Nisyros day trip from Kardamena: Volcano and monastery

The volcano moves under your feet when you descend into the crater.

A day trip by boat from Kardamena to Nisyros, the smallest Dodecanese island, with five hours to explore the active volcano crater, sulfur springs, and the mountain monastery of Panagia Spirani. The boat departs at 9:30am and returns by 4:30pm. A bus ride to the volcano's highest point is available for an extra charge. Lunch is not included, but the town of Mandraki has cafes and tavernas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip to Nisyros Island

• Arrive at Kardamena port
• Board boat "Captain Dimitris" at 9:30am
• Sail to Nisyros (45-60 minutes)
• Spend 5 hours exploring Nisyros Island
• Optionally visit volcano and panoramic views
• Return to Mandraki Harbor
• Climb to Panagia Spirani monastery
• Relax and explore Mandraki town
• Board boat at 15:30 for return trip
• Return to Kardamena port by 16:30

The experience

The boat Captain Dimitris leaves Kardamena at 9:30am and reaches Nisyros in under an hour. You arrive at Mandraki Harbor with five hours ahead of you on an island built around volcanic geology. The volcano itself is the draw: you can take an optional bus to the highest point at 2,000 feet for panoramic views across the Dodecanese, then descend into the crater where sulfur springs bubble up and the ground beneath you feels active. The bus brings you back to Mandraki in about 25 minutes.

Beyond the volcano, the island holds the monastery of Panagia Spirani, perched on the mountainside above the harbor: roughly 200 steps up from the town. Mandraki itself is small enough to walk, with narrow streets, local tavernas and a pace that does not rush. You have time to sit, eat, wander or climb. At 3:30pm you board the boat for the return to Kardamena, arriving by 4:30pm.

What’s included

• Boat passage from Kardamena to Nisyros and back.
• five hours on the island.
• liability insurance.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Nisyros Island Day TripAvailable from 2 May 2027Operating hours

Late Option 12:0012:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and FridayDeparts at 12:00Last departure this season: 30 Oct

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 380

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by SAIL AWAY TOURS

Is this one for you?Book the standard 9:30am departure if you want the full day on the island and time to explore both the volcano and Mandraki town. The noon departure suits a shorter schedule, though it cuts into your time ashore.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the boat ride from Kardamena to Nisyros?

The crossing takes around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on sea conditions. The return journey is the same.

What is the Nisyros volcano crater actually like when you get there?

The crater sits at the island's highest point, 2,000 feet up. You descend into it and can see sulfur springs bubbling from the ground. The sensation of standing on active volcanic terrain is what makes the visit distinct from other island stops.

Can I visit the volcano crater and the monastery in one day?

Yes. The bus takes you to the volcano crater and back to Mandraki in about 25 minutes each way, leaving you time to explore the town and climb to the Panagia Spirani monastery before the 3:30pm boat departure.

Is the volcano bus trip included, or do I pay extra?

The boat and five hours on the island are included. The optional bus ride to the volcano's highest point costs extra and you can choose it when you book or skip it entirely.

What time does the boat leave Kardamena, and when do I get back?

Departure is 9:30am from Kardamena port. The boat returns at 4:30pm. A late option departing at noon is also available.