Santorini Port: 3 Hour Cruise to Volcano and Hot Springs

Thinking about exploring Santorini from the water? This 3-hour cruise to the volcano and hot springs is a popular choice for many travelers, offering a bit of everything: impressive volcanic landscapes, a chance to soak in thermal waters, and some easy adventure with a self-guided hike. We’ve looked into it to help you decide if it fits your style and expectations.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see the volcanic islands up close—it’s not every day you get to stand near an active volcano or float in sulfur-rich hot springs. Plus, the audio commentary makes the entire journey more engaging and informative, helping you understand what you’re looking at. That said, a potential downside is the boat can get crowded, especially in summer, which might impact comfort or photo opportunities.

This tour is ideal if you enjoy a relaxed, scenic water-based adventure with some light walking. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quick but meaningful glimpse of Santorini’s volcanic side without overcommitting to longer or more complicated excursions. Keep in mind, it’s not tailored for those with mobility issues or seeking a guided hike—this is more on your own terms.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary with an optional volcano hike and a hot springs swim
• Affordable price point offers good value for a scenic, guided water tour
• Engaging audio commentary enriches the experience with interesting facts
• Crowd levels can be high in summer, so plan accordingly
• Hot springs stop is limited to 30 minutes, so time management is helpful
• Not included: food, drinks, and volcano entry fees (additional costs apply)

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Scenic Water Journey with a Splash of Adventure

If you’re looking to experience the rugged beauty of Santorini from the water, this tour hits the right notes. Starting in Fira’s Old Port, you’ll hop onto a comfortable wooden sailboat, which offers a charming and traditional vibe, especially if you’re into more authentic, less commercialized experiences. The departure time of 11:00 am makes it a good morning activity, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your day afterward.

Once underway, the boat’s route takes you past some of the island’s most iconic sights. The views of Santorini’s cliffs and coastline are truly captivating when seen from the water, especially with clear weather. The boat is equipped with audio commentary, which turns a simple cruise into an educational experience—perfect for those wanting to learn a bit about the area without a guided tour on land.

Visiting the Volcano: A Self-Guided Adventure

The highlight for many is Nea Kameni, the island home to active volcanic craters. The self-guided hike up to the crater is entirely optional but highly recommended if you’re up for it. It’s described as easy and suitable for most, making it accessible even for casual walkers. The volcanic landscape is quite lunar-like—black lava formations and sulfur vents create an otherworldly atmosphere.

A review from a traveler named Abhimanyu called it “a must-do for everybody visiting Santorini,” emphasizing that the hike is straightforward and enjoyable. Just keep in mind, since it’s on your own, you’re responsible for your own safety, especially on uneven surfaces. Proper footwear and caution are advised, as there’s no guide accompanying you on the trail.

Soaking in Palea Kamen Hot Springs

After the hike, the boat stops at Palea Kameni, where you can take a dip in the thermal waters. The hot springs are known for their sulfur content, which can help soothe muscles and provide a relaxing experience. The waters are warmer than the sea, so it’s a delightful break from the usual swim.

However, some reviews mention that the hot springs’ swim might feel underwhelming—“a little bit underwhelming,” as one traveler put it—but still an experience worth trying, especially when combined with the novelty of floating in natural mineral waters. The boat supplies foam pool noodles, so you can float around comfortably, and the limited 30-minute stop means you’ll want to take advantage of your time efficiently to enjoy the springs and snap some photos.

Practical Details & Onboard Comfort

The tour costs around $33.88 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the activities included. Keep in mind that additional costs are the volcano entry fee (5 EUR, paid in cash) and cable car tickets if you choose to descend from Fira (about 6 EUR each way). Food and drinks aren’t included, but there is a bar onboard where you can purchase refreshments, making it easy to stay hydrated or grab a snack.

The boat can get crowded during peak season, so securing your spot early and being prepared for a lively environment will make your experience more enjoyable. The tour lasts approximately three hours—perfect for fitting into a morning or early afternoon schedule.

If you’re prone to seasickness, note that weather conditions can affect the boat’s stability, and you might get a little wet, especially if it’s windy. Also, the tour involves some walking on uneven surfaces during the volcano hike, so comfortable shoes are a must.

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Reviews: What Others Say

The overall rating is a solid 4.5 out of 5 from 179 reviews, which suggests most travelers find it worthwhile. Jessica appreciated how “Santorini at the port is hectic but the excursion was really fun,” hinting that this tour offers a refreshing break from the busy port area.

One reviewer, Martin, pointed out that the organization can be a bit chaotic, with groups being split and some difficulty catching all the explanations. Still, the guide’s effort was appreciated, and most found the adventure rewarding. Werner shared that their day “on the water and swimming was great fun,” emphasizing the usefulness of the pool noodles and the relaxing aspect of the hot springs.

The tour seems best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, stunning views, and a bit of self-guided exploration. It’s not the most luxurious or guided experience, but for the price, it offers a well-rounded taste of Santorini’s volcanic charm.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers looking for an affordable, scenic, and flexible activity. If you love photo opportunities, the chance to see Santorini’s volcanic landscapes from close up, and enjoy some water-based relaxation, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also a good pick for those who don’t mind a bit of walking on uneven terrain or sharing a boat with others in a lively atmosphere.

However, if you’re seeking a more guided or private experience, or want a longer, more immersive volcano hike, you might want to explore other options. The limited hot springs time and optional nature of the volcano walk make this more of a “pick your adventure” kind of tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour is generally family-friendly, the volcano hike is on uneven terrain and should be undertaken with care by children. Always supervise young kids around volcanic areas and water.

How long is the cruise? The entire activity lasts about three hours, with most of that time spent on the water, stopping at the volcano and hot springs.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for extras and entry fees.

Can I buy food or drinks on board? Drinks are available for purchase, but food isn’t included. It’s a good idea to bring snacks if needed.

Is the hot springs swim worth it? Many find it a relaxing experience, but some say it’s a bit underwhelming. The sulfur-rich waters are unique and can be soothing after the hike.

How crowded is it? Summer months tend to be busier, and the boat can fill up—arrive early and be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, especially for peak season, and booking allows you to reserve your spot and keep your plans flexible with the “reserve now, pay later” option.

Are there any safety considerations? Yes, be cautious on uneven surfaces during the volcano hike, keep an eye on the weather, and supervise children around water and volcanic areas.

In The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-priced, scenic, and flexible way to experience Santorini’s volcanic highlights, this 3-hour cruise offers plenty. You’ll get the chance to stand near an active volcano, relax in thermal waters, and see some of the island’s most iconic sights from the water—all with the added bonus of engaging audio commentary.

It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a self-guided element, don’t mind a bit of a crowd, and want an activity that balances adventure with relaxation. While it might not be the most luxurious or exclusively guided tour out there, it delivers good value and memorable views.

For anyone craving a quick, scenic, and slightly adventurous day out—this cruise could be just the ticket. Just remember to pack your essentials, plan for the crowds, and enjoy one of Santorini’s most unique experiences.

Note: Always check the availability and current conditions before booking, as schedules and weather can affect the cruise’s operation.

You can check availability for your dates here: