An Honest 2025 Review: Spending a Day on the Mykonos Tesoro 40 Yacht

You have probably seen the pictures online, right? Pictures of unbelievably blue water and sleek white boats are, as a matter of fact, everywhere when you search for Mykonos. To be honest, you start to wonder if it can really be that perfect. We had that exact thought when booking the ‘8-hour Private Yacht Cruise’ on the Tesoro 40, so it’s a very common feeling. It sounds like an amazing day, yet you kind of hold your breath, just hoping the reality lives up to what you’ve imagined. In a way, you are putting a whole day of your vacation into this one activity. This review, then, is basically for anyone who is in that same spot. We are going to walk through the entire day, from stepping onto the dock to sailing back at sunset, you know, just to give you a real sense of what to expect for your own trip in 2025.

First Impressions and Stepping Aboard the Tesoro 40

So, the day of our cruise finally arrived, and honestly, we felt a mix of excitement and nerves. You typically meet at the Ornos pier, which is a bit of a scene on its own. We found our captain, who, by the way, was holding a sign and was incredibly easy to spot. The first sight of the Tesoro 40 is, well, pretty great. She’s a really modern-looking walkaround yacht, and what that means is you can, like, move around the entire boat very easily. She has these really clean lines, and apparently, she just looked incredibly well cared for, you know? It’s not one of those older, slightly tired-looking charter boats you sometimes see; this one is sort of crisp and new. The captain welcomed us aboard, and seriously, his friendly attitude set the tone for the entire day. At the end of the day, that first handshake can tell you a lot.

Stepping on deck, you actually notice the quality of the materials right away. The floor, for instance, has this fantastic non-slip surface that feels really good under your bare feet. There is, frankly, more space than you’d think from the photos. Up front there’s a huge sunpad area that can just about fit a whole family. Then, in the back, you have this very nice seating area with a table that is more or less perfect for lunch. It is actually all shaded by a hardtop, which is a big deal when the Greek sun is beating down. Inside the cabin, which, by the way, we only peeked into, there’s a surprisingly decent-sized washroom and a small changing area, which is really all you need for a day trip. The boat was, to put it simply, spotless. You get the sense that the crew takes a huge amount of pride in their vessel, which is something you obviously want to see.

The Itinerary: A Perfect Blend of Icons and Hidden Gems

Okay, one of the best parts about a private charter is that the day is more or less yours to shape. Before we even left the dock, our captain sat down with us with a chart, you know? He asked us what we were in the mood for, like more swimming, some history, or maybe just finding a quiet beach away from everyone. He obviously has a standard route that is really popular, but he was genuinely interested in what we wanted to do. We decided to go with his recommendation, which was, like, a mix of everything. This turned out to be an absolutely fantastic choice.

Our journey first took us past the famous windmills and Little Venice, which, you know, gives you a postcard view of Mykonos Town that you just can’t get from the land. Seeing it from the water, with the morning light hitting the buildings, is just a little different. From there, we motored across to the island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. You don’t get off the boat on this tour, but seriously, cruising slowly past the ancient ruins is kind of awe-inspiring. Our captain gave us a little history lesson, pointing out the key sites and stuff. After that, it was off to the neighboring island of Rhenia, which, to be honest, was the highlight of our day. The captain called it a “swimming paradise,” and frankly, he was not wrong. He steered the Tesoro 40 into a completely deserted cove where the water was a shade of turquoise that, I mean, almost looked fake. We pretty much had the entire bay to ourselves.

Life on Deck: Comforts, Food, and Fun

Anyway, spending eight hours on a boat is all about the experience on deck. The Tesoro 40, as it happens, is very well-equipped for a perfect day. While we were anchored in that beautiful cove on Rhenia, the crew just sort of sprung into action. They lowered the swim platform at the back, which basically made getting in and out of the water incredibly easy. They also had a stand-up paddleboard and snorkeling gear for us to use, you know, which was included in the price. We spent a good hour just floating around, paddling, and spotting little fish near the rocks, and it was just about perfect. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like jumping into cool, clear water directly from your own private boat.

The best part is definitely that moment when the engines are off, you’re anchored in a private bay, and all you can hear is the gentle lapping of water against the boat. It is, to be honest, pure peace.

Meanwhile, as we were swimming, the host was preparing our lunch. They serve you a spread of traditional Greek appetizers, and really, everything was incredibly fresh. We had a crisp Greek salad with local cheese, some shrimp saganaki that was just amazing, and fresh bread. They also provide drinks throughout the day, so there was a cooler filled with soft drinks, water, and of course, some very nice Greek wine and beer. We sat at that shaded table at the back of the boat, eating this delicious food, and just looked out at the water. It was one of those moments that, as a matter of fact, you know you’ll remember for a very long time. It wasn’t fancy fine dining, but in a way, it felt much better than that. It felt, like, authentic and incredibly special.

The Crew Makes All the Difference

You can have the best boat in the world, but really, the crew is what turns a good day into an unforgettable one. Our captain and hostess were, frankly, outstanding. The captain was clearly a very skilled seaman; he handled the boat with such ease that you barely noticed when we were moving at speed. He was also, sort of, a wonderful guide. He knew the waters around Mykonos like the back of his hand and was constantly pointing out interesting things on the coastline. He had a very calm and confident presence, which, you know, just makes you feel completely safe and relaxed.

The hostess was, I mean, just as wonderful. She was constantly making sure we had everything we needed, like offering a cold drink before we even realized we were thirsty or handing us fresh, dry towels after a swim. Her service was so natural and discreet that she almost felt like a friend hosting you on their boat. They both had this amazing ability to be present and attentive when you needed them, and then to give you space and privacy when you just wanted to relax. They were, in short, a perfect team. By the end of the day, we were chatting with them like old friends, which really says a lot. Their professionalism and genuine warmth were, at the end of the day, a huge part of what made the experience so memorable.

Is the Tesoro 40 Eight-Hour Cruise Worth It for You?

So, the big question is whether this trip is a good choice for your own holiday. To be honest, it is a significant expense, so it’s something to think about. This trip is, I mean, absolutely perfect for a small group of friends, a family, or a couple looking for a truly special and private experience. If you hate crowds and want to see the beauty of the Cyclades on your own terms, then honestly, the answer is a definite yes. It’s for people who value having their own space and a day that is customized just for them, you know?

On the other hand, if you’re on a very tight budget or are a solo traveler just looking for a quick boat ride, a larger, shared tour might be a better fit for your needs. This is really about exclusivity. In terms of tips, you should definitely book well in advance, especially if you are traveling in July or August, because these private charters fill up very fast. You just need to bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and your camera. The crew basically takes care of everything else. The feeling of sailing back towards Mykonos as the sun starts to set, with the sky turning orange and purple, is just something a short group tour can’t quite replicate. For us, the memories we made were, pretty much, worth every penny.

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