Milos might be less visited than its Aegean sisters of Santorini and Mykonos, however this adventurous Cycladic island is awash with craggy coastlines, hidden beaches, and pirate caves.

Boat tours in Milos are the best way to explore the island highlights, with a choice of trips whisking you away to remote bays for swimming and snorkeling.

Here's everything you need to know about boat tours, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Milos.

Most popular boat tours in Milos

Full-day sailing tours

The most popular boat tours in Milos circumnavigate the island, taking you to sea tunnels and sheltered bays, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in dreamy lagoons beneath towering cliffs. Popular stops include the beaches of Kleftiko and Agios Dimitrios, as well as the famous Sykia Cave.

Our pick: Milos Sailing Tour with Snorkeling

Visits: Kalogries, Agathia, Triades, Ammoudaraki, Sykia Cave, Kleftiko, Fyrligos, Gerakas
Includes: Multilingual tour escort/host, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages
Price: €150 per traveler
Duration: 8 hours

Half-day boat trips

If you prefer a shorter tour, then half-day beaches and caves cruises ticks all the boxes. Step on board an iconic wooden sailing vessel and head out into the Aegean, stopping at Gerontas Bay for swimming, before arriving at the jewel of Milos – Kleftiko bay. Here you can snorkel in the clear water and explore the caves that make this coastline so famous.

Our pick: Boat Tour to Kleftiko

Visits: Gerontas Bay, Kleftiko Beach
Includes: snacks, drinks
Price: €45 per traveler
Duration: 4 hours

Semi-private cruises

These trips have the same format as the day excursions, just with fewer people to make it a more intimate experience. Semi-private boat tours have a maximum of 10 passengers, so you can be sure of some personal attention.

Our pick: Full-Day Sailing Tour of Milos West Coast

Visits: Klima, Arkoudes, Cape Vani, Kalogries Beach, Sykia Cave, and Kleftiko
Includes: Skipper, snorkeling and stand up paddling equipment, lunch, snacks, drinks, underwater GoPro footage
Price: €140 per traveler
Duration: 8 hours

Private yacht charters

For a truly special day at sea, consider a private charter for up to 10 guests and enjoy a luxurious sailing excursion around the coast. All bases are covered with a customizable itinerary, whether you opt for South or West Milos for favorites like Kleftiko and Gerakas beaches, or decide to go to Kimolos and Poliegos for some island hopping.

Our pick: Luxury Boat Tour to Kleftiko

Visits: Old Sulfur Mines, Gerakas Beach, Tsigrado Beach, Purple Cave, Kleftiko Beach, Sykia Cave
Includes: Skipper, snacks, alcoholic beverages, snorkeling and stand up paddling equipment, sea scooter, fresh towels, windproof jackets
Price: €1,650 (half day) or €2,250 (full day) per group (up to 8 travelers)
Duration: 4 or 8 hours

Prices of Milos boat tours

Half-day cruises in Milos typically cost €50 to €150, depending on the group size, itinerary and type of vessel.

Prices for semi-private cruises range from €85 to €180 per person, depending on the boat tour length, itinerary and inclusions.

Full-day Milos boat trips range from €120 to €180 per person and typically include lunch, as well as snacks and drinks.

Private boat tours in Milos are usually charged on a group basis, with prices ranging from €550 to €2,250 for 8 travelers. The final price depends on the vessel type, itinerary, tour length and inclusions.

Highlights of boat tours in Milos

Kleftiko Beach

Kleftiko stands out for its towering white limestone cliffs jutting out of the blue ocean, making for dazzling vacation photos. Once a pirate hideout, the tunnels and sea caves along this stretch of coast now beckon intrepid modern-day explorers. You can swim and snorkel in the sheltered water or jump in a rib boat for a closer look at the tunnels.

Sykia Cave

The sea cave at Sykia, also known as the “Emerald Cave” thanks to sunlight reflecting off the walls, is only accessible by sea. Jump on a smaller rib boat to head inside the cave, where you will discover a magical world with a tiny pebble beach and shimmering turquoise water.

Gerakas Beach

The unusual beach of Gerakas can only be visited by boat and features dramatic sand slides that cascade down the imposing cliffs. The bay is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and there is a thin strip of beach along the bottom of the rock for sunbathing.

Cape Vani

The northernmost point in western Milos is home to the first mineral mine on the island. Abandoned during the 19^th-century, the mine has fallen into ruin and is best viewed from the sea on a private boat tour. Keep your camera handy to snap pictures of the colorful rock on this volcanic headland, with its vibrant hues of orange, red, and ochre.

Boat trip duration

Most Milos boat trips last for a full day, lasting about 8 to 10 hours, depending on the tour operator and itinerary. Half-day cruises can last 4 to 5 hours long, which allows you to plan more activities in the day.

Milos boat tour departure points

The main departure points for boat tours in Milos are Adamas, Pollonia and Agia Kiriaki. Some tours operators may offer hotel pick-ups for an additional fee.

Wheelchair accessibility

Unfortunately, most boat tours are not accessible to wheelchair users or travelers with mobility in impairments. There are, however, a few tour operators that can accommodate wheelchair users, so confirm the details before booking.

Best time for a boat trip in Milos

The best time of year for a boat tour in Milos is between June and September when the weather is warm, and the sea temperature is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you want to avoid the crowds during the peak season, then come in April, May, September, or October for the best of both worlds.

Other outdoor activities in Milos

Travel tips

Pack a windproof jacket or cover-up, as it can get breezy out on the ocean.
Take your swimming gear and towel if you want to have a dip or go snorkeling during the boat trip.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must to protect against the rays, which are always stronger when you are on the water.
Book your Milos sailing trip ahead of your visit so you can compare prices online and select your preferred date.

Boat Tours in Milos