When visiting Mylopotas on Ios, you’ll find that the area isn’t just about beaches and nightlife—it’s also a great starting point for memorable boat tours. The calm, clear waters and dramatic coastline make boat trips especially appealing here. I personally love the From Mylopotas: Ios Island Scenic Snorkeling Cruise because it combines the beauty of the island with the chance to see underwater life — a true highlight for those who enjoy both relaxing and exploring. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just want to cool off with a swim, this tour hits the mark with its picturesque views and secluded beaches.
Mylopotas is a hub for boat-based adventures, offering everything from leisurely sightseeing cruises to more adventurous dives. To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of the top tours: a scenic snorkeling cruise around Ios and a shorter, but equally exciting, boat cruise combined with shipwreck scuba diving. Both are highly rated and showcase different ways to experience the island’s coastal charm.
1. From Milopotas: Ios Island Scenic Snorkeling Cruise
This scenic boat tour is perfect for those who want to experience Ios’s coast without spending all day at sea. Departing from Milopotas, it lasts about 3 hours and includes snorkeling stops at some of the island’s most beautiful spots. The tour takes you along the coastline, giving you sweeping views of the rugged cliffs and hidden coves that are only accessible by boat. One of the highlights is swimming around a shipwreck, which has become a thriving marine habitat—perfect for underwater photography or just marveling at the marine ecosystem.
The key highlights include a visit to Koumbara Beach, where you can swim or explore nearby sea caves, and drifting into secluded bays that few land visitors see. The boat is comfortable, and the atmosphere relaxed, with positive reviews praising the friendly guides and the variety of snorkeling spots. Travelers rave about the chance to see “unbelievable secluded bays” and appreciate the ease of being taken to areas that are inaccessible from land.
Bottom line: This tour offers an excellent mix of scenery, adventure, and relaxation for all ages, especially if you love snorkeling and quiet beaches.
2. Mylopotas: Boat Cruise and Shipwreck Scuba Diving
For those interested in a more active, underwater experience, this boat cruise combined with shipwreck scuba diving is a top pick. It lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a quick but immersive trip. The main draw is the chance to explore a real shipwreck—an intriguing relic submerged in crystal-clear waters. This experience is ideal if you’re eager to practice diving skills or work toward certification, as the tour offers guidance and opportunities to learn.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on diving and underwater exploration. The shipwreck itself is a hauntingly beautiful site that appeals to both novice divers and experienced underwater photographers. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the staff and the quality of the diving experience, with one noting that it’s a “next level” adventure that’s perfect for those wanting to combine boat cruising with diving.
Bottom line: This tour provides a compact but memorable scuba experience, best suited for curious divers or those with a bit of underwater confidence.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and fitness level. If you’re looking for a relaxing day with snorkeling and gorgeous scenery, the scenic snorkeling cruise might be your best bet. For those wanting to try their hand at scuba or explore a shipwreck up close, the boat cruise and shipwreck diving delivers a more active, educational experience.
Budget, time, and physical comfort will also influence your choice. Both tours are well-rated for value, but the snorkeling cruise offers more flexibility and a leisurely pace, while the diving trip emphasizes adventure and skill-building. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Mylopotas offers a wonderful variety of boat experiences that perfectly complement island life. The scenic snorkeling cruise is ideal for families or those wanting a gentle introduction to the underwater world, while the shipwreck scuba dive caters to adventure seekers or certified divers eager for a unique underwater relic.
If you’re short on time but still want a taste of Ios’s superb coastline, the shorter cruise with diving is perfect. Conversely, for a relaxing, scenic day with excellent snorkeling, the longer cruise will serve you well. No matter which you choose, booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable coastal adventures.
