The Best Mykonos Boat Tours & Cruises

Greece › Mykonos › Boat Tours
Updated: August 7, 2026
By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Beaches in Mykonos
• Where to Stay in Mykonos

Many of the best Mykonos boat tours depart from the Old Port or nearby marinas and visit the clear water around Rhenia, the ruins of Delos, or the beaches of the south coast.

If you are spending three or more days in Mykonos, I strongly recommend taking one boat tour. It is the easiest way to escape the traffic, crowded beach roads, and packed lanes of Mykonos Town, and some of the island’s best swimming is only accessible from the water. Rhenia alone is worth the trip.

Which Mykonos Boat Tour Is Right for You?

• Best first boat tour: Choose a Delos and Rhenia cruise for a mix of history, scenery, lunch, and swimming.
• Best swimming: Choose Rhenia. The water is exceptionally clear, the island is uninhabited, and there are no beach clubs or roads.
• Best for families: Choose a South Coast cruise with several swimming stops and no long archaeological visit.
• Best for couples: Choose a small-group catamaran or sunset cruise. Check how much swimming time is included before booking.
• Best for groups: Compare the cost of a private charter before buying individual tickets. Private boats become good value once a group reaches about six people.
• Best for history: Choose Delos, preferably with a guide. Do not choose it if you want a lazy day of swimming.
• Best social cruise: Choose a sunset or party cruise with music and drinks. Avoid these if you want a quiet day on the water.

How to Choose the Right Mykonos Boat Tour

• Choose according to your main priority. Delos is for archaeology, Rhenia is for clear water, the South Coast is for beaches, and sunset cruises are for views, drinks, and atmosphere.
• Book the tour early in your stay. The Meltemi wind can make routes rough, force itinerary changes, or cancel departures, especially in July and August. An early booking gives you time to reschedule.
• Check the departure point. Tours can leave from the Old Port, New Port in Tourlos, Ornos, or another marina. Confirm the meeting point before booking transportation.
• Read the itinerary, not just the tour name. Look for the number of swim stops, time at anchor, boat capacity, shade, meal details, and whether Delos admission is included.
• Cruise passengers need a large time buffer. Independent tours are frequently better value than cruise-line excursions, but the tour must fit comfortably between your arrival and all-aboard times.

What Readers Say About Mykonos Boat Tours

These are the comments I hear most from readers after their trips.

• What people love most: The water around Rhenia is clearer and less crowded than the beaches on Mykonos.
• What surprises people: Group-tour swim stops are timed. The boat leaves when the schedule says it leaves, even when everyone wants to stay longer.
• Most common mistake: Booking Delos without realizing that it means walking over uneven ruins in strong sun with very little shade.
• Another common mistake: Choosing a lively cruise without checking the music and atmosphere. Some boats are relaxed; others play loud music throughout the trip.
• What to check carefully: A six-hour tour does not mean six hours of swimming. Some itineraries spend a large portion of the day sailing between stops.
• Pleasant surprise: Food is frequently better than expected. A simple Greek meal, local wine, and a swim in clear water is the right formula for this type of trip.
• Best time of day: Morning departures have beautiful light and give you the rest of the afternoon and evening free.

Quick Links: Best Mykonos Boat Tours

Delos is a major highlight for history lovers, but it is not a relaxing swim stop. Choose Rhenia or the South Coast if swimming is your main priority.

• Best Small-Group Tour: Luxury Catamaran with Meals & Drinks
• Best Private Charter: 6-Hour Private Cruise with Food and Drinks
• Best for History and Swimming: Semi-Private Delos & Rhenia Cruise
• Best Sunset Cruise: South Coast Cruise – Lunch, Drinks, Swim & Sunset
• Best for Cruise Passengers Docking in Tourlos: Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise meets at the New Port, where many cruise ships dock.

What to Know Before Booking

• The wind matters. Strong Meltemi winds can create a rough ride, change the route, or cancel the tour. Captains may move a trip to the more protected south coast.
• Delos is an archaeological visit, not a swim stop. Expect uneven stone paths, strong sun, little shade, and substantial walking. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and proper shoes. Admission is separate unless the tour says it is included.
• Rhenia is the best choice for clear water. Choose it if you want a beautiful swimming day without roads, crowds, or beach clubs.
• South Coast cruises are best for beach scenery. They pass beaches such as Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia, with shorter sailing distances between stops.
• Even catamarans can feel rough. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before departure and sit near the middle of the boat rather than at the bow.
• Open bar rarely means premium drinks. Expect local wine, beer, soft drinks, and basic mixed drinks. Champagne and premium spirits cost extra when available.
• Bring a towel and a light layer. Not every boat supplies towels, and it can feel cool while sailing or after sunset.
• Boat comfort varies. Catamarans offer more deck space and stability. Traditional sailing boats have character but less space and shade. Ask about maximum passenger numbers if comfort matters.
• Many swim stops are in deep water. Weak swimmers and families with young children should confirm whether flotation devices or beach-entry stops are available.

Best Private Mykonos Boat Tours

• Private Charter Advice: Compare the total private price with the cost of individual tickets once your group reaches six people. A half-day charter means roughly four hours from departure to return, not four hours spent swimming.
• 6-Hour Private Cruise with Food and Drinks
  A private cruise for couples, families, and small groups who prefer a traditional wooden boat to a modern catamaran. The private format allows more control over the route and swimming stops.
• Private Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks
  If budget is not the main concern, this is the private charter I would choose. It combines a stable modern catamaran, a full Greek meal, drinks, good deck space, and plenty of swimming time. Best for groups of up to 12.
• Private South Coast Speedboat Cruise
  A fast three-hour tour of the south coast for groups who want beach scenery and swimming without giving up the entire day. The speedboat is fun and flexible but less comfortable than a catamaran in rough water.

Best Small-Group Mykonos Boat Tours

• Catamaran Cruise with 3-Course Meal and Transfers
  A polished catamaran experience with hotel transfers and a better meal than most group cruises. A good choice for couples who want comfort and do not mind paying more for it.
• Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Meals and Drinks
  My favorite all-around small-group cruise. The catamaran has good deck space, food and drinks are included, and the atmosphere is social without being a party boat.
• Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise
  A traditional monohull sailing trip that meets at the New Port in Tourlos. This is one of the most practical choices for travelers staying near the port and cruise passengers whose ship docks there.
• Delos and Rhenia Cruise with BBQ Meal
  A full-day combination of archaeology, sailing, swimming, and a generous meal. Choose it when you want the classic Delos and Rhenia itinerary and are happy with a structured day.
• South Coast Cruise – Lunch, Drinks, Swim & Sunset
  A relaxed evening cruise for couples who care more about sunset views and atmosphere than swimming. Do not book it as a substitute for a full daytime boat trip.
• Sunset Party Boat Cruise
  A social cruise with music and drinks for solo travelers, friends, and younger couples. It is not the right tour for families or anyone wanting a peaceful sunset.
• South Coast Cruise
  The simplest way to see many of Mykonos’ famous southern beaches without driving, parking, or committing to one beach club. Choose it for swimming and beach scenery rather than history.

Mykonos Boat Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

• How far in advance should I book? For July and August, book the best small-group cruises three to four weeks ahead when your dates are fixed. Reserve private charters one to two months ahead. Cruise passengers should book as soon as their port schedule is confirmed.
• What happens if the weather is bad? If the captain cancels for safety, you should receive a refund or an opportunity to reschedule. A tour may still operate in moderate wind but follow a different route. This is why I recommend booking early in your stay.
• Do I need my passport? Operators need passenger information for the boat manifest and may request a passport or identification number. You can frequently submit this before the tour, but follow the operator’s instructions about carrying physical identification.
• How do I travel between the New Port and Mykonos Town? The SeaBus is the easiest connection between Tourlos and the Old Port area. It is more dependable than hoping to find a taxi during busy port hours. Cruise shuttles, public buses, and private transfers are other options.
• Which is the best month for a Mykonos boat tour? September is my favorite. The sea is warm, the island is lively, and the largest summer crowds have thinned. Late June is also excellent. July and August bring the most departures but also more wind and crowds.
• Is food included? Most five-to-seven-hour cruises include a Mediterranean meal and local drinks. Short sunset cruises may include snacks, a light dinner, or one welcome drink. Check exactly what is included before booking.
• Are boat tours suitable for children? South Coast and Rhenia cruises are good for children comfortable swimming from a boat. Delos is more difficult with young children because of the heat, uneven paths, lack of shade, and poor stroller access.
• Can I bring my own alcohol? Group tours normally discourage outside alcohol because drinks are included. Private charters are more flexible, but ask before bringing anything on board.
• How much should I tip? Tipping is optional but appreciated for excellent service. A small cash tip per person is appropriate on a group tour. For a private charter, 10% is generous.

Mykonos Boat Tours for Cruise Passengers

Cruise ships either dock at the New Port in Tourlos or tender passengers to the Old Port beside Mykonos Town. Your arrival point makes a big difference when choosing a boat tour.

A boat tour is an excellent Mykonos shore excursion, but timing matters more than the specific itinerary. While other cruise passengers crowd Mykonos Town, you can be swimming near Rhenia or cruising the south coast. Leave enough time to get ashore, reach the departure point, complete the tour, and return to the ship without stress.

• Confirm whether your ship docks or tenders. Ships docking in Tourlos arrive at the New Port. Tender boats normally unload near the Old Port, close to Mykonos Town and many tour departures.
• Do not book a departure immediately after arrival. Cruise lines may give priority tender access to passengers on their own excursions. An 8:00 AM scheduled arrival does not guarantee you will be ashore in time for a 9:00 AM independent tour.
• Leave a large return buffer. A tour’s return time is not the same as being back on the ship. Allow time for port transportation, crowds, security, and the ship’s all-aboard deadline.
• A private charter offers more control. The captain can adapt the departure time, route, and return around your port schedule. It is more expensive but reduces several common logistical problems.
• Do not depend on finding a taxi. Taxis are limited and difficult to secure when several ships are in port. Use the SeaBus, a ship shuttle, a prearranged transfer, or a tour departing near your arrival point.
• Tourlos departures are best for docked ships. A tour leaving from the New Port removes the need to travel into Mykonos Town before departure.
• Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Meal
  This is one of the most practical choices for cruise passengers docking in Tourlos because it meets at the New Port. It combines traditional sailing, Delos, Rhenia, lunch, and swimming. Choose it for convenience and a classic sailing experience, not for the deck space and stability of a catamaran.