From Old Port:Volcanic Islands Boat Trip & Hot Spring Visit

Santorini’s best short boat trip takes you away from the white cliffside villages and into the caldera’s volcanic core. You’ll walk across the dark rock of Nea Kameni, look into active craters, then board the boat again for the warm waters near Palea Kameni.

I like the clear contrast between the two stops: first, a dry and rugged hike with wide caldera views; then, a muddy swim in naturally heated seawater. I also like the compact three-hour schedule, which gives you a taste of Santorini’s volcanic side without taking up your whole day.

The main drawback is the real cost. The advertised price is $35, but you’ll also need to pay the €5 volcano entrance fee and usually €20 for a return cable-car ride to the Old Port. The hot springs may also feel only mildly warm, especially in cooler months.

Key points at a glance

• Nea Kameni gives you 90 minutes on volcanic ground: Follow the trail uphill to see the craters and take in views across the caldera.
• The hot-spring swim lasts about 30 minutes: The water is warmer than the surrounding sea, but it is not always truly hot.
• You must reach the Old Port below Fira: Use the cable car for €10 each way or walk down 587 steps.
• The swim is not suitable for weak swimmers: You need to swim a long distance from the boat to reach the shore at Agios Nikolaos Bay.
• The tour runs at 11:00 and 14:15: The afternoon departure can fit well around a morning in Fira.
• Extra fees affect the value: Add the volcano ticket, cable car, and any towel or personal costs before booking.

Setting out from Fira’s Old Port

The trip starts at Santorini Old Harbor, also called Gialos, directly below Fira. To get there, you can ride the cable car in about three minutes. The fare is €10 per person each way and is not part of the tour price.

The other option is to walk down the 587 steps. The descent gives you fine views of the caldera, cliffside homes, and the port below, but it is steep and tiring. The return climb can be harder, and the steps may not always be open, so I would budget for the cable car rather than treat the walk as your only plan.

Once you reach the port, go to the Santo Star travel office. This is where you collect your ticket and receive the final instructions before boarding. The English-speaking guides meet you there and explain what will happen during the boat trip.

The tour departs twice daily, at 11:00 and 14:15. The morning trip gives you more time afterward for Fira or another Santorini activity. The afternoon departure may be easier if you want a relaxed start to the day, though the exact time you return can affect dinner plans.

The boat ride to the volcanic area takes about 15 minutes. That short crossing quickly changes your view of Santorini. From the water, the island’s cliffs show how much of the settlement sits high above the original volcanic basin.

Walking across Nea Kameni’s volcanic craters

Nea Kameni is the first main stop, and the boat remains here for about 90 minutes. That is the heart of the tour. You can follow the trail uphill toward the volcanic craters, take photographs, and look back across the caldera.

This is not a lush island walk. Expect exposed, dark volcanic ground and a rough trail leading toward the crater areas. The appeal comes from seeing the evidence of Santorini’s eruptions at close range rather than from a long scenic trek.

The climb gives you a different view of the island than you get from Fira’s terraces. From the volcanic island, the white buildings appear high on the cliff rim, while the caldera opens around you. The setting helps explain Santorini’s shape in a way that a viewpoint alone cannot.

You should allow time for a steady walk, photographs, and pauses along the route. The scheduled 90 minutes is generous enough for a short hike rather than a rushed look from the shore, but you should still wear practical shoes. Bring water, especially if you take the midday departure, since the volcanic ground offers little relief from the sun.

The volcano entrance fee is €5 and is not included in the tour price. This small charge is easy to overlook when comparing tours, so add it to your budget before deciding if the outing is good value.

I would keep your expectations sensible. The craters are interesting because they are real volcanic features in the middle of Santorini’s caldera, but the stop is not a polished attraction with extensive facilities. The pleasure comes from the setting, the walk, and the view, not from a long list of things to see.

What to expect at Palea Kameni’s hot springs

After Nea Kameni, the boat heads toward Palea Kameni and the small bay of Agios Nikolaos. The boat stays for about 30 minutes, giving you time to enter the water and swim toward the hot-spring area.

The water temperature changes with the season. It is generally warmer than the surrounding sea, but do not picture a spa pool. The heat can be mild, and in October or other cooler periods the difference may not feel dramatic. One recent visitor found the springs disappointing because they were not actually hot, even though the boat trip itself was enjoyable.

The area is also known for its muddy volcanic water. If you swim into the right part of the bay, you may notice the mineral-rich mud and warmer currents formed by volcanic activity. Bring a towel and wear a swimsuit you do not mind getting dirty. Towels are not supplied.

The important safety point is easy to miss: you must be a strong and skilled swimmer to take part. The boat does not simply place you beside a shallow bathing area. You need to swim a long distance to reach the shore and the warmer water. If that sounds uncomfortable, you can stay on the boat and enjoy the view instead, though the short stop may feel less worthwhile.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. You will not have a long spa session, and the water may not be warm enough to keep you in for the entire stop. Still, the swim adds a playful, unusual contrast to the dry crater walk.

I would also avoid treating the water as a guaranteed medical or wellness treatment. It is a natural volcanic bay, not a controlled thermal pool. The temperature and muddy conditions vary, and the experience depends heavily on the season and your comfort in open water.

How the $35 price really works

At $35 per person, the basic fare is reasonable for a three-hour boat outing with a volcanic island stop and a hot-spring visit. It becomes less of a bargain once you add the costs needed to reach the port.

The volcano entrance fee is €5. The cable car costs €10 per person each way, or €20 for the return journey. That puts the basic local transport and entrance charges at €25 per person before you spend anything else. In practical terms, the advertised $35 price can become roughly $35 plus €25, depending on exchange rates.

This is not a complaint about the cable car itself. The Old Port sits far below Fira, and getting down and back is part of the Santorini logistics. The issue is clarity. You should calculate the full cost before booking so the final amount does not come as a surprise.

The tour is better value if you already plan to be near the Old Port or are happy to pay for the cable car as part of your Santorini sightseeing. It is less appealing if you want an all-inclusive outing with no extra charges.

The three-hour length helps the value. You are not committing an entire day, and the trip covers two distinct places. The volcano visit is long enough for a proper walk, while the hot-spring stop adds a second activity without requiring a separate boat day.

Choosing between the 11:00 and 14:15 departures

The 11:00 departure is the safer choice if you want the rest of the day free. You will return to the Old Port after the volcano walk and swim, then ride the cable car back to Fira or climb the steps if they are open.

The 14:15 departure may suit you if you prefer a slower morning. It also gives you time to eat first, which can be useful because neither the volcano trail nor the boat ride is a good place to search for a full meal.

Both departures have the same basic schedule: about 15 minutes to the volcanic area, 90 minutes at Nea Kameni, 30 minutes at the hot springs, and the return to Fira’s Old Port. The exact return time is not stated, so leave some flexibility around dinner reservations and other timed plans.

Santorini’s conditions can affect how pleasant the trip feels. In warm weather, the exposed volcanic trail may feel hot. In cooler weather, the swim can be less inviting and the springs may feel only slightly warmer than the sea. Your choice of departure should match your tolerance for sun, heat, and cooler water.

Who should book this Santorini boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a short introduction to Santorini’s volcanic setting rather than a full-day cruise. The trip combines a real walk on Nea Kameni with time on the water, and the schedule works well for visitors staying in or around Fira.

It suits active visitors who are comfortable walking on uneven volcanic ground and, if they choose to swim, covering a long distance in open water. The crater stop is also a good fit if you want photographs and broad caldera views without spending several hours on a more elaborate cruise.

Families should consider the swimming requirement carefully. The volcano walk may be manageable depending on each person’s fitness, but the hot-spring portion is not a simple splash beside the boat. Anyone who is not a strong swimmer should plan to remain on board during that stop.

This is not the best choice if you expect a luxurious boat, a long hot soak, or a fully inclusive price. It is a straightforward excursion built around two natural stops. The guides speak English and provide the needed information, but the attraction itself is the setting, not a large number of organized activities.

The tour is provided by 1st Choice Santorini. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to book a specific guide. The guides at the Old Port handle the meeting instructions and boarding information.

Practical packing and planning advice

Bring a towel, since none is provided. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you intend to enter the water, and choose footwear that can handle a rough volcanic trail rather than smooth sandals.

Keep your bag light. You will be moving between the port, boat, trail, and water, and the 90-minute stop is more comfortable when you are not carrying unnecessary items.

Bring enough water for the walking portion. The information supplied for the tour does not describe refreshments, so do not assume food or drinks are included.

Leave extra time to reach the Old Port. The cable-car queue and the descent from Fira can affect your schedule, particularly when many people are heading down at once. If you plan to walk, remember that the route includes 587 steps and that the return condition of the stairway may vary.

Pets are not allowed. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option is offered when you book.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a compact volcanic outing with a real crater walk, caldera views, and the option of a muddy swim. At three hours, it gives you a useful look at Santorini beyond the main villages without taking over your day.

Skip it if you dislike extra transport costs, are not a confident swimmer, or expect the hot springs to feel like a hot bath. The water can be only mildly warm, and the €5 volcano fee plus cable-car fare changes the true price.

For most active visitors based near Fira, I think the trip is worthwhile when you treat it as a volcanic sightseeing tour first and a hot-spring visit second. The Nea Kameni walk is the more dependable part. The swim is a bonus, not a guarantee of steamy water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Santorini Old Harbor, also called Gialos, below Fira. Collect your ticket and final instructions at the Santo Star travel office near the port.

How do I reach Santorini Old Harbor?

You can take the cable car from Fira. It takes about three minutes and costs €10 per person each way. You can also walk down 587 steps.

What departure times are available?

The tour departs daily at 11:00 in the morning and 14:15 in the afternoon. Check availability for the date you want.

How long is the volcano visit?

You spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes at Nea Kameni. You can follow the trail toward the active craters and take photographs of the caldera views.

Are the hot springs very hot?

The water temperature changes by season and is generally warmer than the surrounding sea. It may feel only mildly warm, rather than like a very hot bath.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Yes, if you want to swim at the hot springs. You must cover a long distance from the boat to reach the shore, so the swim is intended for strong and skilled swimmers.