Snorkeling in Milos: Kleftiko & Sykia caves, 12-person boat

Swim into sea caves and snorkel the inaccessible west coast of Milos

A full-day snorkeling cruise from Adamas port around Milos covers the island's western side with stops at Kleftiko and Sykia, two of the most remote spots reachable only by boat. The sailing boat carries 12 passengers, a crew of two experienced guides, and all snorkeling gear; the route adjusts for weather, and the skipper may shift departure and arrival times by up to two hours to ensure safe conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day cruise with swimming and sightseeing

• Visit Klima fishing village
• Pass 19th-century mine at Adamas bay
• Swim and snorkel with light brunch
• Swim and explore Sykia cave by dinghy
• Enjoy homemade snacks and drinks
• Swim and snorkel at Kleftiko caves
• Have freshly cooked lunch and drinks
• Swim at Agios Dimitrios bay
• Return to Adamas port

The Experience

The boat leaves Adamas in the morning and heads first to Klima, the former capital where the Venus de Milo was found, then past the 19th-century mines of Adamas bay while your multilingual guide explains the island's history. A light brunch comes at the first swim stop, which lasts about 30 minutes. The pace is deliberate—no rushing between spots, no crowds—because only 12 people board and the crew knows the route well enough to linger where it matters.

Sykia is the second major stop and takes about two hours. You anchor in the protected bay, swim with snorkeling masks and flippers provided, then ride the dinghy into the cave itself to explore the interior. Back on deck, homemade meze and ouzo or fresh drinks wait. Kleftiko comes next: you snorkel in the water, use the dinghy to photograph the caves from inside and above, and eat a freshly cooked lunch with Greek salad and your choice of vegetarian or vegan options. A final 20-minute swim at Firopotamos rounds out the day before the return to port.

The boat has large shaded areas and hammocks, so time between swims can be spent under cover with a drink from the open bar—wine, beer, ouzo, sodas and bottled water are all included. The crew brings a GoPro and sends photos by email after the trip. Weather may shift the route: strong north wind means sailing to the southern side as planned, but strong south wind redirects to the northern coast and nearby islands instead. The skipper adjusts timing to avoid rough conditions, and the meeting point stays the same unless you're told otherwise.

What’s included

• Snorkeling masks and flippers.
• light brunch at the first swim stop.
• homemade meze and ouzo at Sykia.
• freshly cooked lunch with Greek salad and vegetarian or vegan options at Kleftiko.
• wine, beer, ouzo, sodas and bottled water throughout the day.
• use of the dinghy to explore caves.
• GoPro photos sent by email after the trip.
• WiFi on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by POLCO SAILING

Is this one for you?The eight-hour duration means you can book this as your main activity for the day and still have time to explore Adamas or rest at your hotel before or after. The small group of 12 and the relaxed pace between stops make it possible to swim and snorkel without feeling rushed, though the sailing yacht does rock, especially under sail, so it's not suited to anyone who needs a completely stable platform.

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Top questions

What's the difference between Kleftiko and Sykia on this snorkeling cruise?

Kleftiko is an open-water snorkeling site where you use the dinghy to explore sea caves and take photos both underwater and above the surface, followed by lunch. Sykia is a protected bay where you first swim and snorkel, then enter the cave itself by dinghy to see the interior, with homemade appetizers and ouzo waiting when you return to the boat.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The cruise includes five separate water stops: a 30-minute swim at Firopotamos with light brunch, a two-hour stop at Sykia with snorkeling and cave exploration, a longer snorkeling session at Kleftiko with lunch, and a final 20-minute swim at Agios Dimitrios. The exact timing depends on conditions and how long you choose to stay in the water at each stop.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling masks and flippers are provided by the boat at no extra cost. You don't need to bring your own equipment.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my cruise?

The skipper adjusts the route based on wind direction: strong north wind keeps the planned route to the southern side, while strong south wind redirects to the northern coast and nearby islands instead. Departure and arrival times may shift by up to two hours to ensure safe conditions, but the meeting point and time stay the same unless you receive different details.

What food and drinks are included in the eight hours?

Light brunch at the first stop, homemade meze (Greek appetizers) with ouzo at Sykia, and a freshly cooked lunch with Greek salad at Kleftiko are all included. The open bar provides wine, beer, ouzo, sodas and bottled water throughout the day.

Can I bring children or someone who isn't a strong swimmer?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat. The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though you should be comfortable moving around a sailing yacht that may rock or tilt, especially under sail. Service animals are allowed.