REVIEW · MYKONOS
Private sailing cruise-Mykonos Southern Beach Hopping withLunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Set Sail Mykonos · Bookable on Viator
Choose your own Mykonos shoreline. This private sailing cruise to the southern beaches turns the usual crowd-run into slower swim-and-anchor time, with stops like Ornos, Platys Gialos, Super Paradise, and Elia based on your group’s choices. You’ll also have snorkeling equipment ready so you can see more than just the coastline.
Two things I really like: the day is handled start-to-finish with lunch plus wine and beer onboard, and you’re guided by an English-speaking skipper who can shape the day to the sea conditions. The only real drawback to plan for is weather—this is a good-weather kind of cruise, and even the SUP depends on conditions.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Private Mykonos Sailing That Lets You Pick Your Southern Stops
- What’s On Board: Skipper, Lunch, Drinks, and Snorkeling Gear
- The 9:00 AM Start at Mathios Tavern (and Why Timing Matters)
- Ornos Beach Stop: Trendy and Family Friendly (But It Gets Crowded)
- Platys Gialos Stop: Shallow Water for Swimming and Play
- Super Paradise Beach Stop: The Famous One (So Expect Energy)
- Elia Beach Stop: Big, Beautiful, Umbrella-Lined, With a Sand Option
- How Customization Helps You Actually Avoid the Crowds
- SUP, Weather, and What to Do If Conditions Change
- Price and Value for a Group Up to 10
- Practical Tips: What to Bring for a Smooth Sea Day
- Who Should Book This Private Southern Beaches Cruise
- Should You Book This Private Cruise to Mykonos Southern Beaches?
- FAQ
- What time does the cruise start, and where do I meet?
- How long is the private sailing cruise?
- Which beaches are included on the route?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or beach towels?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key Highlights You’ll Care About

- Private beach hopping with real flexibility based on what your group wants to see and how long you want to linger
- Snorkeling equipment included, so you’re not stuck deciding whether to bring gear or pass on it
- Lunch, wine, beer, and hot drinks included, which makes the day feel like a full experience, not a stop-and-go boat ride
- English-speaking, fully licensed skipper for clear directions and a safer, smoother sailing day
- SUP only if weather allows, so you still get value even if it’s not calm enough
- Bring your own towel and sunscreen, because towels aren’t included
Private Mykonos Sailing That Lets You Pick Your Southern Stops

A private cruise in Mykonos changes the whole rhythm of the day. Instead of waiting for the next set schedule, you can spend more time where the water looks good, the anchoring feels calm, and your group actually wants to swim.
This is built for a classic south-coast day: hop between famous beaches and easy swimming coves, with time to cool off in the sea and reset away from the busiest shoreline scenes. You’ll also get a fully licensed, English-speaking skipper, which matters because sailing days run on conditions—wind, swell, and the timing of safe anchor spots.
If you’re aiming for a mix of “see the names” and “don’t waste time,” this private setup is a strong match.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mykonos
What’s On Board: Skipper, Lunch, Drinks, and Snorkeling Gear
The onboard inclusions are what make this feel like a real day out, not just transportation by boat.
You get:
- A fully licensed English-speaking skipper
- Lunch plus wine and beer, and hot drinks
- Snorkeling equipment
- Fuel charges (so no surprise extras for the sailing portion)
- SUP if weather permits
One detail I’d take seriously: in a story connected to this cruise, captain Avengelo and the host team handled a real-life problem with care. A daughter dropped sunglasses while the boat was anchored to swim, and the captain spent a long stretch snorkeling to find them. That kind of effort tells you the crew is paying attention, not just checking off a route.
Also note what you need to bring. Beach towels aren’t included, so pack a towel, plus sunscreen and your swimming clothes. If you forget those, you’ll end up doing the same thing you’re trying to avoid: spending your “relaxation time” running around for basics.
The 9:00 AM Start at Mathios Tavern (and Why Timing Matters)

The cruise starts at 9:00 am at Mathios Tavern, Mathios Tavern Ελλάδα, Μύκονος 846 00, Greece, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
Morning departures are a practical advantage on Mykonos. You’re more likely to get calmer water early, and you’ll also have less sun pressure during your first swim. On a private day, that matters even more—your schedule is your own, so beginning with good conditions helps you enjoy more time in the water.
If you requested hotel pickup and drop-off, that’s available—but it’s not guaranteed unless you arrange it ahead of time. If you’re meeting at the tavern, plan to arrive a little early so your group can settle in before departure.
Ornos Beach Stop: Trendy and Family Friendly (But It Gets Crowded)

Ornos is one of Mykonos’ most popular beach picks, and it’s also described as family-friendly. The tradeoff is right there in the name—this stop can be lively and busy.
What you’ll likely enjoy here is the mix of activity and convenience. Ornos is a beach where the vibe is easy: swim, walk a bit, relax, and do it without needing a long transfer from the town.
The drawback? If your group prefers quiet, Ornos may feel busier than the rest of the day. The bright side of a private cruise is that you can keep it to your pace—grab your swim time and then shift your attention to the next stop that better fits your mood.
Platys Gialos Stop: Shallow Water for Swimming and Play

Platys Gialos is all about swim time. The water is described as shallow and crystal clear, and that’s the kind of detail that makes a difference when you’re choosing where to cool off.
Why this matters: shallow, clear water is often easier for snorkeling too, even when you’ve got basic gear. You can spend time looking around without constantly fighting depth or strong currents. And if the group has different comfort levels in the water, shallow zones tend to keep everyone happier.
The time here is about a solid break—enough to swim, reset, and enjoy the visibility—without turning it into a rushed stop.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Mykonos
Super Paradise Beach Stop: The Famous One (So Expect Energy)

Super Paradise is called the most famous beach on Mykonos. That usually means you’ll see more people, more noise, and a bigger “scene” than the quieter coast options.
I’d treat this stop as a “check out the legend” moment. It’s a good choice if your group wants to experience a major Mykonos beach name at least once, rather than only going for low-key swimming spots.
The potential downside is also predictable: because it’s famous, it can feel more crowded than you’d want for full relaxation. A private cruise helps because you can decide how much time to allocate here—arrive, swim, enjoy the atmosphere, and then move on before it starts feeling like too much.
Elia Beach Stop: Big, Beautiful, Umbrella-Lined, With a Sand Option

Elia is described as Mykonos’ largest beach and one of the prettiest. It’s almost completely covered with umbrellas and sunbeds, but there’s always a small section where you can lie more directly on the sand.
This stop gives you something different from the other beaches. Instead of only thinking about water conditions, it’s also a beach layout choice. If you want a stretch where you can settle in—shade, lounging, and a broad beach feel—Elia fits well.
The consideration: if your group hates sunbeds or the umbrella-heavy look, you’ll want to aim for that small sunbed-free patch of sand. The good news is it exists, so you’re not forced into one style of beaching all day.
How Customization Helps You Actually Avoid the Crowds

Even with fixed examples like Ornos, Platys Gialos, Super Paradise, and Elia, the core value here is that it’s private and customizable. That means the crew can help tailor the day around:
- where conditions look best for swimming and anchoring
- what your group wants more of—water time vs. beach time
- pacing for your comfort level
This is where the private format pays off. Crowds aren’t just a visual nuisance; they can make the whole “arrival experience” stressful. With this cruise, you’re choosing when to come in close, how long to stay, and when to move. That’s a big deal on a tiny island where everyone’s trying to fit in the same beaches.
And because snorkeling equipment is included, the customization isn’t only about land. You can spend more time exploring underwater where the water visibility is good, then adjust the next stop based on what you want that day.
SUP, Weather, and What to Do If Conditions Change
The trip includes SUP weather permitting, but it’s not the kind of promise that can override the sea. This is why the “good weather” note matters: your best sailing day depends on conditions.
If weather isn’t ideal, you can still count on swimming time and beach time as long as the day runs. The value of having the snorkeling gear included is that you’re not forced to wait for the perfect paddling scenario to get something fun out of the cruise.
Bottom line: think of SUP as a bonus. The main event is the sailing, swimming, and beach hopping with included lunch and gear.
Price and Value for a Group Up to 10
The price is $1,628.99 per group (up to 10), with an average booking window of about 52 days in advance.
Here’s the value math:
- If you fill 10 spots, that’s about $163 per person
- If you have a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, but you’re still paying for a private boat day with skipper, fuel, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment
What you’re really buying is concentration. Instead of splitting your time across separate tickets, taxi rides, and decision-making, this wraps the key parts into one package: sailing + beach access + a meal + gear. That’s often when private trips start to feel less “luxury” and more “efficient.”
It’s also easier to justify when you’re traveling with family or friends who want the same day plan. For groups that want control, the price can feel fair.
Practical Tips: What to Bring for a Smooth Sea Day
This kind of cruise is all about being comfortable on the water, so pack like you’re planning to move from boat to beach and back again.
Bring:
- your towel (not included)
- sunscreen
- swimming clothes
If you’re the type who likes to be ready for everything, also consider:
- water-friendly footwear (if you prefer it on rocky beach areas)
- a dry bag or waterproof phone case, since you’ll be stepping on and off a boat and swimming
And don’t underestimate how quickly sun builds up while sailing. Even if you’re busy with snorkeling gear, you’re still exposed to the sun on the water.
Who Should Book This Private Southern Beaches Cruise
This is a great fit if you want:
- a private day with a group-only boat
- a mix of famous Mykonos beaches and swim time that feels more personal than the shore
- included snorkeling gear and an onboard meal with wine and beer
- a skipper who speaks English and can help steer the day with real-world sea conditions
It may not be the best match if your group is looking for a stop-by-stop “checklist tour” with lots of land exploration. This cruise is about water time and beach time, not long walks or museum-style sightseeing.
It’s also a strong choice for families or mixed-age groups, especially since Ornos is described as family-friendly and the cruise includes gear so you don’t have to assemble your own snorkel setup.
Should You Book This Private Cruise to Mykonos Southern Beaches?
If your ideal Mykonos day includes sailing, swimming, and the freedom to choose your pace, I’d book it. The combination of private attention, snorkeling equipment, and lunch with wine and beer turns it into a full experience instead of a basic boat tour.
I’d hesitate only if you’re determined to lounge quietly in a single serene beach setting all day. This route includes very famous stops like Super Paradise, so you’ll want to be good with a bit of energy.
If you want the best odds of a great day, aim for solid weather and pack the basics they don’t provide—especially a towel and sunscreen.
FAQ
What time does the cruise start, and where do I meet?
The cruise starts at 9:00 am at Mathios Tavern, Mathios Tavern Ελλάδα, Μύκονος 846 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the private sailing cruise?
It’s about 6 hours (approximately).
Which beaches are included on the route?
The scheduled stops are Ornos, Platys Gialos, Super Paradise Beach, and Elia Beach.
What’s included in the price?
You’ll get a fully licensed English-speaking skipper, snorkeling equipment, lunch, wine and beer, hot drinks, fuel charges, and SUP when weather permits. Hotel pick up and drop-off is available upon request.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or beach towels?
Snorkeling equipment is provided. Beach towels are not included, so you should bring your own.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
































