Major ferry operators
SAOS Ferries
SAOS Ferries is a Greek shipping company founded in 1975 by residents of Samothraki, taking its name from a mountain on the island. Headquartered in Alexandroupoli in northeastern Greece, the company is currently active across the Dodecanese island chain. The fleet consists of the conventional ferries F/B Stavros and F/B Saonisos plus the high-speed HSF Zefyros, with a fast craft Nissos acquired in 2023.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1975 by residents of Samothraki Island
- Name origin
- From a mountain on Samothraki
- Headquarters
- Alexandroupoli, Greece
- Current service area
- Dodecanese islands
- Conventional fleet
- F/B Stavros, F/B Saonisos
- High-speed fleet
- HSF Zefyros, Nissos (acquired 2023)
- F/B Saonisos
- 341 passengers, 50 vehicles, built 1994
- F/B Stavros
- 587 passengers, 100 vehicles, built 2000
- Boarding
- 1 hour before departure (passengers and vehicles)
- Children under 5
- Free
- Children under 10
- 50% discount
- Free luggage
- Up to 2 pieces in the ship's garage; additional luggage must be registered
- E-tickets
- Available; PDF sent by email
- Pets
- Allowed in designated areas; up-to-date health booklet required
Official websitesaos.gr
Top SAOS Ferries routes on SimpleFerry
- Kalymnos → Leros → Leipsoi → Patmos → Arkioi → Agathonisi → Samos (Pythagoreio)
- Rhodes → Halki
- Rhodes → Symi → Tilos → Nisyros → Kos
Fleet and onboard experience
SAOS Ferries operates two conventional Ro-Pax vessels for passengers and vehicles plus high-speed craft for foot passengers. F/B Saonisos was built in 1994, carries 341 passengers and 50 vehicles, and serves Cycladic and Dodecanese routes. F/B Stavros, built in 2000, carries 587 passengers and 100 vehicles and operates in the Dodecanese. HSF Zefyros is a passenger-only fast ferry without a vehicle deck. Conventional ships offer indoor and outdoor seating areas, including airplane-type numbered seats. Lounges, an open-air deck and basic onboard catering provide a comfortable ride for short and medium crossings. Designated pet-friendly areas are available on board. Vessels are wheelchair accessible to varying degrees; passengers requiring assistance should arrange this in advance.
Booking, check-in and luggage on SimpleFerry
On SimpleFerry, SAOS Ferries tickets are bookable in real time with PDF e-ticket delivery sent by email. Both passengers and vehicles must be at the embarkation area at least one hour before departure. Each passenger may store up to two pieces of luggage in the ship's garage; additional luggage must be registered with the company. Unaccompanied vehicle transfers are not accepted on SAOS Ferries, every vehicle must travel with at least one passenger.
Pet policy
Pets are welcome aboard SAOS Ferries vessels in designated pet-friendly areas. Owners must carry an up-to-date health booklet for each pet and are responsible for the pet's care and hygiene throughout the journey.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at the port?
Both foot passengers and vehicle passengers must arrive at the embarkation area at least one hour before departure.
What is the luggage allowance?
Each passenger may store up to two pieces of luggage in the ship's garage. Additional luggage must be registered with the ferry company.
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes. Pets are welcome in designated pet-friendly areas, and an up-to-date health booklet is required.
What discounts apply for children?
Children under 5 travel free; children under 10 receive a 50% discount.
Can I send a vehicle without passengers?
No. Unaccompanied vehicle transfers are not accepted; each vehicle must travel with at least one passenger.
Book SAOS Ferries ferries
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