South Coast Cruise

My honest take on the South Coast Cruise in Mykonos

If you’re thinking about exploring some of Mykonos’ best beaches by boat, the South Coast Cruise offers a laid-back way to soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy some delicious Greek food along the way. While it’s not perfect, it does have some very appealing aspects that make it worth considering, especially if you’re into relaxed, scenic days with tasty bites and drinks.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are its comprehensive itinerary—covering four popular beaches—and the complimentary drinks and snacks that keep you refreshed without extra fuss. The local Greek lunch is also a highlight, especially if you appreciate authentic flavors paired with picturesque seaside views.

On the flip side, one important thing to keep in mind is that this tour’s price might seem a little steep when you compare what’s included—mainly just the day on the water with some food and drinks. Plus, the cancellation experience has had some trouble, as a review from a past traveler noted a last-minute cancellation without clear explanation, which is important to consider. This tour is best suited for those who want a straightforward, boat-based beach day without overly structured activities, rather than a full-on sightseeing or luxury experience.

If you’re after a casual, scenic escape with good food and enough time to swim and relax, this could be a good fit. But if you’re looking for something more exclusive or with guaranteed operation, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Relaxed boat trip to top beaches of Mykonos with plenty of swimming and sunbathing
• Includes a traditional Greek lunch with vegetarian options available
• Complimentary wine, ouzo, snacks, and bottled water keep you refreshed
• Meeting point at Ornos Beach suits travelers staying nearby or using public transport
• Tour can be canceled due to weather or operational issues, so keep an eye on confirmation and weather forecasts
• Group size maxes out at 60, making it fairly comfortable for most travelers

An in-depth look at the South Coast Cruise experience

When you picture a day cruising along Mykonos’ southern coast, this tour promises the chance to hit four popular beaches from the comfort of a boat, with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and tan. It’s a classic way to enjoy the island’s beautiful shoreline without the hassle of renting your own boat or figuring out transportation to multiple beaches.

The itinerary and what it means for you

The cruise kicks off at Ornos Beach Bus Station around 9:30 am. This is a sensible starting point if you’re already nearby or using public transit, but if you’re staying further out, you’ll need to consider transportation costs or options.

Your first stop is Frangias Beach, described as deserted. Expect a peaceful, less crowded spot perfect for a quick swim or relaxing on the sand. The tour then proceeds to Kalafatis Beach where you’ll stop for lunch. This is a highlight, with a traditional Greek meal served at a beachside restaurant. The meal includes a Greek salad, tzatziki, oven-roasted chicken with potatoes, along with wine and water. If you’re vegetarian, just let the organizers know at booking, and they’ll provide an alternative. We loved the prospect of enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal with sea views—definitely a plus for anyone craving authentic Greek cuisine.

Next, the boat heads to Super Paradise Beach, renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and lively scene. While the cruise doesn’t mention a lively party atmosphere explicitly, Super Paradise is often known for vibrant beach clubs, so you might find the energy level varies depending on the day.

Throughout the day, the crew offers bread, olives, ouzo, wine, and water at Frangias, making sure you’re well-supplied between swimming stops. These complimentary snacks and drinks are a nice touch, especially since they’re included in the cost, saving you a few euros and adding to the relaxed vibe.

What the beaches offer

We loved the way the itinerary combines deserted and lively beaches, giving you a nice mix of serenity and socializing. The chance to swim and snorkel in clear waters is a main draw, and there’s plenty of sunbathing space. Keep in mind, the actual quality of beaches like Frangias or Super Paradise can vary depending on the season and weather, but generally, they’re known for their beauty.

Food and drinks on board

The Greek lunch at Kalafatis is quite substantial, and perfect for refueling after some water fun. The inclusion of wine and water makes it feel more authentic, and the quality is good enough to satisfy most travelers. The snacks—bread, olives, and ouzo—are simple but add to the overall experience, making it a true taste of Greek seaside culture.

Group size, duration, and overall value

With a maximum of 60 travelers, the tour maintains a decent group size, so it’s not overly crowded but lively enough to be social. The 8-hour duration means you get plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, food, and sun without feeling rushed. At around $102 per person, the price covers the transportation, meals, snacks, and drinks—but it’s worth considering whether you’ll get enough value from those included elements, especially given some reviews of cancellations and operational issues.

What past travelers say

One review from Derek_L, dated July 2020, highlights a frustrating experience where the tour was canceled at the last minute without explanation, and he was told he’d be refunded. This kind of unpredictability can be a real downside, especially if you’re planning your trip around this activity. It’s worth noting that the tour provider has responded and processed refunds, but this still reflects some potential risk.

Other reviews aren’t available here, but the overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 suggests that most travelers found the experience decent but not extraordinary. The highlights for many seem to be the wine selection and the delicious food, which makes sense — these elements elevate a simple boat trip into a genuinely enjoyable day.

Final thoughts: Who should consider this tour?

If you’re a traveler who appreciates a relaxed, no-fuss day on the water, with good food, drinks, and swimming, this cruise is worth a shot. It’s especially suited for those who want to see some of Mykonos’ key beaches without the hassle of arranging transportation or planning multiple stops.

However, if you’re someone who prefers guaranteed operation and more exclusive experiences, or if you’re concerned about potential cancellations, you might want to explore alternative tours. It’s also a good pick if you’re on a budget and want an inclusive day that covers most of the essentials—sun, sea, food, and drinks.

Remember, weather can affect the day, and last-minute cancellations have happened, so keep an eye on the forecast and confirm your booking.

FAQ

Is the South Coast Cruise suitable for families?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the full-day duration and the focus on swimming and sunbathing. Young children or those with limited mobility might need extra consideration.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the boat ride, visits to four beaches, a Greek lunch (with vegetarian options if requested), snacks (bread, olives, ouzo, wine, water), and bottled water.

Are there any additional costs?
Not included are hotel pickup and drop-off unless you select that option, and transfers to and from the meeting point.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Ornos Beach Bus Station at 9:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations due to weather or operational issues are also covered with a full refund or rescheduling.

How many people typically participate?
Up to 60 travelers can join, which strikes a balance between social atmosphere and comfort.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended, along with your bathing suit and beach towel.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be requested at the time of booking.

Will I have enough time at each beach?
Yes, the itinerary allocates roughly an hour for each stop, giving you enough time to swim or relax.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easier to reach if you’re staying in or near Ornos.

To sum it up, the South Coast Cruise offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience some of Mykonos’ most popular beaches with good food and drinks included. It’s a solid option if you’re after a relaxing day on the water without too many bells and whistles. Just remember to check the weather and confirm your booking, especially if you’re counting on this as a key part of your trip. If you’re okay with a bit of unpredictability and enjoy a casual, scenic outing, this cruise might just be your perfect day on the water.