Snorkeling in Santorini: Sailing, Hot Springs & BBQ

Sail past volcanic islands and slip into warm spring water before snorkeling the caldera's clearest stretches.

Snorkeling in Santorini combines a five-hour sailing tour of the volcanic caldera with time in the island's natural hot springs and a full Greek barbecue. You pick a morning departure (10:00–15:00) or a sunset one (15:00 onward), and the boat includes hotel pickup, a live English-speaking guide, snorkels and masks, towels, and unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. Groups stay small, and the itinerary visits Red Beach or White Beach (weather dependent, roughly 20–30 minutes each), the Old and New Burnt Islands, and the Venetian Lighthouse before the meal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Red Beach20m
2. White Beach20m
3. Nea Kameni30m

Santorini sailing and sightseeing tour

• Sail past Old Venetian Lighthouse
• View Indian Head Mountain
• Stop at Red or White Beach
• Visit Old Burnt Island
• Swim in New Burnt Island hot springs
• Snorkel in caldera waters
• Enjoy Greek BBQ with drinks

The experience

The boat leaves from Santorini's harbor and sails into the caldera, the flooded crater that gives the island its shape. On the way, you pass the Old Venetian Lighthouse and Indian Head Mountain from the deck, then reach Nea Kameni: the volcanic island where warm springs bubble up from the seabed. You slip into the water here for a soak in the heated springs before moving to the snorkeling site, where the visibility and the depth make the caldera's geology visible below you.

The boat also stops at either Red Beach or White Beach depending on the weather. White Beach is only reachable by water, and the stop runs roughly 20–30 minutes so you can wade and photograph the cliffs. Between the springs and the snorkeling, you'll have used the masks and snorkels provided, and towels are on board to dry off. The guide navigates the route and explains what you're seeing: the volcanic history, the islands, the water itself.

The meal happens on the boat: a Greek barbecue with grilled fish, local wine or beer, and soft drinks included. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking. The whole outing runs five hours, and the pickup from your hotel and the return drop-off are part of the price, so you don't arrange transport separately. Families with infants can request specialized seats, and children must stay with an adult. If you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll need to provide your ship's name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at checkout so the timing works.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• snorkels and masks.
• towels.
• a full Greek barbecue with grilled fish.
• unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout the five-hour sail.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sunset tour at 15:00 - SunsetGuide in English · 15:00A tour lasting 4.5 to 5 hours, visiting the Red and White Beaches, the sulfuric Hot Springs and a quiet bay for snorkeling. Transfers, a seafood and steak BBQ, beer, wine and sodas are included. Maximum of 18 passengers. Pickup is included.

Day tour, 10:00 to 15:00Guide in English · 10:00A tour lasting 4.5 to 5 hours, visiting the Red and White Beaches, the sulfuric Hot Springs and a quiet bay for snorkeling. Transfers, a seafood and steak BBQ, beer, wine and sodas are included. Maximum of 18 passengers. 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 timesSaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 18 · max 6 per booking

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Santorini Sailing

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want the full day in daylight and prefer to snorkel and swim earlier. Choose the sunset tour if you'd rather see the caldera's colors change and end the meal as the sun goes down. Small-group sailing means you're not on a large tour boat, and the guide steers the route and explains what you're passing, so you're not navigating the caldera on your own.

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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's the difference between the Day Tour and the Sunset Tour?

The Day Tour runs 10:00 to 15:00, giving you the full five hours in daylight. The Sunset Tour departs at 15:00 and sails into the evening, so you see the caldera and the islands as the light changes and finish the meal as the sun sets.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkels and masks are provided on the boat. The guide will show you how to use them, and you can stay in the shallower water or skip the snorkeling altogether if you prefer.

What happens at Nea Kameni?

Nea Kameni is a volcanic island in the caldera where natural hot springs warm the water. You'll swim in these heated springs before moving to the snorkeling site. It's a soak, not a long stay, and the water temperature is noticeably warmer than the open sea.

Is the barbecue included, or do I pay extra?

The barbecue is included: grilled fish, local wine or beer, and soft drinks are all part of the tour price. If you need a vegetarian meal, let the operator know when you book.

Will we stop at both Red Beach and White Beach?

The boat stops at either Red Beach or White Beach depending on weather conditions. You won't visit both on the same day. The stop lasts roughly 20–30 minutes, and White Beach is only accessible by boat, so it's a unique stop when conditions allow it.

What if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Cruise passengers can book this tour, but you'll need to provide your ship's name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at checkout so the operator can time the pickup and return to match your ship's schedule.