Milos: Small-Group Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

Summary

Sail past Klima’s colors, swim at Kleftiko caves, homemade food & ouzo

You’ll sail Milos’ wild west coast in a small group, stopping for swims at Sykia cave and Kleftiko’s famous cliffs, with all snorkeling gear provided. Enjoy homemade Greek meze and lunch on deck (with ouzo or beer), guided by locals who share stories along the way. It’s relaxed, social, sometimes silly—and leaves you feeling connected to the island long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to laugh so much before 10 a.m., but there we were—ten strangers squinting at the sun as our guide Nikos tried to teach us how to say “καλημέρα” (good morning) without sounding like tourists. I failed, obviously. The boat left Adamas quietly, and the salty air hit different than on land—sharper, maybe? We passed Klima’s rainbow houses and someone pointed out where Venus de Milo was found. I’d seen it in books but somehow hearing about it here made it feel less like a museum thing and more like someone’s story.

After a quick swim near the old mines (the water was colder than I thought—my toes went numb for a minute), we drifted toward Sykia. The cliffs looked almost fake against that blue, but when we got closer you could smell thyme from somewhere up above. We took the dinghy into the cave, which echoed every word back at us. There was this weird hush for a second, just oars tapping stone and everyone kind of whispering without meaning to. Back on deck there were plates of meze—salty feta, tomatoes that tasted like sunshine—and ouzo that burned in a good way. Anna from Athens showed me how to eat olives properly; apparently spitting pits overboard is not the local way (oops).

Kleftiko was next. I’d seen photos but they don’t get the color right—the water really does look painted on. Snorkeling there felt surreal; fish darted around my legs and I kept losing track of time until Nikos called us back for lunch. Homemade food again—something with eggplant and lemon that I still think about now—and cold beer under the shade while hammocks swung behind us. Someone played music softly from their phone; nobody seemed in any rush to leave.

We stopped once more near Firopotamos for one last swim—by then my skin smelled like salt and sunscreen and oregano from lunch. The wind picked up as we sailed back to Adamas and everyone got quiet for a bit, just watching Milos slide past in gold light. I guess that’s what stuck with me most: feeling like you’re part of some slow-moving story you don’t want to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Milos cruise with swimming

• Pass 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

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Milos cruise?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided during swim stops including at Kleftiko caves.

How many people are on the sailing boat?

The cruise is limited to 10 guests per boat for a small-group experience.

Are meals included during the day trip?

Yes, homemade appetizers (“meze”), lunch with Greek salad, drinks (ouzo/beer/wine), and snacks are included.

Does this Milos cruise include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Adamas port.

Can vegetarians or vegans join this cruise?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you inform them in advance.

Do guides speak English?

Yes, your guides are experienced sailors who speak multiple languages including English.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes, WiFi is available throughout the cruise.

Are infants or children allowed?

Infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are allowed onboard.

What happens if the weather changes suddenly?

The captain may adjust the itinerary based on weather for comfort and safety.

What’s included

Your day includes all swim stops at Sykia cave and Kleftiko beach with use of snorkeling gear provided free of charge; homemade Greek appetizers (“meze”) served with ouzo or your choice of drink; freshly cooked lunch featuring local products with vegetarian or vegan options if needed; unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water; WiFi onboard; plus photos taken by crew sent later by email so you can stay present instead of fiddling with your phone.