Mykonos: South Beaches Cruise

A trip like this is a great shortcut to Mykonos’ best beaches. I love the traditional wooden caique vibe, and I love that you actually get time to swim, not just pose for photos. The tradeoff is that Super Paradise can feel crowded in peak season, so you’ll want a flexible mindset about sharing space.

The crew energy also helps. Guides like Christos (and his coworker Maria) show up with friendly hospitality, and the food and chilled Greek wine keep the mood sunny. If you get motion sick easily, the ride back can be bumpy, so plan your seating and go in prepared.

Key reasons this cruise works on a first Mykonos trip

• A “see-and-swim” route, with two real swim stops and plenty of coast views in between
• Paraga Beach for a quick, fun first splash and time to cool off from the boat
• Super Paradise as the main anchor stop, with swimming plus lunch on board
• Greek BBQ-style lunch (souvlaki, tzatziki, Greek salad, fruit) and drinks included
• Traditional caique atmosphere, so it feels more local than a mega-party boat

Entering the south coast by wooden caique

Mykonos is famous for beaches, but the island’s top ones can also feel like a crowded highlight reel. This cruise helps you cheat that problem a little by taking you along the southern shoreline and getting you into the water more than you might on a land-only day.

The boat is a traditional wooden caique, which means you get a slower, more nautical feel. You’re not stuck staring at a highway or hustling between spots. Instead, you’re floating, watching the coastline slide by, and then dropping into the water when you’re ready.

Two things I’d call out right away:

• You get the south coast views without burning your time on transfers across busy areas.
• You get a “choose your level of involvement” day, because you can stay onboard for privacy or swim to shore when tender service is available at the main stop.

Possible snag: the busiest beaches on Mykonos are popular for a reason, which can mean tighter spacing on the sand at the peak moments. If crowds will annoy you, time your expectations and plan to spend more of the day using the water, not just the beach.

The 6-hour route: Agios Ioannis, Psarou, Paraga, and Super Paradise

This is a six-hour south-coast loop. Even though the big beach time concentrates into two stops, the sailing time is still part of the experience because you sail past several of Mykonos’ most recognizable names.

Here’s the flow you can expect:

1. You sail around the island toward the west and pass Agios Ioannis.
2. You head south past Psarou, Platys Gyalos, and Ornos.
3. You reach Paraga Beach first for your first swimming time.
4. Then you pass Paradise Beach while continuing toward your second stop.
5. You anchor at Super Paradise for the longer beach block, with lunch included.
6. After that, you head back to the starting area.

What makes this route smart is that you see multiple famous stretches without needing to pack and unpack a beach bag every 30 minutes. You get a taste of the south coast’s vibe, then you commit your energy to the swims where you’ll actually be in the water.

Stop one, Paraga Beach and the Scorpios zone

Paraga is your first “jump in and cool down” moment. You’ll have time to swim and you may be able to go in directly from the boat, which is great when you just want water, no fuss.

Paraga also connects with a famous beach scene (the Scorpios name comes up here), so even during a short stop, you feel like you’re in the right place. The key is that this is not a long lunch-and-lounging stop. It’s more like a reset: stretch your legs, get your first proper swim, and then enjoy the sailing as the real show builds toward Super Paradise.

If you’re the type who likes to keep your day moving, Paraga hits that sweet spot. If you’re hoping for hours on the sand right away, you might wish the first stop was longer. But the trade is that you’ll spend more time where the day’s food and main swim time happen.

Stop two, Super Paradise: swimming time plus a real BBQ lunch

Super Paradise is the star stop on this cruise, and the schedule reflects that. You’re there for about two hours, which is enough time to do the beach thing and still have time to swim without feeling rushed.

What you can do during this stop:

• Swim from the water or jump in from the boat.
• If you prefer shore time, you can be taken ashore by tender.

Super Paradise is known to get crowded in peak season. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does change the feel. If you like your space, aim for a slightly different spot on the beach rather than defaulting to the busiest frontage. The right-side area is described as still looking more pristine, so it’s worth looking around and picking where you’ll actually enjoy being.

The beach itself sits in a cove with characteristic Cycladic scenery and soft golden sand. The waters are described as crystalline and swimmable, which is exactly why this works as the main swim stop.

Food and drinks on board: Greek flavors, chilled wine, and a no-hunger plan

A big part of the value here is that lunch is not an afterthought. It’s built into the day at the main stop, and it comes with drinks on board plus complimentary chilled Greek wine.

On the BBQ lunch side, the menu is listed clearly:

• Souvlaki
• Tzatziki
• Greek salad
• Fruit

This is the kind of meal that actually makes a beach day feel complete. You can eat without spending extra money on a random beach taverna, and you don’t have to time your hunger around ferry schedules or restaurant lines. In a place where lunch options can add up fast, it matters.

I also like that the cruise includes a welcome drink, because it sets the tone early. Reviews back up the point that the food and drinks are genuinely enjoyable, not just “included for show.” Even when people critique other parts of timing, the lunch itself usually gets praise.

What the crew does well: hospitality that keeps the day light

The guide and crew experience is one of the most consistent highlights. A standout name you’ll see attached to this tour is Christos, and Maria also comes up as part of the onboard team.

What that tends to mean in real life:

• You’re not just herded through. You get friendly, responsive service.
• You feel comfortable asking simple questions, like where to sit, when the next swim moment happens, and how the lunch timing works.

I also take one review’s note seriously about how the boat location can be hard to spot if it isn’t clearly signposted at first. That tells me one practical thing: show up a bit early, and confirm your boat rather than guessing.

Price and value: how $100 stacks up for six hours at sea

At $100 per person for about six hours, the headline price might look steep until you break down what’s included.

What you’re getting for that price:

• Traditional wooden caique sailing time along the south coast
• Two beach stops, with swimming time at each
• Lunch and drinks on board
• A welcome drink, plus chilled Greek wine
• Local taxes included

So you’re paying for time on water, access to iconic coastline, and food already handled. If you’d otherwise spend money on entry fees, boat rentals, taxis, and lunch scattered across beaches, this can feel like a simpler deal.

One cost to plan for: transport. The cruise does not include transfers. The price shown for transfer is 8 euros one way or 16 euros round trip per person. If you’re already near the port area, you may reduce that extra spend. If not, it’s worth budgeting before you fall in love with the idea of the day.

Meeting point and getting ready at the new Mykonos Port marina

This cruise starts at the new Mykonos Port marina, directly opposite Olia Hotel. That’s easy to use once you’re there, but the “new marina” part matters. It’s not always as obvious as older waterfront docks, so plan on arriving early enough to orient yourself.

What to bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel

What not to bring:

• Pets
• Scooters

Also important: the port requires passenger information. You need to send passport details (full names, dates of birth, passport number, and gender) at least 12 hours before the cruise so you appear on the passenger list. Without that, you might not be able to board.

Timing, crowds, and sea conditions: the realistic side of a south-beach day

Mykonos in summer is peak-season energy, and this cruise is aimed at the most famous beaches. That means two practical reality checks.

First, crowds:

• Super Paradise can get very crowded during peak months.
• The solution is not to ignore the stop. It’s to go with the expectation that you may need to pick your towel spot carefully and spend a good chunk of time in the water.

Second, ride comfort:

One review mentions a rougher ride back, with some people feeling seasick, especially toward the back. I can’t promise seating assignments, but the takeaway is simple: if you’re sensitive, sit in a spot that feels steadier, bring motion sickness basics if you use them, and be ready for the sea to do what the sea does.

Finally, weather can shift the day:

There’s an example of a schedule change due to strong winds. That’s not unusual around islands. If conditions are rough, the crew may adjust timing or route to keep things safe and workable.

Who should book, and who should skip this south beaches day

This cruise is a good fit if you want:

• A relaxing half-day without the headache of hopping between beaches on your own
• Time on the water with swimming built in
• A lunch plan that doesn’t require hunting down a restaurant

It’s not a great match if:

• You have pre-existing medical conditions, since the tour notes it is not suitable for people with them.
• You dislike crowding even for a couple hours, because Super Paradise is often full and active during busy weeks.

If you’re traveling as a couple, a small group, or solo and you want a social day without constant planning, this makes sense. If you’re traveling with someone who needs predictable quiet and low motion, you may want to look for a different kind of outing.

Should you book the Mykonos South Beaches Cruise?

Yes, I think you should book it if your priority is a classic Mykonos south-coast day with real swim time, included lunch, and a straightforward plan that feels easier than DIY.

I’d hesitate only if you’re extremely sensitive to crowds or sea conditions. In that case, ask yourself if you’re okay spending the most crowded moments swimming in the water and choosing a calmer patch of sand.

If your goal is to hit the famous shoreline, eat well onboard, and spend your afternoon where the turquoise water calls you in, this cruise is a strong value at $100 for about six hours.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos South Beaches Cruise?

The cruise lasts 6 hours.

Which beaches do you stop at during the tour?

The cruise stops at Paraga Beach and Super Paradise. It also sails past places including Agios Ioannis, Psarou, Platys Gyalos, Ornos, and it passes Paradise Beach.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included on board, and a BBQ menu is served with souvlaki, tzatziki, Greek salad, and fruit. There is also a welcome drink and complimentary chilled Greek wine.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at the new Mykonos Port marina, exactly opposite Olia Hotel.

Do I need to send passport details in advance?

Yes. Passport information (full names, dates of birth, passport number, and gender) must be sent at least 12 hours before the cruise.

Is transfer included in the price?

No. Transfer is not included. The listed transfer cost is 8 euros per person one way, or 16 euros per person round trip. Pets are also not allowed, and scooters are not allowed.