Santorini Port: Cruise to Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirassia

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, a cruise to its volcanic sites and nearby island offers a glimpse into the island’s fiery soul and scenic charm. This tour, offered by MTM TOURISM GREECE OE, promises a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration in a manageable six-hour window. While it’s generally well-loved, it’s worth unpacking what you’ll get — and what you might want to consider — before booking.

We especially appreciate how this tour combines active elements like hiking, with leisurely stops for swimming and plenty of free exploration. It’s a perfect blend for those who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed. The knowledgeable guides and stunning views often get high praise from travelers, making it a good value for the price. On the flip side, some might find the hot springs waters less than pristine and the walks a bit rocky — so good shoes and a sense of adventure are recommended.

This tour suits those looking for a comprehensive yet affordable day out, especially if you’re interested in volcanoes, local villages, and scenic sailing. If you’re traveling with family, are keen on geology, or simply want to relax on a boat with good company, this cruise could be a highlight of your Santorini trip. However, if you’re seeking a luxury experience or have mobility concerns, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with volcano hiking, hot springs, and island exploration
• Affordable price point offers good value for the full day experience
• Expert guides and engaging audio commentary enhance understanding
• Comfortable boat ride with options to buy drinks, swim, and relax
• Moderate walking involved; uneven surfaces mean good shoes are essential
• Free time on Thirassia allows personal exploration, plus optional donkey rides

You can check availability for your dates here:

How This Tour Works: From Santorini Harbor to Volcanic Wonders

Starting at the Santorini Old Port, your adventure begins with a gentle boat ride through the caldera. As you board, you’ll feel the fresh sea breeze and see the bustling port activity. The tour includes a local guide on board who provides informative commentary and answers questions, making the experience engaging and educational. An on-board audio guide will give you fascinating insights into the area’s geology, history, and local sights.

Expect to set sail around 10:30 am, with the tour lasting roughly six hours. The schedule is flexible depending on availability, but most departures begin in the morning, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon back on land or further adventures.

Exploring Nea Kameni: Hiking the Volcano

The first major stop is Nea Kameni, the active volcano that dominates Santorini’s landscape. You’ll arrive at the volcano’s base and have the option to hike up to the crater. This self-guided trek is about 10-15 minutes (if you’re in decent shape), but be prepared for rocky terrain and some steep sections. The views are spectacular — you’ll get a close-up look at the lunar-like volcanic landscape and, if the activity permits, a peek into the crater’s bubbling vents.

Multiple reviews highlight this as a major highlight. Michael R. calls the volcano visit “unforgettable,” emphasizing the breathtaking views and the informative guide. It’s an active volcano, so the terrain may be uneven and the walk physically demanding for some, but the experience is well worth it for those interested in geology or just wanting a bit of adventure.

Soaking in Palea Kameni Hot Springs

After the hike, the boat moves closer to Palea Kameni, famous for its thermal hot springs. Here, you’ll get the chance to take a dip in the warm volcanic waters. The tour provides foam pool noodles to help you float comfortably, which many reviews mention as a fun addition. The water is reportedly brownish or yellowish from mineral deposits, which some find less aesthetically pleasing but still a unique experience.

Samantha describes this stop as “very cool,” and many travelers enjoy the relaxing swim after the hike. Keep in mind, the springs aren’t the clearest, and if you’re particular about water quality, this might be a minor disappointment. But for most, it’s a fun, natural hot tub with healing mineral properties.

Discovering Thirassia: Village and Scenic Views

The third highlight is Thirassia, a nearby island that offers a quaint village atmosphere and spectacular views. You’ll have some free time to explore at your pace, walking along narrow streets, browsing local shops, or enjoying a fresh tapa-style snack. The tour suggests optional activities like a donkey ride to Manolas (own expense), or climbing spiraling staircases to panoramic viewpoints.

According to reviews, Thirassia is a beautiful, peaceful spot that balances authenticity with stunning scenery. Komal notes the well-managed itinerary, with enough time for exploration, but some mention that the lunch options and restaurants aren’t the main attraction — primarily a scenic stop.

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Practical Details & Extras

The tour costs about $39.52 per person, which many reviewers agree offers great value considering the included stops. The price covers the guide, audio commentary, optional volcano hike, swim stop, foam noodles, and pick-up if you select that option. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase drinks on board at reasonable prices, and there are optional entrance fees — €5 cash for the volcano and €6 each way for the cable car.

The boat is described as comfortable and clean. It’s not a large vessel, so the group size remains manageable, and you may find the experience more intimate than some big cruise options. The tour involves some moderate walking, especially on uneven volcanic and village terrain, so sturdy shoes and sun protection are essential.

Most reviews praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides, who enrich the experience with interesting facts and answer questions thoroughly. Several mention how the guides’ professionalism and warmth make the day more enjoyable.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Many reviewers highlight what they loved most. Michael R. calls the volcano visit “one of the highlights of our trip,” emphasizing the breathtaking views and the friendly guide. Samantha appreciated the wealth of knowledge from the captain, saying that the whole day was one of her best in Santorini.

Others praise the value for money, the well-managed itinerary, and the chance to see multiple sites without having to organize separate trips. Some mention minor logistical issues, like difficulty finding the meeting point or busy ports, but overall, the experience is described as well worth the effort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise suits travelers looking for an affordable, all-in-one excursion that mixes adventure, relaxation, and local culture. It’s ideal for those who are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and want to see the volcanic landscape up close, as well as enjoy some swimming in natural hot springs. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a informative, scenic boat ride will find this especially appealing.

If you’re after a luxury experience, or have mobility issues, you might want to explore other options. But for most visitors seeking a balanced and memorable day, this tour offers a solid introduction to Santorini’s volcanic soul.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This cruise offers a well-rounded perspective on Santorini’s iconic features — its active volcano, natural hot springs, and charming island villages. It’s a good value for the price, especially considering the knowledgeable guides and the ability to customize your experience with free time on Thirassia.

Travelers who enjoy a moderate physical activity like hiking, combined with relaxing swims and scenic sailing, will find this tour fulfilling. The stunning views, combined with fun and educational elements, make it a memorable addition to any Santorini itinerary.

It’s perfect for those who want an authentic, informative, and fun-filled day that doesn’t break the bank. Just pack sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure — and you’ll come away with an appreciation for Santorini’s fiery past and scenic present.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the tour, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour involves some walking and climbing, so consider your child’s comfort with uneven terrain.

Are meals included?
No, food is not included in the tour price. You can purchase drinks on board, and there are options to buy food during the free time on Thirassia.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire experience lasts about six hours, including sailing, stops, and free time, with the departure usually at 10:30 am.

Is the volcano hike difficult?
The hike is self-guided and takes about 10-15 minutes. It involves rocky, uneven terrain, so good shoes are recommended. It’s manageable for most but might be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What is the water in the hot springs like?
The waters are mineral-rich and may appear brown or yellowish from mineral deposits. They aren’t the clearest waters but are considered therapeutic and unique.

Do I need cash?
Yes, for entrance fees (€5 cash for volcano) and optional activities like cable car tickets (€6 each way). Also, some purchases on Thirassia may require cash.

Is transportation provided?
Optional hotel pickup is available if selected, but if your hotel isn’t accessible, a nearby meeting point will be arranged. Check your email for details.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

To sum it up, this Santorini cruise offers a balanced, authentic experience that showcases the island’s volcanic origins, scenic beauty, and local charm. It’s a fantastic option for travelers eager to combine adventure with relaxation, all at a very reasonable price. Whether you’re a geology buff, a family seeking fun, or a couple wanting scenic photographs, this tour deserves a spot on your Santorini list.

You can check availability for your dates here: