MTM Volcano Cruise: 3-Hour Hot Springs Trip from Athinios Port
Quick answer
The MTM volcano cruise costs $34 per person (about €30) for three hours with a hot springs swim, an optional volcano walk and audio commentary.
It leaves Athinios Port at 16:30, food and pickup are not included, and GetYourGuide rates it 4.3/5 from 819 reviews.
The MTM volcano cruise is a three-hour afternoon boat trip from Athinios Port to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, and at $34 (about €30) it is the cheapest boat tour in my Santorini data. It is rated 4.3/5 from 819 reviews on GetYourGuide.
The detail that changes the decision is what the price leaves out. Food, extra drinks, the 5 euro volcano entry fee (paid in cash) and pickup are all outside the $34, and the listing's own tags contradict each other on pickup, so you should plan to reach the port yourself. Also, a 16:30 departure ends before sunset in summer.
See how it compares in my guide to boat tours in Santorini, or read my sunset cruise page. The home page lists other cities.
| Operator | MTM Experiences (activity provider on GetYourGuide) |
|---|---|
| Boat | Traditional boat named Aegean Soul; every passenger has a seat, though it is usually crowded in summer |
| Price | $34 per person (about €30 at 1 USD = 0.88865 EUR); food, drinks and the EUR 5 volcano fee extra |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Departure time | Meet at 16:15, depart at 16:30, per the listing |
| Meeting point | Athinios Port, gate 5, by the blue tents |
| Route | Caldera crossing, Nea Kameni (optional volcano walk), Palea Kameni hot springs, back at golden hour |
| Food and drink | No food included; drinks sold at the bar on board |
| Languages | English, with audio commentary |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before the start, full refund |
| Rating | 4.3/5 from 819 reviews on GetYourGuide |
What is the MTM volcano cruise and what do you see?
It is a short afternoon boat trip that crosses the caldera to the two volcanic islands in its middle, with an optional walk on the volcano and a swim in the hot springs.
The MTM volcano cruise is a no-frills version of the big catamaran days: no meal, no snorkeling and no open bar, just the volcano, the hot springs and audio commentary on the geology and history. It suits people who want the volcano and the sea but not a five-hour party.
- Caldera crossing - audio commentary on the cliffs, villages and volcanic islands while you sail
- Nea Kameni - the active volcano, with a self-guided walk on rough ground on Google Maps
- Palea Kameni hot springs - a swim in water warmer than the sea around it on Google Maps
- Thirasia free time - available only if you select that option when booking on Google Maps
- Return at golden hour - back across the caldera to Athinios
Wikipedia describes Nea Kameni as the youngest island of the caldera, formed from 1707, and I use that only as history. The listing adds that the springs lie in the sea off Palea Kameni: warmer than the rest of the water, but not a heated pool.
Where does the MTM volcano cruise leave from?
You board at Athinios Port by the blue tents at gate 5, on a boat called Aegean Soul; pickup and drop-off are not included.
The marketplace tags the product "pickup available", but its includes tab lists pickup and drop-off as excluded. I trust that structured data: plan to reach Athinios Port on Google Maps yourself, 15 minutes early. The port sits on the caldera wall about 3.5 km from the Old Port of Fira and 5.5 km from Vlychada Marina in a straight line.
| Option | Detail | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi or rental car | The listing does not include a transfer, so arrange your own | Not stated |
| Public bus | KTEL Santorini connects the port; check the price list and timetable for your day | See price list |
| Meet-up point | The blue tents at gate 5, 15 minutes before departure | Free |
The Port Authority requires every passenger's name, birth date and nationality, so keep passport details handy when you book.
How long is the MTM volcano cruise and when does it sail?
The MTM volcano cruise lasts three hours and, per the listing, boards at 16:15 and sails at 16:30, so it returns at about 19:30.
That timing decides whether you see a sunset. With sunset at 18:41 on 15 October, the boat is on the water as the light changes; on 15 June, sunset is at 20:37, more than an hour after the boat is back.
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Boat back at about | Sunset on the water? |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 20:37 | 19:30 | No, 1 h 07 min early |
| July | 20:35 | 19:30 | No, 1 h 05 min early |
| August | 20:08 | 19:30 | No, 38 min early |
| September | 19:25 | 19:30 | Roughly at the end |
| October | 18:41 | 19:30 | Yes |
The return time is my arithmetic from the stated departure and duration. The listing does not publish a seasonal timetable, so check the booking page for the time on your date.
What is on board and what is included?
The $34 covers the boat, audio commentary, a hot springs swim, foam noodles and the optional volcano walk; everything else costs extra.
- Audio commentary - on the boat, as you cross the caldera
- Hot springs swim - with noodles supplied; hesitant swimmers can stay on deck
- Volcano walk - optional, self-guided, on uneven ground
- Seat for everyone - even in the crowded summer season
- Food - not included
- Drinks - sold from the bar on board
- Volcano entry fee - EUR 5, paid separately in cash
- Pickup and drop-off - listed as excluded
Bring sturdy shoes, cash, sunglasses, a hat, a towel and sunscreen. Wear dark swimwear because the sulfur water can discolor light fabric. The life jackets on board are for emergencies only.
How does the MTM cruise compare with the other Santorini boats?
It costs $34 against $67 to $140 for the five-hour boats, but it gives no meal, no snorkeling gear and no pickup.
| Trip | Price | Includes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTM cruise (this page) | $34 | Hot springs swim, commentary | 3 hours |
| Sunset Oia catamaran | $67 | BBQ dinner, drinks, pickup | 5 hours |
| MTM sunset dinner | $84 | Dinner, guide, pickup | 4 hours |
| Spiridakos sailing catamaran | $85 | BBQ buffet, snorkel gear | 5 hours |
The extra $33 for the Sunset Oia catamaran buys a barbecue dinner, beer, wine and pickup, so it is the better value if you can spare two more hours. My sunset cruise page lists every evening option.
Is the MTM volcano cruise worth it?
Yes if you want to stand on the volcano and swim in the hot springs for the lowest price, no if you want food, snorkeling or a real sunset in summer.
At about $11 an hour the MTM cruise is less than half the $24.70 median of my 16 trips. Add the 5 euro entry fee and food and the real cost is closer to $50 to $60 per person, but it is still cheap for the volcano.
- Book it if the volcano walk is your priority
- Book it if you are happy to travel to the port on your own
- Skip it if you want dinner or a sunset in June to August
3,600 yearsago the Minoan eruption emptied the island's centre and left the sea-filled caldera that every boat in this guide sails into.
When is the best time to take the MTM cruise?
May to September gives the warmest water and almost no rain. October has five rain days, and two reviewers mention windy, chilly days when they skipped the swim.
| Month | Average high | Rain days | Days with wind 30 km/h+ | Sunset (15th) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | 8 | 0 | 18:26 |
| Feb | 13°C | 7 | 12 | 18:59 |
| Mar | 18°C | 4 | 12 | 19:25 |
| Apr | 19°C | 9 | 5 | 19:52 |
| May | 24°C | 3 | 6 | 20:17 |
| Jun | 28°C | 0 | 7 | 20:37 |
| Jul | 30°C | 0 | 5 | 20:35 |
| Aug | 30°C | 2 | 10 | 20:08 |
| Sep | 27°C | 1 | 6 | 19:25 |
| Oct | 23°C | 5 | 7 | 18:41 |
| Nov | 21°C | 4 | 3 | 18:09 |
| Dec | 17°C | 9 | 11 | 18:04 |
Wind decides whether a plan holds. The Open-Meteo archive shows wind of 30 km/h or more on 7 days in June, 5 in July, 10 in August and 6 in September 2025. Live forecasts come from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, and the Greek National Tourism Organisation shows current island conditions.
What do passengers say about the MTM volcano cruise?
The platform summary of 146 recent verified reviews says travelers value the well-informed guides and the sunset views.
- Guide - an engaging, knowledgeable host and the right amount of time at the volcano
- Weather - one passenger found it windy and chilly and skipped the swim
- Footwear - one traveler urges proper shoes for the volcano trail, never sandals
- Communication - the summary asks for clearer pickup and timing information
The sample I saw was positive; the 4.3 average suggests more mixed experiences than the snippets show.
Who should skip the MTM cruise?
Skip it if you use a wheelchair, want a meal, or need door-to-door transport.
- Wheelchair users - excluded by the listing
- Anyone who dislikes crowds - the boat is usually full in summer
- Travelers without cash - the entry fee is paid in cash
Back to the whole field on boat tours in Santorini.
How do you book the MTM volcano cruise?
The MTM cruise costs $34 per person and includes the boat, a hot springs swim and audio commentary, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check availabilityI earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best boat tour in Santorini?
For the volcano on a tight budget I would pick the MTM cruise at $34. For a fuller day with food and snorkeling I would book the Vista Yachting gold catamaran at $95.
How much does the MTM volcano cruise cost?
It costs $34 per person on GetYourGuide, about €30 at today's rate. Food, drinks, pickup and the 5 euro volcano fee are extra.
Where does the MTM cruise leave from?
It leaves from Athinios Port on the boat Aegean Soul; you meet at gate 5 at 16:15 for a 16:30 departure.
Is pickup included?
The listing is contradictory. The marketplace tag says pickup is available, but the includes tab lists pickup and drop-off as excluded, so plan to arrive on your own.
Do I get to walk on the volcano?
Yes, the volcano hike on Nea Kameni is optional and self-guided on uneven ground. The 5 euro entry fee is paid separately in cash.
Can non-swimmers join?
Yes. Hesitant swimmers can stay on deck at the hot springs, and the life jackets on board are for emergencies only.
Is food included?
No. Drinks and snacks are sold at the bar on board; bring cash for the volcano fee.
Will I see the sunset?
Only in autumn and winter, on my arithmetic. A 16:30 sailing returns near 19:30, which is after sunset in October but before it in June.
What do I need to book?
You must give each passenger's full name, date of birth and nationality for the Port Authority.
Can I cancel?
Yes, up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
Sources: GetYourGuide listing 688760 (checked 2026-10-16); Greek National Tourism Organisation, Santorini; Hellenic National Meteorological Service; Open-Meteo archive, Nager.Date and Frankfurter APIs; KTEL Santorini price list; Wikipedia (history only).
