Do you get seasick on a catamaran in Santorini?
Updated October 27, 2026
Quick answer
It is less likely than on most boats. A catamaran sits on two hulls and rarely leans more than about five degrees, so it rolls far less than a single-hull boat. The risk rises on windy afternoons in July and August, when the meltemi blows. If you are prone to it, book a morning cruise, sit in the middle of the boat, and take a remedy before you board.
Two things work in your favour in Santorini. The boat: a cruising catamaran rarely heels past about five degrees, where a sailing monohull often sails at twenty to thirty, and its motion is more of a fore-and-aft pitch than a side-to-side roll. And the water: much of the route is inside the caldera, a basin walled by 300 m cliffs on three sides. Neither makes seasickness impossible. A catamaran can still give a brisk ride in short, steep waves, and not every stop is inside the caldera: the sailing catamaran, for one, visits Red Beach and White Beach before heading 'towards the Caldera'.
When the water gets rough
The summer meltemi blows from about mid-May to mid-September and is strongest in the afternoon, sometimes reaching force 7 to 8. Reviews show what that feels like on board. One sunset catamaran reviewer had a 'great afternoon cruise, even with rough wind'. A wooden boat reviewer in September praised the captain for getting them round the caldera 'despite the rough seas'. Several listings say the route and stops may change in bad weather.
What helps
The NHS advice for motion sickness applies on a boat. Sit in the middle of the boat, where the movement is smallest. Look at a fixed point such as the horizon, not at the waves. Get fresh air. Do not read or look at your phone. Ginger, as a tablet, biscuit or tea, helps some people. And do not drink alcohol shortly before or during the trip, which matters on cruises with an open bar.
- Book a morning cruise — The meltemi builds in the afternoon, so a morning departure usually has calmer water.
- Think about boat size — The sunset catamaran is a 74 or 80-foot boat. The boat rental is a small licence-free motorboat for up to 5 people.
- Take a remedy before you board — Several listings tell guests prone to seasickness to take their own medication before boarding. Ask a pharmacist which suits you.
If it happens anyway
Tell the crew. One luxury catamaran reviewer wrote that her wife got seasick despite taking medication, and the crew brought towels and 'something to chew on' and kept her comfortable. She still gave the cruise five stars.
Who should think twice
A few listings say outright that they are not suitable for people prone to seasickness. The boat rental puts you on a small motorboat for 4.5 to 10 hours, and you are the one steering. If you know you get sick on any boat, a 3-hour volcano trip on a larger vessel is a shorter test than a 5-hour catamaran.
Frequently asked questions
Is the caldera calm?
Calmer than the open sea, because cliffs about 300 m high enclose it on three sides. It is not always flat: the summer meltemi can make it choppy in the afternoon.
Is a sunset cruise rougher than a morning cruise?
Often, in summer. The meltemi is strongest in the afternoon, which is when sunset cruises are out. A morning cruise usually meets calmer water.
Can I get a refund if I feel ill?
Not once you have sailed. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before on all ten cruises this site sells, so decide the day before if the forecast is windy.
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