Milos: Kleftiko Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Open Bar & Lunch

Summary

Swim through Milos caves taste Greek lunch relax with open bar

You’ll ride along Milos’ west coast by boat, swimming through caves at Kleftiko and Sykia Bay (if weather allows), tasting homemade snacks and a Greek lunch on deck. With an open bar and snorkeling gear included—and local guides sharing stories—it’s part adventure, part lazy day at sea. You might leave thinking about those cliffs long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I booked the Kleftiko boat tour mostly because I’d seen those wild white cliffs on Instagram and thought, “Alright, let’s see if it’s really that blue.” But standing on the deck as we left Adamas—wind sticky with salt, the sun already warming my shoulders—I realized I was way more curious than I’d expected. Our captain, Giorgos (who had this big fisherman’s laugh), pointed out the old manganese mine at Cape Vani. The cliffs looked almost burnt orange in the morning light. There was something about seeing those abandoned ruins from the sea—felt like peeking into someone else’s memory.

We stopped near these tiny fishing villages painted in colors I can’t even name—one of the crew told me his uncle still lives in one of those houses with doors right on the water. At Sykia Bay, if you’re lucky with weather (we were), you get to jump straight off the boat. The water there is so clear it’s almost unnerving; I could see every little pebble under my toes. Someone passed around homemade cheese pies and olives—honestly, still thinking about that salty bite after swimming. And yeah, my snorkeling mask fogged up immediately but nobody cared.

Kleftiko itself is something else. They call it a “pirate bay” and you kind of get why—the caves twist everywhere and echo back your voice if you shout (which our guide did). I floated on my back for a while just listening to everyone laughing and splashing. Lunch was laid out on deck: fresh bread, tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, local wine from an open bar (I had two glasses before remembering I’m a lightweight). On the way back we stopped for one last swim at Kalogries Beach—by then everyone was sun-warmed and half-asleep or swapping stories about where they were from. It felt less like a tour and more like an odd little summer party drifting along Milos’ edge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to Milos' hidden gems

• Photograph colorful fisherman villages
• Pass by Cape Vani volcanic mine
• Swim at Sykia Bay or alternate spot
• Swim and lunch at Kleftiko Beach
• Swim at Kalogries Beach and enjoy dessert

Top questions

How long does the Kleftiko boat tour take?

The tour is a half-day experience along Milos’ west coast.

Is lunch included during the Kleftiko boat tour?

Yes, a traditional Greek lunch is served onboard along with snacks.

Does the tour include drinks or an open bar?

Yes, there’s an open bar with beer, white wine, red wine, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Are transfers provided if departure changes due to weather?

If strong north winds require departure from Paleochori instead of Adamas, transfers are included by bus.

Can children join this Milos boat trip?

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 5 years old.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available for all swimming stops.

What happens if bad weather affects Sykia Bay?

If weather doesn’t allow a stop at Sykia Bay, another beautiful swim spot will be chosen instead.

How many people are on board during this Milos boat trip?

The maximum capacity is 20 persons per tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by bus if needed due to weather changes between Adamas and Paleochori; all swimming stops; use of snorkeling equipment; homemade Greek snacks; a traditional lunch served onboard; plus unlimited drinks from the open bar—beer, local wines, soft drinks, and mineral water—all guided by locals who know these waters inside out.