Santorini Oia Caldera Cruise: Is It Worth It? A Full Review

Dreaming of shimmering turquoise waters, sheer volcanic cliffs, and iconic whitewashed buildings clinging to hillsides? Then you’ve definitely been looking at pictures of Santorini! A super sought-after thing to do there is a cruise around the caldera, especially ones that depart from or include Oia. Thinking about taking the Santorini Oia Caldera Day Cruise with Snacks & Drinks? We did, and here’s a rundown to aid you to decide whether it aligns with your dream Greek island experience. That is, a bit of a taste of our experience.

What to Expect on a Santorini Caldera Cruise

So, a caldera cruise is, in a way, one of the most widespread things visitors do on Santorini, and very understandably. The Santorini caldera is, obviously, what’s left of a ginormous volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, and its scenery is seriously unique. Tours typically depart from various points around the island, often including pick-up from your hotel. Most trips follow a somewhat standard route. As a matter of fact, this route gives travelers sights of some seriously special spots. These tours frequently last from around five to six hours, more or less, granting, too it’s almost, decent time for enjoying the vistas and swimming spots.

This is typically included in these trips:

Views, views, views! You get vistas of Oia from the sea, I mean a totally unique angle. Expect to capture that iconic postcard shot you see all over Instagram.
Volcanic Islands. Very often these cruises stop at Nea Kameni, that’s a volcanic island right in the center of the caldera. There you, like your, have the chance to hike to the summit of the volcano. Another very usual island included is Palea Kameni, where, basically, some stops will give you a bit to dive into its therapeutic hot springs. Be warned the springs are more of a warmish temperature. Still it’s something that’s, pretty much, mineral rich and may be really great for your skin.
Swimming Stops. In reality, a big part of these cruises is about leisure time. You will, clearly, see swim in distinct spots around the caldera, even at spots only reachable by boat. The Red Beach and White Beach are usually visited.
Food and Drinks. Just about all tours of this sort offer beverages – water, soft drinks, and quite frequently a couple Greek beers or house wine. Food varies! A few cruises serve a meal, even a BBQ ready right onboard. Some others supply finger foods or light snacks.

Our Experience on the Santorini Oia Caldera Day Cruise

The specifics. We opted for a mid-range caldera cruise from Oia that included a hotel pickup, visits to the volcanic islands, swimming stops at Red and White beaches, and a sunset view. The price point was roughly around €100 per person, which seems more or less standard for that which was provided. So, about the experience? Here is some feedback.

Hotel Pickup and Departure

Just a bit of warning; it could get tricky to find that the exact location to meet. Many streets around Oia are closed off to cars. As a matter of fact, we waited at a main meeting point not far from our lodging. As I was saying, the van was a bit late. Still, it happens. The driver was pretty cordial and got us down to Ammoudi Bay, that’s the tiny harbor right beneath Oia, to get on the boat. Ammoudi Bay, at the end of the day, is picturesque. Think about vivid fishing boats bobbing in the water beneath the towering cliffs of Oia. Bring comfy shoes! The walk down from Oia can be a killer in the event that you have issues with mobility. Also, the way back up after the cruise might be especially hard.

The Boat and Crew

Expect different sorts of boats! Our boat was a catamaran. It looked, right, to be in a good condition and really well-maintained. There was, kind of, enough space to sprawl out, both in sun and shaded spots. Too it’s almost, remember to come ahead to book on the trip as it helps assure an adequate seat, especially for cruises on a busy summer day.

Now, about the staff. I mean they seemed friendly and competent. That is, they spoke various languages. It seemed like they handled the boat, plus they cooked. Also, they served the snacks/drinks. They made safety announcements and gave quite a little details relating to the different islands, right, too it’s almost, like the caldera geology.

Volcanic Islands and Hot Springs

Our first stop, pretty much, was Nea Kameni. So, just know there’s a small entrance cost (€5, that you pay in cash) to climb up to the volcanic crater. This little walk takes you up a gravel trail with some moderately steep sections, that’s a recommendation that you wear strong shoes and take water. Once at the top, just remember to savor panoramic vistas of the entire caldera. You can, too it’s almost, catch the volcano itself, it’s like smoking fumaroles, a reminder that this is that a potentially active volcano.

In contrast, the next destination, Palea Kameni, offers the chance to take a dip into hot springs. Just be mindful these are not, I mean, like a steaming jacuzzi! Actually, they are somewhat warmer than the ocean, and some spots will have water which has a rusty tint as a consequence of the mineral content. Most of the tourists do jump into it; for that reason I did likewise. The sensation of a unique and distinct thing felt rather cool.

Swimming at the Red and White Beaches

Then, next we headed to the Red and White Beaches! These beaches have really special landscape, clearly due to their vivid, colored cliffs and clear waters. Both spots are incredible for taking photos! That said, so, in some respects, both the beaches were simply reachable by boat, it had been relatively crowded. Also, if you expect, as a matter of fact, a pristine, untouched oasis; remember to take in considerations which you may, might be, very marginally disillusioned. Snorkeling here might be fun. We had some snorkeling equipment with us; even so, these were accessible on our boat, but just be mindful that you come completely ready.

Food and Drinks

Drinks, for the most part, had been free-flowing during the complete cruise. I am telling you, there was that unlimited water, soft drinks, plus some of a local white wine and beer, which was lovely! About the “snacks”? The snacks provided involved modest sandwiches and fruit skewers. That’s perfectly OK. Although don’t expect a gourmand feast.

Sunset Views

Truly. the grand finale! Seeing the sunset from the boat as being at sea, in fact, made that entire tour really worthy. As the sun sank below the skyline, that it painted Oia and the encompassing cliffs with a radiant golden colour. Definitely find the proper spot to enjoy it; you won’t be alone. This had been a superb photo chance.

Pros and Cons of the Santorini Oia Caldera Cruise

Pros:

Amazing Views: I am not kidding! you get unique point on Santorini’s best sights, clearly which includes Oia.
Comfortable Approach: The boat visits allows someone relaxing day as going to various islands plus seashores in comfort, as an alternative, arguably, of struggling with busy streets.
Good value: Whenever broken-down with cost involving particular person transfers plus beach access costs; a caldera cruise is fairly inexpensive, arguably with meal & drinks tossed in.

Cons:

May get crowded: Specially through peak months. Prepare of lots of fellow vacationers.
Food/Snacks Vary: In reality do not book in the event that the sole reason behind booking would be that the lunch. Examine completely before, like your, purchasing in order to avert disappointment.
Weather-Dependent: These sailings may very well be cancelled; usually there will be very winds and large swells.

Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Caldera Cruise

A cruise like this is going to be quite a bit more satisfying if you are thinking through details.

Book Early: As mentioned previously, to receive your cruise day.
See the reviews: Do check the reviews of tour providers; this could present really useful feedback.
Confirm What Is Included: This is necessary for what types of food. In the event that, that it painted Oia and the encompassing cliffs with a radiant golden colour you need to possess an exceptional dietary requirement then, in other words, verify to verify it will, pretty much, be provided for
Bring Necessities: This includes that the sun screen lotion, sun hat, swimsuit, towel, and camera. In short, there’s nothing you don’t expect you can purchase aboard.
Motion sickness. Think through medication if you are vulnerable to sea-sickness.
Dress Easily. Lightweight attire plus comfy strolling footwear are advisable. Bear in mind: that you can possibly walk on sharp volcanic dirt!
Protect Gadgets: Provide, of course, your electronics safe inside water-proof bags, due to possible splashes.

Is the Santorini Oia Caldera Cruise Worth It?

So? So, do we suggest it? I am telling you, sure, we imagine it is worth your time plus hard-earned cash, specifically, arguably, with vacationers looking at experiencing the splendor from Santorini, right, in a peaceful plus efficient approach. You get amazing panoramas. A relaxed mode involving traveling to different hotspots plus useful features – the snacks/beverages – generate a trip pleasurable for most folks.

Just bear in mind, like your, in your mind: that cruises is not, frankly, for just anyone. Anyone expecting an exceptional gourmet food preparation experience as well as a entirely deserted seaside could be let-down. However, should you want stunning panoramas, some relaxation on sea as well as practical approach viewing some greatest bits regarding Santorini then seriously consider making the most of that cruise in the course of any visit to that picturesque destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear on the cruise?

Light, relaxed garments is encouraged. So, if you plan that it is advisable take your bath suits directly beneath. You could possibly wish you wear clothing that may possibly very easily become taken off of. You must bring caps to help keep on your own guarded by sun. Moreover remember the sunglasses in order to prevent brightness off of liquid on water!

Are drinks free on the boat?

Most, I am telling you, present unlimited refreshments for instance bottled water, fizzy drinks, plus white or red wine in many circumstances. It’s advisable of seeking to see irrespective that the drinks will be free prior to book.

Are caldera cruises safe?

Usually; they’ve been deemed safely managed, anyway check the safeguards standards & status about tour provider before reservations.

Could the caldera cruise be ideal of kids?

Arguably of elderly youngsters whom adore ocean adventures, plus sun bathing. Verify ages regulations when booking!

Could it have been ideal from expecting mothers?

Expectant ladies may well consult a physician prior to. Seas are rough, plus trip are shaky; but assess their health.

Happy sailing!

Key Takeaways:

The Santorini Oia Caldera cruise provides awesome perspectives on the famous whitewashed scenery.
Trips generally incorporate hot springs, swimming, stops within the volcanic destinations.
Cruises might get very over-crowded: make certain to book ahead & verify included add ons very carefully.

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