Caldera Cruise & Volcano Visit, Santorini

4.7 (13 reviews)
Take a family sailing trip along Santorini's caldera on a brigantine, learning about volcanoes and bathing in hot springs
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K
Kristina r.
Sep 21, 2023
Our guide was great! We stopped at 3 different locations and we had plenty of time at each spot. The guide did a great job explaining... Read more
Michelle
Michelle G.
Sep 21, 2023
This was a great experience. Despite being a large group tour, we all had fun dancing on the boat.
April
April H.
Aug 06, 2023
Great fun. The boat, the hike up the volcano, the views, swimming in the beautiful sea to cool off. The amazing dinner and drinks, all capped... Read more
S
Stephen W.
Jul 05, 2023
Very cool day, nice swimming spots on a nice boat with delicious food.
L
Lori V.
Jun 04, 2023
Beautiful experience to see the volcano. Ship was so cool! Swimming in the hot springs was really fun! The dinner prepared was AMAZING! So delicious!
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Overview

Today, join a half-day cruise to enjoy the best of Santorini as you sail around the island's famed caldera, finishing with a traditional Greek-style BBQ dinner to savor as the sun sets over the Aegean Sea.

Your adventure starts at the port of Athinios. Here, you'll board an authentic Brigantine, a traditional wooden boat of the sort made in the Mediterranean for centuries, of almost 100 feet (28-m) long. You will then begin your trip around the coastline of Santorini's stunning caldera. As you go, your guide will share insights into the island's fascinating geology. You'll learn how to identify the visible volcanic layers along the crater's steep inner walls and understand the significance of past eruptions.

You will get to take a break at a natural hot spring, where you can soothe your body bathing in thermal sulfurous water, dock near Thirassia, the second-largest island within the caldera, where you will get to go swimming in the sea while your crew prepares a delicious traditional Greek BBQ buffet. Enjoy your meal along with exquisite sea views, as well as some Santorini wine brimming with its distinctive character from the island's unique volcanic soil.

The cruise stops as well on the northern tip of Santorini, near the charming village of Oia. Savor the town's two ports, Ammoudi and Armeni and see these picturesque harbors from the unique vantage point of your vessel. Don't forget to take lots of photos! As you return towards Athinios port, gaze at the beautiful sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Please bear in mind that the water in the Hot Springs contains sulfur and iron that leaves stains. It is recommended to avoid wearing light-colored bathing suits. 

To participate in all activities of this tour, swimming knowledge is required.

In case of any dietary intolerances and allergies, please inform your travel specialist accordingly.

This tour starts in the afternoon and finishes around sunset time.
Read more about unique and interesting activities in Santorini and sailing excursions in Greece.

Know before you go

Duration
6 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Group tour
Food & Drink
Dinner Included

Start times

  • Daily
    2:00 pm

What's included

6-hour boat tour, roundtrip transfers, dinner (drinks and refreshments available at extra cost), guided volcano tour, snorkeling equipment, swimming noodles.

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Traveler photos
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Traveler reviews

13 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.7
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.5
Food
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.8
K
Kristina r.
Algonquin, IL | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023
Our guide was great! We stopped at 3 different locations and we had plenty of time at each spot. The guide did a great job explaining the history of the volcano as well. The men who worked on the boat, especially the main guy were a hoot and he even helped me with my wound after I tripped on the top of the volcano, ha! I expected the food to be mediocre, but it was absolutely amazing and I even went up for seconds! We apparently went on a very windy day which we didn’t realize because the... Read more

Our guide was great! We stopped at 3 different locations and we had plenty of time at each spot. The guide did a great job explaining the history of the volcano as well. The men who worked on the boat, especially the main guy were a hoot and he even helped me with my wound after I tripped on the top of the volcano, ha! I expected the food to be mediocre, but it was absolutely amazing and I even went up for seconds! We apparently went on a very windy day which we didn’t realize because the crew did such a great job, it was only rough for about 20ish minutes and even then it wasn’t bad. The crew did a great job safety wise and even provided us with blankets as it got a bit chilly after the sunset.

Tips for future travelers

We had considered not going since we had done a boat cruise a few days prior to this one, but we went and were soooo happy we did. The experience was very different as this one had a lot more on land activities (like the volcano). Bring a sweater even if you think you won’t need it!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Michelle
Michelle G.
Maple Grove, MN | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023
This was a great experience. Despite being a large group tour, we all had fun dancing on the boat. Read more

This was a great experience. Despite being a large group tour, we all had fun dancing on the boat.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
April
April H.
Phoenixville, PA | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2023
Great fun. The boat, the hike up the volcano, the views, swimming in the beautiful sea to cool off. The amazing dinner and drinks, all capped off with an amazing sunset! Read more

Great fun. The boat, the hike up the volcano, the views, swimming in the beautiful sea to cool off. The amazing dinner and drinks, all capped off with an amazing sunset!

Tips for future travelers

If you plan to hike the volcano make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring water.

Quality of Experience
Sites, boat, staff
Food
Delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All so friendly!
Transport
S
Stephen W.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2023
Very cool day, nice swimming spots on a nice boat with delicious food. Read more

Very cool day, nice swimming spots on a nice boat with delicious food.

Tips for future travelers

This boat can hold up to 120 people, on our trip there was 70. Had plenty of room. We had a seat in the very back on the side. Turn around and let your legs hang over the edge👌

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
C
Cathy B.
Camarillo, CA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2023
Parts of this were really fun, but the boat smelled like exhaust from the full almost the whole trip. Read more

Parts of this were really fun, but the boat smelled like exhaust from the full almost the whole trip.

Tips for future travelers

The boat takes you to 3 or 4 different stops. The walk uphill to see the craters of the Volcano is optional. The swimming off the boat to the "hot springs is really fun.

Quality of Experience
The smell of exhaust from the engine everywhere on the boat
Food
The food was prepared on board and the wine was flowing. It was very good.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The stff was great. They cooked a great meal for us and watching them handle the sails and the anchors was real teamwork.
L
Lori V.
Dayton, OH | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2023
Beautiful experience to see the volcano. Ship was so cool!
Swimming in the hot springs was really fun!
The dinner prepared was AMAZING! So delicious! Read more

Beautiful experience to see the volcano. Ship was so cool!
Swimming in the hot springs was really fun!
The dinner prepared was AMAZING! So delicious!

Tips for future travelers

Take this tour! Wear a dark swimsuit and swim in the hot springs. Crew deserves a nice tip/ gratuity, so be generous. They work really hard to ensure a great day from preparing a huge Greek dinner to even offering blankets to chilly guests on board!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
H
Hector S.
Corona, CA | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2022
One of the must do while in Santorini. Read more

One of the must do while in Santorini.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ari
Ari S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2022
Beautiful ride, but kind of a packed 'sailboat' which was actually running on a motor. There were ~50 people on the boat and not many places to sit. Honestly, not sure I would recommend this. The sights were nice, and the dinner was good, but it was just so crowded on the boat and I felt like we were just being herded around. Read more

Beautiful ride, but kind of a packed 'sailboat' which was actually running on a motor. There were ~50 people on the boat and not many places to sit. Honestly, not sure I would recommend this. The sights were nice, and the dinner was good, but it was just so crowded on the boat and I felt like we were just being herded around.

Tips for future travelers

If you want a romantic sailboat ride, I personally don't think this would be a good choice. It did not really match our expecations, and was very touristy. Not our vibe.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sharon
Sharon H.
Corona, NY | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2022
This was one for the history books. I couldn’t believe how far up you have to climb but I did it because I wanted to see what happened all those thousands of years ago and it did not disappoint all those craters and the views are spectacular oh my word you have to see it, Read more

This was one for the history books. I couldn’t believe how far up you have to climb but I did it because I wanted to see what happened all those thousands of years ago and it did not disappoint all those craters and the views are spectacular oh my word you have to see it,

Tips for future travelers

Just go see it!

Food
Food was good I went back for the chicken it was delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was so knowledgeable was unbelievable and she was to the point! Love it.
M
Marlena B.
Farragut, TN | Reviewed on Jun 11, 2022

This was so fun. It’s a must do in Santorini!

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Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

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