If you’re renting a boat in Milos for the first time, you don’t need to plan a complicated route or spend the whole day trying to reach as many places as possible. A few good swimming and snorkelling stops are usually enough to have a great day. Milos has plenty of clear water, small coves and sheltered areas where you can stop the boat and spend some time in the water. Some are well known, while others are simply nice places you’ll notice as you travel along the coast. If snorkelling is something you’d like to do during your boat rental, here are a few areas worth considering.
Kleftiko is an obvious place to start because it is one of the best-known places in Milos and a popular destination for people renting a boat. The water around the white rock formations can be very clear and there is plenty to see while swimming around the rocks. You don’t need to be an experienced snorkeller either. For most people, a mask and snorkel are enough to have a look around and enjoy the water. Kleftiko can get busy during summer, so you may not always want to spend your whole day there. Visit, have a swim, explore the area and then continue along the coast to somewhere quieter.
Gerontas is another good stop on the south-western side of Milos. The area is easy to recognise because of the large rock arch close to the beach. It’s a nice place to stop for a swim and have a look around underwater, especially when the sea is calm. The rocks around the area make it a little more interesting than simply swimming off a sandy beach. You can spend some time here before continuing towards Kleftiko or include it as one of your stops on the way back.
Gerakas is a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere quieter to swim. The beach sits below large cliffs and is much easier to enjoy from the sea than from land. On a calm day, the clear water makes it a good place to put on a mask and spend some time swimming around the boat. You don’t need to do much here. Stop somewhere safe, have a swim, relax for a while and continue when you’re ready.
The south coast of Milos gives you plenty of opportunities to stop for swimming and you don’t always need to have a particular beach in mind before you leave. Around areas such as Tsigrado, you’ll find clear water and interesting sections of coastline that are enjoyable to see from a boat. This is one of the reasons we tell first-time renters not to plan every minute of the trip. You may see somewhere along the way that looks perfect for a swim and if the conditions are suitable, that can easily become your next stop.
Firiplaka is one of the better-known beaches on the south coast and is also nice to see from the water. The beach is long, so the experience is quite different from swimming inside a small cove. The colourful cliffs behind it also make the area easy to recognise when you’re approaching by boat. If conditions allow, it can be a good place to stop for a swim before continuing further along the coast.
Some of the nicest snorkelling stops aren’t necessarily the beaches you’ve already seen on Instagram. There are plenty of smaller coves and swimming areas along the coast where the water can be just as clear. If you’re renting your own boat, you have the advantage of being able to stop at these places rather than following a fixed tour route. Before you leave, we’ll explain which areas are suitable that day and where you can safely stop. If you see somewhere you’d like to visit while you’re out, make sure the area is safe for the boat before approaching. Avoid shallow water, swimmers, rocks and areas where you’re unsure about the depth.
You don’t need much. A basic mask and snorkel are enough for most people. If you’re comfortable using fins, you can bring those too, but they’re not necessary for simply swimming around the boat and looking below the surface. Sunscreen, water and a towel are also important, particularly if you’re going to be making several swimming stops during the day. If you have a waterproof phone case or an underwater camera, bring it along. Just make sure anything valuable is kept somewhere safe when you’re not using it.
One mistake first-time renters sometimes make is planning too many stops. If you’ve found a quiet cove with clear water and everyone is enjoying themselves, there’s no reason to leave after ten minutes just because another beach is on your list. Spend some time swimming, get back on the boat, have something to drink and continue when you’re ready. Three or four enjoyable stops can make for a much better day than trying to visit ten different places.
The best place for snorkelling isn’t necessarily the same every day. Wind direction and sea conditions can make one part of the coast comfortable while another area is less suitable. Clear water can also depend on how calm the sea is. Before you leave, we’ll explain the conditions for the day and recommend a route that works with the boat you’ve rented. If conditions change while you’re out, follow the instructions you’ve been given and contact us if you’re unsure about anything.
You don’t need to make snorkelling the main purpose of the trip. For most people, it’s simply something they do between stops. You find somewhere nice, stop the boat safely, put on a mask and spend twenty or thirty minutes in the water. Then you get back on board and continue exploring. It’s an easy way to add something extra to your boat day without needing any special experience or planning.
If it’s your first boat rental in Milos, keep the day simple. Choose a few places you’d like to see, leave enough time for swimming and don’t worry about visiting every beach along the coast. Kleftiko, Gerontas, Gerakas, Tsigrado and Firiplaka can all be included in a day on the water depending on your boat, route and the conditions. Before you set off, we’ll let you know which areas are suitable and help you plan a route for the day. After that, take your time, stop for a swim when you find somewhere you like and enjoy seeing Milos from the water.
