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The Best Mykonos Boat Tours & Cruises

Greece › Mykonos › Boat Tours
Updated: February 24, 2026
By Santorini Dave

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Boat tours from Mykonos Town in Mykonos.

Many of the island’s best tours depart from the charming Mykonos Old Port. Boat tours are an awesome escape to the quiet coves of Rhenia, the ancient ruins of Delos, or the famous South Coast beaches.

How to Choose the Right Mykonos Boat Tour

  • Booking a boat tour is the single best way to escape the mid-day congestion of Mykonos Town and experience the island’s coastline as it was meant to be seen. Whether you are heading to the uninhabited “Blue Lagoon” of Rhenia or the famous beach clubs of the South Coast, the water clarity from a boat is the single biggest differentiator from staying on land.
  • Before booking, ask yourself: Do I care more about history (Delos), swimming (South Coast), or atmosphere (party/sunset)? Your answer should determine 100% of your choice. If you choose wrong, you will likely feel disappointed – even if the tour itself is excellent.
  • Strategic Timing: Choose weekday departures (Tuesday to Thursday) for slightly smaller groups. Shoulder season (May, early June, September) often provides calmer seas and a better overall experience than peak July or August.
  • Booking: If you are on a cruise, booking with the cruise line will typically cost you 10 to 15% more for a lower-quality experience. I prefer booking through GetYourGuide for the flexibility; their one-click online cancellation is much more reliable than hunting through old emails to find a local operator’s contact address if your plans change.

Quick Links: Best Mykonos Boat Tours

Delos and Rhenia private cruises from Mykonos.

A boat tour including Delos is a major highlight for history buffs, but it’s not for everyone. If your primary focus is swimming and relaxation, skip the ruins and choose a South Coast or Rhenia-only itinerary instead.

What to Know Before You Book

  • The Meltemi wind is the ultimate gatekeeper. If you see anything above 5 on the Beaufort scale, expect a reroute. Book early in your stay so you have the flexibility to reschedule.
  • Seasickness Warning: If winds are high, even stable catamarans can be rough. Take medication 30 to 60 minutes before departure and sit mid-boat rather than on the bow.
  • Transport is a major hurdle for cruise ship passengers. Taxis in high season can be hard to find. If arriving by cruise ship at the New Port, take the SeaBus (€2.50) to the Old Port to avoid the taxi mess. It runs every 30 minutes until roughly 11:00 PM in high season, which comfortably covers the return of most sunset cruises. Always build in a 60-minute buffer; boats (and cruise ships) will not wait for late arrivals.
  • Open Bar Realities: All-inclusive typically means local beer, house wine, and soft drinks. Cocktails are usually simple (gin and tonic, rum and coke). Craft cocktails and premium labels are rarely included and often require an extra fee.
  • On-Board Comfort: Catamarans offer more shade; traditional kaikis have limited covered seating. Seating is first-come, first-served on most group tours, so arrive early for the best spots. Most swim stops involve ladder access into deep water – not ideal for weak swimmers.
  • Practical Details: Most tours do not provide towels. Crucial tip: Bring a light windbreaker or sweatshirt. Even on hot days, the wind-chill on a moving boat or after sunset is cold when you’re damp. Always bring a change of clothes.

Mykonos Boat Tour Realities: Feedback From My Readers

I get tons of emails and comments every year from travelers who have taken Mykonos boat tours. This list is built from the direct, honest feedback my readers have shared over the years about the typical pros and cons, regrets, and happy surprises. (The things they wish they knew before booking and taking the tour.)

  • Pro: Accessing Rhenia is the primary win; the water clarity consistently exceeds anything directly accessible on Mykonos.
  • Con: You are on a strict schedule. Swim stops are typically 45 to 60 minutes and are not open-ended.
  • Regret: Not realizing that Delos requires a separate archaeological site ticket (about €20) and involves 1 to 2 hours of walking on uneven stone with zero shade.
  • Regret: Booking a “fun” or “lively” cruise without realizing music is loud and constant. Some boats lean heavily toward partying. Read the details.
  • Regret: Spending 3 plus hours “underway” (meaning the time the boat is actually moving between stops). If swimming is your priority, note how much time is spent at anchor versus sailing.
  • Happy Surprise: The South Coast tours provide a much better swimming day in protected, calm coves.
  • Happy Surprise: The crews are friendly and willing photographers. Morning tours provide the best water clarity for photos.
  • Happy Surprise: The unexpected quality of the local wine and “meze” (appetizers) served on the smaller, non-party boats, which many readers find far better than typical tour food.

Private Boat Tours

Mykonos private boat charter to beaches and swimming.

Small Group Boat Tours

Mykonos small group boat tour to beaches and swimming.

Itinerary Breakdowns

  • Delos and Rhenia (6-7 Hours): Expect roughly 90 minutes of total sailing, 1.5 to 2 hours at the Delos ruins, and 1.5 to 2 hours for lunch and swimming. The Delos visit is structured; you cannot wander indefinitely as the boat operates on a fixed return schedule.
  • South Coast (5-6 Hours): Consists of multiple short hops (15 to 25 minutes each) with 2 to 3 swim stops. Better for those who dislike long stretches of continuous sailing.
  • Sunset Cruise (2.5-3 Hours): Primarily focused on views of Little Venice and the windmills. Swim time is limited or non-existent.

Mykonos Boat Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

  • How far in advance should I book? For the peak months of July and August, you should book at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. For private charters, 2 months out is safer. If you are arriving on a cruise ship, book as early as possible; competition is fierce for the few boat tours that align perfectly with your time in port. While last-minute spots occasionally open up due to cancellations, the highest-rated catamarans sell out fast.
  • What happens if the weather is bad? If the captain cancels the tour due to high winds (typically above 6 or 7 on the Beaufort scale), you will be offered a full refund or a rescheduled date. If the wind is moderate, the tour will likely be rerouted to the protected South Coast instead of Delos and Rhenia.
  • Do I need my passport for the boat tour? Yes. Greek Port Authorities require a valid ID or passport number for every passenger on a boat manifest. Many operators will ask for this at the time of booking or check-in.
  • How much does the Mykonos SeaBus cost? In 2026, the SeaBus is €2.50 per person each way. It is the most reliable way for cruise passengers to get from the New Port (Tourlos) to the boat tour departures at the Old Port, running every 30 minutes.
  • Which is the best month for a boat tour? September is the “insider’s choice.” The water is at its warmest, the crushing August crowds have thinned, and the Meltemi winds begin to die down. Late June is a close second.
  • Is food included in the price? Most 5-to-7-hour tours include a Mediterranean meal and local drinks. Shorter sunset cruises usually only include snacks and a welcome drink. Always check the specific “What’s Included” section of your booking to confirm.
  • Are boat tours child-friendly? South Coast and Rhenia cruises are great for kids who can swim, as they involve fun swim stops and water toys. Delos is difficult for small children due to the intense heat, lack of shade, and uneven terrain that make strollers impossible.
  • Can I bring my own alcohol? Most operators discourage this as they provide an open bar. If you have a specific high-end bottle you want for a private charter, always ask the captain in advance; some may charge a small corkage fee.
  • How much should I tip the crew? Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated if the service was excellent. A typical tip is 10 to 15% of the tour price, given to the captain to be shared among the crew.

Booking Directly vs. GetYourGuide: How to Decide

One of the most frequent questions I get is whether to book a boat tour directly with the local operator or use a large aggregator like GetYourGuide. While there isn’t a single “right” answer, the choice usually comes down to whether you prioritize flexibility or the absolute lowest price.

  • GetYourGuide: The Cancellation Shield. The single biggest reason to use GetYourGuide is their 24-hour cancellation policy. Most tours on their platform allow for a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your departure. This is a massive safety net in Mykonos, where plans often shift due to flight delays, ferry changes, or just a change of heart. Many local operators have far more restrictive “no refund” policies or may only offer a credit for a future tour if you book directly through their own website.
  • Booking Directly: The “Support Local” Discount. Aggregators like GetYourGuide typically take a 20% to 30% commission from the tour provider. Because of this, some local companies will offer a slightly lower price – usually 10% to 15% off – if you book with them directly. If you are a large group of 8 to 10 people, this savings can add up to the price of a nice dinner in Mykonos Town. Additionally, booking direct ensures that every dollar goes straight to the crew and the captain rather than a corporate headquarters.
  • The Logistics Gap. GetYourGuide is significantly easier for mobile bookings. You get instant confirmation, an app that stores all your tickets in one place, and the ability to pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay without entering your credit card details on an unverified local site. Local operators often have clunky websites or may require you to communicate back and forth via WhatsApp or email to confirm a slot. However, this direct line of communication can be helpful if you have specific dietary needs or want to customize a private itinerary.
  • Reliability and Reality Checks. If a tour is canceled due to bad weather (which happens often in Mykonos), GetYourGuide’s refund process is generally automatic and highly reliable. Conversely, getting a refund from a small local agency can sometimes involve chasing them down via email for weeks. However, booking directly can give you a more accurate “on-the-ground” feel of the day’s weather, as you are talking directly to the people who own the boats.

Final Verdict: When to Use Which

  • Use GetYourGuide if: You aren’t 100% sure of your plans, you want the security of a 24-hour cancellation window, or you are booking a standard “Small Group” catamaran tour.
  • Book Directly if: You are booking a Private Charter, you want the absolute lowest price possible, or you have highly specific requests that require talking directly to the captain.

Full Disclosure: My links to Get Your Guide are affiliate links meaning I get a small (very small) percentage of the booking fee if you book through that link. It does not change the price you pay in any way.

Special Considerations for Cruise Passengers

If you are arriving in Mykonos on a cruise ship, a boat tour is the ultimate “double-edged sword.” It offers the best escape from the thousands of other passengers flooding the narrow streets of Mykonos Town, but it also comes with the highest logistical stakes. If you miss your tour departure, you lose your money; if you miss your ship’s departure, you’re stranded in the Cyclades.

  • The Docking vs. Tendering Lottery. In 2026, Mykonos only has room for one large cruise ship to dock at a time at the New Port (Tourlos). Every other ship must anchor in the bay and tender passengers to shore via smaller lifeboats. If you dock, you must take the SeaBus (€2.50) to the Old Port to reach most departures. Allow at least 45 minutes for this. If you tender, you are often dropped off directly at the Old Port, just steps from the meeting points. Strategic Tip: Check CruiseMapper 24 hours before arrival; if you see 3+ ships in port, you are almost certainly tendering.
  • The “First Off” Battle. Cruise lines prioritize their own shore excursions for the first tender boats. If you book an independent tour, you may not get on a tender until 60 to 90 minutes after the ship arrives. Regret: Do not book a tour departing at 9:00 AM if your ship docks at 8:00 AM. Aim for a departure at least 2 hours after your scheduled arrival.
  • The Return Leg Risk. The most common anxiety is the return time. While a tour might be scheduled for 3:30 PM for a 5:00 PM “All Aboard,” the Meltemi winds can slow down a sailing vessel significantly. If the winds are high (Beaufort 5+), your boat will take longer to return. Communicate your “All Aboard” time clearly to the captain the moment you step on deck; local captains are very “ship-aware.”
  • Challenges and Rewards. The primary challenge is transportation. Taxis are nonexistent at the cruise port during peak hours. If you miss the SeaBus, your only option is the public bus or a long, dusty 45-minute walk. However, the reward is massive: while 8,000 people fight for a photo in Little Venice, you will be swimming in the silent, turquoise coves of Rhenia.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.