Adonis Luxury Schooner Santorini Full Day Cruise

If you’re dreaming of seeing Santorini in a way that feels both indulgent and authentic, the Adonis Luxury Schooner Full Day Cruise might just be worth considering. This private, 10-hour journey offers a chance to explore the island’s most iconic sights from a unique vantage point—out on the water. It’s a curated experience that aims to combine adventure, relaxation, and plenty of picture-perfect moments.

What really attracts us are the hot springs and volcanic hikes—two highlights that make this cruise stand out. Plus, the fact that it’s a private group means you’re unlikely to be stuck with strangers, which often makes for a more personalized trip. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the cost, which is on the higher side, making it more suitable for travelers who really want that exclusive, tailored experience. If you’re someone who values stunning scenery and a flexible itinerary, this tour could be just your thing.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and chill time, those who want to see Santorini from its waters, and anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion in style. It’s especially appealing for couples or small groups eager for a day away from crowded spots and into an intimate, scenic voyage.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience tailored to your preferences
• Includes a visit to Nea Kameni volcano with optional hiking
• Swim in sulphuric hot springs praised for skin benefits
• Cruise passes famous cliffside towns like Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia
• All meals, snacks, and drinks included for a hassle-free day
• Not suitable for wheelchair users due to activity nature

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on the Cruise

This isn’t a typical sightseeing boat trip. From the moment you step aboard the Adonis schooner, you’ll notice it’s all about comfort and exclusivity. The crew, led by Captain Christos Vlachos, makes you feel welcomed with a brief safety overview before you start your day of exploration. The boat itself, at 65 feet, is cozy enough to foster a sense of intimacy but spacious enough to relax and enjoy the views.

Timing-wise, the day kicks off at 10:00 AM, with a gentle departure from Athinios Port. From the outset, the itinerary is flexible, but it generally revolves around key highlights like the Nea Kameni volcano, hot springs, and the charming bays and towns along the coast. The cruise is designed to maximize your time at each spot, with enough flexibility to tweak stops depending on weather and your interests.

Highlights of the Full Day Tour

Visiting the Nea Kameni Volcano and Hot Springs

The trip’s first major stop is the Nea Kameni volcano. Once you arrive around 10:30 AM, you’ll have about an hour to enjoy the sulfuric springs, which are renowned for their skin-healing properties. Because of the shallowness of the springs, swimming involves a bit of a swim from the boat to the springs—so good swimming skills are a must. Light-colored bathing suits might stain, so pack accordingly.

A nice touch is the optional volcano hike. For those feeling adventurous, a knowledgeable guide, Eugene, will share insights into the island’s volcanic history while leading a hike that lasts until around 1:30 PM. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can stay on board and relax in one of the many coves.

Exploring the Bays and Beaches

After the volcano, the boat heads south to the Akrotiri area, famous for the Red Beach, White Beach, and Mesa Pigadia. We loved the way the cruise offers an unhurried look at these spots, with time for swimming and soaking up the scenery. The waters here are crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling if you want to see marine life up close.

The stop at Mesa Pigadia, from around 2:45 PM to 4:15 PM, is ideal for lounging and a meal. The onboard Greek main meal is described as delicious, with snacks and drinks—including local wine and Greek beer—making it a relaxed, no-pressure feast. The calm waters and scenic backdrop make it one of the most peaceful parts of the day.

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Cruising the Cliffside Towns

By mid-afternoon, the boat begins to cruise along Santorini’s famous cliffs, passing Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, with Oia at the end of this stretch. The views from the sea are breathtaking—cliffside towns with whitewashed buildings and blue domes seem to cascade down the caldera. The perspective from the water offers a different appreciation of these well-photographed spots.

You’ll have another opportunity to step ashore in Oia, usually around 6:45 PM, to absorb the incredible sunset views. Many reviews highlight how stunning Oia looks from the sea—more expansive and less crowded than from land, making for perfect photo moments.

Sunset at Thirassia and Final Relaxation

After Oia, the cruise heads to the small island of Thirassia around 7:00 PM. This peaceful island offers gorgeous cliffs and clear waters, perfect for a final swim or relaxing dinner onboard. The boat remains in Korfos Bay until about 8:00 PM, giving everyone time to unwind before watching the sunset. As the crew opens the sails and the sky darkens, the scene becomes almost surreal.

Following sunset, the schooner heads back to Athinios Port, arriving around 9:30-10:00 PM. A driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, ending a day packed with scenic beauty and memorable experiences.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

This cruise is all about convenience and comfort. The included amenities—snacks, a full Greek meal, water, soft drinks, local wine and beer, towels, snorkeling masks, safety vests, and sea floaties—mean you’re set for the day without extra expenses. Round-trip transfers make getting to and from the port effortless.

The group is private, so you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers, which is great if you prefer a personalized trip. The group size up to 10 ensures a relaxed atmosphere, but keep in mind, the tour isn’t suited for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues due to activities like swimming and hiking.

Price and Value

At $4,135 for up to 10 people, the experience works out to roughly $413 per person. While it’s on the pricier side, this cost includes almost everything—meals, drinks, transfers, snorkelling gear, and a tailored itinerary. For couples celebrating something special or small groups wanting a private, luxurious day, many find the price justified for the exclusivity and flexibility.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Reviews often mention the stunning views as the standout feature. Travelers appreciate the way the cruise offers perspectives that are hard to find elsewhere, especially the views of the cliff towns from the water. One reviewer shared, “Seeing Oia from the sea is a whole new experience—just breathtaking,” reaffirming how special this vantage point is.

Others highlight the hot springs as a not-to-miss part of the day, though some note the need for strong swimming skills. The optional volcano hike is also a hit for those who want a bit of adventure, with many describing it as an insightful addition thanks to Eugene’s commentary.

However, some mention the cost as steep, but generally, they agree that the personalized service, private group setting, and scenic stops make it worthwhile—especially for those celebrating a special occasion or wanting a day free from busy tourist spots.

In The Sum Up

The Adonis Luxury Schooner Santorini Full Day Cruise offers a sophisticated way to explore one of Greece’s most iconic islands from the water. It combines beautiful scenery, cultural highlights, and the luxury of a private boat, making it perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate experience. The mix of volcanic adventures, swimming in warm springs, and cliffside vistas ensures there’s something memorable for everyone.

While the price might be a consideration, the all-inclusive nature and personalized approach can make this a great value for those wanting to treat themselves. It’s particularly well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion in style.

If you’re after a day of stunning views, gentle adventure, and comfortable luxury, this cruise ticks most boxes. Just be ready for the activities involved—good swimming skills and a love for scenic coastal landscapes will make this trip even more enjoyable.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since swimming involves a swim from the boat to the springs and activities like hiking, it’s best suited for strong swimmers and older children. The tour may not be ideal for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

How long do we get at each stop?
You’ll have about an hour at Nea Kameni volcano and its hot springs, with additional time at the bays and beaches for swimming and relaxing. The Oia stop is about 30 minutes onshore before heading back.

What’s included in the price?
All meals and snacks, water, soft drinks, local wine and beer, towels, snorkeling masks, safety vests, and sea floaties are included. Transfers are also part of the package.

Is the cruise flexible?
Yes, the itinerary is suggested based on weather and conditions but can be tailored to your preferences, especially as it’s a private group experience.

How about the weather?
The cruise depends on good weather, so check the forecast. The operator will suggest alternative plans if conditions aren’t ideal, but typically, they aim to provide a smooth experience.

Can I hike the volcano?
Yes, the volcano hike is optional and lasts until about 1:30 PM. It’s a chance to learn more about Santorini’s volcanic activity with a knowledgeable guide.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, flip-flops, beachwear, and your ID or passport. Don’t forget your camera—these views are worth capturing.

This full-day cruise is a memorable way to see Santorini from a different angle. It’s perfect if you’re after a private, scenic, and relaxing experience that showcases the island’s volcanic drama and cliffside beauty. Just be prepared for some activity and a premium price, but if that fits your travel style, it could be the highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: