The boat trip industry in Mykonos ranges from excellent to exploitative, and distinguishing between them takes some attention. The island is surrounded by exceptional water, neighboring islands within reach, and beaches inaccessible by road. A good boat day is one of the best things you can do here. A bad one involves 40 strangers on a floating party bus, an open bar that runs out at noon, and a schedule that doesn’t actually get you to the places you wanted to see.
The Delos Route
The most substantive boat trip from Mykonos is the short crossing to Delos — 2.5 kilometers, 20 minutes by the official ferry, running several times daily from the old harbor in Chora. This is not a ‘boat trip’ in the organized-tour sense; it’s a ferry crossing that lands you on one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. See the dedicated Delos page for full details on how to visit it well.
North Coast Beach Runs
Several operators run daily boat services to the northern beaches — Agios Sostis, Fokos, and Panormos — which makes these normally difficult-to-reach beaches accessible without a car. The boats typically depart in the morning from the old harbor and return in the afternoon. This is a legitimate and practical option if you don’t have a rental car and want to reach the north coast beaches.
Check departure times and capacity in advance — these are smaller boats and they do fill. The journey takes 20–40 minutes depending on the route.
Private and Semi-Private Charters
For groups of 4 to 8 people, a half-day private or semi-private charter is significantly better value than a group tour and provides a fundamentally different experience. A decent skipper will take you to coves inaccessible from land, adjust the itinerary to the wind conditions, and stop long enough for proper swimming rather than the 20-minute stops typical of group tours.
Prices for semi-private charters (shared with one or two other small groups) run approximately €80–€120 per person for a half day. Full private charters vary widely — expect €400–€800 for a half-day depending on the boat and season. Book directly with operators based at the old harbor rather than through hotel desks, which typically add 20–30%.
Practical Tips
- The morning is the best time for boat trips — the sea is calmer, the light is better for swimming, and the meltemi, if it’s running, tends to build through the afternoon.
- Ask about the specific stops before booking any group tour. ‘North coast beaches’ covers a wide range of actual destinations.
- Bring more sun protection than you think you need — reflection off the water adds significantly to UV exposure.
- The Delos ferry is always worth the trip if the site interests you at all. It runs independently of weather except in extreme conditions.