You want to hire a boat in Mykonos but you don’t have a licence and you don’t want to be stuck behind a wheel. Fair enough. BoatHire24 lets you book a boat rental Mykonos that includes a professional skipper, so you can spend your day swimming off the coast of Delos or anchoring at Paradise Beach without worrying about navigation or paperwork. We compare boats from local charter companies across the island, from compact RIBs to spacious catamarans. Prices start from around EUR 450 for a half-day RIB trip and go up to EUR 3,000-plus for a full-day motor yacht with crew. Every booking is confirmed online, and you pay a deposit only. The rest is settled on the day, directly with the skipper or the charter company.
What is included in a Mykonos boat rental
When you book a boat rental Mykonos through BoatHire24, the skipper is included in the price. That means you don’t need a licence, a VHF radio certificate or any prior experience. The skipper handles the mooring, the fuel and the safety briefing, so you can just turn up with a towel and a bag. What else is included varies by boat and operator, but most charters provide: a cooler with ice, snorkelling gear, a Bluetooth speaker, and sometimes paddleboards or a SUP. On larger yachts, you might get a hostess who serves drinks and snacks. Fuel is almost always extra, budget around EUR 100, 150 for a half-day on a RIB, or EUR 200, 400 for a full day on a motor yacht. Check the listing details before you book, because some operators include fuel in the headline price and others don’t.
Departure ports for your Mykonos boat hire
Mykonos has several departure points, and which one you choose affects your itinerary. The main port is Mykonos Town (Chora), the old harbour near the windmills. It is busy, but it puts you minutes from the island’s best restaurants and bars. Ornos is a quieter option, with a sandy beach and a few tavernas. Tourlos (also called New Port) is where the big ferries dock, and it has a long pier with plenty of space for larger yachts. Agios Ioannis is a small bay on the south-west coast, popular for catamarans. Platys Gialos and Paraga are beach clubs with jetty access, good for speedboat pick-ups. If you are staying in a villa near Elia or Kalafatis, you can often arrange a private transfer to the boat for a small fee, around EUR 20, 30 per person.
Types of boats available for rent in Mykonos
The range of boats for hire in Mykonos is broad, but most visitors choose between four categories. Motor yachts (8, 15 metres) are the most popular, they are fast, comfortable and have a cabin for changing clothes. Prices for a half-day start at around EUR 650 and go up to EUR 1,500 for a full day on a 12-metre model. Catamarans (10, 15 metres) are stable, spacious and have a shallow draft, so you can anchor close to beaches. A half-day catamaran charter starts at around EUR 800. Sailing yachts (10, 14 metres) are quieter and more traditional, but slower, expect to pay from EUR 500 for a half-day. RIBs and speedboats (5, 8 metres) are the cheapest option, starting at around EUR 450 for a half-day. They are open boats with no cabin, so bring a hat and sunscreen. Fishing boats are available too, usually equipped with rods and bait, from around EUR 350 for a half-day. For larger groups, superyachts (20 metres plus) can be chartered at prices on request, expect to pay EUR 5,000, 10,000 per day.
Pricing guidance for boat rental Mykonos
Prices for a boat rental Mykonos depend on the season, the boat size and the duration. In June, a half-day (4 hours) on a RIB costs around EUR 450, 600. A full-day (8 hours) on a motor yacht costs EUR 1,200, 2,000. Catamarans are slightly more expensive, EUR 1,500, 2,500 for a full day. July and August are peak season, so add 20, 30% to those figures. September is slightly cheaper, especially in the second half. Always check if the price includes VAT (usually 13%) and any port fees (EUR 50, 100). Some operators offer a discount for weekdays or for bookings made more than two weeks in advance. You can filter by price on our search page to find the best deal.
Best time of year for a Mykonos boat charter
The Mykonos boating season runs from April to October. May and June are the sweet spot, the weather is warm (25, 30 degrees C), the meltemi wind is mild, and the beaches are not yet packed. July and August are hot (30, 35 degrees C) and crowded, but the water is bath-warm (26 degrees C). The meltemi picks up in July, so check the forecast before heading to exposed anchorages like the south coast. September is excellent, still hot, but fewer tourists and lower prices. October is cooler (20, 25 degrees C) and the wind can be strong, but you can still get a good deal on a last-minute booking. Avoid November to March unless you are a local, most charter companies close for winter.
Popular itineraries for your Mykonos boat trip
Most people want to see the nearby islands or the famous beaches. A classic half-day itinerary from Mykonos Town heads south to Paradise Beach and Super Paradise, both have beach clubs and loud music. If you prefer quiet, go east to Kalafatis and Agia Anna, where you can anchor in a cove and swim. A full-day trip can include Delos (the ancient ruins, EUR 12 entry fee) and Rhenia (an uninhabited island with turquoise water). From Ornos, a popular route goes to Psarou (celebrity spotting) and Platys Gialos. If you have two days, consider crossing to Tinos (30 minutes by speedboat) or Syros (1 hour). For dolphin spotting, head towards the Strait of Gibraltar is not relevant here, instead, note that dolphins are common around the Cyclades, especially near Delos.
How to book a boat rental Mykonos online
Booking with BoatHire24 is straightforward. Go to the BoatHire24 homepage and enter your dates, group size and preferred port. Browse the listings, compare prices and read the terms. When you find a boat you like, click ‘Book Now’ and pay a 30% deposit by card. The remaining 70% is paid in cash or by card on the day of departure, directly to the skipper. You will receive a confirmation email with the skipper’s phone number and meeting point. Cancel up to 7 days before for a full refund of the deposit. For last-minute bookings (less than 48 hours), call the number on the listing, some skippers accept same-day bookings if the boat is free.
Who is a Mykonos boat rental for
A boat rental Mykonos works for couples, families and groups of friends. It is ideal if you want to avoid the crowded beach clubs and have your own private space. It is also good for photographers, because you can reach remote coves and get shots of the coastline without the tourist crowds. If you are a solo traveller, you can join a shared charter, some operators offer group trips on catamarans for around EUR 100 per person. If you have a disability, check with the skipper first, many boats have step-free access but not all have wheelchair ramps. Children are welcome on most boats, but life jackets are usually provided for kids under 12.
Local tips for your Mykonos boat trip
Bring cash for the port fees and any extras like fuel or food. Most skippers accept euros only. Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (factor 50) and a windbreaker, the meltemi can make it feel cooler on the water. If you want to eat at a beach taverna, ask the skipper to recommend one that accepts mooring, some have buoys for boats. Avoid booking a boat on a Sunday afternoon in August, because the harbour is chaotic with ferry traffic. For more advice, read our blog on Mykonos boat rentals.
Why choose BoatHire24 for Mykonos
We are not a charter company, we are a marketplace that lists boats from multiple operators, so you can compare in one place. Every boat on our site has a licensed skipper, so there is no hidden requirement for a licence. We have been operating in Greece since 2018, and we know the local market. If you have a problem, our support team is available by phone and email, 7 days a week. We do not charge extra fees, the price you see is the price you pay, plus any local taxes. For more information, check our search page to see current availability.
How the meltemi wind affects your Mykonos boat rental
The meltemi is a seasonal north wind that blows through the Aegean from June to September, strongest in July and August. It can reach 30 to 40 knots in exposed channels, which is enough to make a small RIB uncomfortable or even dangerous. If you are on a motor yacht or catamaran, the meltemi is less of a problem, but it does create choppy seas on the north and east coasts. Your skipper will know the local conditions and will adjust the route accordingly. For example, if the meltemi is strong, they will stay on the south or west side of Mykonos, where the water is calmer. Do not worry, the meltemi is predictable, and skippers plan around it. If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet an hour before departure, even on a catamaran.
Beach clubs you can reach by boat in Mykonos
Several beach clubs on Mykonos have mooring buoys or a jetty, so you can pull up by boat. The most famous is Nammos at Psarou, where the water is shallow and the buoys cost around EUR 50 to 100 per day. Scorpios at Paraga has a jetty and a lively atmosphere, with DJ sets in the afternoon. Principote at Agios Ioannis is quieter, with a wooden deck and a restaurant. Alemagou at Ftelia is a bohemian spot with a beach bar and a shop. If you want to anchor and swim to shore, try Kalo Livadi or Agrari, both have free anchoring but no jetty. Be aware that some beach clubs charge a mooring fee, usually EUR 30 to 80, and you need to book in advance during peak season. Your skipper can help with the arrangements.
What to do if the weather turns bad on your Mykonos boat trip
The Greek coast guard can issue a ban on small boats if the wind exceeds 7 Beaufort (around 28 knots). If that happens, your skipper will cancel the trip and you will get a full refund or a reschedule. For less severe weather, the skipper may suggest a different route, for example, staying in the lee of the island rather than crossing to Delos. If you are already on the water and the wind picks up, the skipper will head to the nearest safe harbour, such as Ornos or Mykonos Town. Always check the weather forecast the morning of your trip, and trust the skipper’s judgment. Do not pressure them to go out if conditions are marginal, it is not worth the risk. BoatHire24’s cancellation policy covers weather-related cancellations if the skipper decides it is unsafe.
Food and drink options on a Mykonos boat charter
Most charters include a cooler with ice, but you need to bring your own food and drinks unless you order a catering package. Some operators offer a lunch option for an extra EUR 30 to 50 per person, which includes Greek salad, grilled meat or fish, bread and fruit. You can also stop at a beach taverna for lunch, but check with the skipper first because not all restaurants have a mooring. Popular choices include Kiki’s Taverna at Agios Sostis (no mooring, you anchor and swim ashore) and Spilia at Agios Stefanos (has a jetty). If you want to bring your own, pack a cooler bag with sandwiches, fruit, crisps and plenty of water. Alcohol is allowed, but do not overdo it, the sun and the motion can amplify the effects. Your skipper will provide a bin for rubbish, so take everything back to shore.
How to choose the right boat for your group size in Mykonos
Group size is the main factor when picking a boat. For 2 to 4 people, a RIB or speedboat is fine, you can sit on the side benches and there is no cabin. For 5 to 8 people, a motor yacht or sailing yacht gives you a proper cabin, a toilet and a small galley. For 9 to 12 people, a catamaran is the best choice because it has two hulls and a large deck area, so everyone has space. For 13 to 20 people, you need a larger motor yacht or a crewed catamaran, prices start at around EUR 3,000 per day. For groups of 20 or more, a superyacht is the only option, and you will need to contact us for a custom quote. Do not exceed the maximum capacity on the listing, it is a legal limit set by the coast guard, and the skipper will enforce it.
Extra costs to budget for on your Mykonos boat rental
Beyond the rental price, there are a few extras to consider. Fuel is the biggest variable, budget EUR 100 to 300 for a half-day on a motor yacht, or EUR 200 to 500 for a full day. Catamarans use less fuel, around EUR 80 to 200 for a full day. Port fees are usually EUR 30 to 80 per departure, depending on the port. If you want to visit Delos, there is an EUR 12 entry fee per person, plus a mooring fee of EUR 10 to 20. Beach club moorings cost EUR 30 to 100. Food and drink are not included unless you order a catering package. Tips are optional but common, 10 to 15% of the rental price is standard if the skipper provides good service. Always ask the operator for a full breakdown of costs before you book, so there are no surprises on the day.
How to get to your boat in Mykonos
Most departure ports are within a 10 to 20 minute drive from Mykonos Town. If you are staying in a hotel or villa, ask the reception to call a taxi, the fare is around EUR 10 to 25 depending on the distance. You can also rent a scooter or ATV for around EUR 30 per day, which is handy if you plan to move around the island. For Ornos and Tourlos, there is a public bus from Mykonos Town that costs EUR 1.80. For Agios Ioannis and Platys Gialos, the bus is less frequent, so a taxi is better. If you are staying near Elia or Kalafatis, the taxi fare is higher, around EUR 30 to 40. Some operators offer a free transfer from your accommodation if you book a full-day charter, so check the listing details. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to avoid delaying the skipper.
What to wear and bring on a Mykonos boat trip
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, and bring a light cover-up or a sarong for when you are on the boat. A hat with a brim is essential, the sun is intense even in May and September. Sunglasses with a strap are useful because they will not fall in the water. Non-slip shoes or flip-flops are fine, but do not wear heels on the boat, they damage the deck. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want to take photos from the water. A small dry bag is handy for valuables. If you are prone to seasickness, bring motion sickness tablets or acupressure bands. Do not forget sunscreen, factor 50 and waterproof, reapply every two hours. A windbreaker or a light jacket is useful for the return trip when the boat picks up speed. Your skipper will have a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher, but bring any personal medication you need.
Related guides
- Boat Rental Cancun, Book with Skipper on the Costa del Sol
- Boat Rental Sardinia, Compare & Book with a Skipper
- Yacht Charter Mallorca, Book Your Boat Rental with Skipper
- Boat Rental Marbella, Skipper Included from Puerto Banús
- Marbella Feria Boat Rental: Party on Water
- Private Yacht Hire Puerto Banus: Exclusive Charters
Own a boat? Boatsetter Alternative: BoatHire24 for Boat Owners.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Mykonos?
No. Every boat rental Mykonos through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper, so you can sit back and relax. You do not need any experience or paperwork.
What is the cheapest boat rental in Mykonos?
The cheapest options are RIBs and speedboats, starting from around EUR 450 for a half-day. Fishing boats can be slightly cheaper, from EUR 350. Prices vary by season and availability.
Can I bring my own food and drink on board?
Yes, most skippers allow you to bring your own supplies. Some boats provide a cooler with ice. Check the listing details for any restrictions on glass bottles or alcohol.
How many people can a Mykonos boat hold?
A RIB can hold 6, 8 people. Motor yachts and catamarans typically hold 8, 12. Larger superyachts can hold up to 20. The maximum is stated on each listing for safety reasons.
What happens if the weather is bad on my booking day?
The skipper decides if it is safe to sail. If they cancel due to weather, you get a full refund of your deposit. If you cancel yourself, the normal cancellation policy applies.
Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?
Yes, swimming is the main activity. Most boats include snorkelling gear. The skipper will stop at calm coves or beaches where you can jump in.
How far in advance should I book a boat in Mykonos?
In July and August, book at least two weeks ahead. In May, June and September, a week is usually enough. For last-minute trips, check the listings for same-day availability.
