The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

The best part of this Mykonos day cruise is the contrast: clear water and a Greek barbecue on Rhenia, followed by ancient temples and marble ruins on Delos. You get a proper island day without arranging separate boats, meals, and entrance tickets.

I like the generous mix of swimming, food, history, and music. I also like the family-run feel and the solid boat, which matters when the Aegean turns choppy. The catch is that Delos time can feel short, and Rhenia may require climbing down a ladder into the sea rather than walking onto a broad sandy beach.

Key points at a glance

• Rhenia swim stop: About three and a half hours are set aside for swimming, sun, a stroll, and lunch near a quiet beach.
• Greek barbecue onboard: Souvlaki, salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, fruit, wine, water, and soft drinks are included.
• Delos visit: You have about 1 hour 45 minutes on or near Delos, but the €20 archaeological-site fee is extra.
• Lively return sail: Music and dancing often turn the ride back into a cheerful boat party.
• Large shared boat: The boat carries up to 120 people and can be a better choice than a small catamaran in windy weather.
• Bring your own gear: Towels and snorkeling equipment cost extra onboard, so pack your own if you can.

A Full Day Between Rhenia’s Water and Delos’ Ruins

This is a six-and-a-half-hour shared cruise from Mykonos Old Port, leaving at 10:30 a.m. You need to be at the boat for embarkation by 10:15, not at the cruise port used by large ships. That distinction matters.

The meeting point is Aegean Ventures at Mykonos Old Port. If your ship docks at the separate cruise port, you must arrange your own transfer. The two ports are about 1.5 kilometers apart, and walking may not be the sensible choice when you are racing a fixed departure time. A bus, taxi, shuttle boat, or other local transport is more practical.

The advertised price is $106.42 per person. For that amount, you get the boat trip, lunch, wine, water, soft drinks, safety equipment, and a full day split between two very different islands. Add Delos admission, currently €20 per person, plus any transport to the port, towels, snorkeling gear, and gratuity.

I see this as a fair price if you want both swimming and archaeology. It is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach day or if Delos is your top priority. A private boat would offer more control, but it would cost much more. This cruise gives you a fixed plan and a social atmosphere at a moderate price.

Rhenia: A Swim Stop With Few Facilities

The boat takes about 45 minutes to reach Rhenia. Once there, the captain anchors near a quiet, undeveloped beach. This is the part of the day built around slowing down: swim, sunbathe, walk along the shore if conditions allow, and watch lunch take shape onboard.

The water is the main event. It is clear enough to make jumping or climbing into the sea feel like the natural thing to do, and the stop lasts roughly three and a half hours. That is plenty of time for a swim without feeling hurried.

Still, do not picture a fully equipped beach club. Rhenia is undeveloped, and the exact place used by the boat depends on weather and sea conditions. You may be able to step onto sand, but you might instead need to climb down a boat ladder and swim to a rocky stretch of shore. One passenger found this strenuous and anxiety-provoking, especially when getting back aboard.

If ladders, open water, or rougher conditions worry you, ask the crew for help before entering. The boat provides safety equipment and, in some conditions, flotation noodles. You should also be comfortable in the water if you plan to leave the boat when a proper beach landing is not possible.

Bring swimwear, light clothing, sun protection, and a towel. Towels are available for an extra charge, but bringing your own is simpler. Snorkeling equipment is also sold onboard for a small extra fee, listed by the operator as €15, though it is better to bring your own goggles and mask if you have them.

Greek Barbecue Lunch on the Boat

While you swim and relax, the captain prepares lunch. The meal includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit. Wine, water, and soft drinks are included as well.

The food is straightforward rather than fancy, but that suits the setting. You are eating on a boat between islands, not at a waterfront restaurant with a printed menu. The meal gives you a filling break after swimming and keeps the price from creeping upward through extra restaurant costs.

The crew has also accommodated vegetarian diets when notified. If you have a dietary need, it is sensible to raise it when booking or before departure. The supplied information confirms a vegetarian accommodation, but it does not promise a full range of special meals.

Wine is part of the social rhythm of the cruise, and the return trip may become quite lively. If you prefer nonalcoholic drinks, juice, water, and other refreshments are available. The onboard bar is cash only, so carry cash if you expect to buy anything beyond what is included.

Delos: Ancient Greece Without a Guide

After lunch, the boat sails to Delos. You have the option of paying the €20 entrance fee and visiting the UNESCO-listed archaeological site independently. The cruise itself does not include the admission fee or a guided tour.

Delos is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The island is filled with ancient remains, including marble structures and streets that can make the past feel unusually close. Walking through the site on your own gives you freedom, but you need to provide your own context. If you want detailed explanations of the monuments, this is not the same as booking a guided archaeological tour.

The scheduled Delos portion lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes. That sounds generous until you account for leaving the boat, reaching the site, paying admission, and finding your way around. Several people felt the time was too short, while others thought the balance with swimming worked well.

I would plan your priorities before you arrive. If Delos matters most, go directly to the archaeological site and keep your route focused. Do not expect to see every corner. If you have already visited Delos or prefer the sea, you can skip the admission fee and spend this portion swimming and resting at a nearby secluded spot selected by the captain.

That choice is one of the cruise’s practical strengths. One person can explore ruins while another stays with the boat and enjoys the water. Families and mixed-interest groups may find this flexibility useful.

The Return to Mykonos and Little Venice

After the Delos stop, the boat collects the archaeological-site visitors and heads back to Mykonos Old Port. The return takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and passes by Little Venice for a photo opportunity.

This is often when the mood becomes most energetic. Music and dancing can turn the back half of the cruise into a party, with the crew joining in and helping create a playful atmosphere. That does not mean the entire day feels like a nightclub. Families with young children have enjoyed the trip, and some people describe the overall outing as relaxed rather than rowdy.

Still, you should know what kind of boat day you are buying. If you want silence, reading time, and a nearly empty deck, this may not be your best match. If you like music, a friendly crew, and a bit of dancing after lunch, the return sail may be one of the day’s highlights.

The sea can also be rougher on the way back. A larger boat may feel more reassuring than a small catamaran when the wind rises, though no boat can remove all motion in the Aegean. Take care on ladders and wet decks, and follow the crew’s instructions.

The Crew and Overall Organization

The family-run crew is one of the clearest strengths. Paula is singled out for her energy and kindness, while the broader team is often described as helpful, accommodating, and good at making children feel involved.

That personal touch matters on a shared cruise. The boat can carry up to 120 people, so this is not an intimate sailing outing. Friendly staff help keep the group moving through lunch, swimming, Delos, and the return trip without confusion.

The schedule is fixed. The boat cannot wait indefinitely for late arrivals, and you are responsible for reaching the Old Port on time. This is especially important for anyone arriving by cruise ship, since the large-ship port is separate from the tour’s departure point.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and you need an ID or passport to verify age. Alcohol service is limited to people aged 18 and older. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is described as suitable for most people, but the ladder and open-water setup deserve attention if you have mobility concerns or feel uneasy in the sea.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would choose this cruise if you want several classic Mykonos experiences in one day:

• Swimming in clear Aegean water
• Eating a simple Greek meal at sea
• Seeing Delos without arranging a separate ferry
• Meeting other people on a social boat
• Enjoying music and dancing on the way home

It works especially well for couples, families with children, and groups of friends who do not all want the same activity. One person can explore Delos while another swims. The combination also gives first-time visitors a useful introduction to the islands around Mykonos.

It is less suitable if you need a quiet, private setting, a long archaeological visit, or an easy walk from the boat onto a wide beach. You should also think twice if you are not a confident swimmer and do not want to use a ladder. The crew can help, but the physical setup remains part of the outing.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the activity is not presented as fully accessible for every mobility level. Wear shoes and clothing that are practical around water, and protect yourself from the sun.

How to Get the Best Value From the Day

Arrive early at the Old Port. The meeting time is 10:15 a.m. for a 10:30 departure, and late arrival can mean missing the boat with no refund.

Bring a towel, sunglasses, sun cream, a hat, swimwear, and cash. Your own mask and goggles can save money and avoid the need to buy equipment onboard. Keep your belongings organized because you will move between swimming, lunch, and the archaeological site.

At Rhenia, decide how much time you want in the water before lunch. The stop is long, so you do not need to rush into the sea immediately. If you prefer the beach, confirm with the crew how the landing works that day. Conditions determine whether you can walk ashore or must enter from the boat.

At Delos, make a simple plan. The site is large enough that wandering without direction can eat into your time. Choose a few major areas, walk at a steady pace, and remember that the admission fee is extra.

Finally, do not confuse the included wine and refreshments with the cash bar. The basics are part of the package, but additional drinks or equipment may cost more.

Should You Book the Rhenia and Delos Cruise?

I would book it if you want a full, social day that combines beautiful swimming with major ancient ruins. The price is reasonable for the meal, drinks, boat, and two island stops, and the crew adds warmth that a simple ferry ride cannot provide.

I would skip it if your priority is a long, unrushed visit to Delos or a guaranteed sandy beach with easy access. The archaeological stop can feel compressed, and Rhenia may involve a ladder and open-water swim rather than a simple stroll onto shore.

For most visitors, the deciding question is simple: do you want variety or control? This cruise gives you variety, a set schedule, and a lively ride home. If that sounds like a good Mykonos day, it is a worthwhile choice.

FAQ

How long does the Rhenia and Delos cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including the sailing time, the Rhenia stop, the Delos stop, and the return to Mykonos Old Port.

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Aegean Ventures at Mykonos Old Port. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m., and the cruise departs at 10:30 a.m. Arrive early because the boat follows a fixed schedule.

Is Delos admission included?

No. The Delos archaeological-site entrance fee is extra and is currently €20 per person, as set by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

What food is included?

Lunch includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki sauce, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Complimentary wine, water, and refreshments are included. Additional purchases at the onboard bar are cash only.

Can I swim at Rhenia?

Yes. The cruise stops near Rhenia for swimming and sunbathing. Depending on sea and weather conditions, you may enter from the boat or reach a beach area.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

They are available for an extra charge. Bringing your own towel and snorkeling equipment can be more convenient.

Can children join the cruise?

Most people can participate, and families with children have taken the cruise. You should consider your child’s comfort with swimming, boat ladders, and open water before booking.