Mylopotas is a fantastic base for exploring the waters and coastlines of Ios. Its prime location on the southern tip of the island makes it ideal for water-based tours that combine stunning scenery with memorable experiences. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, scuba diving, or just soaking up the early morning calm of the Aegean, Mylopotas offers options that cater to all kinds of travelers. I personally love the scenic snorkeling cruise — it’s a relaxed way to see hidden beaches and reef life, especially the chance to snorkel over a shipwreck that’s become a thriving marine habitat. That combination of natural beauty and fun makes it a top pick for me. For a comprehensive underwater adventure, the shipwreck scuba dive offers something a bit more thrilling for certified divers.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the top tours in Mylopotas, along with detailed insights to help you pick the best fit for your trip.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find a variety of water excursions in Mylopotas, from relaxing boat cruises to adrenaline-pumping scuba dives. For those who prefer to stay above water, the Ios Island Scenic Snorkeling Cruise offers picturesque views and wildlife encounters. If diving is your thing, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving provides a beginner-friendly introduction, while the Mylopotas Boat Cruise and Shipwreck Scuba Diving combines a scenic sail with exploring a fascinating wreck. Finally, the Early Morning Boat Cruise is perfect for those who want to start their day with peaceful sea views. Read on for detailed descriptions of each.
1. From Milopotas: Ios Island Scenic Snorkeling Cruise
This scenic boat tour with snorkeling stops is a popular way to explore Ios’s rugged coastline without breaking the bank. Departing from Milopotas, this cruise offers pictorial views of the coast, along with chances to swim around an old wreck that’s now a thriving marine ecosystem. The route includes stops at Koumbara Beach and secluded bays only accessible by boat, making it ideal for those who want a mix of relaxation and adventure.
What makes this tour special is the chance to snorkel over a shipwreck, where you can see a variety of fish and underwater formations. The vessel itself is a highlight for underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts alike. The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. Visitors consistently praise the friendly guides and the unbeatable scenery. One review says, “Had the most amazing time and saw some unbelievable secluded bays,” highlighting how personalized and memorable this experience is.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an easy, fun, and scenic introduction to Ios’s coast and marine life. It’s especially suited for families, couples, and anyone wanting a relaxed day on the water.
2. PADI Discover Scuba Diving – Ios Island
For those curious about the underwater world, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience offers a guided introduction to scuba diving right off Milopotas Beach. The session lasts about 2 hours, perfect for those wanting a quick but thorough taste of diving without needing certification.
This tour focuses on teaching you the basics — from equipment handling to buoyancy control — in a safe, supervised environment. After some classroom instruction, you’ll hit the shallow waters to explore the reef and the Mylopotas canyon. There’s plenty of marine life to see, including fish, octopuses, and even turtles on lucky days. Certified instructors will be with you every step, ensuring safety and fun. Guests who try this often mention how approachable and professional the instructors are, making the experience less intimidating than they feared.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for first-timers or anyone interested in trying scuba diving without committing to a full certification course. It’s a quick, safe way to experience the underwater world of Ios.
3. Ios: Early Morning Boat Cruise from Mylopotas
If you love peaceful mornings on the sea, this Early Morning Boat Cruise is a quiet gem. Departing at dawn, this 2.5-hour tour is all about tranquility and scenic beauty, starting before the island buzz begins.
The tour takes you around Ios’s best beaches and bays, with highlights including calm snorkeling spots and dramatic coastal views. The guide, Dimitri, is known for being knowledgeable and friendly, adding a personal touch to the experience. Many reviews mention how beautiful and serene the early morning light is on the water. One traveler noted, “It was absolutely beautiful! We went in the early season and there were no other people,” emphasizing the peaceful nature of this trip.
This tour is ideal for morning people, photography enthusiasts, and those who want to enjoy Ios’s coast away from crowds. It’s a gentle, scenic way to start your day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for early risers who want a quiet, scenic experience of Ios’s coastline. It suits travelers looking for relaxation and stunning views.
4. Mylopotas: Boat Cruise and Shipwreck Scuba Diving
For a more adventurous day, the Boat Cruise and Shipwreck Scuba Diving combines sightseeing with underwater exploration. This 1.5-hour experience starts with a scenic cruise along Ios’s rugged coast, giving you stunning views of the shoreline and turquoise waters.
The real highlight is diving into the shipwreck, which has become a magnet for marine life and a favorite among divers. It’s an excellent opportunity to practice your diving skills, especially if you’re working toward certification. The guides help you learn and refine your diving techniques in a controlled environment, making it suitable for beginners with some diving experience or those looking to get a certification.
Reviews praise the guides’ professionalism and the remarkable underwater scenery. The shipwreck, combined with the calm sea and scenic cruise, makes for a memorable experience. Keep in mind, this tour is best suited for those who are comfortable in water or have some diving experience.
Bottom Line: A great option for divers eager to see a shipwreck and improve their skills. It’s perfect for those who want a combination of scenic views and underwater adventure.
How to Choose
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and fitness level. If you’re new to water adventures, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving offers a safe, beginner-friendly taste of diving. For a relaxed day with family or friends, the Scenic Snorkeling Cruise provides beautiful scenery and marine encounters without requiring special skills.
If you prefer early mornings or want a peaceful start, the Early Morning Boat Cruise is ideal. For those craving underwater action combined with a scenic sail, the Boat Cruise and Shipwreck Dive is the top pick.
When planning, consider booking early, especially in peak season, and think about your comfort level with water activities. All tours include equipment and guides who are experienced and eager to share Ios’s beauty.
Final Thoughts
Mylopotas offers a rich variety of water-based adventures for all types of travelers. For a laid-back, scenic day, the snorkeling cruise is hard to beat. If diving excites you, the shipwreck dive combines scenery with skill-building. For early risers, the peaceful morning cruise is a perfect start. And for complete beginners, the PADI experience is worth trying.
No matter your choice, these tours are a fantastic way to see the best of Ios’s coastline and underwater world. Book early, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for a memorable day on the sea.