in rocks. Don’t even attempt it unless you have water shoes. (We didn’t). There were plenty of places to eat there and the food was good and not ridiculously expensive so it was an enjoyable stop but I would have preferred more time at the hot springs and less time in Thirassia. The volcano stop was listed as a guided tour but you are pretty much in your own. The “guide” gives a brief speech and hands out maps and that’s it. You are told a time to be back on the boat and left to climb at your own pace. The views are worth the hike though.
The only real negative is the crew. They were unfriendly and felt like they were just there to herd us. Definitely not a guided tour. We’ve had taxi drivers who were better tour guides.
It was a fairly inexpensive tour for a family of 4 so overall a good value if you like boat rides and want a great view of the caldera. Especially convenient for cruise ship passengers. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are hoping for a day at the beach or if you want to see Oia up close.
vincentflynn, Sep 2025
We booked this excursion not knowing really what to expect. It turned out to be a wonderful day. Well organised. Maybe a bit overcrowded but all went well. The itinerary was as advertised. Well worth it.
Parris_L, Sep 2025
operators know what they’re doing with a well-run itinerary. Boat wasn’t the most comfortable, and could not hear the guide, especially on the volcano. But we got there, got back, had a good time. No surprises. Nothing more nothing less.
Amanda_E, Sep 2025
Beautiful scenery
Relaxing
Restrooms on boat which is a great perk
Just enough time at each stop so you can see it and move to next stop
Kate_E, Sep 2025
That was an amazing experience. We loved it! The gide guy was helpful and informative. Boat trip was pleasant and the coast line was stunning.
Alice_C, Aug 2025
Good instructions about where to meet and easy to find. The main thing is how long it will take to go down from Fira downtown to the port - the cable car ride is just a few minutes but it may not be running at full capacity. For us, it was so the down journey was less than 10 minutes including a short wait. The boat itself was mostly but not completely full - it was easy to check in and find a spot to sit. They played music that was a little loud but not too bad.
The volcano was fun - the island itself wasn't that interesting but it provided a great view of Santorini and the caldera. The hot springs were fun and the provided pool noodles were helpful in swimming around. Note that you must bring your own towels and there's nowhere to shower/change. Would recommend water shoes for the slippery hot springs bottom. The main challenge is also swimming back to the boat rather than swimming out to the hot springs, but you can stay on board if you prefer. Thirassia was OK - a small shore with a little beach and the option to walk to the top. The food options weren't too bad or overpriced considering the location but it was certainly too hot for us to walk to the peak. The guide showed us around the volcano and introduced us to the area a bit, which was nice. Overall, a fun experience (but pretty bare bones)!
Jaqueline_Y, Aug 2025
it is a really fun experience and you can see a lot for a fair price. we saw the volcano, we swam in the hot springs and we visited the island thirassia.
From $41.84
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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