Santorini watersports centre on the lively south-coast beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari, with jet skis, jet-ski safaris to the volcano, windsurfing, banana boats, wakeboarding, SUP and more. This guide covers the activities, the best beaches, jet-ski tours and tips for watersports.
Watersports add adventure to a beach day in the wider Santorini travel guide. The south coast is the hub. The sections below cover watersports.
What watersports are there in Santorini?
Santorini offers a wide range of watersports, including jet ski rental and safaris, windsurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, banana and tube rides, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and flyboarding. Most are concentrated at the organised south-coast beaches, where well-equipped clubs cater to all ages and abilities.
Santorini packs plenty of action onto its black-sand beaches. The organised watersports clubs offer everything from fast, adrenaline-filled rides to gentler family fun: jet ski rental and guided jet-ski safaris, windsurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing, banana boats, tube and ringo rides, flyboarding, and calmer options like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaks and pedal boats. The clubs supply the equipment and instruction, with qualified staff, so beginners and families are well looked after alongside thrill-seekers. Concentrated on the warm, sheltered south coast, these activities turn a beach day into an active outing, set within the wider Santorini beaches. The best beaches are in the south.
Where are the best beaches for watersports?
The best beaches for watersports are the cosmopolitan south-coast resorts of Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari, where well-equipped clubs offer the full range of activities. Avis Beach near Kamari is the top windsurfing spot, while Perissa and Perivolos are the main bases for jet skis and the high-energy rides.
The action is centred on Santorini’s lively southern beaches. The long, dark strands of Perissa, neighbouring Perivolos and, on the other side of Mesa Vouno, Kamari are the island’s watersports hubs, with several established clubs lining the sand offering the full menu of activities. Kamari Beach Watersports, on the north side of Kamari, runs jet skis, tubes and banana rides with qualified staff, while the clubs at Perissa and Perivolos are the main bases for jet skis and the faster rides. For windsurfing, the Nemely centre on Avis Beach near Kamari is considered the most professional, with lessons for beginners and gear for the experienced. These resort beaches combine the watersports with sunbeds, tavernas and a buzzy atmosphere, set out alongside the guides to Perissa and Kamari. The jet-ski safaris are a highlight.
What is a jet-ski safari?
A jet-ski safari is a guided tour by jet ski along the south coast, typically from Perissa or Perivolos to the White and Red beaches, the volcanic islands and the caldera, lasting around 90 minutes to over two hours. It combines the thrill of the ride with reaching dramatic spots otherwise hard to see.
The jet-ski safari is the standout watersports adventure. Setting off from Perissa or Perivolos, a guide leads you on a jet ski along Santorini’s striking south and west coastline to highlights such as the boat-only White Beach, the famous Red Beach, the Indian Rock formation, the volcanic islets and the edge of the caldera, places that are hard to reach and spectacular from the water. The tours typically last around 90 minutes to over two hours depending on the route, mixing the exhilaration of riding the jet ski with the chance to swim and take in scenery few see up close. It is an unforgettable way to combine speed and sightseeing, set out alongside the guides to White Beach and the caldera. A few tips help.
What tips help for watersports?
The tips are to book popular activities like jet-ski safaris ahead in summer, go in the calmer morning before the afternoon wind, wear sun protection and a rash guard, and check that the club is reputable with qualified staff. Prices vary, so compare, and note jet skis often have a minimum age.
A little planning makes watersports safe and enjoyable. Popular guided activities such as jet-ski safaris can fill up, so book ahead in the busy summer months, and aim for the morning when the sea is usually calmer, before the afternoon meltemi wind picks up and ruffles the surface, which especially affects windsurfing and the faster rides. Wear good sun protection and consider a rash guard, as you will be exposed on the water for some time, and bring water. Choose an established, reputable club with qualified, insured staff and well-maintained gear, and check any conditions, as jet skis and some activities have minimum ages or require an adult. Compare prices between the clubs, which vary by activity and duration, set out alongside the guides to snorkeling and the best time to visit. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What watersports can you do in Santorini?
In Santorini you can do jet ski rental and safaris, windsurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, banana and tube rides, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and flyboarding. Most are based at the organised south-coast beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari, catering to all ages and abilities.
Where are the best watersports in Santorini?
The best watersports are at the cosmopolitan south-coast resorts of Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari, where well-equipped clubs offer the full range. Avis Beach near Kamari is the top windsurfing spot, while Perissa and Perivolos are the main bases for jet skis and the high-energy rides.
What is a Santorini jet-ski safari?
A jet-ski safari is a guided tour by jet ski along the south coast, typically from Perissa or Perivolos to the White and Red beaches, the volcanic islands and the caldera, lasting around 90 minutes to over two hours. It combines the thrill of the ride with reaching dramatic, hard-to-see spots.