Ios looks better from a speedboat. This 2.5-hour afternoon run turns Ios into a moving viewpoint, with a comfortable, hands-on crew and time for sea time at multiple beaches along the coast. You get the big coastline sweep, then a few focused stops where you can actually jump in.

I especially like two things: the Mylopotas beach start, with its easy access and deep-blue water, and the chance to snorkel with included gear. When the route includes clear-water coves like Kalamos and the calmer bays around Manganari, you really feel how much this island varies from one shoreline to the next.

One possible drawback is that you have to keep it simple on board: no pets, and no luggage or large bags. Also, if strong winds roll in, the cruise can change or even cancel with an alternative date or refund, so you’ll want a little flexibility.

Key highlights at a glance

• Mylopotas to Manganari for postcard beaches and a fast, scenic coastline overview
• Underwater caves + snorkel time with equipment included
• Big Blue filming vibes at Manganari, shot on the very sand and water you’ll see
• East side quiet-water options at Kalamos, with isolated beaches later on
• End with a sunset-tinted dip at Koumpara
• Crew support matters, including calm guidance for someone with water anxiety on at least one August sailing

Entering the trip: how the luxury speedboat changes Ios

Ios has serious shoreline mileage. The island stretches about 87 km, with roughly 32 km of sandy beaches, and this cruise is basically the “see it without burning a day” answer.

A speedboat matters here because it changes the feel of the coastline. Instead of looking at beaches from a distance, you get close enough to judge water color, sand feel, and how sheltered each cove is. And you also get motion, which makes the trip feel like a mini adventure instead of a long, static beach day.

The “luxury” part is mostly about comfort and smooth handling. The transport is highly rated, with 86% of reviewers giving a perfect score, which usually means you’ll spend more time enjoying the scenery and less time dealing with rough rides or confusing service.

Getting to Meltemi Watersports: what to know before you arrive

Your meeting point is at the Meltemi Watersports center, at the end of Mylopotas Beach. Plan to arrive a little early, because that’s where you’ll get set up for boarding and fit check for snorkeling gear (included) if it’s part of the day’s timing.

Bring sunglasses and a sun hat, plus sunscreen. This is an afternoon cruise, and the sun can be relentless even when the sea air feels nice. Also, remember that towels are not included, so if you want to dry off comfortably after your swim, pack one if you’re able (or plan to use a beach towel you already have access to).

One more practical note: they do not allow pets, and you can’t bring luggage or large bags. That’s not a deal breaker, but it does shape what you should bring. Think light: swim stuff, water shoes if you like them, and your sun protection.

Finally, dietary preferences can matter, because juice is included. If you have any preference, advise it at booking so they can account for it.

From Mylopotas beach to the five-bay Manganari lineup

The day starts with a familiar favorite: Mylopotas. It’s a classic “arrive, sit, swim, and exhale” kind of beach, with deep-blue water and enough facilities to make it easy to settle in. If you’ve got limited time on Ios, this is a smart first landing point because you can get into vacation mode quickly.

Then the cruise moves you toward Manganari, one of Ios’s most photogenic shorelines. What I like about Manganari is how it’s described as a spectacular sequence of five bays. That means you’re not just seeing one beach. You’re seeing multiple pockets of coastline with different angles of light and slightly different water moods.

And there’s a fun film connection here. Manganari is associated with the movie The Big Blue, filmed on this beach. Even if you don’t know the movie, you’ll still feel the “postcard setting” energy because the water and cliffs are the kind that cameras love. The practical benefit is that bays often give you more options for where to swim, so you’re not stuck with just one stretch of shoreline.

A small drawback to keep in mind: bays can look calm from the boat, but conditions can change at the exact entry spot. If you’re sensitive to water comfort, pay attention to the crew’s guidance when it’s time to jump in.

Snorkeling at Kalamos: caves, shipwreck reef, and clear water

The east side of Ios is where you get a quieter, clearer-water feel, and that’s why Kalamos is part of the plan. This is where you have the opportunity to snorkel in clear, calm waters.

What makes the snorkeling portion more interesting than a one-off swim is the variety. The cruise includes snorkeling in underwater caves and over a shipwreck and reef. That’s the combination you want if you’re hoping for more than “I saw fish.” Caves and wreck areas usually mean more structure and more to look at, especially if the water is clear that day.

The good news is the gear is included. You won’t need to hunt down a mask and snorkel rental on your own, which saves time and hassle. Also, having a crew-based timing window usually means you’re not stuck in the water for too long, which is helpful when sun and effort start to pile up.

A highlight from real-world experience: on at least one August sailing, the crew was especially reassuring and supportive for a family member with water anxiety. That’s exactly the kind of detail you care about, because snorkel days can be either relaxing or stressful depending on how smoothly the guidance works.

Potential consideration: snorkeling equipment can feel like a lot to manage if you’re not used to it, and the included swim time still depends on weather and conditions. If you want a calm, easy experience, go in expecting short, focused time rather than a long “explore everything” session.

The later stops: Papas, Plakes, and the coast’s quick-hit variety

After Kalamos, the cruise heads toward more isolated beaches, including Papas and Plakes. This is where the trip shifts from “main beach energy” to “quiet shoreline energy.”

Why this part matters: isolated beaches are often less crowded and feel more like you’ve found a calmer corner of the island. Even though you’re not there for hours, the chance to step into a lesser-known bay helps break up the day so it doesn’t feel like one long visit to the same type of scenery.

The itinerary also passes a long list of other coastline names, including Kampaki, Plakotos, Petalidi, Neraki, Sapounochoma, Diamoudia, Klima, Pikri Nero, and Tzamaria. You may not stop at all of these, but seeing the coastline unfold in quick succession is one of the real values of a boat cruise. You start noticing which areas look sheltered, which seem more open, and where the cliffs and sand change.

For you, that means the cruise becomes more than “a ride.” It becomes a scouting trip for where you might return later if you fall in love with a specific bay.

Near Ormos and Chora: Valmas and Kolitsani before you slow down

Near Ormos, you can reach Valmas, and near Chora you’ll get to see Kolitsani. These are the kinds of stops that make the cruise feel like it covers more than just the “tourist beaches.”

Valmas adds variety because Ormos is in a different setting than the main Mylopotas and Manganari stretch. Even if you only get a brief moment, the coastline around Ormos tends to read differently from the more beach-forward sections.

Kolitsani near Chora is another contrast point. Chora areas often bring a bit more island character into the mix, even from the water perspective. It’s a useful reminder that Ios isn’t only beaches. It also has communities and coastline geometry that changes how you feel on the island.

If you’re someone who likes to end with one last scenic payoff, these near-town views help the cruise land in a more “whole island” feeling, not just “a beach hop.”

Ending at Koumpara: the sunset-tinted swim that makes it feel like a win

The cruise finishes with a relaxing dip in the sunset-tinted waters of Koumpara. Ending on a swim at the end of the day is a smart way to close the loop, because you’re fresh enough to enjoy it, and the light is already doing the heavy lifting.

Even if you’re not the type who normally cares about sunsets, this timing helps you get something you can’t recreate by going alone at midday. Late-day sea swims feel cooler, calmer, and more forgiving on your energy.

A practical tip: your sun hat and sunscreen still matter here. Sunset does not automatically mean you’re protected, and you’ll still want to be comfortable once you’re back on the boat or heading to your next stop.

Price and value: what $69 buys in real terms

At $69 per person for about 2.5 hours, this cruise is priced like a premium Ios experience. The real question is value, not cost.

Here’s what you get for the price:

• A speedboat cruise that covers a lot of coastline in a short time
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Juice and water included
• Stops that mix main beaches (Mylopotas) with scenic highlights (Manganari) and clearer-water snorkeling options (Kalamos)

If you tried to stitch this together alone, you’d quickly spend time on logistics, boat rentals, and gear. You’d also lose the “route flow” that gets you from beach to beach efficiently. That’s why this price can make sense, especially for first-timers who want the broad picture without planning a full day.

One interesting detail from an August experience: one booking had the schedule shift from 2.5 hours to around 4 hours, and it still felt short. That suggests the value can be even better when your departure runs longer, which is exactly the kind of scenario you’d hope for when you book.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great fit for you if:

• You want Ios coastline views without needing to drive, organize, or commit to a full day
• You like snorkel time, especially when the plan includes caves, shipwreck, and reef
• You want a guided experience where you can focus on enjoying the water and not on figuring everything out

It’s also promising for people who want reassurance. A family member with water anxiety was supported by the crew in at least one sailing, and that detail matters if you’re worried about being rushed or left on your own.

It might be less ideal if:

• You need long beach lounging with lots of time ashore, because this is still a short cruise window
• You prefer to travel with a lot of gear, since large bags are not allowed
• You hate schedule uncertainty, because strong winds can change or cancel the itinerary

Should you book Ios by speedboat from Mylopotas?

I’d book it if you want the best “Ios in a hurry” mix: major beaches, snorkeling with included gear, and a guided route that shows you more shoreline than you’d manage alone.

Before you commit, think about your priorities. If snorkeling and scenery rank high, this cruise checks the boxes with clear-water stops like Kalamos and the classic Manganari bays. If you’re mainly chasing one long beach day, you might find you prefer a slower plan with more time on land.

If the sea cooperates, you’ll likely leave feeling like you actually saw the island, not just photographed it.

FAQ

How long is the Ios speedboat cruise from Mylopotas Beach?

The duration is 2.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet at the Meltemi Watersports center, at the end of Mylopotas Beach.

What is included in the price?

The cruise includes the speedboat cruise, snorkeling equipment, and juice and water.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Towels are not included.

Is snorkeling part of the experience?

Yes. The cruise includes snorkeling opportunities in underwater caves and around a shipwreck and reef.

Are towels, hotel transfers, and personal spending included?

No. Towels are not included, and hotel transfer and personal expenses are not included.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it possible to reserve without paying right away?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later.

Are pets and luggage allowed?

No pets are allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.

FAQ

What languages are spoken during the tour?

The host or greeter communicates in English and Greek.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If bad weather or strong winds affect the cruise, the itinerary may change or the cruise may cancel. If that happens, you’ll get an alternative date or a full refund.