Tour reviews · VOLCANO TOURS
The good volcano tours sell out first and the cheap ones are not always the weak ones. Below: all 12, what each includes, and where they differ.
Travel by ferry from Kardamena to Nisyros, then ride by bus to the volcanic crater of Stefanos. Guides such as Martha and Marta keep the day organized in English or German, with free time in Mandraki for lunch, shopping, and the optional Panagia Spiliani visit. Bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
“Love the trip,very friendly, well organised guide, amazing views, very recommended”
Spend about six hours on a shared boat from Fira’s Old Port, hiking Nea Kameni, swimming near Palea Kameni, and exploring Thirassia. A guide provides commentary, foam noodles help at the springs, and hotel pickup costs extra. Bring water shoes, a dark swimsuit, towel, and €5 for volcano entry.
“We really enjoyed the whole day, the guide was friendly and plenty of good info, the boat was clean and well equipped. We had time to do everything that we wanted to do without being either rushed or waiting around. Would recommend”
Sail from Fira Old Port to Nea Kameni for a guided volcanic hike, then swim from the boat to Palea Kameni’s warm, sulfur-rich waters. The 3-hour trip includes a tour escort, foam noodles, and caldera views, but you’ll pay €5 to enter the volcano and need to handle the cable car or steep port route yourself.
“An amazing trip with a lovely guide. Great geology of the volcanic islands of Nea Kammeni and Palaia Kammeni.”
Spend six hours on a classic sailing boat from Fira Old Port, visiting Nea Kameni’s volcanic crater, swimming near Palea Kameni’s hot springs, and exploring Thirassia. Expect strong caldera views, audio commentary, a helpful English-speaking guide, onboard drinks, and plenty of walking on rocky ground and steep steps.
“great all-day excursion with lots of time to relax after the volcano hike! all transportation to/from was seamless and professional.”
Sail from Fira Old Port to Nea Kameni for an optional self-guided walk around Santorini’s active volcano, then swim near the warmer waters of Palea Kameni. Your boat has English, Italian, and French commentary, pool noodles, and drinks for sale. A Thirasia option extends the outing to as long as six hours.
“Staff and guide are so friendly and nice. The boat is so clean. We had so much fun. We loved it”
Spend about eight hours traveling from Kos to Nisyros by boat, bus, and foot. Walk into the active Stefanos crater, explore whitewashed Mandraki, and visit Panagia Spiliani. English-speaking guides such as Martha and Katerina lead the day. Expect a good-value outing, but bring water, cash, sturdy shoes, and patience for crowds.
“The guide was only with us for 20 minutes. Couldn't understand anything she said. She also recommended a place for lunch which we went to, Vegos. The food was terrible, by far the worst meal we have had. The volcano was great to see.”
Spend about six hours sailing by classic Greek caïque to Santorini’s volcanic islets. Walk across Nea Kameni, swim near Palea Kameni, and visit Thirassia’s hilltop village of Manolas. Bus pickup is offered from central points in most villages. Expect a multilingual guide, crowded boat conditions at times, and a €5 cash volcano fee.
“Sadly my gf and I couldn't do the hike to the volcano or the swimming because I had hurt my t-band muscle and could walk up steep inclines yet and she had twisted her ankle in Thessaloniki before we got to Santorini. But did get to meet some interesting people see the spots and the great views from the ship. Also, learned a little more of the history of the sea, volcano and sulfer hot springs and did get to walk around Thirassia.”
Set out from Fira Old Port with captain Panos and first mate Alex for a private cruise around Santorini’s caldera. Swim in sulfur springs, snorkel near Palea Kameni and Thirassia, see Oia from the water, and enjoy five local dishes with Santorini wine. The route can be adjusted to your group.
“Our captain was very knowledgeable of the areas we stopped at. It was great learning the history of the area. Sunset by boat is definitely something to experience. He had a home made authentic meal (tapas style) which was so good!!! There was white wine and water aboard. We would have liked to see a few more drink options, but to be fair we didn’t request anything specific. Had we done so I’m sure he would have had it for us.”
Spend about 10 hours cruising Santorini’s caldera, hiking above the active volcano at Nea Kameni, swimming near sulfur springs, exploring Thirassia, and watching sunset in Oia. A local guide provides commentary in several languages, with hotel-area pickup, but strong wind, steep paths, and recent seismic changes can affect the day.
You’ll drive a modern Yamaha or Sea-Doo from St. George Beach along Santorini’s volcanic coast, stopping at Red Beach, White Beach, and Akrotiri Lighthouse. A trained guide leads the small group, with safety gear, lockers, fuel, insurance, and a safety boat included. No experience is required, but the driver must be 18 or older.
“Amazing! Lots of fun and definitely worth it, would highly recommend! The guides took lots of pictures along the way”
Sail from Fira’s Old Port to Nea Kameni’s volcanic crater, Palea Kameni’s sulfur springs, and Thirassia village. Depending on your option, continue by bus to Oia for two to three hours and its famous sunset. Guide Sofia has been praised for her patient help on the volcano hike. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes.
“all the activity plan was very nice and the guide was excellent”
You will take a ferry from Kardamena to Nisyros, ride by bus with an English-speaking guide to the volcanic crater, then visit Mandraki. The day also allows time for black-lava souvenirs and an optional visit to Panagia Spiliani monastery. Hotel pickup and return are included, but food, drinks, and entrance fees are extra.
“Driver DID NOT TURN UP ! Avoid at costs - DO NOT BOOK - waited half an hour for pick up !”
A port, a ruin or a mountain road.
