Do you want to make your Santorini holiday a little bit more impressive? You probably should see the volcano and swim in the thermal springs. This is a short boat trip lasting only three hours. During this trip you will really get in touch with the caldera of Santorini!
Two caldera’s key sights are waiting for you on this boat trip:
The boat departs daily from the Old Port of Fira (Thira). The Old Port is located under the cliffs below the town of Fira. There is no other road from Fira to the Old Port, so the only two ways to get there from Fira are either by cable car or by walking down the 587 steps.
This short sightseeing tour starts from the Old Port of Fira twice a day: at 11:00 and 14:15. After only 15-20 minutes of sailing, the boat will anchor in a small volcanic bay on the island of Nea Kameni, where you will spend about an hour and a half. You can stay on the ship, or you can walk along the stone path to the top of the mount to see the active volcanic crater.
The next stop is the neighboring island of Palea Kameni, where hot springs are located. These springs have born during a volcanic eruption more than three and a half thousand years ago. The temperature of water in the small bay of Agios Nikolaos ranges from 30 to 35 degrees of Celsius, even though it constantly mixes with the usual cold sea currents. The water here has a yellow-green color due to the high concentration of salts, iron and other substances literally escaping to the surface from the bowels of the earth. The ship will anchor here for about 30 minutes and you can swim around; after the stop the boat will return to the Old Port of Fira.
In 2024 the price of a boat trip to Nea Kameni volcano and Palea Kameni hot springs is:
Prices may be lower in low season, on certain days with discounts, if you book early or for a large group.
Please mention our six hours excursion, it also includes the visiting of the island of Thirasia.
Sometimes there are discounts on this trip and it is sold cheaper for our subscribers – follow us on Facebook!
In 2024 a short boat trip to the volcano and thermal springs is scheduled from 15/03 to 31/10. Available days – everyday.
Please note that the tour schedule is subject to change. Changes are extremely rare and usually associated with weather conditions on the island or in the sea. For example, it can be a strong wind, thunderstorm, rain or other force majeure situations. We always try to inform in advance about all changes.
Program at the beginning of the season
ATTENTION: at the very beginning of the summer season (01.04 — 15.05) the program may be changed (rescheduling of dates, times or languages of accompanying). Please check the details you are interested in with the customer care managers before purchasing.
Please read Cancellation and Refund policy.
In case there are less than 24 hours left before the trip, please book only after agreeing with the manager on availability.
Before going to sea, it is necessary to issue some special documents (forms with information regarding route, crew and all passengers). To do this, we need the full name (as in the passport), gender, age and citizenship of all participants. If you already have this information, you can write it in the comments field when placing an order.
You will receive your tickets by email or WhatsApp – whichever is more convenient for you.
Please keep all documents and tickets until the end of the trip!
There is no scheduled transfer from the hotel to the Fira during this excursion. You can get to Fira by bus, car or taxi. If you wish you can book the private transfer here “How to book transfer in Santorini”. After arriving in Fira, you can take the stairs down to the Old Port of Fira or take the cable car.
After placing an order, you will receive detailed information about the place and time of the meeting, as well as all the necessary documents. Please read them carefully beforehand.
Santorini has a lot of sun and almost no shade during the spring and summer. You will definitely need some sun protection: sunscreen, glasses, hat and so on. If there is a possibility of motion sickness in transport, then we recommend taking the appropriate pills. Take your swimming accessories and warm clothes with you for the evening (it is quite fresh in the evening in the open sea, even on hot days). Also we advise you to take a dark-colored swimsuit if you plan to swim in the hot springs. To walk along the volcano take comfortable shoes – flip-flops are not suitable for such a rocky area. You may want to buy something during your trip, so consider taking some cash with you for these extra expenses. You are required to have the original or copy/photo of your passport or ID card with you.
Not particularly. There is a walking tour on a rocky trail up a volcanic mountain, but this is optional. Most of the time will be spent on board.
There are no limitations on participation in this trip.
The cruises depart twice a day at 11:00 and 14:15, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
The cruises depart twice a day at 11:00 and 14:15, so you can have lunch in Fira or at your hotel.
Yes, during the day you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide who will take you around the volcano.
Yes, but not too much. It is still a boat trip to beautiful places with the most amazing view, not to mention plenty of fresh air and the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sound of the waves and the sun.
The main language of the tour is English.
The following is an approximate schedule. The exact time will be specified in the information provided with your order.
| Morning tour schedule | |
|---|---|
| 11:00 | Departure from the Old Port of Fira |
| 11:00 - 11:20 | Boat trip from the Old Port of Fira to the volcano |
| 11:20 - 12:50 | Volcano walking tour |
| 12:50 - 13:00 | Boat trip from the volcano to the hot springs |
| 13:00 - 13:30 | Swiming in the hot springs |
| 13:30 - 14:00 | Returning to the Old Port of Fira |
| Day tour schedule | |
|---|---|
| 14:15 | Departure from the Old Port of Fira |
| 14:15 - 14:35 | Boat trip from the Old Port of Fira to the volcano |
| 14:35 - 16:05 | Volcano walking tour |
| 16:05 - 16:15 | Boat trip from the volcano to the hot springs |
| 16:15 - 16:45 | Swiming in the hot springs |
| 16:45 - 17:15 | Returning to the Old Port of Fira |
| Duration and travel time | |
|---|---|
| From 10 to 30 minutes | On the boat between sightseeing spots |
| 1,5 hours | At the volcano |
| 30 minutes | At the hot springs |