Experience Uber Boat Launch in Mykonos: My First Impressions

Uber’s product portfolio across Europe — including new features like Uber Taxi, Uber Van, and Uber Comfort — is hitting the water just in time for summer.

As a New York City resident, ordering an Uber to navigate around the city — or whenever I find myself in a new destination — has become almost instinctual. However, upon arriving in Athens, Greece, the range of available options in the app catapulted my experience to an entirely new dimension.

At the airport, an Uber Taxi driver awaited me with a sign featuring my name — a courtesy typically associated with private car services. This recent collaboration between Uber and local taxi companies brings users a uniquely local experience paired with the modern conveniences of a well-known app.

Following this, I explored the city using Uber Van, another innovative product in Uber’s growing suite aimed at accommodating larger groups of travelers.

Nevertheless, the standout option I experienced was Uber Boat in Mykonos. This popular Greek island now offers travelers the exciting opportunity to reserve boat rides directly through the Uber app.

Announced in May, Uber Boat is set to be available by the end of this month. This service, working in collaboration with local boat operators, requires reservations to be made just 45 minutes in advance. Travelers can select from speedboats that accommodate anywhere between three and eight passengers.

Similar to its land-based options, Uber Boat’s pricing is transparent and depends on both the booking time and distance. Users can even schedule multiple stops and split fares with friends, simplifying transportation planning in an unfamiliar area. Although it’s a thrilling experience, Uber Boat is distinct in that it operates only on a seasonal basis.

The driving force behind this initiative? A remarkable 250-percent increase in visitors to Europe from the U.S., according to Uber Travel Data shared with iBestTravel.

“With the surge of thrilling travel plans on the horizon for our customers, we are excited to expand our services to numerous stunning destinations across the Mediterranean and Balearic Seas, meeting people where they are headed,” remarked Sarita Varouch, general manager of Greece at Uber. “Whether it’s utilizing Uber Reserve for airport trips up to 90 days in advance, or booking an Uber Boat in Mykonos, we aim to enhance your travel experience, making it more seamless, reliable, and magical than before.”

Alongside Uber Taxi, Uber Boat, and Uber Van, the app has also introduced Uber Comfort, designed for a more spacious ride, accommodating up to eight passengers and providing a “VIP vibe.” These new products are being rolled out across key cities in Europe, with recent expansions on sought-after islands such as Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, Mallorca, Malta, Sicily, Tenerife, Sardinia, and beyond.

As these exciting new offerings facilitate travel this summer, the Uber Travel feature plays a significant role in keeping everything organized. Now available in 10,000 cities, Uber Travel consolidates essential information, such as flight details, from a traveler’s email to streamline planning. Moreover, users can also arrange rental cars through Uber Travel.

Now back in Manhattan, I have reverted to using UberX for my transportation needs. However, the plethora of options available across the Atlantic may very well inspire my next trip.