Santorini 3 Islands Trip by Sailing boat

If you’re heading to Santorini and looking for a way to enjoy its natural beauty without the chaos of busy tourist spots, a sailing boat tour around the three islands might just be perfect. This particular trip, offered by Dakoutros Bros J.V., has earned a solid reputation and a perfect 5-star rating from travelers who’ve experienced it firsthand. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, I’ve gathered enough details and reviews to give you a thorough idea of what to expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What I love about this experience is its focus on nature and landscape—from active volcanoes to crystal-clear waters—and its value for the price, which is quite reasonable at around $42 per person. Plus, it’s tailored for cruise travelers or visitors who prefer a relaxed, scenic outing that starts right at the port, skipping the long transfers. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s a group tour with a maximum of 70 people, so it’s not the most intimate experience if you’re seeking solitude. Still, for what it offers, it’s a solid choice, especially if you want to see the highlights without spending a fortune.

Let’s dig into the details so you can decide if this tour suits your style of travel.

Key Points

• Great value for money with a full 5.5-hour trip including multiple stops.
• Ideal for cruise travelers since it begins at the port and doesn’t require extra transfers.
• Visit the active volcano and hot springs, offering a chance to see unique geological features.
• Enjoy free time on Thirassia, with options to swim or explore traditional taverns.
• Scenic views of Oia and the Caldera, perfect for memorable photos.
• Includes useful amenities like swimming noodles, restrooms, and local guides—no extra charges for these.

What to Expect from the Santorini 3 Islands Sailing Trip

Starting at Fira Old Port, this tour is designed to give you a taste of Santorini’s volcanic origins, its charming small islands, and spectacular coastlines—all from a comfortable traditional Greek boat. The experience lasts about five and a half hours, which is plenty of time to relax, explore, and take in the scenery without feeling rushed.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Santorini Volcano

The first leg of the journey takes you just 10 minutes from Fira to the active volcano of Nea Kameni. This is where you’ll get up close with the volcano’s craters, and most guests spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes here. Walking up to the volcano takes about 20 minutes, giving you enough time to soak in the raw power of nature. Your guide will walk you through its geological significance, although the actual admission fee of €5 per person isn’t included in the tour price.

From the reviews, travelers appreciated the guide’s knowledgeable explanations, making the visit both educational and engaging. One reviewer mentioned it’s a “very good day trip,” highlighting the value of the guide’s insights and the opportunity to see something truly unique.

Stop 2: Hot Springs

Next, the boat moves to Palaia Kameni, where the hot springs are located. Anchored just outside a small bay, you’ll descend a ladder into the brown waters, which are said to be warm due to volcanic activity. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, and the best part? It’s free. While the springs aren’t necessarily “hot” in the way some might expect, visitors find the experience enjoyable, especially if you love swimming in natural thermal waters.

Again, reviews mention that the hot springs aren’t very hot, which is worth knowing if you’re expecting a thermal bath experience. You might find that the crusty, mineral-rich waters are more about the novelty and scenic setting than the actual temperature.

Stop 3: Thirassia

After the volcanic sites, your boat heads to Thirassia, a quiet island that feels like a step back in time—maybe 30-40 years. You’ll have about 2 hours here, giving you time to swim in the clear waters of Korfos or sample traditional local dishes at tavernas.

Travelers consistently praise this part of the tour for its authentic charm and relaxed pace. One reviewer said, “Nous avons passé une très bonne journée,” noting how well-organized and timely everything was, with the guide keeping the group moving efficiently. You can explore on foot or simply lounge waterside—either way, it’s a peaceful break from more crowded spots.

Stop 4: Scenic Return & Oia Views

On the way back, the boat cruises along the volcanic cliffs near Oia, giving passengers a fantastic opportunity for photos of the iconic white houses and blue-domed churches from the water. This moment is often cited as a highlight, especially for the beautiful landscape views that make for memorable pictures.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour provides some handy extras: swimming noodles for watersports, a restroom on board, and a local guide to enhance your understanding of the sites. It’s a value-packed experience considering the price, especially since no additional charges are made for the guide or swimming gear.

However, there are some costs you’ll need to cover separately:

• Admission to the volcano park (€5 per person)
• Lunch, snacks, and drinks (not included)
• Transfers to and from the meeting point are also not included.

Given the starting point at the Fira Old Port, most cruise passengers will find it convenient, but do plan to arrive a little early—some reviews suggest going in before the 11:30 am start time to explore the port and get comfortable.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

Reviews are glowing, with both travelers giving perfect scores. Hong_W called it a “very good day trip,” emphasizing the knowledgeable guide and the smooth booking process. The advice to arrive early is practical—and likely helps you beat some of the crowd.

Lorrie_R appreciated the well-organized itinerary and the efficient pace—noting the guide’s knack for keeping things lively without rushing. She also cautioned that the hot springs are “not so hot,” so don’t expect thermal spa temperatures but rather a fun swim in volcanic waters.

From this, it’s clear that most people find this tour to be great value for money, especially if you want to see key volcanic sites and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. It’s a trip that balances sightseeing, swimming, and scenic photography—making it suitable for travelers who love nature and like to keep a relaxed schedule.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour begins at 11:30 am at the Fira Old Port. Arrive early to avoid missing the boat or feeling rushed.
• The admission fee to the volcano park (€5) isn’t included, so bring some cash.
• No specific mention of suitability for children, but given the moderate walking and swimming, it’s likely fine for older kids.
• The maximum group size is 70 travelers, which helps keep the experience lively without feeling overcrowded.
• No lunch included, so plan to eat before or after the trip, or bring snacks along.
• Since the tour is weather-dependent, check for weather conditions on the day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for cruise passengers or day-trippers who want a scenic, educational, and relaxing experience without the hassle of extensive logistics. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate nature, geology, and beautiful landscapes and don’t mind being on a boat with a few fellow explorers. If you’re traveling with family, older children will probably enjoy the swim stops and the volcano walk, but younger kids might find the walking a bit much.

If you’re after a straightforward, value-for-money option that combines natural wonders with picturesque views, this tour hits the mark. Those looking for a more exclusive or intimate experience might prefer private options, but for a group outing with lots of photo opportunities, it’s hard to beat.

FAQs About the Santorini 3 Islands Trip

Is this tour suitable for cruise travelers? Yes, it’s designed with cruise travelers in mind, starting right at the port with no extra transfers needed.

How long is the tour? It lasts about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and free time.

What is included in the price? The tour includes a local guide, swimming noodles, and onboard restrooms.

Are there any additional costs? Yes, the volcano park entrance fee (€5) is not included. You’ll need to cover your own lunch and snacks.

Can I swim during the tour? Absolutely. The stops at hot springs and Thirassia offer ample swimming opportunities in clear waters.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, water, a hat, and perhaps some cash for the entrance fee or snacks. Comfortable shoes are advisable for the volcano walk.

Is it suitable for children? The tour’s moderate walking and swimming options should be fine for older kids, but check their comfort with the volcanic terrain and water.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, it may be canceled or rescheduled, and you can seek a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance.

How do I book? You can book online through platforms like Viator or directly with Dakoutros Bros J.V., with options to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic boat trip that covers Santorini’s volcanic highlights and offers great photo ops, this tour is a solid choice. Its value for money, combined with a relaxed pace and knowledgeable guide, makes it a popular pick among travelers. While it’s not a private or ultra-exclusive experience, it strikes a good balance for those who want to see the natural side of Santorini without breaking the bank.

Perfect for cruise passengers or those who enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery, this trip offers a taste of Santorini’s geological marvels and seaside charm. Just remember to arrive early, bring some cash for the volcano fee, and enjoy the ride. It’s a day that’ll leave you with lasting memories and plenty of great photos.

Happy sailing!