FAQ
Santorini is a wonderful sailing destination from spring through autumn. June, July and August offer warm weather and excellent conditions for swimming, while May, September and October suit guests who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and milder temperatures. Every part of the season offers a different way to experience the Caldera.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially between June and September. Sunset cruises, premium shared cruises and private yachts are particularly popular and may sell out on busy dates. Last-minute availability is sometimes possible, but booking ahead gives you the widest choice of yachts and experiences.
Most of our morning and sunset cruises last approximately five hours. Sunset schedules shift slightly through the season so guests can enjoy the sunset from the sea. We also offer private yacht experiences and full-day or multi-day island-hopping cruises for something different.
Most cruises include transportation from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point, an onboard meal or BBQ, drinks, swimming stops and snorkelling equipment. Specific inclusions depend on the cruise category. Beer and towels are included on Santorini Gems, Platinum and Diamond cruises, while they are not included on the Red Cruise. Diamond offers additional premium inclusions.
Depending on the cruise you choose, departures take place from Ammoudi Bay in Oia, Vlychada or another designated port. Some cruises run one-way routes across the island, while others depart and return to the same port. Your exact embarkation point, pickup location and time are confirmed before your cruise.
Most cruises include complimentary transport from your hotel, villa or a nearby accessible meeting point, and back. Because some areas of Santorini cannot be reached directly by minibus, you may be asked to meet at the closest accessible pickup point. Your exact pickup location and time are confirmed before your cruise.
Both offer a complete sailing experience; the best choice depends on what you are looking for. A morning cruise is perfect for swimming, relaxing under the Greek sun and enjoying the Caldera at the brightest part of the day. A sunset cruise combines sailing, swimming and dining with one of Santorini's most famous moments: watching the sun set over the Aegean from the sea. For couples, honeymooners and special occasions, the sunset cruise is particularly popular.
A shared cruise lets you experience Santorini alongside other guests and comes in different levels of comfort, from the lively Red Cruise to the premium Diamond experience. A private cruise gives you exclusive use of the yacht, greater privacy and more flexibility. Private cruises are popular with families, groups, honeymooners and guests celebrating a special occasion. For larger groups, a private cruise can be an attractive alternative to booking individual seats.
Safety always comes first. Santorini's Caldera offers some protection from the open Aegean, so cruises can often operate even when it feels windy elsewhere on the island. The captain may adjust the route, itinerary or swimming locations depending on conditions. If the weather does not allow the cruise to operate safely, our team will contact you and advise accordingly.
We recommend swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, comfortable clothing and a change of dry clothes. A light jacket is useful after sunset or in the cooler months. If you plan to swim in the Hot Springs, wear darker-coloured swimwear, as the mineral-rich water may discolour lighter fabrics. For the Red Cruise, bring your own towel if you plan to swim; towels are provided on Gems, Platinum and Diamond cruises.
Yes. Sailing can be a wonderful experience for families, and swimming is completely optional. Guests who prefer not to swim can stay onboard and enjoy the scenery, food and atmosphere throughout the cruise. Floating aids are available during swimming stops. For babies, very young children or guests with specific mobility requirements, we recommend contacting our team before booking so we can advise on the most suitable option.
Our cruises include a freshly prepared Greek-style meal or BBQ, with dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. Vegetarian options are available, and several other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. If you have allergies or need vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options, please let us know before your cruise so our team can advise accordingly.
Cancellation conditions depend on the cruise you book. For most shared cruises, cancellations made at least 24 hours before departure are eligible for a full refund. For private cruises, different conditions may apply depending on the yacht and experience selected. We recommend checking the specific cancellation policy shown during booking or on your booking confirmation.
Yes. In addition to cruises around Santorini, Sunset Oia offers private full-day and multi-day sailing experiences to other Cycladic islands. Popular options include Ios and Folegandros, giving you the chance to discover secluded beaches, traditional villages and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Island-hopping experiences depend on the yacht, weather conditions and availability.