Santorini Caldera Cruise: Swim Beaches, Volcano Views

Swim at Red Beach and White Beach, then snorkel near Thirasia with lunch cooked on board.

A traditional wooden kaiki cruise around Santorini's caldera that departs from Vlychada Port, stops for swimming and snorkeling at Red Beach, White Beach, and Thirasia, and includes lunch and local wine aboard. Hotel pickup is included, and an English-speaking guide leads the five-hour route. Infants can ride in a stroller, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Red Beach20m · entry included
2. White Beachpass by
3. Santorini Volcano30m
4. Thirasia1h
5. Amoudi Bay20m

Santorini Caldera Traditional Cruise

• Start cruise from Vlychada's Port
• Swim and take photos at Red Beach
• Pass by White Beach
• Sail past Venetian Lighthouse in Akrotiri
• Sail past Black Mountain and Indian Rock
• Sail around the Volcano
• Swim and snorkel at Thirasia
• Enjoy lunch on board
• End cruise at Ammoudi Bay in Oia

The experience

You start the morning at your hotel, picked up by minibus and driven to Vlychada Port where the kaiki (a traditional wooden fishing boat painted in bright colors) is waiting. The boat leaves early enough to reach Red Beach before the crowds, where you swim and photograph the mineral-rich red rocks that make this one of Santorini's most recognizable spots. From there you sail to White Beach, accessible only by water, where the white rocks and clear blue water create a private swimming moment most visitors never reach.

The route passes the 19th-century Venetian lighthouse standing on the cliff edge above Akrotiri, then sails around the Black Mountain and the Indian Rock before circling the Santorini Volcano itself. You see the caldera from the water instead of from a viewpoint on land, which changes how the scale reads. At Thirasia, a small fishermen's island near Oia, you swim and snorkel with equipment provided, then move to the deck for lunch (chicken fillet, traditional Greek dips, beans, stuffed vine leaves, Greek salad and fruit) cooked on board. White local wine and soft beverages come with the meal.

The cruise ends at Amoudi Bay in Oia, one of the most photographed spots on the island, where the boat docks and you can either stay to explore or arrange your return. The whole day runs five hours from start to finish. An English-speaking guide is on board throughout, and if you have dietary needs, you can request them when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return by air-conditioned minibus.
• lunch on board with chicken fillet, traditional Greek dips, beans, stuffed vine leaves, Greek salad and fruit.
• white local wine and soft beverages.
• snorkeling equipment.
• English-speaking guide throughout the five-hour cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Caldera Yachting Santorini

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you arrive in Santorini with a free morning or afternoon and want to see the caldera, swim at two beaches and snorkel without arranging separate transport or meals: the boat, the guide, the food and the pickup all move together, so the day stays simple.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 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.

What's the difference between Red Beach and White Beach on this cruise?

Red Beach sits near Akrotiri and gets its striking color from mineral-rich and iron soil. You swim and photograph it early in the morning. White Beach is private, reachable only by boat, and known for white rocks and crystal-clear water where you also swim but in a quieter setting.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board and used at Thirasia, the fishermen's island where you also have lunch.

Is the lunch included in the price, and can I request different food?

Yes, lunch is included and cooked on board. It consists of chicken fillet, traditional Greek dips, beans, stuffed vine leaves, Greek salad and fruit. If you have specific dietary requirements, you can advise them at the time of booking.

Does the cruise actually sail around the volcano, or do we just see it from a distance?

The boat sails around the Santorini Volcano itself, so you see the caldera from the water. The route also passes the Venetian lighthouse, the Black Mountain and the Indian Rock before reaching Thirasia.

What time does the cruise start and end?

The morning cruise departs from Vlychada Port early and runs for five hours total, ending at Amoudi Bay in Oia. Hotel pickup is included before departure.