Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise With Hot Springs Visit

Santorini’s volcanic islands offer a unique and captivating adventure. This cruise explores the region’s natural wonders, from the active crater of Nea Kameni to the rejuvenating hot springs of Palea Kameni. Visitors can hike to the crater’s edge, swim in the thermal waters, and discover the charming island of Thirassia. With round-trip transportation and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an engaging blend of exploration and relaxation. As the sun sets over the iconic Oia, the experience promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether seeking an active adventure or a chance to unwind, this Santorini cruise presents an opportunity not to be missed.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Spa And Hot Springs Experiences In Santorini.

Key Points

• The Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise explores the natural wonders of the Aegean Sea, including hiking to an active volcano crater and swimming in thermal hot springs.
• The tour includes roundtrip bus transfers, a local guide, and audio commentary, as well as free time to explore the island of Thirassia.
• Participants have the option to visit the picturesque town of Oia for sunset views, but the guided hike on the volcano is not included.
• The tour may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues, as it involves hiking on uneven terrain and a limited swim time at the hot springs.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on over 8,300 reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and the engaging content, but some concerns about pickup coordination and language options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise offers an opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of the Aegean Sea. Participants can hike to the active volcano crater on Nea Kameni, swim in the thermal hot springs of Palea Kameni, and have free time to discover the charming island of Thirassia.

The tour also includes an optional visit to the picturesque town of Oia for sunset views. Roundtrip bus transfers, a local guide, and audio commentary on the boat are all included.

Visitors should come prepared with sun protection and comfortable hiking shoes. This 3-10 hour excursion is an excellent way to experience the volcanic landscapes and unique island culture of Santorini.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Athinios Port, where participants can then venture towards the volcanic islands.

An optional hike awaits on Nea Kameni, leading up to the active volcano’s crater. Following this, the cruise stops at Palea Kameni, allowing visitors to swim in the therapeutic volcanic hot springs for up to 30 minutes.

Afterwards, the tour proceeds to Thirassia, where guests have free time to explore the island.

The final stop is Oia, famous for its picturesque sunsets, where travelers can enjoy 2-3 hours of free time before being transported back to their original destinations by bus.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes roundtrip bus transfers (if selected), a local guide on the bus and boat, and audio commentary during the boat trip.

Visitors can also enjoy a swim stop at the hot springs and free time to explore Thirassia island. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase, and volcano entrance fees and cable car tickets are covered.

However, a guided hike on the volcano isn’t included, and the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Participants are responsible for their own safety during the hike, and the hot springs swimming time is limited to 30 minutes. Non-confident swimmers can choose to stay on the boat.

Mobility Considerations

This tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it involves walking and hiking without a guided option. Participants are responsible for their own safety during the hike to the volcano crater. Those who are non-confident swimmers can choose to remain on the boat during the stop at the hot springs.

Mobility Considerations	Impact
Hiking to Volcano Crater	Participants responsible for their own safety
Swim at Hot Springs	Limited to 30 minutes, non-confident swimmers can stay on boat
Walking on Uneven Terrain	Potential difficulty for those with mobility issues
Cable Car to Oia	Accessible, but may be crowded
Overall Tour Accessibility	Limited, not recommended for those with significant mobility challenges

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Packing Essentials

Packing the right essentials is crucial for enjoying the Santorini volcanic islands cruise and hot springs visit.

Travelers should bring a sun hat, towel, and comfortable hiking shoes to protect against the elements and navigate the uneven terrain.

Other recommended items include:

• Sunscreen to shield skin from the intense Mediterranean sun

• Swimsuit for the relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs

• Water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day

• Light jacket or sweater in case the weather turns breezy on the boat

Preparing properly allows you to fully learn about the natural wonders of Santorini, from the dramatic caldera to the rejuvenating thermal waters.

Safety and Precautions

Safety and precautions are paramount when embarking on the Santorini volcanic islands cruise and hot springs visit. Participants are responsible for their own safety during the hike on Nea Kameni, where the active volcano crater is located. Sturdy hiking shoes and caution are essential to navigate the uneven terrain. Likewise, the boat ride and swim in the hot springs pose potential risks, so non-confident swimmers should opt to stay on the boat. Tour organizers limit the time at the hot springs to 30 minutes to mitigate any safety concerns. Participants must heed all instructions from the local guide to ensure an enjoyable and incident-free experience.

Safety Considerations	Recommendations
Hiking on Nea Kameni	Wear sturdy shoes, exercise caution on uneven terrain
Boat ride and hot springs swim	Non-confident swimmers should remain on the boat
Time limit at hot springs	30 minutes to ensure safety

Customer Feedback

Customers have largely positive experiences with the Santorini volcanic islands cruise and hot springs visit, as evidenced by the tour’s 4.3/5 overall rating based on over 8,300 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, giving them a 4.6/5 rating, and the transportation, which earns a 4.3/5 score. The service and organization of the tour also receive solid ratings of 4.2/5 and 3.8/5, respectively.

Common feedback highlights the tour’s engaging content, but notes some issues with pickup coordination and language options.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can book the Santorini volcanic islands cruise and hot springs visit through various online platforms, with prices starting from $28.32 per person.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for last-minute schedule changes.

Pickup is offered from centralized locations near hotels, making it convenient for visitors.

The activity lasts between 3 to 10 hours, with language options including English, Greek, French, Spanish, Italian, and German.

Participants should note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. However, it’s important to check the tour operator’s policies, as some may have restrictions or prefer that guests purchase items onboard.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, there are private tour options available. Travelers can book a private cruise to explore the volcanic islands and hot springs at their own pace with a dedicated guide. Private tours typically offer more flexibility and personalized experiences compared to group tours.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate in the Hot Springs Activity?

No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate in the hot springs activity. The tour provides foam pool noodles for non-confident swimmers, and the time spent in the hot springs is limited to just 30 minutes.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of Free Time in Oia?

There’s no option to extend the free time in Oia independently. The tour itinerary specifies 2-3 hours of free time there, which can’t be lengthened. Extending the duration would require booking a separate tour focused solely on Oia.

Can I Purchase Any Souvenirs or Local Products During the Tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs and local products during the tour. The tour includes free time in Thirassia where visitors can explore local shops and markets to find unique keepsakes. Purchasing local items is an optional activity.

Recap

This Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of the Aegean Sea.

From hiking an active volcano to swimming in thermal hot springs, each step of the journey promises an engaging blend of adventure and relaxation.

With round-trip transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides a seamless and immersive experience, culminating in the stunning sunset views of Oia – a fitting finale to an exceptional day.

You can check if your dates are available here: