Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Boat Tour with Transfer

Active craters and thermal waters in one morning, without arranging the boat yourself

A guided boat tour from Fira to Santorini's volcano and hot springs, lasting three hours with round-trip transfer, a live guide in English or Greek, and swimming noodles provided. The boat stops at the active volcano for 1 hour 15 minutes so you can climb to the smoking craters, then moves to the thermal hot springs at Palaia Kameni for 30 minutes of swimming in naturally heated water. Entrance to the volcano is optional and paid separately at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini volcano and hot springs tour

• Depart from Fira old port
• Arrive at Erinia bay of volcano
• Hike to active volcano craters
• Return to boat
• Depart for Palaia Kameni island
• Swim in hot springs bay
• Return to port

The Experience

The boat leaves Fira's old port at 11 in the morning and reaches the volcano's bay in 10 minutes. You have the choice to climb the small path to the active craters — where rocks still smoke and the air smells strongly of brimstone — or stay lower and photograph from the bay. The ship waits 1 hour 15 minutes, so the pace is yours. A guide in English or Greek travels with the group and answers questions about what you're standing in front of.

After the volcano, the boat moves to Palaia Kameni, where the natural hot springs sit in a small bay named St. Nickolas. The water temperature runs between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius because it mixes constantly with the sea. You swim about 30 meters into the bay — there's no beach, so you climb down the boat's stairs and enter the water directly. The ship stays for 30 minutes. Swimming noodles are provided, and a restroom is on board for the whole trip.

Round-trip transfer from your hotel is included, so you don't arrange separate transport to the port. The tour runs three hours total. If you want to enter the volcano area itself, that ticket is optional and you'll choose it when you book.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel transfer.
• a live guide in English or Greek.
• swimming noodles.
• restroom access on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Dakoutros Bros J.V.

Is this one for you?The morning departure and fixed three-hour schedule mean you can fit the volcano and hot springs into a free afternoon without building the day yourself — the boat, the timing and the guide are all arranged. If you prefer a later start or a longer time at each stop, look for an afternoon or full-day option instead.

Traveler reviews

4.10★★★★★★★★★★

122 verified traveler reviews

5 ★68

4 ★20

3 ★17

2 ★12

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I skip climbing to the volcano craters and stay on the boat instead?

Yes. The boat remains at the volcano for 1 hour 15 minutes, and climbing the path to the active craters is optional — you can photograph from the bay or rest on deck while others hike.

What's the water temperature at the hot springs, and how deep is it?

The thermal water at Palaia Kameni ranges from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. You swim about 30 meters into the small bay of St. Nickolas; the depth varies, but you enter from the boat's stairs and swim in the heated water for roughly 30 minutes.

Is the volcano entrance ticket included in the tour price?

The volcano entrance ticket is optional and paid separately at checkout. You can choose to add it when you book, or you can visit the bay without it.

What time does the boat leave, and how long is the whole tour?

The boat departs from Fira's old port at 11 in the morning and the tour lasts three hours total, including the 10-minute trip to the volcano, 1 hour 15 minutes at the volcano, and 30 minutes at the hot springs.

Is hotel pickup included, and do I need to arrange my own transport to the port?

Round-trip transfer from your hotel is included in the tour price, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to Fira's old port.

What should I bring or wear for swimming in the hot springs?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Swimming noodles are provided. The water is naturally heated but you enter from the boat's stairs, so wear something you can move in easily and consider water shoes for the entry.