A boat trip along Mykonos's south coast is the best way to see beaches you can't reach by road, swim in coves that have no sunbeds or crowds, and cover ground that would take all day by bus. Half-day trips run about 4 hours, full-day trips run 6-8 hours, and you'll typically visit 3-5 swimming spots including sea caves, hidden bays, and the famous south coast beaches seen from the water side.
In this guide
The south coast of Mykonos is where most of the island's famous beaches are -- Paradise, Super Paradise, Psarou, Elia, Agrari. By land, they're connected by a network of buses and taxis. By sea, they're connected by a coastline of turquoise water, rocky coves, and sea caves that most visitors never see. A boat trip shows you both the famous spots and the hidden ones.
What Types of Trips Are Available?
| Tour Type | Duration | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day shared tour | ~4 hours | 60-100 EUR per person | Budget-friendly, social |
| Full-day shared tour | ~6-8 hours | 100-180 EUR per person | Comprehensive, lunch included |
| Private RIB/speedboat | 4-8 hours | From 650 EUR total | Small groups, flexibility |
| Catamaran cruise | 5-7 hours | 80-150 EUR per person | Comfort, larger groups |
| Traditional wooden boat (kaiki) | 4-6 hours | Variable | Atmosphere, authenticity |
| Beach hopping by van | ~4 hours | 40-60 EUR per person | Land-based alternative |
Shared Tours (Best Value)
Group boat tours depart from Ornos Bay or Platis Gialos, typically in the morning. You'll share the boat with 10-20 other passengers. Most include swimming stops, snorkelling gear, and either a picnic lunch or a stop at a beach taverna. Full-day tours usually include lunch with wine or beer on board.
Private Charters
If you have a group of 4-8, a private charter starts to make financial sense. A private RIB or speedboat for a day costs from around 650 EUR, which split between six people is roughly 110 EUR each -- not much more than a shared full-day tour, but with complete flexibility over the route and timing.
Van Tours
Not a boat trip, but worth mentioning: GetYourGuide and other operators run beach-hopping tours by van that cover 3-4 south coast beaches in about 4 hours. Cheaper than a boat (40-60 EUR), and you actually spend time on the beaches rather than swimming off the boat. A different experience, but a good one.
Where Do You Go?
A typical south coast boat trip covers some combination of:
Beaches
- Psarou -- The luxury beach, seen from the water. You'll pass it or stop for a swim.
- Paradise Beach -- The famous party beach, often a stop on full-day tours.
- Super Paradise -- Just east of Paradise, with dramatic cliffs.
- Elia -- The longest beach on the island, with calm water and a wide sandy bay.
- Agrari -- A quieter cove between Elia and Super Paradise, accessible mainly by boat or foot.
Coves and Sea Caves
- Tragonisi -- A small island off the southeast coast with sea caves and excellent snorkelling. Not accessible by land. This is often the highlight of a full-day trip.
- Hidden coves -- The coastline between the named beaches has dozens of small, unnamed coves where the boat can anchor for a swim. The water in these spots is often clearer than at the beaches because there's no sand being disturbed.
Island Stops
Some full-day tours extend to Rhenia (the uninhabited island next to Delos) for swimming, or even include a stop at Delos for a quick tour of the archaeological site (Delos entry not included in the boat tour price -- it's 20 EUR extra).
What's Included?
This varies by operator. Always check before booking.
| Typically Included | Sometimes Included | Rarely Included |
|---|---|---|
| Boat and crew | Lunch (full-day tours) | Delos entry fee |
| Swimming stops | Beer and wine | Sunbed rental at beaches |
| Snorkelling gear | Picnic on board | Water sports equipment |
| Beach towels (some operators) | Soft drinks |
The picnic lunch situation varies widely. Some tours provide a full spread with wine; others hand you a bag of crisps. Read the reviews carefully and check what "lunch included" actually means for your specific tour.
When Should You Go?
Morning departures (09:00-10:00) are standard. The sea is calmest in the morning, the beaches are less crowded, and you're back in time for a late afternoon/evening in town.
Sunset cruises are available but cover the west coast (Little Venice, windmills) rather than the south coast beaches. Different trip, different experience.
May-June and September -- Best conditions. Warm water, calm seas, fewer boats at the swimming spots.
July-August -- Hottest and busiest. More boats on the water, more people at every stop. The Meltemi wind can disrupt schedules -- if the wind is strong from the north, the south coast stays relatively sheltered, but the open-water crossing to Tragonisi might be cancelled.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Check the wind forecast. The Meltemi (north wind) can cancel or alter boat trips, especially for smaller vessels. Operators will contact you the morning of if conditions are bad.
- Bring sunscreen and reapply it. You're on the water for hours, and the reflection amplifies the UV. People underestimate how quickly they burn on a boat.
- Motion sickness is a factor. If you're prone to it, take medication before boarding. The south coast is relatively sheltered, but there can be swell, especially around the headlands.
- Ornos Bay is the most common departure point. It's about 3 km south of Mykonos Town. A bus or taxi gets you there in 10 minutes.
- Book at least a day in advance in summer. Popular tours sell out.
- Wear shoes you can get wet. You'll be wading to and from the boat at some stops.
- Bring cash. Some beach stops have tavernas where you might want to eat or drink, and not all accept cards.
Where to Book
- GetYourGuide and Viator -- The largest selection of shared and private tours. Filter by duration, price, and reviews.
- GetMyBoat -- For private charters. You can browse available boats, compare prices, and book directly with captains.
- Mykonos Boat Trips -- A local operator running full and half-day tours from Ornos Bay.
South coast boat trips depart from Ornos Bay. Half-day from 60 EUR, full-day from 100 EUR, private from 650 EUR. Swimming stops at beaches and sea caves, snorkelling at Tragonisi. Book through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.
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