Vacation nightmare unfolds as ferry passengers battle seasickness at island hot spot

Tourists hopping between Greece's islands on high-speed ferries are reporting rough rides and brutal bouts of seasickness along the way.

Across social media, travelers this summer have been opening up about stories of rocky crossings, ill passengers and crews handing out sickness bags.

Given all the reports, the ferry has been dubbed the "vomit comet," according to The Wall Street Journal.

ONCE-GLAMOROUS VACATION SPOT OVERRUN BY INFLUENCERS AND CROWDS: 'ALMOST UNBEARABLE' High-speed ferries are a popular choice for travelers looking to move quickly between Greece's islands, said Mina Agnos, founder and president of luxury travel company Travelive .

"We see most clients looking for the quickest point from A to B," she said.

But the journey can turn rough when wind and sea conditions deteriorate, Agnos said, particularly around the Cyclades , where seasonal Meltemi winds can churn up the Aegean.

Greece’s beaches, sunsets and rich history draw tourists in big numbers.

Tourism rose about 21% from January through May versus the same period in 2025, according to the Bank of Greece.

Santorini alone drew roughly 3.4 million visitors in 2023, according to Fraport Greece and Santorini’s Municipal Port Fund.

Yet the high-speed ferry rides can be stomach-churning for some tourists, according to a number of social media posts.

POPULAR VACATION HOT SPOTS SLAP LIMITS ON TOURIST RENTALS, DRIVING AND MORE TO PROTECT 'STUNNING' SPACES Some high-speed catamarans and speedboats in Greece reach speeds of between 40 and 50 knots, roughly 46 to 58 miles per hour, according to the company website.

On popular routes between Athens and the Cyclades, high-speed vessels can reduce travel times by roughly half compared to conventional slow ferries, Greek ferry companies say.

But that speed comes with pitfalls, The Wall Street Journal reported.

High-speed ferries can feel bumpier in rough weather, while choppy seas can increase the likelihood of motion sickness, according to booking operator Direct Ferries.