Why everyone says do a boat tour
From the water the whole caldera opens up, and it's what most people remember most from their trip. Every tour runs a similar loop — what matters is the boat and the group size, so pick a smaller, well-run catamaran over the cheapest big boat.
Most tours stop at Red Beach and White Beach — the latter only reachable by boat — sail past the Faros lighthouse, and anchor at the volcano hot springs for a swim.
See exactly what to expect on a catamaran tour →
Morning or sunset departure? Read the full comparison →
The €25 volcano & hot springs tour — what it's really like →
Book a tour that includes the sunset but board in the afternoon. You get the swimming and hot springs in daylight, then the famous sunset from the water — far calmer than fighting for a spot in Oia.