Snorkeling in Santorini: Caldera cruise with lunch and open bar

Swim and snorkel at five stops without arranging the boat, the food, or the gear

A five-hour day cruise departing from Vlychada port takes you snorkeling at the Santorini volcano's hot springs, Thirassia island and White Beach, with lunch prepared on board and an open bar throughout. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, a tour escort speaking English, and complimentary pickup and drop-off; minimum age is 18, and cruise ship passengers must provide their vessel details at booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini Caldera Gold Day Cruise

• Start cruise from Vlychada port
• Swim and take photos at Red Beach
• Visit White Beach by boat
• Sail past Venetian Lighthouse in Akrotiri
• Sail past Black Mountain and Indian Rock
• Sail around Santorini Volcano
• Swim and snorkel at Volcano hot springs
• Sail past Plea Kameni
• Swim and snorkel at Thirassia island
• Enjoy lunch on board
• End cruise at Ammoudi Bay in Oia

The Experience

The morning begins at Vlychada port in southern Santorini. The boat sails close to Red Beach and White Beach—the latter accessible only by water, ringed by white rocks and blue water—before passing the 19th-century Venetian lighthouse standing on Akrotiri's high cliff. You'll sail around the Black Mountain and the volcanic Caldera itself, where the soil horizon colours at the cliffs shift as the boat moves through the water.

The first snorkeling stop is at Nea Kameni, the volcano's hot springs. The warm, sulphurous water is known for its therapeutic properties, and you'll have time to swim and snorkel before the boat moves on. Next is Thirassia, a fishermen's island where you snorkel again in open water. Throughout the cruise, a guide provides information about Santorini and what you're seeing. Snorkeling equipment, towels and swimming aids are provided.

Lunch—seafood, chicken fillet, salads and fruit—is prepared and served on board. The open bar runs the whole day with white wine, beer and soft drinks. The cruise ends at Amoudi Bay in Oia, one of Santorini's most photographed spots, where there may be time for a brief stop at Agios Nikolaos before you're dropped back at your hotel or starting point.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment, towels and swimming aids.
• lunch with seafood, chicken fillet, salads and fruit.
• open bar with white wine, beer and soft drinks.
• tour escort and information about Santorini.
• complimentary pickup and drop-off.
• printed safety instructions in seven languages.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Caldera Yachting Santorini

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want to snorkel at multiple sites—the volcano's thermal springs and a working fishermen's island—without managing the boat, the meals or the gear yourself. The five-hour span and fixed schedule mean the day holds together: you arrive, swim, eat and return without building an itinerary.

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Top questions

What beaches and islands do you actually swim and snorkel at on this cruise?

You snorkel at Nea Kameni, the volcano's hot springs with warm sulphurous water, and at Thirassia, a fishermen's island. You also swim near Red Beach and White Beach, which is accessible only by boat and surrounded by white rocks.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment, towels and swimming aids are all included in the cruise price, so you don't need to bring or rent gear separately.

What food and drinks are on the boat?

Lunch includes seafood, chicken fillet, salads and fresh fruit, all prepared on board. The open bar provides white wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the day. If you have dietary requirements, let the operator know at booking.

Does this cruise include a hike on the volcano itself?

The cruise sails around the volcano and includes snorkeling at its hot springs, but does not include hiking on the volcano itself. You'll see the Caldera and volcanic landscape from the boat.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in a different part of Santorini?

Complimentary pickup and drop-off are included. The cruise departs from Vlychada port in the south, and you'll be collected from your hotel or accommodation and returned after the boat reaches Amoudi Bay in Oia.

What do I need to bring or know before boarding?

Bring a valid passport or ID—a copy or photo is required for all passengers during embarkation. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you're arriving on a cruise ship, provide your vessel name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking so the operator can time your return.