Adonis Luxury Schooner Santorini Full Day Cruise

Taking a day on the water around Santorini on the Adonis Luxury Schooner promises a blend of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and relaxing moments. While we haven’t personally cruised on this vessel, the detailed itinerary and traveler feedback paint a clear picture of what you can expect. From hot springs and volcanic hikes to picturesque towns and beautiful bays, this is a thoughtfully curated experience for those eager to see the island from its waters.

What immediately catches the eye about this tour are its stunning views of Santorini’s cliffs and towns, the chance to swim in natural hot springs, and the opportunity to explore volcanic islands. We love that this trip combines active elements like hiking with leisurely swims, making it suitable for a range of travelers. The inclusion of local food, drinks, and expert guides enhances the trip’s value.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the requirement for strong swimming skills for the hot springs swim, and the fact that it’s a full-day experience, which might be lengthy for some. This tour best suits those who enjoy adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration, and who are comfortable spending a good part of the day on a boat.

Contents show

Key Points

Stunning Views: The cruise offers panoramic views of Santorini’s cliffs, towns, and volcanic landscapes.
Unique Hot Springs Experience: Swim in sulfuric hydrothermal springs with benefits for the skin.
Flexible Itinerary: Options for hiking the volcano or relaxing on board.
Authentic Local Flavors: Greek meal and drinks included, served in a scenic setting.
Full-Day Adventure: From morning departure to sunset return, packed with diverse experiences.
Ideal for Active Travelers: Strong swimmers and those comfortable on boats will get the most out of it.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Greece

Boarding and Introduction

The day begins at 10:00 am at Athinios Port, where Captain Christos Vlachos and his crew welcome you aboard the 65-foot schooner, Adonis. The safety briefing is thorough but friendly, setting the tone for an enjoyable day. The vessel’s size feels intimate enough to foster a sense of connection but spacious enough for comfort.

Hot Springs at Nea Kameni

The first major highlight is visiting the sulfuric hot springs at Nea Kameni volcano. Known for their skin-healing properties, these springs can be a real treat, though they require you to swim from the boat to the springs due to shallow waters. Reviewers mention that strong swimming skills are essential, as the swim can be challenging. Light-colored swimsuits may stain from the mineral-rich waters, a small but practical detail to remember.

The crew emphasizes safety, providing life vests and snorkeling masks, so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind. The springs are praised for their distinctive sulphur smell and the chance to take a quick dip in a natural, volcanic setting.

Volcano Hike or Relaxed Option

Following the springs, you have the choice to hike up Nea Kameni—a manageable but invigorating climb that offers views of the volcanic crater and surrounding islands. The hike lasts until around 1:30 pm, and guides like Eugene enrich the experience with insights on Santorini’s geological history.

For guests preferring a more relaxed approach, the crew suggests remaining on board or exploring nearby bays with the boat. Based on reviews, the hike is generally appreciated for the spectacular vistas and sense of adventure, but it’s optional, letting you tailor your day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch at Mesa Pigadia and Bay Swim

Around 2:00 pm, the schooner heads towards the Akrotiri area, with its iconic lighthouse and beaches. You’ll arrive at Mesa Pigadia around 2:45 pm, where the crystal-clear waters beckon. The included Greek meal and snacks are prepared on board and served in this stunning setting—think fresh salads, grilled meats, and local wine.

Guests often remark on the delicious food and the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the warm, inviting waters. The boat provides snorkeling masks and floaties, making it easy to explore the underwater scenery.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Greece

Cruising the Cliffs and Visiting Oia

Post-lunch, the boat begins its scenic cruise along Santorini’s famous towns perched on the cliffs. Passing Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli offers spectacular photo ops from the water. The highlight is reaching Oia, renowned worldwide for its sunset views and charming streets—seen from the sea, it’s a spectacular sight.

You’ll stay in Oia until 6:45 pm, giving plenty of time to enjoy the town’s distinctive white-washed buildings, blue domes, and narrow alleys. Reviewers love this perspective, noting it’s a rare chance to see Oia from an angle that many travelers miss.

Thirassia and Sunset

At 7:00 pm, the boat moves to Thirassia, a quieter island with a relaxed vibe and picturesque bays like Korfos Bay. This is a perfect spot for another swim or a leisurely dinner on board with crystal-clear waters and a peaceful setting.

As the day winds down, the crew opens the sails for the sunset cruise, one of the most memorable moments. Watching the sun dip behind the cliffs, with the boat silhouetted against a fiery sky, creates an image that will stay with you long after the trip ends.

Return to Athinios Port

The return journey starts around 8:00 pm, bringing the cruise back to Athinios Port. Your transfer driver will be waiting to take you safely back to your hotel, completing a full and immersive day.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the tour are snacks, a Greek main meal, water, soft drinks, local wine, Greek beer, towels, snorkeling masks, safety vests, and guides. It’s a package that offers not just scenic sightseeing but also comfort and local flavor.

The price of $4,107 for a group of up to 10 may seem high, but when you consider the all-day itinerary, inclusions, and personalized experience, it offers good value—especially for travelers seeking a private, tailored adventure. The round-trip transfers and the chance to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine on board add to the overall experience.

Important notes include bringing essentials like sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, flip-flops, and beachwear. Passports or ID are necessary for checks, and the tour is not suited for wheelchair users.

Flexible booking options—reserve now, pay later—make planning easier, and the full refund policy if canceled 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The Adonis Luxury Schooner Santorini Full Day Cruise promises a well-rounded day of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. From volcanic hot springs to iconic towns seen from the water, it offers a chance to experience Santorini in a truly memorable way. Travelers who enjoy active pursuits like swimming and hiking, combined with panoramic views and local cuisine, will find it particularly rewarding.

While it requires a good level of comfort on a boat and strong swimming skills, those who embrace these elements will likely find this tour to be one of the most captivating ways to explore Santorini. It’s a thoughtfully curated journey that balances adventure and leisure, making it perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a private day on the sea with plenty of authentic Greek flavor.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Swimming in the hot springs requires strong swimming skills, as you’ll need to swim from the boat. Non-swimmers may be able to relax on board or explore other scenic spots, but participation in the spring swim is not recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day cruise begins at 10:00 am and returns around 8:00 pm, giving you a comprehensive experience of Santorini’s natural and scenic highlights.

Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, a Greek main meal, snacks, water, soft drinks, local wine, and Greek beer are included, served during the day in beautiful settings.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the suggested itinerary is based on weather and conditions, the crew can tailor the day to your preferences, including options for hiking or relaxing on the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials such as sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, flip-flops, and beachwear. Don’t forget your passport or ID.

Is the tour family-friendly?
The tour is best suited for those comfortable with boat travel and swimming. It might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues, especially since it involves swimming and hiking.

This full-day cruise offers an authentic, scenic, and relaxing way to discover Santorini’s best features from the sea. Whether you’re eager for volcanic adventures, stunning towns, or simply a day soaking up Greek sunshine, this experience covers it all.