Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Your adventure begins at the old port of Fira, where you'll board a traditional boat to explore Santorini's volcanic wonders.
The first stop is the famous volcano, where you’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring its unique terrain. A 5€ entrance fee grants access to the volcanic trails. Guided by your tour escort, you’ll uncover key landmarks and fascinating stories about the volcano’s history and eruptions. The hike requires moderate effort and sturdy footwear, so come prepared for an unforgettable journey to the summit with breathtaking views.
Next, sail to the natural hot springs at Palea Kameni. To reach the warm, sulfur-rich waters, you’ll need to swim 30-50 meters from the boat to the shore. This activity is recommended only for strong swimmers due to the required distance.
Relax in the therapeutic, mineral-rich waters before returning to the boat, carrying unforgettable memories of Santorini’s natural wonders.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For the volcano tour, wear comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and bring water.
Dark swimsuits are recommended to avoid sulfur stains.
To avoid delays, arrive at the cable car or start walking 45 minutes before departure.
A minibar is available on board for water and snacks.
Bring sunscreen for sunny days or a light jacket if it’s windy.
Swimming in the hot springs is not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with heart issues or serious medical conditions.
What To Expect
Santorini Volcano
As your boat nears the volcanic island, its rugged cliffs and stark beauty set the stage for your adventure. Step ashore and begin a guided hike along volcanic trails as your tour escort shares the island’s fascinating geological history and stories of its eruptions. A 5€ entrance fee is required to access the volcano. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a sun hat, and carry water to stay hydrated during the hike. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea, surrounded by the raw power of nature. Steam vents and volcanic rock formations create a truly mesmerizing, otherworldly landscape. After taking in the views and captivating stories, return to the boat with unforgettable memories. Always follow your tour escort’s guidance for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Palea Kameni
The next stop is the island of Palea Kameni, home to the renowned hot springs nestled on its west side. Here, you’ll have 30 minutes to experience the rejuvenating thermal waters, celebrated for their rich volcanic minerals and therapeutic properties. The boat will anchor approximately 30-40 meters from the springs, and you’ll need to swim this distance to reach the warm, orange-hued waters. Surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes, this is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace. Please note, this activity is best suited for comfortable swimmers, as the swim requires confidence and stamina. For those who venture into the waters, it’s a moment of pure relaxation and connection with Santorini’s unique volcanic energy. Afterward, return to the boat, refreshed and recharged, to continue your unforgettable journey.
Options
14:30pm
Entrance Ticket Not Included: Santorini Volcano & Cable Car Ticket Duration: 3 hours Places to Visit: Santorini Volcano Palea Kameni
11:00am
Ticket Entry Not Included: Santorini Volcano & Cable Car Ticket Duration: 3 hours Places to Visit: Santorini Volcano Palea Kameni
What‘s Included
Guided volcano hiking tour (with expert insights into its history and geology.)
Foam pool noodles for added support while swimming at the hot springs.
Visit to the hot springs (for a unique swimming experience in sulfur-rich, warm waters.)
Tour escort (to guide and assist throughout the trip.)
Food and beverages (available for purchase or bring your own)
Towels and swimwear (guests must bring their own)
Cable car ticket (10€ per person, for those opting to use it)
Volcano
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,258 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Successful half-day trip
D. Q,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour to the volcano and the hot springs went exactly as described in the tour description. The organization was perfect, and the guide had interesting information about the volcano. He was also available for additional questions. Everyone should bring sturdy footwear, water, and a certain level of basic fitness. There was a total time window of 90 minutes for visiting the volcano, which was completely sufficient. Afterward, we went to the swimming area, where there were adequate instructions for swimming, and those who wanted could take a pool noodle into the water. The distance from the boat to the hot spring was manageable. It was a refreshing pleasure. 30 minutes of swimming time was sufficient. The cove is highly frequented by other boats during the season. Overall, it was a wonderful trip and receives our recommendation.
Great hike followed by the hot springs swim
Sandra F,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fun experience with my husband, 24 and 22yr old sons. We are a pretty active family and enjoyed the hike to the top of the volcano. But it may be a little tough for those who are not keen hikers. We would have liked more time at the top. The swim in the hot springs started with a surprise jump off the side of the boat, the swim itself was very manageable , and we could feel the change in water temps as we passed over the hot parts of the springs. Those who preferred not to swim stayed in the boat. The tour guide was very nice and we learned a lot about the volcano.
Amazing
Valentina L,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Not a single bad word. You would think 3 hours is not enough, but it’s plenty. Plenty to see, plenty to experience and to learn. Loads of time to do stuff in your pace too. Tour guides friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend 🫶🏻
More adventurous than I expected!
Inspire17202590408,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was definitely one of the highlights of our my husband and my honeymoon. The ride was pleasant and had beautiful views of the caldera, the Aegean, and the volcano. Jumping out of the boat was super fun, even if the water is cold, and having to swim to the hot water made it so worth it. I would absolutely do this again.
Beautiful experience and well...
Sandrine B,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful experience and well organized. We would have liked to stay a bit longer on the volcano because we have a view of all of Santorini, it’s superb.
Get there early and talk...
Olivia R,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Get there early and talk to the office. They give you a sheet of paper to board with. Pay attention for when they tell people which boat
Underwhelming
erica allison w,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The boat ride was nice the hot springs more than I swim out to warmer water, but only had about 25 minutes and he was hurried back. Volcano was not what I was expecting at all. It was an island formed by a volcano. So it was a gravel path up and down hills. No indication that there had ever even been a volcano
Bad just walk not intéressé
Helene L,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The walk was To Difficult and no câble like mention The water was no very hot. We not recommand this activity
Super unique excursion in Santorini!
Miranda D,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a must do for a unique experience in Santorini! Getting down to the bay was quite a challenge though…if you’re walking down please add a good 15 minutes if you’re briskly walking…it’s a LOT of stairs. But DEFINITELY take the cable car back up after!!! We boarded a large boat that resembled a pirate ship and sailed to the volcano first. We were told that when you got close to the volcano you would smell the sulfur and the rock would actually be warm (neither were true for our group) however it was still a neat little hike where you could go off on your own a bit. We then sailed over to the area where you could hop in (with pool noodles provided) and the water was extremely cold! But as you swam closer to the hot springs you could literally feel it getting warmer. It was so crazy honestly. We wrote our initials in the mud on a rock and then headed back to the boat again. The only thing was that we didn’t bring a towel (we thought they were provided) so it was a really chilly ride back all wet! We thought it was a really cool and unique experience!
Good way to see the island from sea and well worth the price.
Carolyn A,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was priced very reasonably, and they allowed you the option to choose to pay for what you wanted to include.
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