Challenges of High-Speed Ferries in Greece

Tourists traveling on high-speed ferries between Greece’s islands often report challenging rides and seasickness. Numerous social media accounts detail rough crossings and passengers becoming ill, earning the ferry the nickname ‘vomit comet’ as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

High-Speed Ferries and Tourists’ Preference

High-speed ferries attract tourists aiming for quick travel between islands, says Mina Agnos, founder and president of Travelive, a luxury travel company. Travelers generally prefer quick routes, but conditions can get rough. Many journeys, especially in the Cyclades, face turbulent waters due to Meltemi winds.

Greece’s cultural and natural attractions bring in large tourist numbers. From January to May, tourist visits increased by 21% compared to 2025, according to data from the Bank of Greece. Despite the appeal, high-speed ferry rides can be a challenge due to motion sickness as per social media reports. In 2023, Santorini alone attracted 3.4 million visitors.

The Challenges of Speed

Ferries can reach speeds of 40 to 50 knots (about 46 to 58 mph) according to operators. They cut travel time significantly, offering half the duration of conventional ferries on routes like Athens to the Cyclades. However, the high speeds can lead to bumpier rides in rough seas, increasing the likelihood of seasickness.

A Reddit thread about Greek tourism includes travelers’ concerns about ferry rides. One tourist, hesitant due to reports of rough crossings, shared their worries even though none of the family is prone to seasickness. They received responses warning about the risks involved with fast ferries.

A Balancing Act

Thousands have termed these ferries ‘vomit comets.’ Agnos from Travelive disputes frequent occurrences of seasickness, attributing the impression to social media amplification. She highlights a significant rise in travel to Greece, resulting in more stories shared online.

She notes that in years of operating, she experienced severe seasickness only twice. Despite being rare, when it occurs, it can mar a tourist’s experience, especially for those on a short trip.

Advisory for Tourists

Agnos advises consulting with knowledgeable travel advisers for efficient planning, indicating that travel within Greece is more complex than it appears online.

Travel adviser Kelly Shea from Indiana suggests flying between islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, and Milos to avoid rough sea crossings. She explains that the Cyclades area is particularly challenging due to high winds and waves.

Weather conditions are unpredictable, impacting both sea travel and waves, emphasizing the need for caution when choosing travel routes.