Fira Old Port offers an unforgettable 6-hour cruise experience to some of Santorini’s most remarkable natural wonders. Travelers can explore the volcanic landscapes of Nea Kameni, rejuvenate in the therapeutic hot springs of Palea Kameni, and discover the charming island of Thirassia. This tour provides a comprehensive look at the geological marvels that have drawn visitors to Santorini for centuries. With a live guide, amenities, and round-trip transport included, the cruise is suitable for all ages and promises an adventure filled with stunning scenery and unique insights. What makes this tour so special, however, is the opportunity to…
Key Points
- A 6-hour cruise experience from Fira Old Port covering a volcano, hot springs, and the island of Thirassia, with pricing starting at €30 per person.
- The tour includes a hike to the crater of an active volcano on Nea Kameni, swimming in therapeutic hot springs on Palea Kameni, and free exploration of Thirassia.
- Amenities such as a live tour guide, onboard bar, and round-trip transport are provided, while meals are available for purchase during the tour.
- Hikers should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, swimwear, and a towel, as the terrain can be challenging and the weather may require preparation.
- The tour has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on transportation, value for money, and tour organization, though some suggestions for more time at the volcano.
Overview
The Fira Old Port Cruise offers a comprehensive 6-hour experience that takes visitors on a journey to the volcano, hot springs, and the island of Thirassia, providing a glimpse into the unique geological and cultural wonders of Santorini.
Priced from €30 per person, the tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability and secure spots early. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour caters to a range of participants, including adults, children, and infants.
With a live tour guide, onboard amenities, and round-trip transportation from Santorini’s Old Harbor, this cruise provides a well-organized and immersive way to explore the island’s natural attractions.
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Itinerary Highlights
The cruise itinerary showcases Santorini’s natural wonders, starting with a hike to the crater of an active volcano on Nea Kameni.
After this, you’ll have the chance to swim in the therapeutic hot springs of Palea Kameni. The tour provides foam pool noodles to ensure your comfort as you soak in the sulfur-rich waters.
The final stop is the island of Thirassia, where you can explore freely. You can choose to take a donkey ride or navigate the stairs up to the charming village of Manolas.
This diverse itinerary allows you to experience Santorini’s geological marvels and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
Onboard Experience
Onboard, travelers typically enjoy live tour guide commentary and audio guidance in English to enhance their understanding of the cruise’s sights and attractions.
The vessel features an onboard bar where passengers can purchase refreshing drinks throughout the journey. While meals aren’t included, there’s an option to buy food during the tour.
The cruise departs from Santorini’s Old Harbor, with the meeting point located at the NST ticket counter.
This integrated transportation and guidance help ensure a seamless and informative experience for guests as they explore the volcanic landscape, therapeutic hot springs, and charming island of Thirassia during the 6-hour excursion.
What to Bring
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglages, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen for this cruise. Cash is also recommended, as the onboard bar offers drinks for purchase.
| What to Bring | Why | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | For hiking and exploring | Opt for sturdy, non-slip soles |
| Sunglasses | Protect your eyes from the sun | Polarized lenses are best |
| Hat | Shield your face and head from the sun | Wide-brimmed hats work well |
| Swimwear | For swimming in the hot springs | Bring a change of clothes too |
| Towel | Dry off after swimming | Quick-dry materials are ideal |
Hiking Details
Hiking the trails on Nea Kameni volcano involves moderate walking on uneven surfaces, which visitors undertake at their own risk.
The self-guided hike to the crater’s edge takes around 30-45 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers. The path is rocky and can be challenging in parts, requiring sturdy footwear and caution.
Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with stunning views of the volcanic landscape and the caldera. Visitors should exercise care, stay on marked trails, and listen to any safety instructions provided by the tour guides.
While the hike is manageable for most, it’s essential to be aware of the terrain and one’s own physical capabilities before attempting the ascent.
Weather Considerations
The weather conditions on the tour may call for some preparation, as the waters around Santorini can bring wet conditions, and the sulfur-rich hot springs may discolor light fabrics.
While the tour provides a memorable experience, visitors should be mindful of the potential impact of the local environment. The active volcano and therapeutic hot springs are the highlights of the tour, but the sulfur content in the waters can stain clothing.
It’s recommended to pack accordingly, bringing swimwear, towels, and extra clothing to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Paying attention to the weather forecast and packing wisely will help visitors fully enjoy the tour’s natural wonders.
Time Limits
While the tour give you an immersive experience, there are time limits in place for certain activities.
Visitors’ access to the hot springs at Palea Kameni is restricted to just 30 minutes, ensuring a balanced schedule and allowing everyone to enjoy the natural wonders. This time limit helps maintain the flow of the tour and allows participants to explore the various sites without feeling rushed.
The tour’s organizers have carefully planned the itinerary to maximize the time spent at each destination, ensuring that guests can fully appreciate the unique features of the volcano, hot springs, and the island of Thirassia.
This approach helps create a well-paced and unforgettable tour experience.
Customer Feedback
Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback has earned the Fira Old Port Cruise an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 159 reviews.
Travelers were especially pleased with the transportation, rating it 4.6/5, and the overall value for money at 4.7/5.
Reviewers praised the cruise’s organization and the quality of the tour guide, who provided excellent commentary in English.
While some suggested allocating more time at the volcano, others cautioned about the sulfur-rich waters potentially discoloring light fabrics during the hot springs stop.
Recap
The Fira Old Port cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Santorini’s volcanic wonders, soothing hot springs, and charming island of Thirassia.
With its live guide, amenities, and round-trip transport, this 6-hour tour is suitable for all ages and promises a day filled with stunning landscapes and geological marvels.
Whether hiking the volcano’s crater or swimming in the therapeutic hot springs, this cruise provides an immersive and memorable experience.
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