Santorini: Caldera and Oia With King Thiras Boat

Santorini’s stunning caldera and picturesque Oia town are must-see destinations for any visitor. This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, taking travelers on a boat ride to the active volcano, relaxing hot springs, and the charming island of Thirasia. With knowledgeable guides and excellent reviews, it’s an unforgettable way to discover the iconic sights and natural wonders of this enchanting Greek island. What other highlights can guests expect on this remarkable journey?

Key Points

• This comprehensive 10-hour Santorini tour includes a visit to the active volcano, hot springs, and Thirasia Island, with a sunset view in Oia.
• The tour offers pickup from various locations, including Oia, Fira, and Kamari, and includes transportation, a bilingual guide, food, drinks, and volcano entrance fee.
• The itinerary highlights key attractions such as Nea Kameni volcano, Palea Kameni hot springs, and 2-3 hours on Thirasia Island for swimming, lunch, and exploration.
• Travelers should bring a packed lunch and cash, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, while children under 4 can participate for free.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 124 reviews, with high praise for the knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences, though some issues with sound equipment and transport organization were noted.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour of Santorini, dubbed "Santorini: Caldera and Oia with King Thiras Boat," offers a comprehensive 10-hour experience exploring the island’s renowned attractions.

Priced from $62.02 per person, the tour is available in Greek and English. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can conveniently adjust their plans.

The tour includes pickup from select locations, a boat ride to explore the volcano and hot springs, a visit to Thirasia Island, and sunset viewing in Oia.

Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences, though some note early-season organizational challenges.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a bus pickup from select locations, including Oia, Fira, and Kamari, before travelers embark on the King Thiras boat at Athinios port.

The first stop is Nea Kameni, an active volcano, where guests can walk to the crater.

Visitors can trek to the crater of the active volcano on Nea Kameni during the tour.

Next, they visit Palea Kameni to swim in the hot springs.

The tour then heads to Thirasia Island, where travelers have 2-3 hours to swim, have lunch, and explore.

Finally, the group returns to Athinios port and transfers to Oia to witness the stunning sunset before the tour ends.

Transportation Details

The tour begins with bus pickups from various locations, including Oia, Fira, and Kamari.

Departure times are staggered, with the Oia bus leaving at 8:45 AM, followed by the Fira and Kamari buses at 9:20 AM. Other pickup points are also listed with their respective times.

However, not all hotels are accessible by bus, so guests must wait outside on the main road.

The transportation is included in the tour, along with a bilingual guide, food, drinks, and the volcano entrance fee.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes a bilingual guide, transportation, food and drinks, as well as the entrance fee to the volcano, which costs 5 Euros.

Travelers should bring a packed lunch and cash. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Children under 4 years can participate for free but won’t have a reserved bus seat.

With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 124 reviews, the tour offers memorable experiences and knowledgeable guides, though some guests noted issues with sound equipment and transport organization during the early season.

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Traveler Feedback

Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 for this tour based on 124 reviews.

Guides received high praise, earning a 4.7 rating. The transportation was also well-received, with a 4.6 rating. Reviewers noted the tour’s good value for money, with a 4.4 rating.

While most comments highlighted the tour’s organization and memorable experiences, some travelers mentioned issues with sound equipment and transportation coordination, especially during the early season.

Exploring the Caldera

A highlight of the tour is exploring the island’s iconic caldera. The King Thiras boat takes visitors to the active volcano of Nea Kameni.

Guests can disembark and hike to the crater’s edge, gazing down into the steaming depths. The contrast of the jet-black volcanic rock against the brilliant blue Aegean is simply breathtaking.

Gazing down into the steaming depths, the jet-black volcanic rock contrasts brilliantly against the blue Aegean.

After the volcano, the boat sails to the adjacent islet of Palea Kameni, where guests can swim in the famous hot springs.

This geological wonder provides a unique opportunity to experience Santorini’s raw, primal beauty up close.

Discovering Thirasia Island

After exploring the volcanic wonders, travelers then journey to the nearby island of Thirasia. The boat moors at the island’s small port, giving visitors 2-3 hours to swim, enjoy a local lunch, and wander its picturesque streets.

With no cars allowed, the tranquil island offers a peaceful respite from Santorini’s crowds. Travelers can explore the charming village, visit the small church, and take in the stunning views of the caldera.

The island’s laid-back atmosphere and traditional Greek character provide a welcomed contrast to the more touristy main island.

Witnessing the Oia Sunset

Having explored the volcanic wonders and enjoyed a respite on the island of Thirasia, the tour participants now make their way to the picturesque town of Oia to witness the renowned sunset.

The group arrives at the famous blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings, which seem to glow in the fading light. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky erupts in a breathtaking display of colors:

1. Vibrant oranges and fiery reds

2. Soft pinks and delicate lavenders

3. Shimmering golds and shades of purple

4. A serene, dusky blue that slowly envelops the scene

The tour participants savor this magical moment, captivated by the beauty of Santorini’s famous sunset.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes bringing your own packed lunch. Plus, you can bring your own cash for any extra purchases or expenses during the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Swimwear is recommended for the hot springs and swimming stops, and sun protection is advised.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour Stops?

Travelers can purchase souvenirs during the tour stops, particularly on Thirasia Island where there’ll be time to explore and shop. However, no specific details are provided about souvenir purchasing opportunities at other stops.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Ride?

There are no age restrictions for the boat ride. However, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women. Children under 4 years can participate for free but won’t have a reserved bus seat.

Can I Extend My Stay in Oia After the Tour Ends?

The tour does not include an extended stay in Oia after it ends. Guests can choose to remain in Oia on their own, but transportation back to their hotel is not provided as part of the tour package.

Final Words

The "Santorini: Caldera and Oia With King Thiras Boat" tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty. From the breathtaking caldera to the tranquil hot springs and the iconic sunset in Oia, this comprehensive adventure showcases the best of Santorini. With knowledgeable guides and excellent reviews, it’s an unforgettable way to explore this iconic Greek destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: