Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs tour from the port

Climb to the active craters, then swim in the warm bay

A boat tour departing from Santorini's port takes you to the volcano's rim and the natural hot springs of Palaia Kameni. You walk a small path to the active craters where rocks still smoke and the air smells of brimstone, then return to the boat and sail to a sheltered bay where you swim in warm mineral water for about 30 minutes. The tour runs 3 hours total and includes a local guide, swimming noodles and onboard restroom access.

Step-by-step itinerary

Volcano visit and hot springs swim

• Disembark at port
• Follow path to active craters
• Take pictures of smoking rocks
• Return to ship
• Sail to Palaia Kameni island
• Swim in hot springs bay

The Experience

Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs starts at the port of disembarkation, so there's no transfer to arrange — you board the boat and head straight out. The ship stays at the volcano for 1 hour and 15 minutes while you follow a small path upward to reach the active craters. At the top you see rocks still smoking, smell the brimstone, and take pictures of the crater landscape. It's a straightforward climb with no technical gear needed.

After you return to the boat, it departs for Palaia Kameni and the natural hot springs bay. The water temperature ranges from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius because it constantly mixes with normal seawater, so it's warm but not scalding. The ship stays for about 30 minutes. You climb down the boat's stairs and swim roughly 30 meters into the small bay of St. Nickolas to reach the interior where the mineral water is. Swimming noodles are provided, and the guide is with you throughout in English or Greek.

The whole experience fits inside a port day, which is why this tour works for cruise passengers. You're back at the ship with time to spare, and you've stood on an active volcano and swum in water heated by the earth below.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Greek.
• swimming noodles.
• onboard restroom access.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Dakoutros Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked at port with a few hours free—the boat departs directly from your ship's disembarkation point, so you can see an active volcano and swim in hot springs without backtracking to town.

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Top questions

How long do I actually spend swimming in the hot springs?

The boat stays at Palaia Kameni for about 30 minutes, and you spend that time in the water. You'll swim roughly 30 meters from the boat stairs into the bay to reach the warmest part, so the actual swimming window is the full half-hour the ship is anchored there.

What's the path up to the volcano craters like?

Santorini Volcano has a small path that leads to the active craters at the top. The walk is straightforward — no climbing equipment or special fitness is required — and you'll see rocks still smoking and smell the brimstone. You have 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk up, look around and take pictures before returning to the boat.

Do I need to bring my own swimsuit and towel?

Bring your own swimsuit. Swimming noodles are provided on the tour. The tour does not include a towel, so pack one if you'll want to dry off before heading back to the ship.

Is this tour suitable if I have heart or breathing concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health because of the walk to the volcano craters. If you have concerns about your fitness level, check with your doctor before booking.

Can I bring my infant or small child?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available on board. Service animals are also allowed on the tour.