Private Boat Cruise Santorini: Caldera, Hot Springs & Snorkeling

Swim in Santorini's warm volcanic springs, then snorkel off an island that remembers the 1990s.

A 5-hour private boat cruise from Fira's Old Port around Santorini's Caldera, with stops at the thermal springs of Nea Kameni, the lava formations and beach of Nea Kameni island, and the cliffs of Thirasia and Oia village. The boat includes snorkeling equipment, towels, local white wine, water, and five plates of traditional Greek food. Your skipper speaks English and can adjust the route based on weather and your preferences.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Nea Kameni1h
2. Thirasia1h 30m

Santorini volcano and island cruise

• Depart from Old Port of Fira
• Optional stop at Nea Kammeni volcanic park
• Swim at thermal springs
• Visit lava island and beach
• Swim and snorkel at Thirassia
• Enjoy traditional meal on board
• Cruise past Oia village and Ammoudi

The experience

The cruise departs from the Old Port beneath Fira, the capital, where the steps down to the water give a sense of how isolated Santorini was before the cable car arrived. Your skipper will navigate the Caldera and explain the volcanic activity that shaped it as you move between stops. The first swim happens at the thermal springs near Nea Kameni, where the seabed's volcanic minerals warm the water (in some spots reaching around 100 degrees Fahrenheit), and leave minerals on your skin. Bring an old or black swimsuit. The sulfur in the water can discolor fabric.

From there, you'll see Nea Kameni's lava formations rising from the sea and stop at its southern beach for snorkeling in clear water, or skip the volcanic park entirely if you prefer more time swimming elsewhere. The route then heads to Thirasia, the western side of the volcano before it fractured into three pieces. The cliffs there show the layers of eruptions stacked on top of each other, and the island has fewer tourists than Santorini itself. While you're in the water, your skipper prepares the meal. Five plates of local dishes made from products sourced on the islands. The final stop is a cruise under the white buildings and blue domes of Oia village, perched on the Caldera's edge, and past Ammoudi village below it.

You can book a morning or afternoon departure, and the skipper will work around weather and your interests, whether that means a longer stop at one beach, skipping Nea Kameni's volcanic park, or timing the route to catch the sunset. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided. Tell the operator about any dietary needs when you book.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and towels.
• local white wine, water, and five plates of traditional Greek food prepared on board.
• English-speaking skipper.
• private boat with flexibility to adjust stops and timing based on weather and your preferences.

Options for this experience

2 options

A private experience lasting 4 hoursGuide in English · 10:00 and 17:00Duration: 4 hours. A private 4-hour experience in the Caldera of Santorini

Discover the Santorini caldera with your own skipper, AlexGuide in English · 09:30 and 16:00

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 09:30, 10:00, 16:00 and 17:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Alex private boat rental

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private boat with a skipper and crew handling navigation and meal prep, so you can focus entirely on swimming, snorkeling, and watching the sunset without managing logistics.

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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 are the thermal springs near Nea Kameni like?

The thermal springs are heated by volcanic activity on the seabed and reach around 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The water is rich in minerals that coat your skin and are said to have beneficial effects. You'll feel the volcano is still active as you swim.

Can I snorkel on this private cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you'll snorkel in the crystal-clear waters off Nea Kameni island's southern beach and near Thirasia. The skipper can also arrange stops at other spots depending on conditions and your preference.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes local white wine, water, and five plates of traditional Greek cuisine made with local products. Your skipper prepares the meal while you're swimming, so it's ready when you return to the boat.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You can swim in the thermal springs and near Thirasia at your own pace, and the skipper can adjust stops and time in the water to match your comfort.

Can I see Oia village on this cruise?

Yes. The boat cruises under Oia village at the end of the route, giving you views of the white buildings and blue domes perched on the Caldera's cliffs, and passes Ammoudi village below it. You see the village from the water rather than walking through it.

Should I book the morning or afternoon departure?

Both departures run the same route and include the same stops and meal. Morning charters suit travelers who want to start early. Afternoon departures work better if you prefer a later start or want to catch the sunset as you cruise.