About this tour
When Sarah from our team booked this private boat tour through the Cyclades, we expected a glossy sales pitch—but it genuinely delivered. You get a proper captain, a decent-sized vessel kitted out with snorkelling kit, paddleboards, and a sea scooter, plus fresh food and Greek wine throughout an 8-hour loop hitting Kimolos, Poliegos, and Milos. The vibe is relaxed rather than rushed; you're swimming in turquoise bays, ducking into sea caves, and grabbing drone shots without the usual tour-boat crowds. It's pricey, but if you've got the budget and want the Cyclades without the ferry queues, this hits different.
Highlights
- Sikia Cave entrance by boat—genuinely striking rock formations and intimate scale
- Sea scooter and SUP included; both actually fun, not just gimmicks
- Snorkelling at Gerakas Beach over thermal springs and visible seabed
- Kleftiko Bay's raw, sculptural cliff landscape feels less touristy than Santorini
- Drone photos and video handed over; beats iPhone snaps from a bobbing deck
- Fresh local food and proper Greek wine—not cardboard sandwiches
- WiFi and onboard loo mean you're not roughing it
- Captain steers the itinerary; flexibility to linger or swap stops
What to expect
Your day starts early—you'll meet the captain at the marina and head out to Kimolos first, where fishing villages and Elephant Rock set a slower pace than typical tour circuits. The boat cruises between stops; it's not cramped, but you're in the water or on the deck most of the time, so expect sun exposure and salt spray. Poliegos comes next with Blue Bay for swimming and the sea scooter to tool around in—that bit is gimmicky fun, not strenuous. Lunch is flexible; you can eat onboard or anchor near a beach taverna if you book it in advance.
The snorkelling at Gerakas is the highlight for us—the water is clear, you can see the thermal vents bubbling up, and it feels less picked-over than other Cycladic spots. Kleftiko Bay at the end is dramatic; Sikia Cave is small and you motor straight in, which beats hiking to it. By hour seven, you're tired, salty, and your skin is tight from sun and sea. The crew tops up water and offers shade, but this is a full day on the water, not a leisurely float.
What travellers say
- Private boat and captain—no herding with 50 other tourists
- Snorkel gear, SUP, sea scooter, and paddleboards all included
- Gerakas Beach thermal springs and Sikia Cave are genuinely memorable
- Fresh food and Greek wine, not mass-catering leftovers
- Drone photos and video add real value without feeling forced
- Flexible routing; captain adapts to conditions and group mood
- Eight hours on water—bring seasickness meds if prone
- Heavy sun exposure; SPF 50+ and hat essential, limited shade
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers or spinal injury concerns
- Peak summer demand; book early or accept less flexible scheduling
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Smaller group size means the crew actually knows who you are by lunch. The inclusions are genuine—snorkel gear, SUP, seascooter, paddleboards, and booze—not nickel-and-dimed extras. If weather turns, the captain can pivot the route. No queuing for ferries or sitting in tour-bus traffic. Drone photos are a nice touch for Instagram or family memories.
It's eight hours on a moving boat, so if you get queasy, bring medication. Sun protection is essential—SPF 50+ and a hat, because the water reflects hard and there's limited shade. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have spinal issues, or cardiovascular concerns; the boat does rock in swell. Infants must sit on a lap, which isn't practical for a full day. Peak summer (July–August) brings more demand and less flexible scheduling. Lunch stop isn't always included in the base price. Weather-dependent; June and September offer calmer seas than summer.
Bring a rash shirt or wetsuit top to save your shoulders. Waterproof bag for phone and valuables—the crew are trustworthy but the boat isn't a safe. Group size is typically 4–8 people (private boat, so no strangers). Budget 4–5 hours actual water time, rest is cruising. Bring cash or card for optional extras like lunch ashore.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.