Santorini Caldera Expedition

Santorini is well know for its dramatic scenery, spectacular geology and famous sunsets.  This 5-day expedition will explore the coastline in detail with 4 nights wild camping on remote beaches.  Paddling around the 10km diameter Caldera you will experience one of the most impressive geological sights in the Aegean.  Three hundred meter high cliffs show a magnificent section of geological history and the 700 m deep caldera gives an idea of the explosive force required for such an excavation.

A challenging expedition for experienced paddlers only. The central Aegean is well known for its strong and persistent summer winds and wild winter storms.  November is the calmest month, on average,  however we can expect stormy weather about once per week interspersed with days of calm and sunny weather. 

An outline of the expedition, showing a possible route, campsites and daily distances.

The price includes:

  • Experienced and qualified guide
  • 5 days' sea kayaking
  • 4 nights' wild camping
  • All sea kayaking and safety equipment
  • Camping equipment
  • Food and food preparation - this trip is self catered
  • Flight or ferry to Santorini
  • Hotel in Santorini on arrival and last night
  • Shared taxi from Fira to starting point on first paddling day (~€10pp)
  • Shared taxi from ending point to Fira on last paddling day (~€10pp)

2026 Price : €780

Arrival and departure

  • The advertised dates include your arrival and departure dates to and from Santorini.
  • There could be direct flights from European capitals.
  • You can fly to Santorini from Athens with Olympic/Aegean Air or Sky Express.
  • There is a daily ferry from/to Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries.
  • Book a hotel near the centre of Fira for your first and last nights (Hotel Antonia and Central Fira Suites have been recommended)

Expedition Plan

The advertised dates allow 5 full days’ kayaking.   The starting point and actual route will be decided the evening of your arrival day, based on the latest forecast.  You will take a shared taxi from your hotel to the starting point on the morning of the fist paddling day.  The total distance we intend to cover is approximately 100km, or about 20km/day, with frequent (+/- hourly) stops at places of interest – beaches, villages, hot springs and the volcano.  There will be a hike, at least every day.  Good hiking footwear is essential, especially for the volcano.

A typical day will involve rising at first light (6am, sunrise is at around 6.30am), on the water at 8am, arriving to campsite at around 3pm.  NB: Sunset is at 5.30pm, it is dark by 6 pm. Most nights we will have a campfire. 

Maps

A laminated A4 map will be provided.

Required Paddling Experience

This expedition is for experienced sea kayakers.  You should have enough stamina to paddle up to 25 km per day, which may take up to 5 hours.  You should be comfortable with the idea of paddling in wind and waves, as challenging conditions are likely on at least some of the days. You should have practised an assisted sea kayak rescue and know how to do an assisted deep water re-entry.

If you have limited paddling experience, our Explore Milos Package will provide excellent preparation for this expedition.

Camping

Camping will be wild on remote beaches.  There are no facilities and no water supply. All camping equipment, food and water must be carried in the kayak.  A strong and lightweight tent is essential.  A freestanding tent is an advantages as most of the beaches are rocky or rounded cobbles and one is on concrete.  A quality, inflatable sleeping mat and pillow is recommended.

Food

The expedition is self catered which means you must bring your own food and water.    Usually we each look after our own breakfast, lunch and snacks and take turns to prepare a small group evening meal.  Food can be bought in local shops on your arrival day.  There will be an opportunity to stock up on the third day.  Occasional stops at restaurants and coffee shops are a possibility.

Stoves and fuel

We recommend stoves powered by gas canisters with a screw-on fitting (camping-Gaz or coleman type), readily available in local supermarkets. see photo

We have camping stoves for hire upon request €30/week – suitable for up to 4 persons.  The Trangia stove includes a gas burner, 2 x 2lt pots, kettle and frying pan. see photo

Weather

Daily temperatures will be in the range of 13°C-20°C. Water temperature will be around 18°C and there will be 10 hours of daylight per day.   On average, rain falls on 8 days so we can expect at least some wet weather.  See Weather on Santorini for November

What to wear

For paddling, shorts and a shirt will be sufficient on most days.  A cagoule (waterproof paddling jacket) and neoprene or “Reed” trousers or similar will be required if it’s windy, overcast or raining.

See a complete Packing list >

Geology

Recommended reading: 

Only for enthusiasts:
Geology-of-Santorini
Geology of Santorini. showing two NE-SW tectonic lineaments
Combined bathymetric and topographic map of Santorini Caldera (Nomikou et al. 2014)