Santorini: Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Meal and Drinks
- Free cancellation
- Booked 12 times yesterday
From €60 per person
Santorini caldera, Greece
Walk on Santorini’s living volcano
Nea Kameni is the black lava island in the middle of the caldera. Hike to the steaming crater, swim in the warm springs of Palea Kameni, and sail back for sunset in Oia.
Why go
The youngest land in the Aegean
Santorini’s cliffs are the rim of a volcano that collapsed about 3,600 years ago. Nea Kameni (“New Burnt Island”) grew back in the flooded centre over the last three centuries, and it is still active: you can feel warm ground and smell sulphur at the fumaroles near the summit.
There is no road, hotel or village. You arrive by boat, walk a lava trail to the main crater, then continue to the hot springs at neighbouring Palea Kameni. It is the single most popular half-day trip on Santorini — and one of the few that shows you the island from the inside of the volcano.
- ~130 mSummit height
- 3.4 km²Island area
- 1950Most recent eruption
- 15 minBoat ride from Fira
Traveller favourites
Ways to visit the volcano
From quick volcano-and-springs cruises to full-day catamaran trips with sunset in Oia.
Bestseller Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
- Free cancellation
- Booked 4 times yesterday
From €30 per person
Where to go
Highlights of the volcano trip
What you’ll see between Fira’s Old Port and the caldera islands.
Nea Kameni The Nea Kameni crater hike
A lava trail to the active Georgios crater, with fumaroles, warm ground and the best views of the caldera cliffs.
Palea Kameni Palea Kameni hot springs
Swim from the boat into a sheltered cove of warm, orange, iron-rich water on the older volcanic island.
Day-trip stop Thirassia island
Santorini's quiet sister island on the western rim of the caldera — tavernas by the water and a cliff-top village.
Departure point Fira Old Port
Where most volcano boats leave from — and how to get down (and back up) the cliff by cable car, path or donkey.
Live prices
More top-rated tours
Real-time prices from GetYourGuide. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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When to go
Best time to visit Nea Kameni
Boats run from roughly April to October. May, June, September and early October are ideal: warm enough to swim at the hot springs, but cooler on the shadeless crater trail and less crowded than July and August.
In high summer, choose a morning departure — the black lava rock gets very hot by midday. In winter, most scheduled tours stop and crossings depend on the weather.
- Best time
- Good
- Quiet season
Plan like a local
Plan your volcano trip
How to visit Nea Kameni
Boats, ports, timings, the crater hike, entrance fee and what to bring — everything you need to plan a trip to Santorini's volcano.
Read the guide
Best time to visit Nea Kameni
Month-by-month advice for the Santorini volcano trip — weather, crowds, sea temperature and the best time of day for the crater hike.
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Volcano boat vs catamaran vs private tour
An honest comparison of the three ways to visit Nea Kameni, with who each one suits and what to check before you book.
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Santorini, Greece
Where is Nea Kameni?
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nea Kameni volcano tour worth it?
Yes, if you enjoy a short hike and a swim. You walk across a real lava field to an active crater, and the boat views of the caldera cliffs are some of the best on Santorini. If you only want views, a sunset catamaran that passes the volcano is a lighter option.
How do you get to Nea Kameni?
Only by boat. Most tours leave from Fira’s Old Port (reached by cable car, donkey path or about 580 steps), with some departures from Athinios port, Ammoudi Bay in Oia and Vlychada. The crossing from Fira takes about 15 minutes.
How long is the hike to the crater?
Around 30–40 minutes uphill each way on a gravel and lava trail, with no shade. Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops), bring water and a hat, and allow about 1.5–2 hours on the island.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, a small entrance fee is charged on the island and it is often not included in tour prices. Bring some cash and check your tour’s inclusions before booking.
Can you swim in the hot springs?
Yes. Boats anchor near a cove at Palea Kameni and you swim the last stretch to the warm, iron-rich water. It is warm rather than hot, and the orange mineral water can stain light swimwear — wear something dark.
Do I need to book in advance?
In July and August, and on days with cruise ships in port, yes. Booking online also lets you compare boat types (traditional wooden boat, catamaran or private yacht) and most tours can be cancelled for free up to 24 hours before.
Choose your volcano trip
Compare volcano and hot-spring cruises, sunset catamarans and private boats — with live prices and free cancellation on most tours.