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

Planning a trip to Santorini? Then you’ve probably come across the popular volcanic islands cruise that promises a day full of adventure, stunning scenery, and unforgettable sunsets. We’ve taken a close look at this experience to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we like about this tour is how it combines nature, history, and leisure, all on a single day. You get to hike an active volcano, relax in warm sulfur springs, explore traditional villages, and finish with a picture-perfect sunset in Oia. On the flip side, some aspects like organizational hiccups and limited free time on certain stops might give you pause.

If you’re someone who appreciates learning about volcanic activity, enjoys scenic boat rides, and wants to experience Santorini’s most iconic sunset, this tour might suit you well. Just keep in mind it’s a full day with a fair amount of walking and a few logistical details to consider.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience covering volcano, hot springs, Thirassia, and Oia sunset
• Knowledgeable guides and audio commentary enhance the understanding of the sites
• Good value for the price when considering the included transportation and stops
• Some organizational issues reported, especially with the post-cruise transfer and ticketing
• Moderate walking involved, so prepare for some physical activity
• Beautiful scenic highlights make for fantastic photo opportunities and memorable moments

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a well-rounded day exploring Santorini’s volcanic landscape while also enjoying some leisure time and stunning views. It’s designed to appeal to those who want a taste of adventure without the hassle of planning every detail.

The tour lasts about 11 hours, starting from a convenient pickup point, and covers everything from active volcano hikes to relaxing in hot springs, all topped off with a sunset in Oia. Priced at around $65.34 per person, it offers what many consider good value, especially with included transportation and guide commentary.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Included:

• Roundtrip bus transfer (if selected) from a location near your hotel
• Local guide to explain the sites
• Audio commentary during the boat ride
• Foam pool noodles for swimming
• Stops at the volcano, hot springs, and Thirassia island

Not Included:

• Volcano entry fee (€5 cash only)
• Lunch (not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy on-site)
• Cable car tickets to descend from the port in Oia (€6 per way)

While the tour offers a smooth way to see many sights, keep in mind some reviews mention organizational issues, especially with the post-cruise transfer to Oia, where chaos and lack of guidance led to frustration for some travelers.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Santorini Volcano

The day kicks off with a guided tour of the volcano, where you’ll learn about its geology and history. The guide’s commentary is valuable here, making the experience more engaging. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here, walking around the volcanic landscape.

Note: Entrance fees are not included, so you’ll need to have €5 cash ready if you want to go inside the crater area. Several reviews praise the volcanic hike, describing it as “very cool,” though some mention that it can be tiring.

Stop 2: Nea Kameni

Next, you sail over to Nea Kameni, the lava island, where you can walk up to the crater of the still-active volcano. The ascent provides incredible views and an up-close look at volcanic activity, with smoke still emanating from the crater.

Your time here is about 1 hour 30 minutes. Travelers often describe this as the highlight of the day—“the volcano hike was very cool,” one reviewer states. However, be prepared for some physical exertion, and remember that the actual volcano visit involves walking up an ascent with limited shade.

Stop 3: Palea Kameni Hot Springs

Then, it’s time for some relaxation. You’ll jump into the sulfurous waters of Palea Kameni, famous for their therapeutic properties. The swim lasts about 30 minutes, and many find it a fun, if slightly unusual, experience.

A word of caution from reviews: the sulfur in the springs can stain swimsuits, especially light-colored ones, so pack accordingly. Also, the water temperature is warm, perfect for unwinding, though the mineral smell can be strong.

Stop 4: Thirassia

After the hot springs, the boat takes you to Thirassia, a quieter island where you’ll have nearly two hours to explore or grab lunch. The main village, Manolas, is accessible by stairs—some choose to walk or ride a donkey.

Many reviews mention that this part could be better timed; some felt they didn’t have enough time to explore Manolas thoroughly. The island offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling Santorini, and the views are stunning.

Stop 5: Sunset in Oia

Finally, you arrive in Oia, the famous sunset spot. You’ll have about two hours to wander around, take photos, and soak in the dramatic colors as the sun dips below the horizon.

It’s a popular activity, and the crowds can be intense. Several reviews mention that finding the perfect sunset spot requires patience, and some dissatisfaction arises from the disorganized post-cruise transfer, with no clear guidance on the best viewing points or how to get back to your hotel.

The Real-Life Experience — What Travelers Say

Many reviewers rave about the knowledgable guides and the stunning scenery. One mentions, “the explanation was didactic,” appreciating the guide’s ability to clarify volcanic activity. Others highlight how the boat crew was “very helpful,” making the day smoother.

However, some critiques focus on organizational flaws. Several travelers report chaos after the cruise, especially during the Oia sunset transfer. No dedicated buses or guidance led to long waits, confusion, and a scramble to find transportation back to their accommodations. One reviewer shared, “It was a total goat rodeo,” which is a vivid way to describe the disarray.

The hot springs experience seems to be a hit for many, with comments like “jumping out of the ship to go swimming was an adventure,” but some warn about the brief swim duration—about 10 minutes—and the mineral stains on swimsuits.

The Value for Money

At roughly $65, this tour packs quite a punch. You get a full day of activities, transportation, and guided commentary, which many reviewers agree is good value. For the price, you’re covering several key sights with minimal hassle—though, as noted, the organization could be improved.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day exploring Santorini’s volcanic landscape without the stress of planning each step. It’s particularly good for those interested in geology and scenic views, as well as anyone eager to see the famous Oia sunset.

If you’re comfortable with moderate walking and don’t mind the possibility of organizational hiccups, you’ll likely enjoy the variety of sights and the chance to relax in hot springs and see active volcanoes up close.

However, if you prefer more free time or want a more organized transfer back from Oia, you might want to look into alternatives or plan your sunset visit independently.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Bring cash (€5) for the volcano entrance fee.
• Pack light swimsuits and towels, especially if you plan to swim in the hot springs.
• Wear comfortable shoes for volcano hiking and exploring Thirassia.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—they’ll come in handy during outdoor stops.
• If you want a great sunset view in Oia, consider arriving early and scouting a good spot, but be aware crowds can be intense.
• Confirm your pickup time and location in advance, especially if you’ve paid extra for hotel transport, to avoid surprises.
• Be prepared for some waiting time during transfers, especially after the cruise.

The Sum Up

For those looking to pack a full day of volcanic adventure, scenic views, and a taste of Santorini’s charm, this cruise offers a compelling combination of activities at a reasonable price. The guided explanations and opportunity to swim in the hot springs add extra value, especially if you’re into geology or outdoor experiences.

However, organizational issues and the busy nature of Oia’s sunset crowds may detract from the overall experience. It’s a good fit for travelers who enjoy structured tours with plenty of highlights and aren’t overly concerned about precise logistics.

If you’re seeking an active, scenic day with memorable moments, this tour could be just what you need. For those craving a more relaxed or less crowded experience, consider planning parts of the day independently or exploring alternative options.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the option, there’s roundtrip bus transfer from a location near your hotel. Just confirm pickup times to avoid surprises.

Do I need to pay extra for the volcano entrance?
Yes, the entrance fee is €5 cash only, payable at Nea Kameni.

How long are the boat stops?
The volcano tour and hot springs give about 1 hour 30 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. Thirassia is about 1 hour 50 minutes.

Is swimming in the hot springs worth it?
Many find it fun and relaxing, though the water can stain swimsuits, and the swim is only about 10 minutes.

Can I explore Oia after the sunset?
Yes, you have about two hours to wander, but note that transportation back might be disorganized, and you may need to arrange your own return.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically designed for children, some kids who enjoy outdoor activities and boat trips may enjoy the experience. Keep in mind the moderate walking involved.

What’s the duration of the tour?
Around 11 hours, including transfers, stops, and free time.

Are guides helpful?
Yes, many reviews mention knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the experience.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
Most travelers feel they get a good amount of time, but some wish for more at Thirassia or during the sunset.

What should I bring?
Cash for entrance fees, swimsuits, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, and a hat.

In the end, this tour offers a well-rounded day that showcases Santorini’s volcanic beauty and scenic highlights. It’s perfect for travelers who value guided experiences and stunning views, but be prepared for some organizational quirks and busy crowds.