You want a yacht charter Mykonos because you have zero interest in queuing for a water taxi or fighting for a sunbed at a beach club that costs more than your hotel. Fair enough. Mykonos is a loud, beautiful, sun-blasted rock in the Cyclades where the real magic happens offshore. You need a boat, a skipper who knows where the meltemi wind hides, and a route that dodges the crowds. That is what BoatHire24 does. We connect you with licensed skippers and private yachts based in Mykonos New Port (Tourlos) and Old Port, ready to take you to Rhenia, Delos, the southern coves, or across to Naxos and Paros. No shared decks, no fixed itineraries. You decide.
What a Yacht Charter Mykonos Actually Includes
A private yacht charter Mykonos from BoatHire24 means the whole boat is yours. No strangers. A licensed skipper handles the navigation, mooring, and safety briefings. Fuel is usually extra unless specified in the listing. You get a cooler with ice, basic snorkelling gear on most boats, and the freedom to change the plan on the fly. Want to skip Ornos and head straight to Rhenia? Fine. Want to anchor off Agios Sostis for a swim and then motor to Delos for the ruins? Also fine. The skipper works for you, not the other way around. Some boats include a hostess or a chef for an extra fee, but the core package is the vessel, the skipper, and the hours you book.
Mykonos Departure Ports: Where You Set Off
Most yacht charter Mykonos trips start from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, which is the main ferry and yacht harbour about 2 km from Mykonos Town. There is also the Old Port near the windmills, used by smaller vessels and sailing yachts. If you are staying on the south coast, some operators will pick you up from Ornos or Platys Gialos by tender, but that depends on the boat draft and the weather. Check the listing details. For a day charter, departing from Tourlos is the most practical: you are out of the harbour and into the Aegean inside 15 minutes. The New Port has parking, taxi ranks, and a few cafes if you arrive early.
Boat Options for a Mykonos Charter: Motor, Sail, Catamaran, RIB
Motor yachts in Mykonos range from 30 ft to over 80 ft. A 40-50 ft motor yacht with twin engines gives you speed (20-25 kts) and a decent sundeck. Prices for a 40 ft motor yacht start from around EUR 1,200 for a full day. Catamarans are popular because they are stable, spacious, and have shallow drafts ideal for anchoring off Rhenia. A 44 ft catamaran costs from about EUR 1,500 per day. Sailing yachts appeal if you want to sail rather than motor, but expect slower transit times on the meltemi days. A 40 ft sailing yacht is around EUR 900-1,100 per day. RIBs and speedboats (around 30-38 ft) are cheaper, from EUR 600-800 per day, and work well for a fast run to Delos or a beach hop. Superyacht charters (30 m+) are price on request and usually require 48 hours notice.
Where You Can Go: Routes and Destinations from Mykonos
A yacht charter Mykonos gives you access to a dozen islands within a 1-2 hour cruise. The classic route is Mykonos to Rhenia, the uninhabited island west of Mykonos with turquoise water and empty coves. From Rhenia you can see Delos, the archaeological island, and motor over in 20 minutes. Another route heads south to the Cyclades: Naxos (1.5 hours), Paros (1 hour), or the small island of Syros (2 hours). For a half-day charter, stay close: anchor off Agios Sostis on the north coast, or the rocky bays near Panormos. The south coast beaches like Kalafati and Elia are better by car, but from the water you see the cliffs and caves that the road misses. The Strait of Mykonos between the island and Tinos often has dolphins in late summer.
Pricing Guidance for Yacht Charter Mykonos
Prices for a yacht charter Mykonos vary by season, boat size, and duration. High season (July-August) is the most expensive. A half-day (4 hours) on a 35 ft motor yacht costs around EUR 700-900. A full day (8 hours) on a 45 ft motor yacht ranges from EUR 1,400 to 2,200. Catamarans command a premium: a 50 ft catamaran full day is EUR 1,800-2,800. Sailing yachts are cheaper but slower. VAT at 13% is usually not included in the quoted price, nor is the fuel surcharge (around EUR 100-200 per day for a motor yacht). Gratuity for the skipper is optional but customary at 10-15%. Always confirm what is included in the listing before booking.
When to Book: Seasons and Weather for Mykonos Charters
The best months for a yacht charter Mykonos are June and September. The meltemi wind is moderate (4-5 Beaufort), the sea temperature is 22-24 degrees C, and the crowds are thinner. July and August are hot (30-35 degrees C) with stronger meltemi in the afternoons, which can make the crossing to Naxos bumpy. May and October are possible but cooler (20-24 degrees C) and the wind can be unpredictable. Most charters run from 10:00 to 18:00, but you can book sunset trips from 16:00 to 21:00 for around 20% less than a full day. The sunset from the water behind Delos is worth the extra cost.
Who Is a Yacht Charter Mykonos For
A private yacht charter Mykonos suits couples, small groups of friends, and families who want privacy and flexibility. It does not suit solo travellers on a tight budget because the cost per person is higher than a group tour. If you are a group of 6-10, splitting the cost of a 50 ft catamaran makes it cheaper per head than a beach club day. It also works for corporate events or celebrations: many boats allow catering from external providers. If you want to party, some yachts allow DJ setups and sound systems, but check the listing for noise restrictions near Delos or Rhenia, which are protected areas.
How to Book a Yacht Charter Mykonos with BoatHire24
Booking a yacht charter Mykonos on BoatHire24 is straightforward. Use the search filters to pick your date, number of guests, and preferred boat type. Each listing shows the boat specs, skipper profile, and included amenities. You can message the operator directly through the platform to ask about custom routes or food options. Payment is handled securely online, with a deposit (usually 30-50%) and the balance due 7 days before departure. Cancellation policies vary, but most operators offer a full refund if you cancel 14 days ahead. For last-minute bookings (within 48 hours), contact the operator directly via the listing phone number.
Why Use BoatHire24 for Your Mykonos Charter
BoatHire24 is a marketplace, not a single operator. That means you compare multiple boats and skippers in one place, rather than calling five different companies. Every listing includes a verified skipper with a commercial licence. We do not allow unskippered rentals because the Greek coast guard requires a licence for any boat over 30 hp, and Mykonos waters are patrolled. Using BoatHire24 gives you the same booking process as a hotel: choose, pay, confirm. You get a receipt and the skipper's contact details in advance. For more tips on Mykonos and the Cyclades, read our blog on the best anchorages and wind patterns.
Local Knowledge: What Makes a Mykonos Charter Different
Mykonos is not a secluded island. It is a party hub with 1.5 million visitors a year. The advantage of a yacht charter Mykonos is that you escape the noise. The north coast beaches like Agios Sostis and Fokos are quieter than the south and only accessible by boat or a long walk. The island of Rhenia has no hotels, no bars, and no sunbeds. You anchor, swim, and eat lunch on the boat. Delos is a UNESCO site with a museum and ancient ruins, and you can moor at the jetty (pay a small fee) for a couple of hours. The water clarity around Mykonos is good, 15-20 metres visibility on a calm day, so bring a mask.
Combining Mykonos with Other Islands
If you have more than a day, you can book a multi-day yacht charter Mykonos that visits Naxos, Paros, or even Santorini (5-6 hours south). A two-day charter costs around EUR 2,500-4,000 for a 45 ft motor yacht, including overnight mooring fees. The skipper sleeps on the boat. You will need to cover meals and drinks. This is a good option if you want to see the white villages of Paros or the marble villages of Naxos without returning to Mykonos each night. Ask the operator about the itinerary before booking because some skippers prefer to stay in the Mykonos-Rhenia-Delos triangle for safety.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a light jacket for the afternoon wind. Most yachts have a shaded cockpit and a cabin with a toilet. Food and drinks are not included unless you book a catered package, but you can bring your own or order from a deli in Mykonos Town. The skipper will stop at a quiet bay for lunch and swimming. Expect to be on the water for 6-8 hours for a full-day charter. The boat will have a VHF radio and life jackets. If you are prone to seasickness, take a pill before boarding because the meltemi can create a short chop in the Mykonos channel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yacht Charter Mykonos
Read on for common questions. For more details, browse our search results to see available yachts and compare prices.
Why Mykonos New Port Is the Best Departure Point
The New Port at Tourlos handles the bulk of yacht charter Mykonos departures for a reason. It has deep-water berths that take vessels up to 50 m, so you are not limited by draft. The port has a fuel dock, which means your skipper can top up before you leave, saving you a detour later. Parking costs around EUR 10-15 for the day, and taxis from Mykonos Town take 5 minutes and cost about EUR 10. If you are staying in a villa near Agios Ioannis or Ornos, the New Port is a 10-minute drive. The Old Port is scenic but shallow, and larger motor yachts over 40 ft cannot always moor there. For a yacht charter Mykonos, stick to Tourlos unless the listing explicitly says Old Port pickup.
How the Meltemi Wind Affects Your Yacht Charter Mykonos
The meltemi is a north-northeasterly wind that blows from June to September, strongest in July and August. It kicks up in the late morning, hits 25-35 kts in the Mykonos channel, and drops around sunset. For a yacht charter Mykonos, this means the crossing to Delos or Rhenia is smoother in the morning. By 14:00, the sea between Mykonos and Tinos can have 1.5 m swells. Catamarans handle the chop better than monohulls because of their twin hulls. Motor yachts with stabilisers are fine, but a 30 ft RIB will be a rough ride. If you are booking in July, ask the skipper about the wind forecast. Most skippers will adjust the route to stay in the lee of the island, hugging the west coast instead of crossing open water.
The Cost of Fuel on a Mykonos Charter
Fuel is rarely included in the base price for a yacht charter Mykonos, and it adds up. A 40 ft motor yacht burns about 60-80 litres per hour at cruising speed (18-22 kts). At EUR 1.80 per litre in Greece, that is EUR 108-144 per hour. For a full-day charter covering 40-50 NM, you are looking at EUR 400-600 in fuel. Catamarans are more efficient: a 44 ft cat burns about 30-40 litres per hour, so EUR 216-288 for the day. Sailing yachts use minimal fuel if the wind cooperates, maybe EUR 50-100. Always ask the operator for a fuel estimate before booking. Some listings include a fuel surcharge cap, meaning you pay a fixed amount regardless of consumption. That is a good deal if you plan to cover distance.
What to Do on Rhenia: The Uninhabited Escape
Rhenia is the highlight of a yacht charter Mykonos. The island has no roads, no buildings, and no people. You anchor in one of the coves on the east side, such as Agia Varvara or the bay near the chapel of Agios Georgios. The water is clear, 20-25 m visibility on a calm day. You can snorkel along the rocky shoreline where octopus and bream hang out. The seabed drops off quickly, so anchor depth is 5-10 m. Most skippers will stay for 2-3 hours for lunch and swimming. You can also walk ashore on the pebble beach, but there are no facilities, so bring everything you need. Rhenia is a protected archaeological zone, so no drones or loud music. The silence is the point.
Delos: How to Combine Archaeology with Your Charter
Delos is a 20-minute motor from Mykonos New Port. The archaeological site costs EUR 12 per person for entry, and the jetty fee is about EUR 10-20 for the boat. You can moor for 1-2 hours, enough to see the Terrace of the Lions, the House of Dionysus, and the museum. The site is exposed to the sun, so bring water and a hat. Most yacht charter Mykonos itineraries include Delos as a morning stop before heading to Rhenia for lunch. The advantage of arriving by private boat is that you avoid the ferry crowds from Mykonos Town. You also control the timing: if you want to stay longer, the skipper waits. Note that the site closes at 15:00 in summer, so plan accordingly.
Multi-Day Itineraries: Mykonos to Naxos and Paros
A two-day yacht charter Mykonos can take you to Naxos, which is 22 NM south, a 1.5-hour motor. Naxos has a large harbour with free mooring on the town quay. You can explore the old town, the Portara temple, and the beach at Agios Georgios. The next day, motor 12 NM to Paros, anchor at Kolymbithres for the famous rock formations, then lunch at Naoussa. The total distance is about 40 NM, so fuel costs are manageable. Overnight mooring fees in Naxos are around EUR 30-50 for a 40 ft boat. Some operators include these fees in the charter price, so check the listing. Multi-day charters require a deposit of 50% and a signed contract covering the itinerary and weather contingencies.
What to Eat and Drink on a Mykonos Charter
Most yacht charter Mykonos operators allow you to bring your own food and drinks. Mykonos Town has delis like Deli 33 and Avli that prepare picnic baskets for around EUR 30-50 per person, including sandwiches, salads, fruit, and wine. You can also order from a taverna in Ornos or Platys Gialos and have it delivered to the boat before departure. Some yachts have a barbecue grill on the aft deck, but that is more common on catamarans. If you want a catered lunch on board, expect to pay EUR 60-100 per person for a Greek menu with grilled fish, tzatziki, and salad. The skipper does not cook, so if you want a hot meal, book a boat with a hostess or chef option.
How to Avoid Seasickness on a Mykonos Charter
The meltemi creates a short, choppy sea in the Mykonos channel, especially between Mykonos and Tinos. If you are prone to seasickness, book a catamaran or a motor yacht with stabilisers. Take a motion sickness pill like Dramamine 30 minutes before departure. Avoid a heavy breakfast. Sit on the aft deck where you can see the horizon, not inside the cabin. The worst area is the Mykonos-Delos crossing, which is only 15 minutes, so it is manageable. Once you anchor at Rhenia, the boat stops rocking. If you feel sick, tell the skipper immediately. They can adjust the speed or change the course to calmer water. Do not suffer in silence.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Mykonos?
No. Every BoatHire24 charter includes a licensed skipper. Greek law requires a commercial licence for any vessel over 30 hp, and you cannot rent bareboat without a local licence. The skipper handles everything.
How much does a yacht charter Mykonos cost per day?
A half-day on a 35 ft motor yacht starts around EUR 700. A full day on a 45 ft motor yacht is EUR 1,400-2,200. Catamarans cost more, sailing yachts less. Fuel and VAT are extra.
Can I choose my own itinerary?
Yes. The skipper works for you. You decide the route, stops, and duration. Common destinations include Rhenia, Delos, Naxos, and Paros. The skipper can advise on weather and anchorages.
What is the best month for a Mykonos yacht charter?
June and September offer warm weather, moderate meltemi wind, and fewer crowds. July and August are hotter and windier, with higher prices. May and October are cooler but still possible.
How many people can fit on a yacht charter?
Motor yachts typically carry 8-12 guests. Catamarans can carry 10-14. RIBs hold 6-8. Check the listing for the maximum passenger capacity, including children.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The skipper decides if it is safe to sail. If the charter is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund or reschedule. If you cancel voluntarily, the cancellation policy applies.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. You can bring your own or order catering through the operator. Most boats have a cooler and a basic kitchen. Some operators offer a hostess for an extra fee to serve meals.
