Fishing trips in Santorini run from March to November, the traditional Vlychada trip April to October. Tuna are the offshore target from May to September, swordfish June to September and grouper April to October; sea bass, barracuda and sea bream are caught without a fixed month. Private charters start at €700 per boat, the traditional trip €160 per person.
Season
What the months bring
Windows, not promises: the sea decides the day. Our trips run March to November, daily, weather permitting.
| Species | Months |
|---|---|
| Tuna, including bluefinthe target of the deep-sea tuna charter | May–Septembermain offshore target; the tuna charter runs May to September |
| Swordfish | June–September |
| Grouper | April–October |
| Calamari and squid | October–Marchwithin our season mainly October |
Caught through the season without a fixed month: sea bass, barracuda, sea bream. These are the fish of the reefs and drop-offs around the caldera, the usual catch on a private morning trip or the sunset trip.
Santorini is not a big-game destination. The island's reputation rests on the setting, the swim stops and the lunch cooked from the catch, not on trophy fish. We tell you what the month allows before you book, and we promise the day rather than the fish.
You keep what you catch. The crew cook it on board when time allows; otherwise a taverna at the port will cook it for you for a small charge. Bluefin tuna are released unless the captain's permit allows a catch that day; other species are yours to keep.
Techniques
How we fish
Trolling
Lures or baits drawn behind the moving boat along the drop-offs and offshore. The captain sets the spread and the speed; you take the rod when a fish hits. The main method on our private trips and the tuna charter.
Jigging
Working a weighted lure up and down over reefs and structure while the boat holds position. Rods, reels and jigs are on board; the captain chooses them for the depth and the day.
Nets and hand lines
The island's traditional way. On the semi-private trip the nets are set early in the day and lifted with the boat's winch while guests help at the rail; lines and rods are on board for the stops.
Where trips leave
The three harbours
We meet at the quay in Ammoudi Bay, or at Fira old port by arrangement; the traditional trip leaves from Vlychada fishing shelter. The exact spot and the boat's name are sent by email the day before, and on WhatsApp if you gave us a number. Transfers to and from the port are not included. Our transfer partner SantoriniTaxi.com can arrange them.
Ammoudi Bay
The small fishing harbour at the foot of Oia, where our private trips depart. It is reached by the stepped footpath down from Oia, a steep walk of several hundred steps with a return climb, or by the road that winds down to the bay; taxis can drop at the bay.
Fira old port
Known locally as Gialos, the old harbour below Fira's cliff, used for private trips by arrangement. Reached by the cable car, on foot down the stepped path or by the donkey path; there is no road access.
Vlychada fishing shelter
The small fishing harbour on the south coast, beside the beach, where the traditional wooden boat departs. About 25 minutes from Fira by road.
Words you will hear
A short glossary
- Caldera
- The flooded volcanic crater that forms Santorini's western bay, ringed by the cliffs of Fira, Imerovigli and Oia. Most private trips fish and swim along it.
- Kaiki
- A traditional Greek wooden fishing boat. Our semi-private trip runs on a 12 m kaiki with a net winch.
- The Kameni islands and the hot springs
- The volcanic islands in the middle of the caldera; warm springs where volcanic water mixes with the sea are a swim stop on both the private and the traditional trips.
- Thirasia
- The island across the caldera from Oia, with Tripiti Cape and the Heart Rock; the first stop on the private morning and sunset trips.
Questions about fishing in Santorini
What fish can you catch in Santorini?
Tuna, including bluefin, offshore in season; swordfish in summer; grouper on the reefs; calamari and squid from October; and, without a fixed month, sea bass, barracuda and sea bream. Expect a mixed bag of reef fish on most days rather than trophies.
Which month is best for fishing in Santorini?
We publish windows, not a best month: tuna May to September, swordfish June to September, grouper April to October, calamari from October. Private trips run March to November, the traditional trip April to October.
Do you run trips in March, April, October and November?
Yes, daily, weather permitting: private charters run March to November and the traditional Vlychada trip April to October. The shoulder months are the quietest; October adds calamari and squid to the mix.
I have never fished before. Any advice?
Come for the day, not the fish. Everything is provided, the captain chooses the rods and shows you the technique, and the swim stops carry the day when the fish do not.
Can I fish from the shore in Santorini?
We run boat trips only and do not advise on shore spots or shore rules; our guided trips leave from Ammoudi Bay, Fira old port and Vlychada.
Do I need a fishing licence on your boats?
No. You need no personal fishing permit; fishing is covered by the boat's professional licence.
Choose your trip
Private charters from €700 per boat, the traditional trip at €160 per person.