The 15 Best Santorini Volcano Tours

1.Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,302 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $42Our pick

This six-hour cruise from Santorini’s Old Port visits Nea Kameni’s volcanic trails, Palea Kameni’s warm sulfur springs, and Thirassia, where you have time to explore or eat. A tour escort provides commentary, and foam noodles help in the water. Hotel pickup costs extra. Bring swimwear, a towel, water, and sturdy shoes.

“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.”

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2.Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,214 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $36

From Fira’s Old Port, take a three-hour boat trip to Nea Kameni for a guided volcanic hike and caldera views, then swim about 30 to 40 meters to Palea Kameni’s warm, sulfur-rich springs. Foam noodles are provided, but you’ll need swimwear, a towel, sturdy shoes, water, and confidence in the sea.

“We had a short time but wanted some time on the water. This 3-hour sail met our needs perfectly. The sail, hike and swim were a great experience.”

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3.Cruise to Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirassia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 992 reviews · 6 hours · from $41

Spend six hours by boat among Santorini’s caldera islands, with a guided visit to Nea Kameni’s volcanic paths, a swim stop at Palea Kameni and free time on Thirassia. An English-speaking guide and onboard audio commentary add context. Bring a dark swimsuit, sturdy shoes and cash for the volcano fee.

“The tour is good value for money, including three stops at the volcano (Nea Kammeni Islet), the hot springs at Palaia Kammeni Islet and Thirasia Island. Another highlight was sailing back to Fira via Oia and seeing another view of this magnificent cliff top town. Also the drinks on the boat were not overpriced.”

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4.3 Hour Cruise to Volcano and Hot Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 512 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $35Best value

Set out from Fira Old Port on a wooden boat cruise to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. You can hike independently to the volcano’s crater, then swim near the hot springs, where the water is warmer than the surrounding sea. Audio commentary is provided on board, and a guide may share more at the volcano.

“The guide was excellent. She had a lovely caring manner, was very clear in her instructions, very knowledgeable about the volcano and very attentive to the needs of her passengers. All in all this tour delivered exactly what was promised at a reasonable price.”

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5.Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise: Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 375 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $60

Sail by wooden caïque to Nea Kameni, walk toward the active volcano’s crater, swim near Palea Kameni’s thermal waters, then spend time in Thirassia. The six-hour trip includes a local guide and boat commentary in five languages. Guides have included Spiros, though assignments can vary. Bus pickup is offered from central points in many villages.

“Spiros our guide was the best! Funny and knowledgeable. Great way to see the volcano and hot springs.”

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6.Explore Santorini’s volcano with Alex Private Boat Rental

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 298 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) Top rated

From Fira’s Old Port, captain Panos and first mate Alex take your private group of up to six around Santorini’s caldera. Expect volcanic scenery, swims and snorkelling stops, five local dishes, Santorini wine, and the option to finish with sunset near Oia. The route can be adjusted to your interests and the weather.

“This is a must do experience. Santorini from the water is a different island and Panos takes the time to explain the volcanic history while being a great skipper and host. I would highly recommend you book this tour well before you arrive. You bypass the hordes of tourists and and get a 100% locals experience.”

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7.Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise: Volcano,Hot Springs,Thirassia and Oia Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 139 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $68

Sail from Santorini to Nea Kameni for a guided volcano walk, then stop near Palea Kameni to swim in sulfur-warmed water and visit Thirassia. The day ends with free time in Oia for sunset, reached by bus after the boat returns to port. Guides on some departures have included Yannis and Spyros, but staffing can vary.

“Guided tour up Nea Kameni was great, tour guide was very knowledgable and entertaining. If you choose to swim in the hot springs, it will stain your swimsuit if its white or very light colours. It would have been nice to have more time on Thirassia, we hiked up the path to eat at the top for lunch but didn't have enough time to explore Manolas (the main settlement on the island) The bus transfers were fine but having a guide explaining sites as we drove from the port near Fira to Oia would have added finishing touches. There was also no guidance or where to find the best spots…”

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8.Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 121 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend an afternoon and evening cruising Santorini’s caldera, with a guided stop at Nea Kameni, time to swim near Palea Kameni, and a buffet dinner with local wine as the sun sets near Thirasia. Hotel pickup is offered from selected points. Bring sturdy walking shoes, swimwear, and €5 cash for the volcano entrance.

“This experience was amazing! From the trip to the top of the volcano to the remarkable Santorini sunset, every part was an excellent experience! It was more than worth it and I'd recommend it to anyone going to Santorini!”

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9.Discover Scuba Diving in the Caldera of the Volcano in Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $108

At Caldera Beach in Akrotiri, learn scuba basics with an instructor, practise breathing in shallow water, then explore a nearby reef for about 35 minutes. Equipment and instruction are included. Sessions start at 10:00 or 13:00, with groups capped at 10. Instructors Barak and Zoe have led sessions, though your instructor may differ.

“Honestly we are at lost of words, great experience, wonderful service and a the memories we have made are precious! Totally recommend!”

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10.Volcano Cruise With Oia Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 97 reviews · 10 hours · from $67

From Athinios Port, sail past Santorini’s volcanic islands, with an optional unguided crater walk and a swim stop at sulfur-rich hot springs. You’ll have free time on Thirassia, then travel by bus to Oia for its alleys and sunset. A local guide joins the bus and boat; commentary is offered in five languages.

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11.Santorini ATV Highlights Tour: Oia, Viewpoints & Volcanic Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $184

Ride a 350cc ATV with a local guide on a 3.5-hour circuit from Fira to Oia, Profitis Ilias, Perissa and Red Beach. Expect road riding, photo stops and a short driving lesson. Guides include Nelly, whose husband helps with the ATV briefing. Drivers need a license and must be at least 20.

“Great experience. Decided to go on this excursion with a group of friends and had such a wonderful time with Nelly. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a tour of the entire island.”

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12.Santorini Volcano Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 83 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Sail from Fira’s old port to Nea Kameni for a guided walk across the volcanic island, then stop near Palea Kameni for a swim in mineral-rich water. Expect striking caldera views, a $5 volcano fee, and a swim that requires strong skills. Guides have included Georgia, Georgiana, and Anna, though your guide may differ.

“We chose to tour areas of Greece without taking a big cruise liner- with this tour and others we enjoyed the beautiful water without the fuss of cruising! The boat was comfortable and i even got in the water for the hot springs- it was cold before it was hot- but a lovely little dip! The crew was lovely and the explanation of the area very interesting!”

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13.Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 54 reviews · from $39

Sail from Santorini’s Old Port to Nea Kameni’s volcanic crater, then swim near Palea Kameni and spend free time on Thirassia. Some longer options add a bus trip to Oia for sunset. A tour escort provides live commentary in English, Italian, French, or Spanish. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sun protection; entry fees, meals, and cable car tickets cost extra.

“Sofia was our English guide and she was patient going up the volcano. We unfortunately could not get to Thirasia due to the volcanic activity earlier in the year. The tour was a good way to see the circumference around the Santorini island”

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14.Explore Santorini and its volcanic wonders with Alex Private Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Set out from Santorini’s Old Harbor for a private three-hour cruise toward volcanic swim spots, including Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. You can swim or snorkel, hear about the area’s volcanic past, and return to a boat with Greek food, wine, refreshments, and music. The group limit is six, and crew members have included Alex, Panos, George, and Dimitri.

“This was a wonderful experience. Pannos was our captain and he was very knowledgeable and a wonderful host. The meze he served for lunch was wonderful. Highly recommend!”

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15.Volcano and Hot springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 22 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $36

From Fira’s Old Port, a local guide takes you by boat to Santorini’s active volcano and the warm-water bay at Palaia Kameni. You get 1 hour 15 minutes for the rocky uphill walk to the craters, then about 30 minutes to swim from the boat. The ride takes about three hours; bring sturdy shoes and be ready to swim around 30 meters to reach the warmer water.

“Great price, no glitches, very professional and comfortable boat. We were on a Cruise ship and all the excursions are expensive crowded and you have to get up at 7am and meet them. This had 2 options early and 2. Did the 2pm it was perfect”

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