When to book, morning or sunset, what's actually included, and what happens if the wind cancels it — from someone who lives here.
A week ahead is the sweet spot. It's early enough that you get the boat and the departure you actually want, and late enough that you can see the weather forming.
In peak summer the good boats fill first, and the sunset slots go before anything else. If you're coming in July or August, or you have your heart set on a sunset departure, lean earlier rather than later.
Mornings are better for swimming. The water is calmer, the light in the sea is stronger, and the swimming stops at the hot springs and the beaches are the point of the day.
Sunset is more romantic. The atmosphere on board is better, the caldera changes colour as you sail, and you finish with the famous sunset from the water instead of a crowded terrace. If you're celebrating something, it's the one to book.
Most catamaran tours include a BBQ meal, drinks, snorkelling equipment, towels and hotel transfers both ways. On a good boat you turn up with very little and everything is handled.
Check the specific tour before you book. Not every boat includes everything — some do not include transfers, and some don't provide towels. The "what's included" list on the tour page is the one that counts, not the general rule.
It happens, and more often than people expect: Santorini boats get cancelled for wind regularly. When the caldera is too rough, the boat doesn't go — that's a safety decision, not a bad operator.
When it does, operators normally refund in full or offer a reschedule, and the agency you booked through notifies you. But every tour sets its own terms, so check the cancellation conditions on the tour you book rather than assuming. If you have a fixed departure date, book for early in your stay so there's room to reschedule.
Check the wind before you count on a boat day — the Santorini Today page shows the live wind and whether it's a good day on the water.
Most tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. That's most, not all — a few boats, especially private charters, run stricter terms.
Confirm the policy on the tour page before you book, and if your plans are genuinely uncertain, pick one with free cancellation so you can hold a spot without the risk.
That's genuinely about it. Towels and snorkelling gear are usually on board — but as above, check your specific tour.
The three I send people to — prices and live availability open on GetYourGuide. Free cancellation on most.
The caldera magic timed to finish with the famous sunset from the water — swimming and snorkelling stops, dinner and drinks on board, and that last golden hour drifting off Oia.
Check availability →A relaxed day on the water — Red & White Beach, the hot springs, and a BBQ meal with drinks on board.
Check availability →Sail the caldera with swimming and snorkelling stops, a BBQ meal and drinks — the classic Santorini day on the water.
Check availability →About a week ahead is the sweet spot — enough to be safe and get a spot. In peak summer, and for sunset departures especially, the good slots go first.
Mornings are better for swimming — calmer water and stronger light in the sea. Sunset tours are more romantic, with a better atmosphere on board and the famous sunset from the water.
Most tours include a BBQ meal, drinks, snorkelling equipment, towels and hotel transfers both ways. Check the specific tour before booking, because some do not include transfers or towels.
Boats are cancelled for wind fairly regularly on Santorini. Operators normally refund in full or offer a reschedule, and the agency notifies you — but check the cancellation terms on the tour you book rather than assuming.
Most tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Confirm the policy on the tour page before you book.
A photo of your passport — operators use it to identify guests — and sunscreen. Most of the rest, including towels and snorkelling gear, is usually provided.