Santorini Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise: Volcano Hot Springs

Swim in the volcano's warm sulfurous waters, then snorkel the hidden coves where few boats reach.

A 5-hour catamaran cruise from Vlychada port in southern Santorini takes you to the island's most remote snorkeling spots: the Black Mountain coves, the geothermal hot springs at the volcano, and the Red and White Beaches. Snorkeling equipment, lunch with seafood and grilled meats, an open bar with local wine and beer, and hotel pickup are included. You can choose a morning departure or a sunset cruise. A live English-speaking guide leads the route and explains what you're seeing as you pass the 19th-century Akrotiri lighthouse and sail around the volcanic caldera.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Red Beach30m
2. White Beach20m
3. Santorini Volcano30m

Santorini Catamaran Cruise Highlights

• Start cruise at Vlychada port
• Sail past Red and White Beach
• Swim and snorkel at Black Mountain coves
• Sail under Venetian Lighthouse of Akrotiri
• Swim at Hot Springs of the Volcano
• Sail around the Volcano
• Lunch and swim at Red Beach
• Return to Vlychada port

The experience

The boat leaves Vlychada port in the south and sails past the Red and White Beaches first. The Red Beach is famous for its mineral-rich soil that gives it an iron-oxide color, and the White Beach sits on rocks accessible only by water. Your first swim stop is at the hidden coves of the Black Mountain, where the water is clear and the rock formations rise steeply. This is when snorkeling gear comes out: goggles, fins and a vest if you need one, all provided.

The route then passes under the 19th-century Venetian lighthouse at Akrotiri, perched on a high cliff at the southern edge of the island, before heading into the caldera toward the volcano. The second snorkeling stop is at the hot springs. The water here is warm and sulfurous, heated by geothermal energy beneath the island. You float in water that feels different from the sea, and the minerals are said to have therapeutic properties. After that comes lunch or dinner on board: seafood, chicken fillet, grilled sausages, salad and dessert, with white local wine, beer and soft drinks available throughout the day.

On the return to port, there's another swim and snorkel at the Red Beach before heading back. If you book the sunset cruise, you'll see the colors change across the water as the light shifts: Santorini's sunset is what the operator calls "the most famous in the world," though the timing means you'll experience it from the boat rather than from land. The whole day runs 5 hours from start to finish, and the minibus picks you up from your hotel and brings you back.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment, swimming aids and towels.
• lunch or dinner on board with seafood, chicken fillet, grilled sausages, salad and dessert.
• open bar with white local wine, beers and soft beverages.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minibus.
• live English-speaking guide.
• printed safety instructions in seven languages.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning CruiseGuide in English · 10:00Our daytime sailing gives you a rare opportunity to take in Santorini's loveliness as you cruise over the island's deep blue sea. It begins at Red Beach, where you can go for a swim, and continues on to White Beach. Pickup is included.

Sunset CruiseGuide in English · 15:00The sunset cruise will delight your senses, not only through the striking beauty of the Caldera, but also as you sail the route past Red Beach, White Beach, the Black Mountain and the Hot Springs. Pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2h before

AgesUp to age 80

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Caldera Yachting Santorini

Is this one for you?Choose the morning cruise if you want the clearest water and the most time to explore each snorkeling site. Pick the sunset option if watching the light change across the caldera as you return matters more than midday visibility. Both follow the same route and stops. The difference is timing and what you see in the sky.

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Top questions

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 the morning and sunset cruise options?

The morning cruise runs during daylight hours and gives you the full 5 hours of swimming and snorkeling in clear water. The sunset cruise follows the same route and stops but times the return to port so you see the light change across the caldera as you head back. Both include the same snorkeling spots, hot springs, lunch and open bar.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment, swimming aids and towels are all provided on the catamaran. Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen. The rest is there.

What exactly happens at the hot springs stop?

The hot springs are at the volcano in the caldera, where geothermal heat warms the water and gives it a sulfurous quality. You swim and snorkel in these warm waters. The minerals are known for therapeutic benefits. It's a short stop before moving on to lunch and the Red Beach.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to get to the port myself?

Hotel pickup is included. An air-conditioned minibus collects you from your accommodation and brings you back after the cruise ends at Vlychada port in the south.

Can I bring children or infants on this cruise?

Yes. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though you'll need to be comfortable in the water for snorkeling stops.

What's included in the meal on board?

Lunch or dinner (depending on your departure time) includes seafood, chicken fillet, grilled sausages, salad and dessert. The open bar offers white local wine, beers and soft beverages throughout the 5 hours.