A Mykonos yacht charter means hiring a catamaran, sailboat or luxury motor yacht, usually with a crew, to cruise the beautiful waters around Mykonos to Delos, Rhenia, Paros and Naxos, swimming in secluded coves in style. This guide covers the boat types, the costs, the itineraries, when to book, the crew and tips.
A yacht charter is the most luxurious way to explore the sea in the Mykonos travel guide, beyond the shared boat tours. The sections below cover it in full.
What is a Mykonos yacht charter?
A Mykonos yacht charter is the private hire of a boat, from a catamaran or sailboat to a luxury motor yacht or superyacht, usually with a crew, to cruise the waters around Mykonos. It lets you sail to Delos, Rhenia and nearby islands, swim in secluded coves and enjoy the sea in privacy and style.
A yacht charter is the ultimate way to experience the beautiful seas around Mykonos, offering a private, flexible and luxurious alternative to the shared boat tours. It means hiring your own boat, which can range from a sleek sailing catamaran or sailboat to a glamorous motor yacht or even a superyacht, almost always with a professional crew, for a day, several days or a week. With your own boat you can cruise the waters around Mykonos at your own pace, sailing to the sacred island of Delos, the pristine swimming coves of uninhabited Rhenia, and further afield to Paros, Naxos and other Cyclades, anchoring in secluded bays to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water far from the crowds. It is ideal for couples, families, groups of friends and special occasions wanting privacy, glamour and a bespoke experience on the water. Whether for a single day trip or a multi-day island-hopping voyage, a charter brings the freedom and luxury of your own yacht, set out alongside the guides to a sunset cruise and boat tours. The boat types vary widely.
What types of yachts can you charter?
You can charter several types of boat in Mykonos: sailing catamarans, prized for stability, space and sociability; sailboats for a classic sailing feel; motor yachts for speed, comfort and glamour; and large superyachts for the ultimate luxury. Catamarans are the most popular for relaxed day cruising and island hopping.
Mykonos charters cover a wide range of boats to suit different groups, budgets and styles, so you can pick the vessel that fits your trip. Sailing catamarans are among the most popular choices, prized for their exceptional stability, even in moderate wind, their generous deck areas, their excellent indoor-outdoor flow and their sociable layout, making them ideal for relaxed cruising, daytime island hopping and groups wanting to swim and lounge in comfort. Traditional sailboats offer a more classic, romantic sailing experience for those who love being under sail. Motor yachts provide speed, comfort and glamour, reaching further and faster with luxurious cabins and amenities, perfect for those wanting a high-end, fast cruise. At the top end, large motor yachts and superyachts deliver the ultimate in luxury, space and crew service for those seeking the most exclusive experience. From an affordable shared catamaran day to a private superyacht week, there is a charter for every group and budget, set out alongside the guide to Rhenia island. The cost reflects the choice.
How much does a Mykonos yacht charter cost?
Mykonos yacht charter costs vary widely by boat and length. A shared catamaran day cruise costs from around 100 to 200 euros per person, a private catamaran from around 400 euros a day, and a sailboat a little less. Luxury crewed yachts run from several thousand euros a day, plus VAT and extras.
The cost of a Mykonos yacht charter spans an enormous range depending on the type and size of boat, whether it is shared or private, and the length of the charter. At the accessible end, joining a shared day cruise on a catamaran costs from around 100 to 200 euros per person, an affordable way to enjoy a yacht-style day with others. Hiring a private sailing catamaran for a day costs from around 400 euros, with a private sailboat a little less, averaging around 300 euros a day, ideal for a group or family wanting their own boat. At the luxury end, crewed charters of larger catamarans and motor yachts run from several thousand euros a day, with charter rates starting from roughly 3,900 euros a day on a luxury catamaran, higher on a motor yacht, and well into five figures a day for the latest large yachts and superyachts, plus VAT and extras such as fuel and provisioning. Knowing the broad price bands helps you choose the right charter for your budget, set out alongside the guide to luxury hotels. Itineraries make the most of the sea.
Where can you cruise on a Mykonos charter?
On a Mykonos charter you can cruise to the sacred island of Delos, the pristine swimming coves of uninhabited Rhenia, and the rugged Mykonos coast, anchoring to swim and snorkel. Longer charters reach Paros, Naxos and other Cyclades, combining island hopping, history, beaches and secluded bays.
A charter opens up the beautiful waters and islands around Mykonos, with itineraries to suit a day or a longer voyage. The classic day cruise sails to the sacred archaeological island of Delos, often pausing to admire or visit its ancient ruins, and then to the uninhabited island of Rhenia, whose four pristine sandy coves of emerald and turquoise water are perfect for swimming and snorkelling away from the crowds, a highlight of any charter. You can also cruise the rugged Mykonos coastline and its beaches from the sea, anchoring in secluded bays for a private swim, and time the day to enjoy the sunset on the water. Longer charters of several days or a week can island-hop further into the Cyclades, reaching Paros, Naxos and beyond, combining history, beaches, villages and hidden coves at your own pace. The crew tailors the itinerary to your wishes and the wind. This freedom to roam the islands and coves is the great appeal of a charter, set out alongside the guides to a Delos tour and Mykonos to Paros. Booking ahead and a crew matter.
When should you book and do you need a crew?
Book your Mykonos charter well ahead, especially for peak July and August, when crewed catamarans need 3 to 5 months and larger yachts 5 to 9 months in advance. Most visitors choose a captained charter, as local skippers know the bays, winds and sheltered routes, making for a safer, more relaxing day.
Securing the right boat and a smooth experience comes down to booking early and usually taking a crew. Because demand is intense in the peak summer months, you should book your charter well in advance: crewed catamarans typically need around 3 to 5 months’ notice for July and August, mid-size motor yachts 4 to 7 months, and the largest yachts and superyachts 5 to 9 months ahead for prime peak weeks, so the earlier you book, the better your choice. As for crew, most visitors choose a captained or fully crewed charter rather than a bareboat hire, and for good reason: local skippers know the bays, the winds and the best sheltered routes, which is especially valuable on breezy days when the meltemi blows, and a crew handles the sailing, anchoring, safety and often catering, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the day. A crewed catamaran or yacht with a captain, and perhaps a host or chef, delivers a safe, effortless and luxurious experience. Booking early and choosing a crewed charter ensures the best day on the water, set out alongside the guides to when to visit and Mykonos weather. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
What is included on a crewed charter and who is it for?
A crewed Mykonos charter typically includes the boat, a captain and crew, fuel for a set itinerary, snorkelling gear and often food and drinks or a lunch, with hotel transfers on many day trips. It suits couples, families, groups and special occasions wanting a private, luxurious day or voyage at sea.
Knowing what a crewed charter includes, and who it suits, helps you decide if it is right for you. A crewed day charter or longer voyage typically provides the boat itself, a professional captain and, on larger vessels, crew such as a host or chef, along with fuel for an agreed itinerary, safety equipment and snorkelling gear, and frequently food and drinks or a prepared lunch on board, while many day trips also include convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off. Extras such as premium catering, special drinks or additional fuel for longer routes may be charged on top, and luxury yacht charters add VAT and a provisioning allowance, so it is worth confirming exactly what is included when booking. A charter is ideal for those wanting a private, flexible and luxurious experience on the water: couples seeking a romantic day or sunset, families wanting a safe, comfortable boat with the crew handling everything, groups of friends after a sociable cruise, and anyone celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon. Whether for a single glamorous day or a multi-day island-hopping adventure, a crewed charter delivers privacy, comfort and a tailor-made experience, set out alongside the guides to a Mykonos honeymoon and a sunset cruise. From a shared catamaran day cruise to a private superyacht voyage, a charter combines swimming in secluded coves, the history of Delos, the beaches and the sunset on the water with privacy, comfort and a tailor-made itinerary, which is why it remains the most memorable and luxurious way to experience the Aegean around Mykonos. It is the ultimate way to enjoy the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mykonos yacht charter cost?
Costs vary widely by boat and length. A shared catamaran day cruise costs from around 100 to 200 euros per person, a private catamaran from around 400 euros a day, and a sailboat a little less. Luxury crewed yachts run from several thousand euros a day, plus VAT and extras like fuel and provisioning.
Where can you cruise on a Mykonos yacht charter?
On a Mykonos charter you can cruise to the sacred island of Delos, the pristine swimming coves of uninhabited Rhenia, and the rugged Mykonos coast, anchoring to swim and snorkel. Longer charters reach Paros, Naxos and other Cyclades, combining island hopping, history, beaches and secluded bays.
When should you book a Mykonos yacht charter?
Book well ahead, especially for peak July and August, when crewed catamarans need 3 to 5 months and larger yachts 5 to 9 months in advance. Most visitors choose a captained charter, as local skippers know the bays, winds and sheltered routes, making for a safer, more relaxing day on the water.