If you are thinking of a beach vacation in Greece, it goes without saying that you must visit Mykonos. A breathtaking island surrounded by the vast blue sea, it is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, iconic Cycladic architecture, luxurious villas and resorts, and pristine beaches. Mykonos is an especially wonderful choice if you are keen on engaging in a few water sports like snorkeling; the water boasts temperatures suitable for snorkeling and great visibility as low as 30 meters. All you need to do is find an operator, put on your diving mask, and dive into the Aegean Sea’s clear water, where the sight of its diverse aquatic life is sure to mesmerize you!
Here is everything you should know about going snorkeling in Mykonos.
10 Best Snorkeling Spots in Mykonos
1. Agios Sostis Beach
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One of the cleanest and least crowded beaches in Mykonos, Agios Sostis Beach is situated about 8 km northeast of the Chora in the bay of Loutra. It is an excellent choice for snorkeling because of its clear and deep blue water, which boasts excellent visibility and diverse aquatic life. Moreover, the views of rocky mountains in the distance are stunning.
2. Kalafati Beach
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Located about 11 km from Chora in southeast Mykonos, Kalafati Beach is a well-known beach with blue-green water perfect for snorkeling. It is divided into two sections, one dedicated to water sports. The water here is not too cold and is home to various underwater creatures, including monk seals. You can also take a boat from the beach to Dragon Island, which is also popular for snorkeling. Remember that you can only access Kalafati Beach via a ferry or plane from Mykonos Beach.
3. Frangias Beach
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Frangias Beach, although a little difficult to reach, is a great spot if you want to go snorkeling but want to avoid crowds. It is about a 30-minute drive from Mykonos Town, but it is worth it when you get here. The water here doesn’t experience the Aegean Sea’s dominant NE swells, making the snorkeling experience easier. Furthermore, submerged rock reefs are here, where sea urchins, little fish, anemones, sea turtles, etc., are often found.
4. Tigani Beach
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Tigani Beach, divided into Kato and Pano Tigani, is another of Mykonos’ beaches that is usually less crowded. It overlooks rocky mountains and Psara Island in the distance and offers stupendous views of the sunset if you stay till then. It is a good choice for snorkeling because its water is clear, calm, and full of varying flora and fauna.
5. Psarou Beach
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Psarou Beach is a very upscale beach about 5 km from Mykonos. It is the regular haunt of many of Mykonos’ celebrities who come here for the exceptional water sports experience and the renowned restaurants. It is an ideal site for snorkeling as its clear blue-green water is very calm, has high visibility, and is home to different sea creatures. The surrounding views of the rocky cliffs and hills are also superb.
6. Paradise Beach
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Perhaps the most popular beach in Mykonos, Paradise Beach is known not only for its happening parties but also for its water sports, including snorkeling. The clear blue water here is very calm and has great visibility, so you can spot many aquatic creatures. And if you’re not too tired after your underwater adventure, maybe you can stay a little longer and party into the night!
7. Mersini Beach
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Located on the northeast side of the island, about 13 km from Chora, Mersini Beach is a non-organized and relatively isolated beach that is also a perfect site for snorkeling. The blue water here is calm and has great visibility, which makes snorkeling very pleasant; you can also easily spot some flora and fauna underwater.
8. Elia Beach
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Elia Beach is the largest beach in Mykonos and is famous for its golden sand, blue water, and magnificent views of the surrounding rocky hills. You can also go snorkeling in its clear water where you would surely come across some sea creatures, but remember that it is also known to be popular amongst “naturalists” so it isn’t for everyone!
9. Agios Ioannis Beach
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If you’re thinking of going snorkeling in Mykonos, check out Agios Ioannis Beach, a beautiful beach with golden sand and pristine blue water. It lies along a narrow strait between Mykonos and Delos Islands, and the nutrient-rich water here is full of diverse fish. The bay's south end is best for snorkeling since you’ll be able to spot reefs not too far from the shore; the north side is also a harbor where you might get stuck in fishing nets. Moreover, it overlooks rocky mountains and is a wonderful place to watch the sunset.
10. Lia Beach
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With its white sand and clear blue water, Lia Beach is situated almost 10 km from the town and is one of the prettiest beaches in Mykonos. It is also one of the most popular beaches in water sports since the water here is usually warm and doesn’t experience the northern Aegean swells, thus being calm and suitable for snorkeling. You would also be able to spot various aquatic life here such as sardines and small fish around the kelp and seaweed forest as well as groupers and red snappers around the underwater cliffs.
Snorkeling Operators in Mykonos
1. Mykonos Diving Center
Address: Paradise Beach, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Main snorkelling sites: Paradise House Reef
2. GoDive Mykonos Diving Scuba
Address: Lia Beach, Mykonos 846 00, Greece Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Main snorkelling sites: Lia Beach
3. Elia Mykonos Watersports
Address: Elia Beach, Mykonos island, 846 00, Greece Main snorkelling sites: Elia Beach
What do you see when snorkeling in Mykonos?
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The Aegean Sea is full of many aquatic creatures, and you will surely see many of them while snorkeling in Mykonos. It is home to parrotfish, red snappers, groupers, seahorses, rainbow wrasses, flounder fish, barracudas, sea urchins, sea turtles, and more. There are also many underwater cliffs, colorful coral reefs, and seaweed forests within the sea.
Safety Tips
You should know how to swim because many snorkeling operators require basic swimming skills, given that you’ll be in the water for long durations.
Make sure to properly check all your snorkeling equipment before you get in the water and ensure that everything fits you well.
Although you don’t go too deep into the water while snorkeling, carrying a floatation device for emergencies is always better.
Don’t make too many abrupt movements underwater, as you might startle the sea life. Instead, move slowly and quietly.
You might drift further out into the sea because of the tide, so keep coming up every now and then to keep track of your location. Moreover, it is always good to come up for air.
Check the weather report before you book a snorkeling excursion to ensure that the sea will remain calm. It is a little difficult to snorkel when there are strong currents. Mornings and afternoons are usually the best time to go snorkeling.
Wear flippers or jelly shoes to avoid being bitten or stung.
Be vigilant when underwater since many creatures are not clearly visible because of their color, so be extra careful when getting close to the rocks.
Don’t pick up anything from the water to keep as a souvenir, even if it appears dead.
It is better to wear biodegradable sunscreen since it doesn’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm the reefs.
Mykonos is nothing short of a magical destination because of its natural beauty and the surrounding Aegean Sea. It is especially perfect for adventure seekers who wish to dive into the depths of the sea since numerous operators here provide different water sports courses, including snorkeling. So if you are ready to make some underwater memories, book your snorkeling course now and be prepared to be thoroughly amazed!
