Do the ferries usually run on time in July? I have seen postings where they are often delayed. Is this due to weather which won't be an issue in July? I am wondering about making connections. Thanks

What country, region, ocean or sea?

The Greek Islands. The Blue Star and the Hellenic Seaway Lines.

Look you can never be sure with the winds in Greece during summer even in July BUT i live in Greece, go every summer to several greek islands and not once has a ship been cancelled on us due to wind. So i would say that it's pure luck!! But usually they run on time. (and when they're delayed it's not so much due to weather as to other factors).
The one connection that you must not loose is the flight back home. ;-)

The ferries are usually NOT cancelled in July. If they were, it would cause chaos in the second busiest month of the tourist season. No one can predict the weather four months in advance, but when Meltemi winds are strong, they sometimes cause the ferries to be cancelled for a day or two at a time.

How do you protect yourself from this? First, plan a couple days for Athens at the end of your trip so you don't miss your flight home if the worst happens. Second, keep an eye on the weather forecasts - hotel and taverna owners can usually tell you if bad weather is on the way. Third, book your tickets on the larger ferries whenever possible. Small passenger-only catamarans are the first to be cancelled. Fourth, enjoy your trip and try not to worry - most likely you won't be affected, but have a contingency plan just in case.

We have read that Santorini should be seen on a slow ferry, if possible, upon arrival. In order to see the approach to Santorini by boat we are thinking of going from Mykonos to Naxos on Hellenic Seaways arriving Naxos at 11 am and departing Naxos on Blue Star Ferries at 13:00 for Santorini. We could instead take a direct high speed ferry (with stops) on Hellenic Seaways from Mykonos to Santorini. I love the thought of having lunch in Naxos and approaching Santorini by a slower ferry but I want to be safe . We have 7 of us ranging form 60 to 3 yrs old during a very busy season. I know i am obsessing but does it make sense? Thank you all for all your help! We traveled to Italy 2 yrs ago with a one yr old and had some very stressful times on the trains. I wish I had discovered this site before that trip! the info here is amazing.

haleyjoy --
I don't think you'd make that suggestion if you had been to Greece and done the ferry thing before. In the busy season.With 7 people aged 3 to 60. All pulling/lugging/dragging luggage. Standing inside the craft while it takes forever to dock. Pushing through crowds down a loooong quay before you get to the nearest cafe/taverna.

Then, 30 minutes before the next ferry, that loong walk down the Naxos quay again. Waiting for all the trucks to go on, then the crowds of people etc etc. You CAN make the connection, but maybe your group would be cranky by then and Mr 3 would want a nap. Hmmm.

How are you leaving Naxos? By the reliable Blue Star ferry at 9:45 a.m. for Piraeus? Then that's a splendid time to get that view... who can tell from your photos that it was going instead of coming?

You are so right! Everything I have not thought of. We are flying out by plane to Athens so we will not see Santorini by boat, but the carriage and toddler, luggage, teens, older adults (I wish camera's)will appreciate your advise. I guess I should give it up and stay on high speed ferries?

TravelerJan makes some good points. You could also take one of the excursion boats that cruise around the caldera while on Santorini, giving you the chance to take all the photos you want. That way you can still take the highspeed from Mykonos, and fly back to Athens from Santorini.

Thanks for all your help!

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