Santorini Caldera Traditional Day Cruise with Lunch and Snorkel
Board a traditional kaiki for a five‑hour circumnavigation of Santorini’s caldera — swims at Red Beach and Thirassia, a tour of the volcanic crater, and lunch on deck with local wine. Practical tips and local insights help you prepare for calm coves and bracing sea passages.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Use biodegradable, reef‑safe sunscreen to protect marine life and avoid skin irritation on long sun exposures.
Wear stable boat shoes
Choose non‑marking, slip‑resistant footwear for boarding ladders and wet decks.
Confirm pickup time
Pickup times vary by hotel — reconfirm the evening before to avoid missing the minibus.
Hydrate and eat lightly
Bring a refillable water bottle and avoid heavy meals before snorkeling to stay comfortable on the boat.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •White Beach (boat‑only access) — dramatic white cliffs and clear water
- •Thirassia island — quiet fishermen’s village with traditional tavernas
Wildlife
- •Common dolphins (occasionally sighted)
- •Yelkouan shearwaters and other seabirds
Conservation Note
Visitors are encouraged to use reef‑safe products and avoid anchoring on fragile seabeds; local operators follow designated mooring and wildlife‑friendly practices.
The caldera formed after a massive Bronze Age eruption; nearby Akrotiri preserves an ancient settlement preserved under volcanic ash.
What to Bring
Reef‑safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin during prolonged sun exposure and reduces harm to marine ecosystems.
Non‑slip boat shoesEssential
Helps with safe boarding and movement on wet decks.
Swimsuit & quick‑dry towelEssential
Needed for swims and for drying off between snorkel stops.
Light windbreaker
Useful for cooler mornings and wind on open water.
Common Questions
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes — basic snorkeling equipment is included; you may bring your own mask/snorkel for a better fit.
Can non‑swimmers join?
Yes — the cruise is suitable for non‑swimmers, though participation in snorkeling is optional and life vests are available.
Where does the tour depart from and end?
Pickup is by A/C minibus and the boat departs from Vlychada port; the cruise finishes at Ammoudi Bay near Oia.
Is the lunch suitable for dietary restrictions?
Operators can accommodate dietary requests if informed at booking — advise them in advance.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 hours
Location
Fira, South Aegean
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required — able to step on/off a small boat and swim short distances for snorkeling.
Ready to Explore Fira?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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