A small boat that shuttles along the south coast, the Mykonos water taxi links the beaches from Ornos and Platis Gialos to Paraga and Paradise, then Super Paradise, Agrari and finally Elia, the easiest way to beach-hop without a car. This guide covers the route, the fares, the timetable, where to catch it, the separate Sea Bus and practical tips.
The water taxi is a scenic, hassle-free way to explore the beaches in the Mykonos travel guide. The sections below cover it in full.
What is the Mykonos water taxi?
A fleet of small boats, originally fishing caiques, the Mykonos water taxi ferries beachgoers between the south-coast beaches in summer. It hops along the coast from Ornos and Platis Gialos to the famous beaches further east, letting you reach beaches that are otherwise hard to access and move between them easily by sea.
Among the island’s most useful and enjoyable forms of transport for beach lovers is the Mykonos water taxi. It consists of a fleet of small boats, many of them traditional fishing caiques converted for passengers, that run a shuttle service along the indented south coast through the summer months. Because several of the best southern beaches sit in their own coves separated by headlands, reaching them by road can mean long, winding drives or no direct route at all, while the water taxi simply skips along the coast from bay to bay. This makes it the simplest way to hop between the beaches, soak up the coastal scenery from the water, and avoid the island’s notorious parking shortages and traffic. For visitors without a car, and for anyone who wants to sample several beaches in a day, the water taxi is an essential and characterful service, set out alongside the guide to the beaches. Its route covers the key southern bays.
What route does the water taxi follow?
The main water taxi route runs along the south coast, linking Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga and Paradise, then Super Paradise, Agrari and finally Elia. The boats call at each beach in turn, so you can board at one and step off at any other, making it a continuous beach-hopping line connecting the most popular southern beaches of Mykonos.
The water taxi follows a clear, fixed route along the southern shore, calling at the string of beaches that line it. Starting in the west, it links Ornos and the central hub of Platis Gialos, then continues east to Paraga, the famous party beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise, the quieter cove of Agrari and the long beach of Elia, the furthest regular stop. The boats run back and forth along this line through the day, calling at each beach in turn, so you simply board at whichever beach you start from and hop off at the one you want, paying for the day. This connects beaches that are otherwise awkward to reach by road, especially Super Paradise and Agrari, and lets you string together a varied day, perhaps a calm morning at Platis Gialos, a lively lunch at Paradise and a relaxed afternoon at Elia, all by boat, set out alongside the guides to Platis Gialos and Super Paradise. The fares are simple.
How much does the water taxi cost?
The Mykonos water taxi typically uses an all-day beach pass costing around 20 euros, which lets you hop on and off between the beaches all day rather than buying single tickets. Prices vary slightly by operator and season, and payment is usually in cash, so carry euros for your day of beach-hopping.
The water taxi keeps its pricing simple and good value for a day of exploring. Rather than selling individual or one-way tickets for each short hop, the main service generally works on an all-day beach pass, costing in the region of 20 euros, which entitles you to ride the boats and hop on and off between the beaches as many times as you like throughout the day. This makes it economical if you plan to visit several beaches, effectively a hop-on, hop-off boat pass for the south coast. Exact prices vary a little between operators and from year to year, and shorter or private hires are priced differently, so check the current fare when you board. Payment is usually in cash, so it is wise to carry enough euros, as card facilities on the small boats cannot be relied upon. Given the convenience and the scenery, the day pass offers strong value compared with taxis or the stress of parking, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos on a budget. The timetable runs through the day.
What are the water taxi timetables?
The Mykonos water taxi runs through the summer season from roughly late May to mid-October, most reliably from June to September. The first boats usually set off from Ornos and Platis Gialos at about 10am, and the final return from the eastern beaches such as Elia leaves in the late afternoon or early evening, with sailings every 20 to 30 minutes.
The water taxi operates on a seasonal, daytime schedule geared to beach days. The service runs through the warmer months, beginning around late May and continuing to about mid-October, with the most frequent and reliable sailings during the peak from June to September; outside these months it may not run at all. On a typical day the first boats set off from the western beaches of Ornos and Platis Gialos at around 10am, then shuttle back and forth along the coast roughly every 20 to 30 minutes, with the last return boats from the eastern beaches such as Elia leaving in the late afternoon or early evening, so you should check the time of the final sailing to avoid being stranded. Because the boats are small and weather-dependent, strong meltemi winds can disrupt or suspend the service on rough days, so it is worth confirming sailings locally. Planning around the first and last boats lets you make the most of a beach-hopping day, set out alongside the guide to when to visit. There is a separate Sea Bus service.
How is the water taxi different from the Sea Bus?
The water taxi hops between the south-coast beaches, while the Sea Bus is a separate shuttle that links the cruise New Port at Tourlos with the Old Port by Mykonos Town. The Sea Bus runs every 30 minutes for an 8-minute trip and costs about 2 euros, serving arriving passengers rather than beach-hoppers.
Visitors sometimes confuse the two boat services, but they do quite different jobs. The water taxi, described here, is the beach-hopping service that shuttles along the south coast between Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia, aimed at beachgoers exploring the coves. The Sea Bus, by contrast, is a short ferry shuttle that connects the cruise New Port at Tourlos, where the big ships dock, with the Old Port right beside Mykonos Town, sparing arriving cruise and ferry passengers the awkward walk or taxi into town. The Sea Bus runs frequently, about every 30 minutes, takes only around 8 minutes, and costs roughly 2 euros, operating as a practical transfer rather than a sightseeing or beach service. So if you are beach-hopping you want the south-coast water taxi, while if you are arriving by cruise ship at Tourlos you want the Sea Bus into town, set out alongside the guides to the cruise port and getting to Mykonos. Knowing where to board the water taxi helps.
Where do you catch the water taxi?
The most reliable place to catch the Mykonos water taxi is Platis Gialos, which has a permanent concrete dock and easy bus access from Mykonos Town. You can also board at Ornos and at the other beaches along the route, simply waiting at the shore or small jetty for the next passing boat.
Knowing where to pick up the water taxi makes a beach-hopping day run smoothly. The main and most dependable boarding point is Platis Gialos, which has the route’s only permanent concrete jetty, a regular and easy public bus connection from Mykonos Town, and frequent boats, making it the natural starting hub for most visitors. From the town you can take the inexpensive KTEL bus to Platis Gialos and step straight onto the water taxi there. You can also board at Ornos, the other western terminus with good bus links, and at each of the beaches along the line, where you simply wait at the shore or small jetty and flag down or board the next passing boat heading your way. Because the boats run a continuous shuttle, you rarely wait long during the busy hours. Starting from Platis Gialos or Ornos gives the most reliable connection, set out alongside the guides to Ornos Beach and Mykonos Town. There is also a private option.
Can you hire a private water taxi?
Yes, you can hire a private water taxi or sea transfer in Mykonos, using a faster RIB or small boat to reach a specific beach, a secluded cove, a beach club or a neighbouring island on your own schedule. Private hires cost more than the shared beach pass but offer flexibility, comfort and direct service.
Alongside the shared beach-hopping service, private water taxis and sea-transfer operators offer a more flexible, premium option. These use faster, modern boats such as RIBs or small private craft and can take you directly to a chosen beach, a quiet cove off the regular route, a beach club for a booked table, or even on a short transfer towards neighbouring islands, all on a schedule you set rather than waiting for the shuttle. This suits groups, families, those heading to less-accessible spots, or anyone wanting privacy, comfort and a direct journey. Private hires naturally cost considerably more than the roughly 20-euro all-day shared pass, with prices depending on the boat, the distance and the duration, but split between a group they can be reasonable for the convenience. Booking ahead in peak season is wise. For most beach-hoppers the shared water taxi is ideal, while private hire is there when you need bespoke, direct sea transport, set out alongside the guide to boat tours. A few tips help you ride it well.
What are the best tips for using the water taxi?
Carry cash for the fare, check the time of the last return boat, and start early from Platis Gialos or Ornos to make the most of the day. Bring your beach essentials, be ready for the service to pause in strong winds, and use the boats to reach Super Paradise and Agrari, which are awkward by road.
A few practical tips make the water taxi work smoothly. Carry enough cash in euros, as the small boats rarely take cards, and confirm the current fare and especially the time of the last return sailing when you board, so you are not stranded at a far beach in the evening. Starting early from a reliable hub like Platis Gialos or Ornos, soon after the first boats around 10am, gives you the longest day and the best choice of beaches. Bring everything you need for the beach, including water, sun protection, a hat and a towel, since some stops have limited facilities. Keep your plans flexible, as strong meltemi winds can delay or suspend the service, and have a back-up such as a bus or taxi in mind. Above all, use the water taxi to reach the beaches that are hardest to access by road, particularly Super Paradise and Agrari, where the boat is by far the easiest way in. These small steps make for a relaxed, rewarding day, set out alongside the guide to Agrari Beach. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Mykonos water taxi?
The Mykonos water taxi typically uses an all-day beach pass costing around 20 euros, letting you hop on and off between the south-coast beaches all day rather than buying single tickets. Prices vary slightly by operator and season, and payment is usually in cash, so carry euros for your beach-hopping day.
What beaches does the water taxi go to?
The Mykonos water taxi runs along the south coast, linking Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga and Paradise, then Super Paradise, Agrari and finally Elia. The boats call at each beach in turn, so you can board at one and step off at any other, connecting the most popular and otherwise hard-to-reach southern beaches.
Is the water taxi the same as the Sea Bus?
No, the water taxi hops between the south-coast beaches, while the Sea Bus is a separate shuttle linking the cruise New Port at Tourlos with the Old Port by Mykonos Town. The Sea Bus runs every 30 minutes for an 8-minute trip and costs about 2 euros, serving arriving passengers rather than beach-hoppers.