The best Mykonos boat tours range from cruises to the sacred island of Delos and uninhabited Rhenia to south-coast beach-hopping, sunset sails and private yacht charters. The sea is one of the finest ways to experience the island. This guide covers the tours, the Delos and Rhenia cruise, beach cruises, sunset sails, yacht charters, the costs and how to book.
Getting out on the water is a highlight of the Mykonos travel guide, from culture to swimming to glamour. The sections below cover the boat tours in full.
What boat tours are there in Mykonos?
Mykonos boat tours include cruises to the archaeological island of Delos and the uninhabited Rhenia for swimming, south-coast beach-hopping cruises, sunset sailing trips and private yacht charters. They range from shared group catamaran and sailing-yacht day trips to bespoke private charters, usually with swimming, lunch and drinks.
The sea is central to the Mykonos experience, and there is a boat tour for every taste. The classic is the cruise to Delos and neighbouring Rhenia, combining the famous ancient ruins with swimming in turquoise coves. Beyond that, group day cruises on catamarans and sailing yachts follow the coast, anchoring at beautiful bays for swimming and snorkeling, while sunset sailing trips offer cocktails on deck as the sun goes down. For glamour and privacy, private yacht, catamaran and gulet charters let you design your own day at sea. Most tours include swimming and snorkeling stops, lunch and drinks, and the choice ranges from affordable shared trips to luxurious private charters. Whichever you choose, seeing Mykonos and the surrounding Cyclades from the water is unforgettable, set within the wider Mykonos day trips. The Delos and Rhenia cruise is the most popular.
What is the Delos and Rhenia cruise?
The Delos and Rhenia cruise is the signature Mykonos boat tour, pairing a guided visit to the sacred archaeological island of Delos with swimming and snorkeling at the uninhabited island of Rhenia. Lasting around 6 to 7 hours, these cruises usually include a guide, lunch, snorkel gear and drinks, blending culture and a beach escape.
The most popular boat tour from Mykonos is the cruise that combines Delos and Rhenia, the perfect mix of history and relaxation. Delos, the tiny sacred island just across the water, is the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explored on a guided tour of its temples, mosaics and famous marble lions. The boat then sails to neighbouring Rhenia, four times the size of Delos and uninhabited, with four lonely sandy coves named Glyfada, Stena, Lia and Ambelia, in sheltered coves of emerald and turquoise water, where it anchors for swimming, snorkeling and a Mediterranean lunch on board. A typical cruise runs around six to seven hours, usually including a licensed guide for Delos, lunch, drinks and snorkel gear, with the Delos entry fee often extra. It is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a day on the island, set out alongside the guide to Delos. There are coastal cruises too.
What are the south-coast beach cruises?
South-coast beach cruises follow the sheltered southern shore of Mykonos, anchoring at beautiful bays and coves, some reachable only by boat, for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. Run on catamarans and sailing yachts, they usually include lunch and drinks and offer a relaxed way to escape the crowded beaches.
For a relaxed day of swimming and scenery, the south-coast beach cruises are ideal. These trips sail along the sheltered southern coast of Mykonos, which stays calm even when the meltemi wind blows, stopping at a series of beautiful bays and coves to swim, snorkel and soak up the sun. Some of the loveliest spots they reach are accessible only by boat, so you escape the crowds of the organised beaches and enjoy clear, quiet water. Run mostly on comfortable catamarans and sailing yachts, the cruises typically include a guide or crew, swimming and snorkeling gear, a Mediterranean lunch and drinks, making for an easy, sociable day. They suit families, couples and groups who want to combine beach time with a change of scene and the simple pleasure of being on the water, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos beaches. Sunset cruises are especially romantic.
What are sunset cruises?
Sunset cruises set out from the old port in the late afternoon for a few hours of sailing, swimming and cocktails on deck as the sun goes down over the Aegean. A romantic alternative to the crowded bars, they often include drinks and snacks and are popular with couples and honeymooners for the spectacular sea-level sunset.
Mykonos is famous for its sunsets, and watching one from the deck of a boat is one of the most romantic ways to experience it. Sunset cruises typically depart from the old port in the late afternoon, sailing along the coast for a few hours with time to swim in the warm evening sea and relax with a drink as the light softens. As the sun sinks into the Aegean, you watch it from the water, away from the crowds that pack Little Venice and the windmills on shore, often with cocktails, wine and Greek snacks served on board and music setting the mood. These trips run on catamarans, sailing yachts and traditional boats, from affordable shared cruises to private charters, and are especially popular with couples and honeymooners. A sunset sail makes a magical, memorable evening, set out alongside the guides to a Mykonos honeymoon and the best time to visit. Private charters offer the ultimate experience.
What about private yacht charters?
Private yacht charters let you hire a boat with crew for a tailor-made day at sea, cruising to Delos and Rhenia or hopping between the south-coast beaches at your own pace, with swimming, lunch and drinks. Ranging from modest motorboats to luxury yachts, they are perfect for couples, families, groups and special occasions.
For the ultimate Mykonos sea experience, a private charter puts a boat and crew at your disposal for a bespoke day on the water. You can design your own itinerary, sailing to Delos and Rhenia, exploring the hidden coves of the south coast, anchoring wherever you like to swim and snorkel, and lingering for sunset, all at your own pace and in privacy. Charters range widely, from small motorboats and traditional caïques for a relaxed half-day to sleek catamarans, sailing yachts and luxury motor yachts with a crew, food, drinks and water toys, matching the island’s glamorous reputation. They suit couples wanting romance, families seeking flexibility, groups of friends celebrating, and anyone marking a special occasion in style. Private charters cost more than shared tours but offer freedom, exclusivity and a taste of the Mykonos yacht lifestyle, set out alongside the guides to day trips and things to do. The cost varies widely.
How much do boat tours cost?
Shared Mykonos boat tours, such as a Delos and Rhenia cruise, typically start from around 80 to 130 euros per person including lunch, with sunset cruises a little less. Private yacht charters run from several hundred to many thousands of euros a day depending on the boat. The Delos site entry fee of around 20 euros is usually extra.
Boat-tour prices in Mykonos span a wide range depending on the type of trip and the boat. Shared group cruises are the most affordable: a full-day Delos and Rhenia cruise with a guide, lunch, drinks and snorkel gear typically starts from around 80 to 130 euros per person, while shorter south-coast and sunset cruises can be a little less. The Delos archaeological site entry fee, around 20 euros, is usually charged on top. Private charters cost far more, reflecting the exclusivity: a small motorboat for a half-day may run a few hundred euros, while a crewed luxury catamaran or motor yacht for the day ranges from around a thousand to many thousands of euros, plus fuel and extras. Splitting a private charter between a group brings the per-person cost down. Booking ahead in peak season secures both a place and a better price, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos on a budget. Timing and packing matter.
When should you go and what should you bring?
The best time for boat tours is from June to September, with the calmest seas in early September after the meltemi wind eases. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, a hat and a light layer for the breeze, and book ahead in peak season. On windy meltemi days, sailings may be rougher or cancelled, so allow flexibility.
Timing makes a real difference to a Mykonos boat trip. The season runs roughly from May to October, with the warmest sea and most reliable conditions from June to September, while early September is especially prized, as the strong meltemi wind that can churn the sea in midsummer usually calms down, leaving warm, gentle conditions. On windy meltemi days, particularly in July and August, boat tours can be choppy or even cancelled for safety, so it is wise to book your sea trip for early in your stay and keep a backup day. Pack swimwear and a towel, strong sun protection, a hat and sunglasses for the long hours in the sun, and a light layer for the breeze on the water and the cooler return after sunset. Reserve popular cruises and charters ahead in peak season, as they fill up, set out alongside the guides to the best time to visit and the beaches. Booking is simple.
How do you book a boat tour?
You book a Mykonos boat tour online in advance, through your hotel or villa, or at the agencies and kiosks around the old port, choosing between shared group cruises and private charters. Booking ahead is strongly advised in peak season, as the popular Delos, Rhenia and sunset cruises sell out.
Arranging a boat tour in Mykonos is easy, with several ways to book. The simplest is to reserve online in advance, browsing the shared cruises and private charters, comparing what each includes and securing your spot, which is strongly recommended for the popular Delos, Rhenia and sunset trips in July and August, as they sell out. Your hotel or villa concierge can also arrange tours and charters, often with transfers, and there are agencies and boat kiosks around the old port and Gialos waterfront in Chora where you can book in person, handy for a last-minute trip if availability allows. When booking, check exactly what is included, the guide, lunch, drinks, snorkel gear and whether the Delos entry fee is extra, the duration and the meeting point, and confirm the cancellation policy in case of bad weather. A little planning ensures a smooth, memorable day on the water, set out alongside the guide to a Mykonos itinerary. One more point is worth knowing.
Are boat tours suitable for families?
Many Mykonos boat tours suit families, especially the gentler south-coast cruises and Delos and Rhenia trips with swimming stops, which children enjoy. Choose calmer daytime cruises over party boats, check the duration and shade, and pick a calm-weather day, as the meltemi wind can make the sea choppy for young children.
Boat trips can be a highlight of a family holiday in Mykonos, provided you choose the right one. The gentle south-coast cruises, which anchor at beautiful coves for swimming and snorkeling, and the Delos and Rhenia trips, which combine the thrill of ancient ruins for older children with a long swim stop, are well suited to families, and children generally love being on the water. Opt for relaxed daytime catamaran or sailing cruises rather than the party-oriented boats, and check the trip’s duration, whether there is shade on board and whether lunch and facilities are family-friendly. The most important factor is the weather: on windy meltemi days the open sea can be choppy and uncomfortable for young children, so pick a calm day, ideally in the gentler shoulder season or early in the morning. A private charter gives the most flexibility for families wanting to set their own pace, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos with kids. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What boat tours can you take from Mykonos?
From Mykonos you can take cruises to the archaeological island of Delos and the uninhabited Rhenia for swimming, south-coast beach-hopping cruises, sunset sailing trips and private yacht charters. They range from shared group catamaran day trips to bespoke private charters, usually with swimming, lunch and drinks.
How much is a Delos and Rhenia cruise?
A shared full-day Delos and Rhenia cruise typically starts from around 80 to 130 euros per person, including a guide for Delos, lunch, drinks and snorkel gear, with the Delos site entry fee of around 20 euros usually extra. Private yacht charters cost far more, from several hundred euros a day.
When is the best time for a Mykonos boat tour?
The best time for a Mykonos boat tour is June to September, with the calmest seas in early September after the strong meltemi wind eases. On windy meltemi days in midsummer, sailings can be choppy or cancelled, so book your sea trip early in your stay and keep a flexible backup day.