Boat trips are one of the best things to do in Ios, opening up a beautiful coastline of hidden beaches. Sea caves and crystal-clear coves that are hard to reach by road. The most popular excursion is the seven-beaches cruise, which sails from Mylopotas to secluded southern shores such as Manganari. Tripiti, Kalamos and Plakes, with stops for swimming, snorkelling and lunch on board. Other trips reach the Koumbara caves and shipwreck snorkelling spots, while sunset cruises drift along the coast with swimming stops in quiet bays. Private charters and sailing yachts offer tailor-made days on the water, and some even cross to neighbouring Santorini.
This guide covers the best boat trips in Ios, from beach cruises and snorkelling to sunset sailing and private charters, and how to book them.
Here you will find everything about boat trips in Ios, Greece: the popular seven-beaches cruise, trips to Manganari and the hidden coves of the south. Snorkelling, sea caves and shipwrecks, relaxing sunset sailing cruises, private charters and yachts. Practical advice on where they depart from and how to book.
What boat trips can you take in Ios?
In Ios you can take beach cruises to secluded southern coves such as Manganari, the popular seven-beaches boat tour, snorkelling trips to sea caves and shipwrecks, relaxing sunset cruises, and private charters or sailing yachts.
Taking to the water is one of the finest things to do in Ios, whose beautiful coastline hides beaches, coves and sea caves that can only be reached by boat. A range of trips run through the summer season, from group beach cruises to private charters, catering to every taste and budget.
The most popular option is a day cruise along the coast to a string of secluded beaches in the south and west, with stops for swimming and snorkelling. Alongside these, sunset sailing trips, dedicated snorkelling excursions and private yacht charters offer different ways to enjoy the sea around the island.
Most boat trips depart from the main beach of Mylopotas or from the port of Gialos, and typically include swimming stops, snorkelling gear and a lunch or refreshments on board. The sections below cover the main types of boat trip in Ios and what each offers.
What is the seven-beaches boat tour in Ios?
The seven-beaches boat tour is the most popular boat trip in Ios, a full-day cruise from Mylopotas visiting secluded southern beaches such as Manganari, Tripiti, Kalamos, Plakes and Pikri Nero.
The signature boat trip in Ios is the seven-beaches cruise. A full-day excursion that sails from Mylopotas beach along the coast to a succession of beautiful, secluded beaches unreachable by road. It is the classic way to see the wild southern and western shores of the island in a single day.
The tour typically visits beaches and coves such as Manganari, Tripiti, Kalamos, Plakes, Pikri Nero. Pepa and Sapounochoma, stopping at several so passengers can swim and snorkel in the clear turquoise water. The exact beaches vary with the weather and conditions, but the day is built around swimming in idyllic, unspoilt spots.
A lunch is usually served on board, and the relaxed pace, with the boat anchoring in one gorgeous bay after another, makes this the highlight of visits to Ios. For anyone wanting to discover the island’s hidden coastline, the seven-beaches boat tour is the essential excursion.
Can you take a boat trip to Manganari in Ios?
Yes, you can take a boat trip to Manganari, the famous string of sandy coves in the south of Ios.
Manganari, in the sheltered south of Ios, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and reaching it by boat is a memorable experience in itself. While it can be reached by road, the scenic sail down the coast from Mylopotas or Gialos is a relaxed and picturesque way to arrive.
The boat trip glides past the island’s rugged, indented coastline, with its cliffs, rocky islets and hidden coves, before arriving at the calm. Sheltered bays of Manganari, whose crystal-clear turquoise water and soft sand make it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. Some trips combine Manganari with other nearby beaches.
A day trip by boat to Manganari suits those seeking a tranquil, idyllic beach day away from the busier northern shores, with the pleasure of the sea journey added. It is one of the most rewarding boat excursions on the island and shows off the finest scenery of the southern coast of Ios.
Where can you snorkel and see sea caves on Ios boat trips?
On Ios boat trips you can snorkel at clear coves, shipwrecks and rocky reefs, and visit the Koumbara sea caves near Chora.
The clear, clean waters around Ios are excellent for snorkelling, and many boat trips build in stops at coves and reefs teeming with marine life. Passengers can slip into the water at anchored spots to explore rocky seabeds, small fish and clear underwater scenery, with snorkelling gear usually provided on board.
Some excursions visit the sea caves near Koumbara, west of the port, and stop at snorkelling sites around shipwrecks and rocky outcrops where the water is especially clear. These add an element of exploration and adventure to a day on the water, popular with families and active travellers alike.
For keen snorkellers and divers, the island also has dedicated diving centres offering trips to underwater reefs and caves. Whether as part of a beach cruise or a specialist excursion, the underwater world is a rewarding side of the boat trips on offer around Ios.
What are sunset cruises like in Ios?
Sunset cruises in Ios are relaxed evening sailing trips that drift along the coast as the sun sets, usually with a stop in a quiet bay for a swim and drinks or snacks on board.
For a more relaxed and romantic experience, sunset cruises are among the most popular boat trips in Ios. These evening excursions set sail in the late afternoon and drift gently along the coastline as the sun sinks towards the horizon. Bathing the island and the sea in golden light.
Most sunset cruises include a stop at a secluded bay for a final swim and snorkel in the calm evening water. Along with drinks, snacks or a light meal served on board as the sky turns pink and gold. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful light make it a magical way to spend an evening.
Sunset sailing trips suit couples, families and anyone wanting a calmer alternative to a full beach cruise, and they pair perfectly with the island’s famous sunsets. Watching the sun go down from the deck of a boat, glass in hand, is one of the loveliest experiences on the water around Ios.
Can you charter a private boat or yacht in Ios?
Yes, you can charter a private boat or sailing yacht in Ios for a tailor-made day on the water.
For a more exclusive experience, operators on Ios offer private boat and yacht charters, giving you a whole vessel and often a skipper for the day. This allows a group, family or couple to design their own itinerary rather than following a fixed group tour, choosing which beaches and coves to visit.
A private charter can be tailored to your wishes, whether that means seeking out the quietest hidden beaches. Spending longer snorkelling, or enjoying a leisurely lunch at anchor in a beautiful bay. Some charters even sail across to the neighbouring islands of Sikinos or the spectacular caldera of Santorini for the day.
Ranging from small motorboats to elegant sailing yachts and catamarans, private charters suit those seeking privacy, flexibility and a touch of luxury. Though more expensive than a group trip, a private boat day is a memorable way to explore the coastline of Ios entirely on your own terms.
How do you book a boat trip in Ios?
You book a boat trip in Ios through local operators at Mylopotas and Gialos, your hotel, or online in advance. Trips run mainly from June to September, so booking ahead in peak season is wise.
Booking a boat trip in Ios is straightforward. Group cruises, sunset sailings and private charters are offered by local operators based at Mylopotas beach and the port of Gialos. Can be arranged through your hotel. At booking desks in Chora and the port, or online in advance, which is wise for the popular trips in high season.
The boat trip season runs mainly from June to September, when the weather and sea conditions are reliable, and departures are most frequent in July and August. Prices vary with the type and length of trip, with group cruises the most affordable and private charters the most expensive, and lunch is often included.
For a comfortable day on the water, take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and water, as the sun is strong at sea. Most trips provide snorkelling gear, shade and refreshments on board. A boat trip combines beautifully with the island’s beaches and is among the best things to do in Ios.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a boat trip in Ios cost?
The cost of a boat trip in Ios varies considerably depending on the type of excursion. Its length and whether it is a shared group tour or a private charter. There is an option to suit most budgets. The most affordable and popular choice is a shared group day cruise, such as the well-known seven-beaches tour from Mylopotas, which typically costs a moderate per-person price that usually includes stops for swimming and snorkelling. The use of snorkelling gear. Often a lunch or refreshments served on board, representing good value for a full day out on the water.
Sunset cruises, which are usually shorter evening trips of hours, tend to cost a little less than a full-day cruise and often include drinks or light snacks. At the other end of the scale, private boat and yacht charters, where you hire a whole vessel and often a skipper for the day, are considerably more expensive, with the price depending on the size and type of boat. The length of the charter and any extras such as lunch and drinks. These are best suited to groups or families who can share the cost, or to couples seeking a special, exclusive experience.
Prices across all types of trip are generally highest in the peak season of July and August, when demand is greatest. It is wise to book the popular group cruises and any private charter in advance during these months. Overall, from an affordable shared cruise to a luxury private yacht day. Boat trips in Ios cater to a wide range of budgets. Even the group tours offer excellent value for the beautiful coastline and hidden beaches they reveal.
Where do boat trips in Ios depart from?
Most boat trips in Ios depart from either the main beach of Mylopotas or the port of Gialos, the two principal hubs for excursions on the water. Both of which are easily reached by the island’s frequent local bus and by hire car or taxi. Mylopotas, the island’s busiest beach about two kilometres from the town of Chora, is the departure point for many of the popular group cruises. Including the seven-beaches tour that sails south along the coast to secluded beaches such as Manganari. It is home to watersports centres and operators offering boat tours, snorkelling trips and more. The port of Gialos, where the ferries arrive, is the other main departure point, used by cruises.
Private charters and sailing trips. Its harbour setting makes it a convenient starting place, especially for those staying near the port. Some private charters and sailing yachts can also arrange to pick up passengers from other points around the island by prior agreement. Because the two hubs are close together and both well connected to Chora by the regular bus, reaching your departure point is easy wherever you are staying on the compact island. When booking a boat trip, it is important to confirm the exact departure location and time, as well as what is included. To arrive a little early on the day so as not to miss the boat.
Whether you set off from the lively beach of Mylopotas or the harbour of Gialos. The trips quickly leave the busier north behind and head out along the beautiful, unspoilt coastline of Ios.
When is the best time for boat trips in Ios?
The best time for boat trips in Ios is during the main summer season, from June to September, when the weather is reliably warm and sunny. The sea is calm and warm for swimming and snorkelling. The full range of cruises, sunset sailings and private charters is operating with frequent departures. Within this period, July and August are the peak months, offering the hottest weather, the warmest sea and the widest choice of trips, though they are also the busiest. Booking the popular group cruises and any private charter in advance is strongly recommended during these weeks.
June and September are the sweet spot for boat trips, as the weather and sea are still excellent, the days are long and sunny. The trips run reliably. But with slightly fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for enjoying the coastline in comfort. In May and October, at the edges of the season, some boat trips still operate. The choice is more limited, the sea is cooler for swimming. And departures depend more on demand and weather conditions, so it is worth checking locally what is available. An important practical point is that boat trips are weather-dependent.
Strong summer winds, known as the meltemi, can occasionally cause trips to be rearranged or cancelled for safety, so it is wise to allow some flexibility in your plans, especially if there is a particular excursion you wish to take. Overall, for the best combination of reliable weather, warm calm seas and the fullest choice of trips. Aim to take your boat excursion in Ios between June and September. Ideally book ahead in the peak of summer.