Santorini Caldera Snorkeling: Volcanic Islands & Hot Springs
Sail past Red Beach and White Beach, then slip into the caldera's warm volcanic waters.
A five-hour sailing tour of Santorini's Caldera with snorkeling at Nea Kameni's hot springs, stops at Red Beach and White Beach, and a Greek lunch with drinks aboard. Choose between a morning departure (10:00–15:00) or a sunset sailing (15:00 onward). Hotel pickup, snorkels, masks and towels are included. The guide speaks English and numbers stay small.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Santorini Caldera Sailing and Beach Stops
- Sail past Old Venetian Lighthouse
- Visit Red Beach or White Beach
- See Old Burnt Island
- Swim in New Burnt Island hot springs
- Snorkel in Caldera waters
- Enjoy Greek lunch with drinks onboard
- Red Beach 20m
- White Beach 20m
- Lighthouse passing by
- Palea Kameni 20m
- Nea Kameni 30m
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- snorkels and masks.
- towels.
- unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.
- Greek lunch aboard.
- English-speaking guide.
Next departure: 16 May 2027
Information
Sail the Santorini Caldera on a small-group boat tour, snorkel at volcanic islands, swim in warm springs, and enjoy Greek lunch with wine while taking in views of the caldera.
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The experience
The boat leaves from Santorini's harbor and heads straight into the Caldera, the flooded crater that makes the island's coastline so dramatic. On the way, you'll pass the Old Venetian Lighthouse and Indian Head Mountain from the water, then sail by the Old Burnt Island before reaching Nea Kameni, the volcanic island where the real snorkeling happens. The warm springs there (heated by geothermal activity beneath the seafloor) make the water feel different from anywhere else you've swum. You'll slip on your mask and snorkel in that warmth for as long as you want, then climb back aboard to dry off with a towel.
The route also includes a stop at either Red Beach or White Beach, depending on the weather that day. You'll have roughly 20 to 30 minutes to wade and look around. White Beach is only reachable by boat, so this tour is how most visitors get there. The snorkels and masks are provided, so you don't need to pack your own or rent them separately.
Lunch happens on the boat: a Greek spread with local wine, beer and soft drinks flowing throughout the day. A vegetarian option is available if you let them know when you book. The whole thing runs five hours, and you're back at your hotel by the end of it. Small groups mean the boat never feels crowded, and the guide handles the route and the timing so you just show up and sail.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).
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 is Nea Kameni and why is the snorkeling there different?
Nea Kameni is a volcanic island in the Caldera where warm springs bubble up from beneath the seafloor. The water temperature stays noticeably warmer than the open sea, and you snorkel directly above the geothermal vents. A sensation you won't find at most beach snorkeling spots.
Can I choose between the morning tour and the sunset tour?
Yes. The Day Tour runs 10:00 to 15:00, and the Sunset Tour departs at 15:00 and sails into the evening. You pick which one suits your schedule when you book.
Is the snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?
Snorkels and masks are provided on the boat, along with towels. You don't need to pack snorkeling equipment or pay extra for it.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
The itinerary includes a stop at either Red Beach or White Beach depending on conditions that day. Both are on the route. The crew chooses based on what's safe and accessible when you arrive.
Does the tour pick me up from my hotel?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santorini are included. Provide your accommodation details when you book so the driver knows where to collect you.
Are there any dietary options if I don't eat meat?
A vegetarian lunch option is available. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need it, and they'll have it ready on the boat.
Operated by Santorini Sailing. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Santorini Caldera Snorkeling: Volcanic Islands & Hot Springs
5h · EN · at your hotel
from € 190 per person
≈ US$ 213 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.