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

Santorini’s volcanic heart is reached by boat, not road. This three-hour trip takes you from Fira’s Old Port across the caldera to Nea Kameni, where you can walk toward active craters, then on to Palea Kameni for a swim beside the hot springs.

I like the clear shape of the outing: 90 minutes on the volcano gives you time for a proper walk, and the 30-minute stop at Agios Nikolaos Bay adds a refreshing change. I also like the short boat crossing, which lets you see the cliffs and islands from sea level without giving up a full day.

The main catch is cost and exertion. The advertised $35 price does not include the €5 volcano entrance fee or the trip down to the port, where the cable car costs €10 each way. The walk to the springs also requires strong swimming skills, and the water may be warm rather than truly hot.

Key points at a glance

• Nea Kameni takes 90 minutes: You can follow the trail toward Santorini’s volcanic craters and stop for photographs along the way.
• The hot springs are seasonal: The water at Agios Nikolaos Bay is generally warmer than the sea, but it is not guaranteed to feel hot.
• The Old Port sits below Fira: Reach it by a €10 cable car ride each way or by walking down 587 steps.
• Two departure times help: Choose 11:00 in the morning or 14:15 in the afternoon, subject to availability.
• Swimming is not for everyone: You must swim a long distance to reach the shore, so only strong, confident swimmers should enter the water.
• Extra costs matter: Add €5 for the volcano entrance and up to €20 for the return cable car ride.

Why the volcano is the main event

Santorini is famous for its white villages and cliff views, but this trip takes you to the source of the island’s dramatic shape. Nea Kameni is a volcanic island in the caldera, formed by eruptions over time. It feels raw and open, with dark ground, sparse plant life, and a walking trail leading toward the craters.

You reach the volcano after about 15 minutes on the boat from the Old Port. That short crossing is useful because it gives you a fresh angle on Santorini’s cliffs before you start walking. From the water, Fira rises high above the caldera, and the small port looks tucked beneath the rock face.

You have roughly 90 minutes at Nea Kameni. That is enough time to follow the trail toward the top, take photographs, and return to the boat without rushing badly. I would treat this as a steady uphill walk rather than a casual stroll. Wear shoes with a firm sole, since volcanic ground can be uneven.

The craters are active, but do not expect a large eruption or a dramatic burst of smoke. The appeal is the chance to walk across a living volcanic site and see the marks left by eruptions close up. The setting is more striking than polished, which is exactly the point.

What the 90-minute walk feels like

The walking portion is the most physically demanding part of the trip. You will be outside on exposed volcanic terrain, so bring water, wear sun protection, and avoid carrying more than you need. The supplied information does not give a detailed difficulty grade, but the uphill route and rough ground make sensible footwear important.

The reward comes from the views and the change in scale. From the trail, Santorini’s cliffs sit across the water, while the island under your feet looks dark, dry, and built by fire. You get a better sense of the caldera as a volcanic formation rather than simply a beautiful backdrop.

You can choose how far to go, within the time allowed. If you want photographs and a slower pace, do not assume you must rush to the highest point. If you are fit and interested in geology, use the full hour and a half. If you prefer a gentle outing, the walk may feel more strenuous than the boat portion suggests.

The €5 entrance fee is not included. That small extra cost is easy to miss when comparing prices, so include it in your budget from the start.

Palea Kameni and the not-so-hot springs

After Nea Kameni, the boat heads to Palea Kameni, specifically the small bay of Agios Nikolaos. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and is intended for swimming near the thermal waters and mud baths.

The water temperature changes with the season. It is generally warmer than the surrounding sea, but it may not feel hot. This distinction matters. In cooler months, the stop may sound more appealing than it feels in the water, while in warmer weather you may notice the difference less. A report from late October found the springs disappointing because they were not actually hot, so keep your expectations modest.

You do not simply step off at a developed beach and wade into the water. You must swim a long distance to reach the shore area, and the trip information specifically says that only strong and skilled swimmers should take part. This is the most important safety point of the day.

Bring your own towel. There is no towel included, and the boat will return to the Old Port after the swim. If you decide not to enter the water, you can still enjoy the stop from the boat, but the information provided does not promise a separate activity for non-swimmers.

The mud baths are part of the volcanic character of the bay, but the stop is brief. Think of it as a quick swim in a naturally heated area, not a long spa session.

The boat ride gives the trip its rhythm

The boat transport is simple but effective. You spend about 15 minutes reaching the volcano, then move between the volcanic islands before returning to Fira. The water crossing breaks up the walking and swimming, and it gives you time to look back at Santorini’s high cliffs.

This is not a full-day sailing cruise with long periods at sea. The boat ride serves the two main stops, which helps keep the trip focused. You get volcanic scenery, a walk, and a swim without giving up an entire day of your holiday.

The timetable offers departures at 11:00 and 14:15. The morning departure gives you the main part of the trip earlier in the day. The afternoon option may work better if you want a slower morning in Fira, though exact availability should be checked before booking.

Allow time to reach the Old Port before departure. The meeting point is at the Santo Star travel office, directly at the port, where you collect your ticket and receive final instructions. Guides speak English and wait at the port before boarding.

Getting down to Fira’s Old Port

The Old Port, also called Gialos, lies below Fira. Reaching it is part of the outing, and it can affect the real cost more than the boat trip itself.

The cable car takes about three minutes and costs €10 per person each way. That means €20 for a return journey. It is quick, but the price is not included in the tour. Add it when comparing this trip with other boat outings.

The alternative is walking down 587 steps. The descent offers fine views of the caldera and Fira’s cliffside cave houses, and it can be a memorable approach to the water. Still, the steps are steep and not an easy choice for everyone. The condition of the route can also matter: on one October outing, the steps were reportedly closed for the return climb, leaving the cable car as the practical option.

You should not plan the day around avoiding the cable car unless you are comfortable with the stairs and have confirmed they are open. For many people, the most sensible plan is to budget for the cable car both ways and regard the stair route as optional.

At the bottom, the port is small and sits beneath towering volcanic cliffs. Follow signs for the Santo Star office rather than wandering around looking for the boat.

The real price and overall value

At $35 per person, the boat trip looks inexpensive for a Santorini outing. The base price covers the boat journey, the 90-minute volcano visit, and the 30-minute thermal-water stop. But the final cost is higher once you add the €5 volcano entrance fee and the possible €20 cable car return.

Using the cable car, your unavoidable practical total can reach about $35 plus €25, before any personal spending. Currency conversion will change the exact amount, but the point is clear: compare the full outing cost, not only the headline fare.

I still think the price can make sense if you want both major stops in a short period. The volcano walk is the strongest part, and the boat gives you access to places that are not reached by road. If you are mainly interested in a hot swim, the value is less certain because the water temperature varies and the swim requires real effort.

The trip is also good for people with limited holiday time. Three hours leaves room for Fira, Oia, a meal, or another Santorini activity. It is not the best choice if you want a relaxed boat day with long stops, comfortable swimming access, or a wide range of included services.

Who should book this trip

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact introduction to Santorini’s volcanic side. It suits active sightseers who enjoy a walk, do not mind rough ground, and like seeing a place rather than simply photographing it from a lookout.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want to understand the caldera. The trip connects the view from Fira with the volcanic islands below, making Santorini’s geography easier to grasp.

You may want to skip it if stairs, uphill walking, or exposed terrain are a problem. The Old Port access alone can be demanding, and the volcano trail is not designed as a flat promenade. You should also skip the swim if you are not a strong swimmer. The route to the spring area is long enough that confidence in open water matters.

Families should consider the age and stamina of each person in the group. The supplied information does not set a minimum age, so check before booking if you are bringing children. Pets are not allowed.

How to prepare for the three hours

Pack lightly, but bring the few things that matter:

• A towel for the swim
• Firm walking shoes for Nea Kameni
• Water and sun protection
• Money for the €5 volcano fee
• Extra money for the cable car, if you plan to use it
• A swimsuit if you intend to enter the thermal water

Wear clothing that works for both walking and swimming. You may be warm on the volcano trail, then cooler on the boat after leaving the water. Since the stop at Palea Kameni lasts only 30 minutes, keep your towel and swim items easy to reach.

Check the meeting instructions before leaving Fira. The start point is not in the town center at street level. It is down at the Old Port, and the cable car queue or stair descent can take more time than expected.

Should you book the Nea Kameni boat trip?

Book it if your priority is a short, focused outing that combines volcanic scenery, a worthwhile walk, and a possible swim. The 90-minute Nea Kameni stop is the dependable highlight, while the hot springs are more weather and season dependent.

Do not book it based on the word hot alone. The water may only be warmer than the sea, and reaching the shore requires strong swimming skills. Also budget for the volcano entry and cable car, or the $35 price will look misleadingly low.

For the right person, this is a practical way to see the volcanic side of Santorini without spending a full day on the water. Go for the craters and caldera views first. Treat the swim as an extra.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip begin?

It begins at Santorini’s Old Port of Fira, also called Gialos. Meet at the Santo Star travel office directly at the port to collect your ticket and receive final instructions.

How do I reach the Old Port?

You can take the cable car from Fira. The ride takes about three minutes and costs €10 per person each way. You can also walk down 587 steps, though the route is steep and may not always be open for the return climb.

What departure times are available?

The stated departure times are 11:00 in the morning and 14:15 in the afternoon. Check availability for the date you want.

How long is the experience?

The boat trip lasts three hours. This includes about 90 minutes at Nea Kameni and about 30 minutes at the hot springs near Palea Kameni.

Is the volcano entrance fee included?

No. The volcano entrance fee is €5 per person and must be paid separately.

Can anyone swim at the hot springs?

Only strong and skilled swimmers should swim there. You must cover a long distance to reach the shore area, and the water temperature varies by season.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, since towels are not included. You should also bring suitable shoes for the volcanic walk and money for the separate volcano entrance and cable car costs.