Santorini: Boat tour to Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirasia island

Santorini’s caldera is more than a pretty view from the cliffs. This five-hour boat trip takes you across it to walk Nea Kameni’s dark volcanic ground, swim near Palea Kameni’s warm springs, and see a quieter side of island life on Thirassia.

I like two things in particular: the itinerary brings together volcanic scenery and a real swim stop, and Thirassia gives you time to step ashore for lunch or a wander instead of spending the whole outing on the boat. A maximum group of 24 also makes this a smaller outing than the large boats you may see in the harbor.

The main consideration is that the volcano walk is unguided and can be strenuous in summer heat. The hot springs require you to swim from the boat, and the time ashore can feel short if the group runs behind schedule.

The trip at a glance

• A small boat in the caldera: The group is capped at 24, and the boat is smaller than many others on this route.
• A volcanic walk on Nea Kameni: You have 1 hour 15 minutes ashore, but you hike independently and pay a €5 entrance fee.
• A swim near Palea Kameni: The stop is about 30 minutes, but you need to be comfortable swimming away from the boat.
• A quieter island stop: Thirassia gets about 1 hour 15 minutes in the planned schedule, with time to stroll or eat in Manolas.
• Useful basics included: A towel, one bottle of water, pool noodles, a restroom, and one glass of local white wine are provided.
• Plan for extra costs and wind: The cable car costs €10 each way, food is extra, and a light jacket or sweatshirt can be welcome on the water.

Leaving Santorini’s Old Harbor

The tour begins at 10:15 am at Santorini Sea Trips, by the Old Harbor below Fira, and returns to the same point. The harbor sits at the foot of the cliffs, so getting down from town is part of the plan. You can use the cable car, walk the steps, or ride a donkey. The cable car costs €10 each way, so add that to your budget if you plan to use it.

The old port is a scenic place to start, with waterfront cafes, shops, and tavernas. But its position below Fira matters more than the scenery: allow enough time to reach the meeting point, especially if you are coming from the top of the cliffs. The tour operator has used WhatsApp to clarify directions and timing, which can help if the harbor’s access routes are unfamiliar.

The boat sets off across the caldera, with around 20 minutes of sailing to Nea Kameni. It’s a chance to see Santorini’s high, steep rim from the water and to understand how much of the trip depends on the sea. Conditions can be choppy, and wind and spray are part of the ride, so bring a light layer even on a warm day.

The group limit of 24 helps keep this more intimate than a large boat outing, though it does not mean you should expect a private tour. Captains named Panagiotis and Manos have been praised for being kind and capable, and one captain timed the stops to reach them ahead of larger boats. The boat crew’s warmth is a clear plus; detailed narration is less certain. The captain may focus on running the boat rather than providing a full historical account.

Walking Nea Kameni’s black volcanic ground

Nea Kameni is the trip’s most striking stop. This small volcanic island has dark, rocky ground and lava-formed cliffs, a sharp contrast with Santorini’s white villages and pale caldera walls. You have 1 hour 15 minutes to walk on the island and make your way toward the crater rim.

The hike is self-guided. There is no guide walking with you, and the €5 entrance fee is not included. You set your own pace, but you are also responsible for your footing and safety. The route can be hard work, particularly in August heat, so wear shoes you can walk confidently in, carry water, and avoid treating the stop as a casual stroll if the ground is uneven.

The boat provides one bottle of water per person, but it is sensible to bring any extra water you know you will need. There are no donkeys included to carry you up the volcano. If steep or rocky walks are difficult for you, consider carefully whether this stop suits your abilities. The tour is described as suitable for most travelers, but the hike is not effortless.

Do not expect an expert-led volcano lesson as part of the walk. You may get useful local context from the captain, but commentary is not guaranteed. If learning about geology is central to your plans, prepare a little background in advance or choose a tour that explicitly includes a hiking guide.

Swimming at Palea Kameni’s hot springs

After Nea Kameni, the boat heads to Palea Kameni, where you get about 30 minutes for the hot-spring stop. The water contains sulfur, iron, and other volcanic minerals. It can feel warmer than the surrounding sea, but do not picture a pool beside the boat: you swim from the boat to the thermal water.

That detail makes the stop a poor fit if you are not a confident swimmer. The water is deep, and you may need to keep swimming rather than stand or relax in shallow water. Foam pool noodles are provided, which offer some help, but they are not a substitute for swimming ability. If you are traveling with a child who is not comfortable in the water, plan on them staying aboard.

The water’s sulfur can stain light-colored swimwear, so choose a dark suit you do not mind risking. A returnable towel is provided, which saves room in your bag, and the crew can collect it afterward. The stop can feel brief once everyone has taken turns getting in and out of the water, so be ready when the boat arrives.

Finding a slower pace on Thirassia

Thirassia offers a welcome change of pace after the hike and swim. It was once connected to Santorini before the ancient eruption reshaped the island group. Today it remains much less developed than Fira and Oia, with Cycladic houses and quiet lanes that invite a slow wander.

The planned stop is 1 hour 15 minutes. You can head toward Manolas, the main village, or stay near the waterfront, where traditional tavernas offer local food and wine. Lunch here can be a highlight, especially if you want a break from the crowds and high prices of Santorini’s best-known towns. Food is not included, so allow for the cost of a meal or snack.

Keep an eye on the return time. The schedule depends on the group getting back to the boat promptly, and delays earlier in the trip can cut into time on shore. On a well-timed morning, an hour or so gives you room for a meal and a short stroll. If you want a long lunch, a full village walk, or a relaxed stop at several cafes, this tour may feel rushed.

What the $83 fare covers

At $83, this trip bundles boat transport to three distinct stops, a small group, a towel, a bottle of water, pool noodles, a restroom on board, and one glass of local white wine. The boat ride itself is part of the value: it gives you access to Nea Kameni, the hot springs, and Thirassia without having to arrange separate transport between them.

The extras are worth adding up before booking. The volcano entrance fee is €5 per person, the cable car is €10 each way, and food on Thirassia is at your own expense. Donkey rides are not included. The wine is a single glass, not a drinks package, and it may be served in a small plastic cup. Think of it as a modest onboard extra, not a major part of the fare.

The biggest value is the combination of stops and the smaller boat, rather than guided interpretation or a luxurious onboard service. If you mainly want to see the caldera from the water, hike the volcano, and enjoy a swim and island stop in one half-day, the price is reasonable. If you want a detailed guided hike, a long visit on Thirassia, or a leisurely hot-spring soak, you may find the timetable too compressed.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits you if you like an active half-day with a mix of scenery, walking, swimming, and a village stop. It is also a good choice if you want to get away from Santorini’s busiest towns for a while and sample a quieter island without organizing a separate trip.

It is less suitable if you cannot manage a rocky uphill walk, are uncomfortable swimming in deep water, or want a guide to explain every stop. Families should consider each person’s comfort in the water and on the volcano trail. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation, but the walk and swim remain the main physical considerations.

The weather matters, too. The trip requires good conditions, and the boat may feel choppy or windy. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations inside that window are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a compact, varied look at the caldera, and you are comfortable with an unguided volcano walk and an open-water swim. Its best elements are the volcanic scenery, the small-group boat, and the chance to eat or stroll on quieter Thirassia.

Skip it if you need a guided hike, want a long, unhurried stop at each place, or are not a confident swimmer. For the best chance of enjoying the full itinerary, arrive on time, bring a dark swimsuit and a light layer, and be ready to follow the schedule at each stop.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about five hours. It starts at 10:15 am and returns to the Old Harbor meeting point.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Santorini Sea Trips at the Old Harbor, also known as Fira Port, below Fira.

Is the volcano hike guided?

No. You hike Nea Kameni on your own, without a guide accompanying you. The €5 entrance fee is not included.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the hot springs?

You need to be comfortable swimming away from the boat in deep water. Pool noodles are provided, but the tour information advises that swimmers should be able to swim confidently.

What should I wear for the hot-spring swim?

Wear a swimsuit you do not mind exposing to sulfur. The water may stain light-colored swimwear, so a dark suit is a practical choice.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a towel that you return to the staff, one bottle of water, pool noodles, a restroom on board, free time on Thirassia, and one glass of local white wine.

What costs extra?

The cable car costs €10 each way, the Nea Kameni entrance fee is €5 per person, and food is not included.