Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise: Volcano,Hot Springs,Thirassia and Oia Sunset

This comprehensive review takes a close look at the popular Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise offered by NST Santorini Tours. With a mix of active volcano exploration, relaxing thermal springs, charming island villages, and finishing with the famed sunset in Oia, this trip promises a full day of diverse experiences.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to get up close with Nea Kameni’s volcano, combined with the soothing sulfur hot springs and a taste of local life on Thirassia. The breeze, panoramic views, and the chance to swim in thermal waters add a unique flavor that many travelers find memorable.

However, some travelers mention organizational hiccups, especially with transportation logistics and timing, which can impact the overall experience. Still, for those looking for a well-rounded day trip packed with natural beauty and scenic vistas, this tour can be a worthwhile choice — particularly if you’re eager to learn about Santorini’s volcanic origins and enjoy a stunning sunset at Oia.

Key Points

• Active volcano experience: Climb Nea Kameni and see volcanic craters up close.
• Relaxing hot springs: Swim in sulfurous waters off Palea Kameni.
• Charming island visit: Free time on Thirassia offers a glimpse of local life.
• Sunset in Oia: End your day with one of Santorini’s most iconic views.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable commentary enhances the trip.
• Value for money: Combines transportation, guiding, and several attractions at a reasonable price.

What to Expect from the Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise

This tour is designed as an 11-hour adventure, with a focus on exploring the volcanic origins of Santorini and enjoying the island’s scenic beauty from the water. You’re picked up from a close-by location (if you choose the transfer option), and the day begins early, typically at 9:45 am. This timing means you’ll beat some of the crowds and enjoy a full day of sightseeing.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Santorini Port and Learn About the Volcano

The tour begins at Thira Santorini Port, where a local guide provides a quick intro to the volcanic landscape. While the admission fee for the volcano is not included (around €5 cash), the guided commentary helps you understand the significance of this land’s fiery past.

Climb Nea Kameni and See the Active Crater

Next, you sail to Nea Kameni, a small lava islet with an active volcano. The walk up the volcano’s inclining path offers impressive views and a chance to see volcanic smoke emanating from the crater. Multiple reviews mention that the guided tour on Nea Kameni is very informative and entertaining — one reviewer called the guide “brilliant,” with lots of knowledge and a friendly manner. Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes here, with time to snap photos and take in the raw power of nature.

Travelers should be prepared for some moderate physical activity, as the terrain is uneven and involves walking uphill. The trip is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels, but it’s not for anyone with mobility issues.

Soak in Palea Kameni Hot Springs

After the volcano hike, the boat takes you to Palea Kameni for approximately 30 minutes. This spot offers the chance to dive into thermal waters, known for their sulfur-rich composition. Reviewers describe the experience as both fun and mildly adventurous, with some mentioning that the hot springs water is quite warm and sulfurous. A tip — the water can stain light-colored swimsuits, so bring an older suit or avoid white if you’re planning to swim.

Visit Thirassia—A Quiet Island Escape

The next stop is Thirassia, a less touristy island compared to Santorini. You’ll have about 1 hour 50 minutes here for walking, lunch, or exploring the village of Manolas, accessed via winding stairs or donkeys. Some reviews express that more time on Thirassia would be appreciated — one traveler wished for extra hours to hike and explore the village fully.

You can opt for a meal here or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and views. The island’s low-key charm offers a nice contrast to the busy Santorini caldera.

Sunset in Oia—A Classic Santorini Moment

The tour makes its way to Oia, where you’ll have around 2 hours to enjoy the famous sunset. The views are undeniably spectacular, with the sun casting a golden glow over the whitewashed buildings and blue domes. Reviewers mention that arriving early helps secure a good spot, especially in the evening crush.

However, some reviews highlight the chaos of choosing transportation after sunset — with no organized buses or clear instructions, many travelers have to scramble to find their way back. Still, the sunset in Oia remains a highlight for most, providing a picture-perfect end to a busy day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers roundtrip transportation (if the transfer option is selected), an expert local guide, and audio commentary on the boat to help you understand the sights. Foam pool noodles are available for swimming, which adds a fun element but doesn’t replace proper swimwear.

Extra costs include the volcano entrance fee (€5 cash), lunch, and cable car tickets (€6 each way) if you choose to ride up or down Santorini’s cliffs. These expenses can add to your overall budget but are manageable if planned ahead.

How the Experience Feels

The boat itself is generally described as comfortable, with reviewers appreciating the friendly and knowledgeable crew, especially the guides who keep the commentary engaging. The audio system is helpful for following along during the stops, and foam noodles make the swim in the hot springs more playful and accessible.

Nevertheless, some negative feedback points to organizational issues — notably, ticketing chaos at the start and disorganized transportation post-sunset. A few reviewers mention that the meeting process can be confusing and that the guide on the coach could be more informative.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is particularly suitable for first-time visitors eager to cover all the key highlights in one day. It appeals to those who enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic views. If you’re interested in volcano exploration and don’t mind some walking, this is a great choice.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, you might find the itinerary a little packed. Also, those wanting a seamless logistical experience might want to prepare for some organizational quirks.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise offers a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural insight for a reasonable price. The opportunity to climb an active volcano, swim in thermal springs, and enjoy the iconic sunset makes for a memorable day. The guides and crew generally receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the overall experience.

The value for money is solid, especially considering the transportation, guided commentary, and multiple stops included. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full-day adventure that covers Santorini’s geological marvels and scenic highlights.

That said, organizational hiccups are worth noting — particularly with logistics and timing. If you’re prepared for some unpredictability and want a structured but flexible day, this trip can deliver a lot of bang for your buck.

In summary, this tour is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to explore Santorini’s volcanic past and enjoy a classic sunset in Oia. It’s a good fit for those ready to walk, swim, and take in some of the most stunning natural sights the island has to offer.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the transfer option, roundtrip bus transportation from a nearby pickup point is included. If not, you’ll meet at the Santorini port.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll have roughly 1 hour 30 minutes at the volcano, 30 minutes at the hot springs, nearly 2 hours on Thirassia, and about 2 hours in Oia for the sunset.

Are admission fees for the volcano included?
No, the €5 entrance fee for the volcano is paid in cash at the site.

Can I swim in the hot springs?
Yes, swimming in the sulfur hot springs is part of the experience, with about 30 minutes allocated. Just be aware the water is warm and sulfurous.

What about the sunset in Oia?
You get a good 2 hours in Oia to enjoy the sunset, but arriving early helps secure a good viewing spot due to crowds.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
While the boat ride is generally comfortable, the volcano hike involves some walking on uneven terrain. The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, so it’s better suited for those with moderate physical fitness.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if you prefer not to reschedule.

To sum it up, the Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise from NST Santorini Tours is a lively, scenic, and educational day trip that packs in the island’s volcanic spectacle, thermal springs, charming villages, and sunset views. While organizational aspects could improve, the overall experience offers significant value, especially if you’re eager to see Santorini’s geological wonders and capture that iconic sunset. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full, active day with plenty of photo opportunities, authentic moments, and natural beauty.