Are you tempted by the idea of discovering Mykonos and the Cyclades by sea? Here is a mini-guide to a boat rental in Mykonos!

Cosmopolitan and festive, Mykonos is renowned for its wild nights where the entire international jet set rubs shoulders. Ranked among the best-known destinations in southern Europe, the so-called Greek Saint-Tropez is also sought after by boaters for its strategic position in the heart of the Cyclades. 

In the center of the circle formed by the archipelago, Mykonos is the ideal starting point to radiate between the islands of the South Aegean.

Delos, Milos, Amorgos, Naxos, Ios, Folegandros, Samos or Santorini make you dream? Why not rent a boat at the marina of Tourlos and discover them, over the wind and at your own pace. 

To help you organize your cruise, Travelvibe has prepared a unique boat rental guide for you in Mykonos.

Ideas for boat itineraries from Mykonos

Among the many sailing itineraries in Mykonos, we have selected three cruise ideas to discover for a weekend, over a week or ten days.

Mykonos – Delos, the time of a weekend

From the port of Tourlos, head for Delos, the smallest of the Cyclades islands. Considered the central point of the archipelago, this sacred island is, according to mythology, the cradle of Apollo and Artemis.

Accessible during the day exclusively, this UNESCO-listed island is home to the most beautiful archaeological site in the Aegean Sea. The nearby island of Rhenia also deserves a stopover for its clean and clear waters.

On the program: visits to the terrace of the lions, the house of Dionysus, and the temple of Isis on Delos. Climb Mount Cynthe and swim in secret coves and deserted beaches on Rhenia.

Mykonos – Santorini – Mykonos via Naxos in a week

The itinerary of the week-long cruise around Mykonos includes Mykonos, Naxos, Koufonissi, Santorini, Ios, and Paros. Among the must-sees of the southern Cyclades, do not miss:

● Mount Zeus (1,001 meters), the cave of Rina, the temples of Apollo and Demeter, the Kouros of Apollona and Flerio in Naxos;

● The village of Ano Koufonissi, the cave of Ksylompatis, and the natural pool the devil’s eye in Koufonissi ;

● The ancient cities of Thera and Akrotiri, the vineyards of Pyrgos, the crater of Nea Kameni, the warm waters of Palea Kameni, and the caldera in Santorini;

● The natural port of Ormos, Homer’s tomb, Klima beach, and Manganari Bay in Ios ;

● Surfing, windsurfing, making, and kiting on the beaches of Pounda, Platia Ammos or Santa Maria, the fishing port of Naoussa, the Byzantine trail connecting Lefkes to Prodromos, the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church in Paros.

Mykonos – Santorini – Crete – Mykonos: a two-week cruise

Your two-week Mykonos cruise will take you from Tourlos Port to Naoussa Marina. You will then set sail for the port of Karavostasi in Ios and then sail to the marina of Vlychada.

After a day of sailing, you will reach the port of Heraklion in Crete. You will then head to Agios Nikolaos Marina. On the way back, you will stop at Katapola on the island of Amorgos and finally dock at the port of Tourlos, your starting point on Mykonos.

Some highlights in Santorini, Crete, and Amorgos:

● The hiking trail from Imerovigli to the rock of Skaros, Vlychada beach, Red Beach, and White Beach in Santorini;

● Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos,Ágios Nikólaos, Lake Voulismeni, the Gulf of Mirabello and the fortress islet of Spinalonga in Crete;

● The monastery of Chozoviotissa, the beach of Agia Ana, the bay of Aegiali, and Katapola in Amorgos.

What type of boat to rent in Mykonos?

You will find different models of boats for rent at Mykonos Port. For an excursion of one or more days, it is possible to opt for:

● A motorboat;

● A sailboat;

● A catamaran;

● A schooner;

● A semi-rigid;

● A jet ski;

● A yacht.

What is the price of a boat rental in Mykonos?

The boat rental price in Mykonos depends on the type of boat and the season. Rates for a day in the middle of the summer season varies between:

● €170 and €4,200 for a motorboat with a captain (or between €125 and €800 without a captain);

● €225 and €1,400 for a sailboat with a captain(€225 and €800 without captain);

● €405 and €2,000 for a catamaran with a captain (from €405 without a captain);

● €240 and €1,200 for a semi-rigid with a captain(€240 and €900 without captain);

● €900 and €4,700 for a jet ski;

● €900 and €4,700 for a yacht with a captain.

Good to know: these prices do not take into account fuel. All boat rentals include mandatory life-saving equipment: buoys, life jackets for children and adults, and a fire extinguisher.

How to rent a boat in Mykonos?

Renting a boat in Mykonos can be done in two ways: directly at the marina of Tourlos or on the internet. Making your reservation online will benefit from a more comprehensive offer and save time.

Some specialized sites, such as Click&Boat, put you in touch with individuals or professionals offering boat rentals in Mykonos. 

You can also hire the services of a skipper. This solution is ideal if you are not a seasoned sailor or hold a boat license.

To make the cruise more fun, do not hesitate to book additional equipment such as snorkels, buoys, fins, wakeboards …

Do I need a permit to sail in Mykonos?

Boat rental in Mykonos or Greece requires a pleasure license, usually for vessels over 30 hp. If you rent a sailboat or motorboat with a power of less than 30 hp, you can fly without holding a boat license.

Good to know: boat licenses recognized in their country of origin (member countries of the European Union) are valid in Greece. So you can rent a boat in Mykonos with a French pleasure license.

Our tips for sailing in Mykonos?

Before you drop anchor, watch for weather conditions. During the warm months, Mykonos, the Cyclades, and the Aegean Sea are swept by the Meltem. 

This north wind, active from April to October, can blow in strong gusts in July and August, sometimes making it difficult to navigate between the islands.

When is the best time to sail in Mykonos?

The ideal time to sail in the Cyclades is between late spring and early autumn. The best period for a boat rental in Mykonos is between May and October.

Keep in mind that the tourist influx is at its maximum in the summer. Booking your boat well in advance is more recommended than ever!