Watching the Volcanoes Festival from the Water: The Ultimate September 19th Experience

Every September, Santorini honors its dramatic geological past with the Ifestia Festival, commonly known as the Volcanoes Festival. The event culminates in a sound and light display that recreates the historic volcanic eruptions that shaped the island. Pyrotechnics launch directly from the Nea Kameni crater, illuminating the caldera walls and filling the night sky over the Aegean.

While thousands of visitors crowd the cliffside paths of Fira and Firostefani to catch a glimpse, the steep topography of the caldera limits viewing angles from land. Watching the event from shore often means dealing with dense crowds and obstructed sights. To truly appreciate the scale of the spectacle, you need to be positioned on the water, looking up at the cliffs as the fireworks reflect off the Aegean Sea.

Choosing Your Boat for September 19th

Space on the water fills up quickly for this annual event. Two reliable cruise options offer distinct styles for experiencing the night.

Option 1: The Catamaran Experience with Caldera Yachting

 

For travelers seeking a spacious setting, Caldera Yachting operates a special catamaran tour tailored specifically for the evening of September 19th.

Catamarans provide stable sailing, expansive deck space, and personalized service. On this special evening route, the vessel navigates through the caldera during twilight, positions itself off Nea Kameni for the fireworks, and serves dinner and drinks onboard. It is ideal for couples or small groups looking for a refined nautical setting during the festival.

What’s included:

• Transportation from and back to the hotel.
• Full dinner with seafood – shrimps and mussels cooked according to Greek recipes, grilled chicken fillet and sausages, homemade traditional Greek delicacies & dips, veggie rice and traditional Greek salad, open bar with white local wine, beers & so beverages (special diet menu options available upon request)
• Wine with fresh seasonal fruits and amuse bouche desserts, during the event
• Towels

Option 2: The Traditional Experience Aboard “Thalassa”

If you prefer a classic maritime feel, the traditional wooden boat Thalassa offers an accessible alternative. With bigger space that accommodates more passengers, you will get to enjoy the full tour, swim and eat, as well as enjoy the fireworks show!

Rather than charging a special rate for this event, Thalassa simply extends its regular daily tour at no extra cost. Guests receive a complimentary glass of wine while the boat holds position in the caldera during the fireworks show. This option delivers an authentic, straightforward vantage point with the traditional experience added! The tour starts and finishes in the Athinios port, so the return to dock after the fireworks will be quick.

What’s included:

• BBQ Buffet dinner is included in the price
• Local White Wine is complimentary during time. During the fireworks show, an additional glass of wine will be offered free of charge to the passengers.
• Guided visit on the volcano (the volcanic island called Nea Kameni)
• “Hot Springs” and their thermal sulfurous waters for swimming
• Beverages and snacks at the bar are available and not included in the cruise’s fee.
• Towels

Why Book Through Santorini.net?

When you reserve your cruise through our platform, your booking connects directly to the live reservation engines of the individual operators. You pay the exact same rate as booking direct, with zero hidden platform fees, while unlocking exclusive guest perks:

• Direct Local Logistics: Skip third party middlemen. Our local team serves as your direct point of contact on the island to handle adjustments or answer questions.

• 10% e-Shop Discount: You receive a 10% discount code valid for your first order in our e-Shop, which ships authentic Santorini wines, books, and souvenirs worldwide.

• Complimentary “My Greek Breeze Box”: Every tour reservation includes a curated box of authentic Greek treats delivered directly to your accommodation to welcome you to the island.

Secure Your Spot on the Caldera

Positions inside the caldera basin are strictly managed by local maritime authorities during the festival to ensure safety, meaning overall vessel capacity on the night of September 19th is limited.

Whether you opt for the modern comfort of a catamaran or the traditional charm of Thalassa, booking early guarantees your place on the water for Santorini’s biggest night of the year!