Santorini Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise with Volcano Hot Springs

Swim in the volcano's warm thermal springs instead of watching from the boat.

A five-hour catamaran cruise from Oia in Santorini that takes you snorkeling at Thirassia island and the geothermal hot springs of Nea Kameni volcano, with lunch, an open bar of local wine and beer, snorkeling gear, and hotel pickup included. You choose between a morning or sunset departure, and the cruise sails past Red Beach, White Beach and the Akrotiri lighthouse before returning to Vlychada port. A guide in English narrates the geological and historical facts of the islands throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Amoudi Bay30m
2. Thirasia30m
3. Santorini Volcano30m
4. Nea Kameni30m
5. White Beachpass by
6. Red Beach30m

Santorini Catamaran Sunset Cruise

• Start cruise at Ammoudi Bay
• Swim and snorkel at Thirassia
• Sail around the Volcano
• Sail past Plea Kameni
• Swim and snorkel at hot springs
• Sail past Black Mountain and Indian Rock
• Sail past Venetian Lighthouse in Akrotiri
• View White Beach from boat
• Take photos at Red Beach
• Enjoy sunset near Vlychada port
• Disembark at Vlychada port

The experience

The boat leaves Ammoudi Bay in Oia and heads first to Thirassia, a fishermen's island where you'll swim and snorkel in clear water: one of the best spots in the area. The crew provides snorkeling equipment and towels, and the water is calm enough for all fitness levels. From there the catamaran sails around the Santorini Volcano itself, passing Palia Kameni before stopping at Nea Kameni, where you get in the water again to snorkel in the thermal springs. The sulphurous water is warm and known for its therapeutic properties, a sensation most snorkelers don't get anywhere else.

The route continues past the Black Mountain and the Indian Rock, then sails close enough to photograph the Red Beach (famous for its iron-rich soil that gives it a rust-colored hue), and the White Beach, accessible only by boat. You'll pass the 19th-century Venetian lighthouse standing on the cliff edge at Akrotiri. Lunch arrives mid-cruise: seafood, grilled sausages, chicken fillet, salads and dessert, paired with an open bar of white local wine, beer and soft drinks. The guide shares facts about Santorini's volcanic formation and history as you sail, so you understand what you're looking at.

The cruise ends at the most famous sunset in the world, according to the operator: the boat times the return to Vlychada port to catch it. A minibus with air conditioning picks you up from your hotel and brings you back after disembarkation, so you don't arrange transport yourself. Bring a copy of your passport or ID for embarkation. If you're arriving on a cruise ship, provide your ship name and docking times at booking.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment, towels and swimming aids.
• lunch with seafood, grilled sausages, chicken fillet, salads and dessert.
• open bar with white local wine, beer and soft beverages.
• a guide in English who explains the geology and history of Santorini during the cruise.
• complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minibus.
• printed safety instructions in seven languages.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sunset CruiseGuide in English · 15:00 and 15:30Caldera Gold "Sunset Cruise": Semi-private luxury cruise in Santorini, with pickup included

Morning CruiseGuide in English · 10:00 and 10:30Includes pickup

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 10:30, 15:00 and 15:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Caldera Yachting Santorini

Is this one for you?Book the morning cruise if you want the full day to explore Santorini after the boat returns, or the sunset cruise if you prefer to time the water and the light together. The snorkeling stops at both Thirassia and the volcano's thermal springs are included in both options. The choice is about when you want to be on the water.

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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?

Both follow the same route and stops: Thirassia, the volcano, the hot springs, Red Beach and White Beach. The morning cruise departs earlier in the day. The sunset cruise times the return to catch Santorini's famous evening light. Choose based on whether you prefer the day's warmth or the evening atmosphere.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the cruise. The boat supplies masks, fins and snorkels. You bring only a swimsuit and towel, though towels are also provided.

What does the thermal spring water at Nea Kameni feel like when you swim in it?

The water at Nea Kameni is warm and sulphurous: noticeably warmer than the sea around Thirassia. The minerals and warmth are known for therapeutic benefits, and the sensation is distinct from a typical ocean swim.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included and consists of seafood, grilled sausages, chicken fillet, salads and dessert, served during the cruise. An open bar with white local wine, beer and soft drinks is also included. Advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking so the crew can accommodate you.

How long is the entire cruise?

The cruise runs five hours from departure at Ammoudi Bay to return at Vlychada port, covering all stops and including time for swimming and snorkeling at each site.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel on this cruise?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Swimming aids are provided, and the crew is present at each snorkeling stop. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have concerns about your swimming ability, mention them at booking.