Sunset Oia Sailing Santorini

Who they are

Sunset Oia Sailing is a cruise company based in Oia, the village at the far north of Santorini, and it sails from the small harbour of Ammoudi, at the foot of the cliff. On its website it presents itself as a company with a lot of sailing experience and says it works with 21 vessels, including sailing boats, catamarans and motor yachts. It does not publish the year of founding or the names of its owners. It does give its official registrations: the Greek tourism authority number (MHTE) 1167Ε60001114901 and that of the GEMI commercial registry 170410038000, two details that any company selling excursions in Greece should have.

What they do and in what season

Its offer revolves around the caldera, the great flooded crater that gives Santorini its crescent shape. There are two ways of going out: on a shared cruise, of about five hours and priced per person, or on a private boat, of four to five hours and priced per vessel. The shared ones range from small groups, of 14 or 20 places at most depending on the boat, to a large sailing ship of about 55 places, which is the cheapest option. The private ones range from catamarans for about 14 people to motor yachts for four. They also run full-day trips to Ios and Folegandros, the neighbouring islands.

The usual itineraries stop at the hot springs by the volcanic islet, at White beach and Red beach, and tour the caldera. Many trips aim for sunset from the sea, and the company warns that the schedules shift through the season to arrive on time. The season runs from spring to autumn: June, July and August are the months of warmest sea, and May, September and October are calmer and milder.

What is included and safety

On the shared ones a Greek-style meal or a barbecue with drinks is served on board, and snorkelling gear is included. There are vegetarian options and, with advance notice, they cater for other diets, allergies or gluten-free food. On private ones you can add, for a supplement, a paddleboard and SeaBob. On most cruises the minibus transfer from your accommodation and back is included; if the hotel is on a street the vehicle cannot reach, they tell you to meet at the nearest accessible point and confirm the time and place before departure.

The company states that the crew is experienced and that there are life jackets and a safety briefing on board. The caldera is fairly sheltered and trips often go out in wind, but the captain may change the route or swimming stops; if the sea is not safe, they let you know.

Families and what to bring

They set no minimum age. Swimming is optional and anyone who cannot swim can stay on board; there are flotation aids at the stops. With babies, very small children or people with reduced mobility, they ask you to get in touch before booking. They recommend swimwear (preferably dark, because the water from the hot springs stains light clothing), sun cream, sunglasses, a cap, a change of clothes and something warm for the return after sunset. On the large sailing ship you must bring your own towel.

Booking, cancellation and languages

You book on its website, by phone (+30 22860 72200), by WhatsApp or at [email protected]. On most shared trips cancellation is free up to 24 hours before; on private ones the terms may differ and are shown when booking. The website is in English and French and does not say in which languages the crew speak; it does not mention Spanish.