Santorini Volcano Cruise: Nea Kameni, Hot Springs & Thirassia

A full day on the water: three islands, one active volcano, and the cliffs of Oia at sunset

You board a boat at Athinios Port and spend the day moving between three islands: hiking the crater of an active volcano on Nea Kameni, swimming in the mineral-rich hot springs of Palea Kameni, and having two hours free on Thirassia to swim, eat, or explore the village. Hotel pickup and return are included, along with a tour escort for the full day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Santorini Volcano1h
2. Thirasia2h
3. Port of Santorinipassing by

Santorini Caldera cruise and sightseeing

• Bus transfer to Athinios Port
• Boat to Nea Kameni volcano
• Hike to volcanic crater
• Return to boat
• Boat to Palea Kameni hot springs
• Swim or relax at hot springs
• Boat to Thirassia Island
• Two hours at Thirassia: swim, lunch, or explore Manolas
• Cruise past Oia cliffs
• Bus transfer back to hotel

The experience

The boat leaves Athinios Port in the morning, and within an hour you're standing on Nea Kameni: the raw, dark lava island that rose from the sea less than 400 years ago. The soil path to the crater is steep but short, and the air changes as you climb: sulfur, heat, the smell of something still alive beneath your feet. Your escort stays with the group the whole way. Once you're back on the boat, there's time to catch your breath before the next stop.

Palea Kameni comes next, and this is where the Santorini volcano cruise shifts from geology to sensation. The boat anchors about 50 meters from the hot springs, and you can swim in water that's warm and green from minerals, or just wade in and feel it: some people dip their feet, others float. Fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on how long you want to stay in. After that, the boat heads to Thirassia Island, where you get two full hours. This is the part that doesn't feel rushed. You can swim at the beach, sit down for lunch at one of the seaside tavernas, or climb the winding steps into the village of Manolas and walk between the white houses. Most people do a mix of all three.

On the way back to port, the boat passes beneath Oia: the famous cliffs with the blue domes and the light that photographers wait for. You'll see it from the water, which is its own angle. A bus then takes you back to your hotel. The whole day is about seven to eight hours from pickup to drop-off, and the escort is with you throughout. Drinks and snacks are available on board at the bar, though they're not included in the ticket price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return by bus.
• boat transport from Athinios Port to Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, and Thirassia Island.
• access to the volcanic crater on Nea Kameni.
• time to swim in the hot springs at Palea Kameni.
• two hours on Thirassia Island to swim, dine, or explore the village of Manolas.
• return cruise past Oia's cliffs.
• tour escort for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 22 Apr 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 150

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.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cretan Holidays

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Santorini's volcano and islands without arranging your own boat, timing the stops, or navigating between them: the fixed itinerary and included pickup mean you show up and spend the day on the water instead of organizing logistics.

Traveler reviews

3.42★★★★★★★★★★

19 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

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.

How long is the hike on Nea Kameni volcano?

The soil path to the crater is steep but short. Most people spend 30–45 minutes on the island, including the climb and time at the crater rim.

Can you swim in the hot springs on Palea Kameni?

Yes. The boat stops about 50 meters from the springs, and you can swim in the warm, green sulfur water, wade in, or just watch from the boat. Most visits last 15–30 minutes.

How much time do you get on Thirassia Island?

Two hours. You can swim at the beach, have lunch at a seaside restaurant, explore the village of Manolas, or combine all three.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. A bus picks you up from your hotel and takes you to Athinios Port in the morning, then returns you after the tour.

What's included in the price?

Tour escort, hotel pickup and return, boat transport between the three islands, and access to all stops. Drinks, snacks, and meals are available on board but cost extra.

How long is the full day?

Approximately 7–8 hours from hotel pickup to return, including travel time to and from the port.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes for the volcanic rocks. The sun is intense on the water, so bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need.