Are Santorini boat trips cancelled when it is windy?
Updated October 27, 2026
Quick answer
Sometimes, but in the reviews we read, a change of route comes up far more often than a cancellation. In strong wind, operators drop or swap swim stops, and some switch boats. The summer meltemi, strongest in July and August afternoons, is the usual cause. All ten cruises this site sells offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so check the forecast the day before.
Santorini sits in the path of the meltemi, the dry northerly wind of the Aegean summer. It blows from about mid-May to mid-September, peaks in July and August, is strongest in the afternoon and can reach force 7 to 8 on the Beaufort scale. At that strength, Wikipedia notes, most inter-island ferries cannot sail. The Hellenic Coast Guard's port authorities can also ban sailings outright.
What the listings say will happen
The cruise listings are clear that the plan can change on the day. The sunset, luxury and small-group catamarans all say the itinerary and stops 'may be subject to alterations, without prior notice, in case of inclement weather'. The volcano tour says times, route and stops may be adjusted for weather, sea conditions or port-authority rules. The wooden boat reserves the right to change the route, cancel, or use another boat of the same category.
- Route changed — The most common outcome. A luxury catamaran reviewer in October lost the Red Beach stop to the weather. A private catamaran reviewer in September said high winds limited their route.
- Boat changed — Two wooden boat reviewers in August sailed on a catamaran instead; one thought it was because of high winds.
- Trip moved or cancelled — The boat rental listing says it may cancel or reschedule in bad weather, with a full refund if cancelled. One reviewer was offered another day when high winds were forecast.
Is Santorini windy in August?
Often, in the afternoon. July and August are the meltemi's peak months. Averaged over the whole day, though, Santorini is windier in winter: WeatherSpark's windiest month is February, at 16.0 mph, and its calmest is May, at 11.2 mph. July averages 13 to 15 mph, mostly from the north. The summer issue is the afternoon build-up, which lands on day and sunset cruises.
Your options if it is windy
Check a wind forecast two days ahead. If it looks strong, use the free cancellation, which ends 24 hours before the start on all ten cruises we sell. If you are going anyway, a morning cruise usually meets calmer water than an afternoon one. Pack a warm layer: one small-group reviewer described high wind, strong currents and a 'very chilly' evening under the covered area, and still rated the trip five stars.
Book early in your stay
Put your cruise near the start of your trip, not on your last day. If the wind changes the plan, you then have days left to rebook. This matters most in July and August, and on any trip where the cruise is the one thing you came for.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a refund if the operator cancels for weather?
The boat rental listing promises a full refund if it cancels for bad weather. The other listings do not spell it out; their shared promise is free cancellation by you up to 24 hours before. Ask the operator through your booking if they cancel.
What is the meltemi?
The dry northerly summer wind of the Aegean, also called the etesian wind. It blows from about mid-May to mid-September, peaks in July and August and is strongest in the afternoon.
Sources