Mykonos sailing means gliding the Aegean on a catamaran or yacht day cruise to the islands of Delos and Rhenia or along the south beaches, swimming and snorkelling in turquoise bays, with a freshly cooked Greek meal and drinks served on board. This guide covers the cruise options, what is included, the costs and tips for a day at sea.
A sailing cruise is one of the most memorable experiences in the Mykonos travel guide, complementing the boat tours guide. The sections below cover it in full.
What is sailing in Mykonos like?
Sailing in Mykonos is a relaxed, scenic day on the Aegean aboard a catamaran or yacht, cruising to the islands of Delos and Rhenia or along the south coast, with stops to swim and snorkel in clear bays, a freshly cooked Greek meal and drinks on board, and a friendly crew. It is a highlight, blending sea, scenery and relaxation.
Sailing is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Mykonos, swapping the busy beaches and roads for a relaxed, scenic day on the beautiful Aegean. Most trips are aboard a comfortable sailing catamaran or yacht, often in small groups for an exclusive feel, gliding across the clear blue sea to explore the coastline and nearby islands at a leisurely pace. A typical cruise sails to the uninhabited islands of Rhenia and historic Delos, or along Mykonos’s southern beaches, stopping at sheltered turquoise bays to swim, snorkel and relax in spots you cannot easily reach by land. On board, a crew of captain, chef and host looks after you, with a freshly prepared Greek meal and drinks such as wine and beer served as you sail, and comfortable spaces to sunbathe or lounge. The combination of sailing, swimming, snorkelling, good food and stunning scenery makes for a magical, relaxing day and a real highlight of a Mykonos trip, set out alongside the guide to a Delos tour. There are several cruise options.
What sailing and cruise options are there in Mykonos?
Mykonos sailing options include small-group catamaran day cruises to Delos and Rhenia, half-day and sunset cruises, private yacht and catamaran charters, and trips along the south beaches. Day cruises with meals and drinks are the most popular, while private charters offer a tailored, exclusive experience for couples, families or groups.
There is a range of sailing experiences in Mykonos to suit different tastes, budgets and group sizes. The most popular is the shared small-group day cruise on a catamaran, typically a full or half day, sailing to the islands of Delos and Rhenia next door, with their secluded beaches and clear waters, or cruising the southern coast of Mykonos, with swimming and snorkelling stops and a meal included. Half-day morning or afternoon cruises suit those with less time, while sunset cruises offer a romantic evening sail with drinks as the sun goes down. For a more exclusive experience, private charters of a catamaran, sailing yacht or motor yacht let you design your own itinerary, choose your stops and enjoy the boat just with your own party, ideal for couples, families, groups, special occasions or bachelorette trips, with crewed options including a chef. Boats range from sleek modern catamarans like the Lagoon 42 to traditional sailing yachts. Choosing between a sociable group cruise and a private charter shapes your day at sea, set out alongside the guides to yacht charter and a sunset cruise. Knowing what is included helps.
What is included on a Mykonos sailing cruise?
A Mykonos sailing cruise typically includes the boat and crew, a freshly cooked Greek meal, drinks such as wine, beer and soft drinks, snorkelling equipment, towels and use of the boat’s facilities, with stops to swim and snorkel. Many group cruises also include hotel transfers. Check whether the meal, drinks and transfers are included when booking.
Knowing what a sailing cruise includes helps you choose the right trip and judge the value, as most are all-inclusive for the day. A typical group catamaran cruise includes the boat and a professional crew, usually a captain, a chef and a host or hostess, who handle the sailing and look after you throughout. Food is a highlight, with a freshly prepared Greek meal, often a three-course or multi-course lunch cooked on board from local ingredients, and drinks included, commonly wine, beer, soft drinks and water flowing through the day. Snorkelling gear is generally provided for the swimming stops, along with towels, and you have use of the boat’s shaded and sunbathing areas, toilet and sometimes water toys. Many shared cruises also include convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off transfers. On private charters, the inclusions depend on the package, so confirm whether a chef, meal, drinks and equipment are part of the deal. When booking, check exactly what is covered, especially the meal, drinks and transfers, so there are no surprises. This all-in format makes a cruise easy and great value, set out alongside the guide to things to do. The cost and tips are worth knowing.
What does Mykonos sailing cost and what tips help?
Mykonos group catamaran day cruises typically cost from around 100 to 180 euros per person including a meal and drinks, while private charters run from several hundred to thousands of euros a day. Book ahead in summer, choose a morning cruise for calmer seas, bring sun protection and a windbreaker, and check the meal, drinks and transfers are included.
Sailing in Mykonos is a moderate-to-premium experience, but the all-inclusive day makes it good value, especially for the memories. A shared small-group catamaran day cruise typically costs from around 100 to 180 euros per person, including the meal, drinks and snorkelling, with sunset and half-day cruises sometimes cheaper, while private charters of a catamaran or yacht range from several hundred euros to several thousand a day depending on the boat, season and crew, becoming better value when split among a group. Booking ahead is essential in the busy summer, as the best cruises and boats fill up. For the smoothest sailing, choose a morning departure, as the meltemi wind and seas tend to build through the afternoon, making mornings calmer, especially if you are prone to seasickness. Pack sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit and a towel, plus a light windbreaker for the breeze at sea, and bring any seasickness remedy if needed. Confirm the inclusions, the itinerary and the meeting point or transfer when booking. With a little planning, a sailing cruise is an unforgettable highlight, set out alongside the guides to when to visit and Mykonos on a budget. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
When is the best time for a Mykonos sailing cruise?
The best time for a Mykonos sailing cruise is the season of May to October, when the boats run and the sea is warm for swimming. Choose a morning cruise for calmer water, as the meltemi wind builds in the afternoon, or a sunset cruise for romance. June and September offer warm seas with fewer crowds than the July and August peak.
Timing your sailing cruise well improves both the comfort and the experience. Cruises operate during the warm season, roughly May to October, when the sea is warm enough for swimming and snorkelling at the stops and the weather is reliably sunny; outside this, the boats largely stop running. Within the day, the morning is often the best time to sail, especially for those prone to seasickness, as the sea tends to be calmest in the morning before the meltemi, the strong summer north wind, builds through the afternoon and creates choppier conditions, so a morning departure usually means smoother, more comfortable sailing and calmer swimming stops. Sunset cruises, sailing in the late afternoon and evening, trade some of that calm for a romantic golden-hour atmosphere with drinks as the sun goes down, ideal for couples. Across the season, June and September are a sweet spot, offering warm seas, sunny skies and the full range of cruises but with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices than the busy July and August peak, when booking ahead is essential. Choosing a calm morning sail in the season, or a sunset cruise for romance, gives the best day at sea, set out alongside the guide to when to visit. Knowing who cruises suit helps you choose.
Who is a Mykonos sailing cruise best for?
A Mykonos sailing cruise suits almost everyone: couples wanting a romantic day or sunset at sea, families with children who love swimming and the boat, groups and friends celebrating together, and anyone wanting to escape the crowds. Shared group cruises suit solo travellers and couples, while private charters suit families, groups and special occasions.
A sailing cruise is one of the most universally enjoyable experiences in Mykonos, working well for a wide range of travellers, so it is worth knowing which type fits you. Couples find cruises wonderfully romantic, especially a sunset sail or a private charter, with swimming, drinks and scenery to share away from the crowds. Families with children love them too, as kids enjoy the boat, the swimming and snorkelling stops in calm bays and the onboard meal, with the calmer morning and southern routes best for young ones. Groups of friends, and celebration groups such as bachelorette or birthday parties, find a cruise, particularly a private charter, a brilliant sociable way to spend a day together with music, swimming and food. Solo travellers and smaller parties suit the shared small-group cruises, which are sociable and good value and include the meal and drinks, while families, larger groups and those wanting privacy, a tailored itinerary or a special occasion are better served by a private charter of a catamaran or yacht. Whatever your group, a cruise offers a relaxing, scenic escape from the busy beaches and roads. Matching the cruise type to your party ensures a great day, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos for couples and a bachelorette. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mykonos sailing cruise like?
A Mykonos sailing cruise is a relaxed, scenic day on the Aegean aboard a catamaran or yacht, cruising to Delos and Rhenia or along the south coast, with stops to swim and snorkel in clear bays, a freshly cooked Greek meal and drinks on board, and a friendly crew. It is a highlight blending sea, scenery and relaxation.
How much does a sailing cruise cost in Mykonos?
Mykonos group catamaran day cruises typically cost from around 100 to 180 euros per person including a meal and drinks, while private yacht or catamaran charters run from several hundred to thousands of euros a day depending on the boat and season. Booking ahead in summer secures the best cruises and boats.
Where do Mykonos sailing cruises go?
Mykonos sailing cruises typically sail to the uninhabited islands of Delos and Rhenia, with their secluded beaches and clear waters, or along the southern coast of Mykonos, stopping at sheltered turquoise bays to swim and snorkel. Sunset cruises sail along the coast for the sunset, while private charters can follow a tailored route.