A private sail day in Mykonos can feel like your own movie—minus the script. This one is set up for southern beach hopping at a calm pace, with swimming time, provided snorkeling gear, and a lunch that’s included in the price.

I like that this is truly customizable. You’re not locked into one “beach parade” plan, and you can pick your stops (including Ornos, Platys Gialos, Elia, Agrari, and more), which helps you match your day to the mood of your group.

One thing to weigh: this cruise runs only when conditions are good. If weather turns rough, you may need a different date, and that can mess with tight itineraries.

Key points at a glance

• Private group up to 10: pay for a shared boat day that stays about your crew, not strangers.
• Lunch + wine/beer + hot drinks: the food is built into the day, not treated as a separate plan.
• Snorkeling gear included: less gear hauling, more time in the water.
• Pick your beaches: you can steer toward busier or calmer spots depending on your taste.
• SUP only if weather allows: great add-on when conditions cooperate.
• English-speaking, fully licensed skipper: you’re not guessing your way around the water.

What you’re really buying on this 6-hour Mykonos cruise

The headline is simple: a private sail from Mykonos to the island’s southern beaches, with time to swim and snorkel, plus lunch and drinks. The full day is about 6 hours, starting at 9:00am and ending back at the meeting point near Mathios Tavern.

Where this cruise feels like good value is what’s rolled into the price:

• skipper and boat fuel charges
• lunch
• wine and beer (plus hot drinks)
• snorkeling equipment
• SUP when the weather permits

At $1,628.99 per group (up to 10), the math works out to roughly $163 per person if your group fills the boat. That’s not “cheap,” but it’s the kind of pricing that starts to make sense when you compare it to booking a day charter, paying for food and drinks separately, and then adding snorkeling gear rental (or the hassle of bringing everything yourself).

The other big factor is pacing. A 1-hour window per stop gives you breathing room: swim, float, rinse off (as best you can), then move on without feeling like you’re rushing through checklists.

Getting picked up at Mathios Tavern and keeping the day simple

The meeting point is Mathios Tavern, Μύκονος 846 00, Greece, with the activity starting at 9:00am. It ends back at the same spot, so you don’t have to plan a return route after your water time.

Pickup is available upon request, and the listing notes you’re near public transportation. If you’re staying somewhere a taxi can reach easily, pickup might be optional. If you’re farther from the meeting area, ask early so you’re not scrambling on the morning of your cruise.

Also plan for towels to be on you. Beach towels aren’t included, so bring your own. For most people, this is the one “miss” that’s easy to forget until you’re already on the boat.

Ornos: a popular beach, but you get the comfort of boat timing

Ornos is one of Mykonos’ more family-friendly beaches—and also one of the island’s trendiest and most crowded. That sounds like a downside, but the practical twist here is that you’re arriving by water and you’re not trying to manage parking, transfers, and shore crowd logistics all by yourself.

Plan on the Ornos stop being about swimming and people-watching. With about 1 hour at the beach, you’ll likely want to:

• get in quickly while the water is calm
• enjoy an unhurried swim rather than racing to do everything
• keep an eye on your belongings because beach days attract lots of foot traffic

If your group prefers quieter stretches, Ornos might feel busy. Still, it’s a good option when you want convenience and a lively beach atmosphere.

Platys Gialos: shallow, clear water that’s easy on day-one swimmers

Platys Gialos is known for shallow, crystal-clear water, which is a big win if you want swimming that feels straightforward. Not everyone wants to fight for deep-water access, and shallow clarity makes it easier for kids, first-timers, and anyone who just wants an easy swim.

The stop runs for about 1 hour, which is long enough to:

• swim without stress
• use snorkeling gear for quick underwater looks
• do a relaxed reset between busier beaches

This stop is also a good “middle ground” for mixed groups. If some people want to snorkel while others just want to float, Platys Gialos tends to suit both.

Super Paradise Beach: the famous stop (and why that can be worth it)

Super Paradise Beach is Mykonos’ most famous beach, and that fame comes with energy. Expect a place that draws a crowd—people come for the vibe as much as for the water.

The practical value of making this stop part of your private cruise plan is that you can stay longer only in the way your group wants. With 1 hour on the beach, you’re not committing to a half-day of chaos. You get the “we were there” experience without letting it hijack your whole day.

If your group loves social beach energy, this is a strong choice. If your group wants quiet and solitude, you may feel tempted to spend less time on shore and more time floating and checking out the water closer to your anchored time.

Elia Beach: big, gorgeous, and still some sand for the towel-people

Elia is Mykonos’ largest beach and often described as one of the prettiest. It’s also heavily set up with umbrellas and sunbeds, but there’s always a small sunbed-free section for people who like lying on the sand.

This is a nice stop for groups with different preferences. Some people can rent a sunbed area, while others go for the simpler towel vibe in the sand-free corner.

With 1 hour at Elia, you can usually do two things well:

• find the mood you want (sunbed comfort vs sand)
• swim, then cool down with shade or a long sit

If you want “classic beach day” on Mykonos without constantly thinking about logistics, Elia is the most straightforward of the listed stops.

Lunch and drinks: the kind of included meal that changes the whole day

A lot of boat trips treat lunch like an afterthought. Here, lunch is included, and so are wine and beer plus hot drinks. That matters more than it sounds, because it affects the entire flow.

When lunch is taken care of, your group doesn’t spend precious time searching for food on land. You stay in cruise mode: swim, eat, relax, then head to the next anchoring spot.

In particular, I love the way this cruise handles the host role. On this trip, Basil (the cook/host) gets highlighted for the lunch he prepared, and the overall service comes across as warm and personal rather than assembly-line. One small story says a lot: the captain, Avengelo, handled a daughter’s lost sunglasses with real effort, spending time snorkeling to locate them. That kind of response is the difference between a trip that feels like a transaction and one that feels like someone actually has your comfort in mind.

Food and drink being included doesn’t just fill your stomach. It also makes it easier to enjoy the day at a slower tempo, which is the whole point of a private sailing experience.

Snorkeling gear provided: less packing, more time under the surface

The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. That’s a real convenience on islands where you’re already carrying beach stuff, water shoes, sunscreen, and whatever you think you’ll need.

A good tip for snorkeling days: keep your expectations practical. You’re not promised a long scuba-style excursion; instead, think of snorkeling as quick look-under-the-water fun between swim stops. With gear provided, you can spend those moments where the water is clear and you feel comfortable.

And yes, there’s at least one reason to trust the crew with “small emergencies.” The story about Avengelo spending about an hour snorkeling to find lost sunglasses shows you that attention to detail on the water isn’t just a nice-to-have.

SUP when conditions allow: worth trying if you like moving at your own pace

SUP is included weather permitting. This is one of those “if you get it, great” add-ons. If conditions are calm, it’s a fun way to explore around your anchoring area at a slower speed than swimming.

If the wind or chop isn’t right, you might not get the SUP slot. Either way, the snorkeling gear and swim time keep the day valuable even without stand-up paddling.

Pickup comfort, private attention, and how the day feels for a group

Since this is a private tour for your group only, you’re not navigating a shared schedule with strangers. That changes the whole vibe:

• you can move on when your crew is ready
• you can ask for beach choices that match your preferences
• you get more direct attention from the skipper

This is also why groups up to 10 tend to enjoy it. You can keep it intimate while still having a mix of ages and personalities onboard.

Keep in mind that you’re bringing your own towels, sunscreen, and swimming clothes. That small checklist helps the day feel effortless once you’re on the boat.

Price and value: who should book a private sailing day on Mykonos?

This cruise costs $1,628.99 per group. The big question isn’t just “Is it expensive?” It’s “Is it expensive compared to what you’d do otherwise?”

Here’s where the value lands:

• You get lunch, drinks, and hot drinks included.
• You get snorkeling gear without rentals.
• Fuel charges and an English-speaking, fully licensed skipper are included.
• You avoid spending your day piecing together transport between beaches.

So it’s best value when you’re splitting the cost across a full group of friends, family members, or a small party. If you’re only two people, it’s still a great experience, but you’ll be paying a bigger share per person since the group cap is 10.

One more factor: this tour is commonly booked about 52 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling in peak season or have a tight plan, book early so your preferred date stays available.

How to plan your day like a pro

You’ll start at 9:00am, then spend about 1 hour at each of the main beach stops listed. That means your best strategy is to treat this like a swim day, not a museum tour.

A simple plan:

• arrive a bit early so you’re not rushing at the dock
• bring towels and sunscreen (and any swim essentials you like)
• wear swimming clothes you can keep on easily
• have a plan for protecting sunglasses and small items, especially if you’re snorkeling

Even with a careful crew, water days are unpredictable. The upside is that the skipper and host team clearly take responsibility seriously, and that makes a difference.

Should you book this southern beach hopping cruise?

Yes, if you want a private Mykonos day that mixes swimming, a few different beach styles, and an included meal—without turning your vacation into logistics work.

Book it especially if:

• you’re traveling with a group that will actually use the full-day format
• you care about having snorkeling gear provided
• you like the idea of choosing beaches rather than being stuck with one plan
• you want lunch and drinks handled so you can slow down and enjoy the ride

Skip it or think twice if:

• your schedule is rigid and bad weather would really derail your trip
• you hate the idea of any crowded beach vibe (Ornos and Super Paradise can be busy)

If your priority is a relaxed water-based day with real service and built-in comfort, this is the kind of cruise that’s easy to justify once you see what’s included.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours.

What time does the cruise start?

It starts at 9:00am.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Mathios Tavern, Μύκονος 846 00, Greece and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is breakfast or dinner included?

The tour includes lunch, but the information provided does not mention breakfast or dinner.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine and beer are included, along with hot drinks.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a SUP included?

SUP is included only if weather allows.

What beaches are included?

The itinerary lists stops at Ornos, Platys Gialos, Super Paradise Beach, and Elia. The tour is customizable and can include other southern beaches as well.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Beach towels are not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.