Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Meal

The best part of this Mykonos day trip is the combination: ancient Delos first, quiet Rhenia second. You get a real archaeological stop, then several hours in clear water with lunch served on board. It feels more varied than a simple beach cruise.

I like the friendly crew, especially captain Dimitris and assistants such as George and Evgenia, and I like the Greek meal, which includes dishes such as salad, giant beans, pasta, bruschetta, bread, and spreads. The main drawback is limited time at Delos, plus wind and spray on rougher days. If you want a full museum visit, this is too short.

• Delos in a single hour: See the famous ancient island without giving up the rest of your day.
• Rhenia’s clear coves: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or use the stand-up paddleboard.
• A proper Greek spread: Lunch is freshly prepared on board and paired with house wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Sailing with a motor when needed: The crew may raise the sails, but the yacht also uses its engine.
• Small-group feel: The boat creates a more personal day than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Check the departure time carefully: The main schedule says 9:00 a.m., while additional information lists a 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. sunset departure.

Two Islands, Two Very Different Stops

This cruise works because Delos and Rhenia offer opposite experiences. Delos is open, dry, and packed with ancient remains. Rhenia is quiet, uninhabited, and all about water, sun, and lunch.

You leave Mykonos by yacht and spend roughly 50 minutes to an hour at sea. The ride is part of the event, not just transport. You can stretch out on the padded deck, watch the islands slide past, or help with the ropes and steering if the crew invites you to take part.

The yacht sails when conditions allow, but it also uses a motor. That matters because Mykonos is known for strong winds. Some days bring a lively, rolling ride and spray at the bow. If you want to stay dry, sit farther back rather than at the front.

The overall trip lasts about six to six-and-a-half hours. That is a good length for a port day or a day when you want one major outing without committing to a full-day charter.

Delos: An Hour Among the Ancient Stones

Delos is the cultural heart of the cruise. In ancient times, it was a major religious center in the Aegean and a place tied to Greek myth. Today, the island is an archaeological site with temples, houses, mosaics, streets, and broken marble columns spread across a wide, open area.

You get about one hour to visit the site and museum. That is enough to walk around, see major remains, and get a feel for the scale of the island. It is not enough for a slow, detailed study of every quarter.

The archaeological admission fee is not included. A recent price cited for the ticket was 8 euros, but you should confirm the current charge before you go. A tour guide is also not included, so you explore independently unless you arrange a guide yourself.

I see this as the main tradeoff of the day. The short stop makes it possible to enjoy Rhenia, but Delos deserves more time if ancient sites are your main reason for coming to Greece. You will get more from the visit if you read a little about Delos beforehand or download background information before leaving Mykonos.

There is also an advantage to arriving by boat. The approach gives you a strong sense of Delos as an island sanctuary separated from modern life. After the open-air ruins, you return to the yacht for a drink, a swim, or a rest before crossing to Rhenia.

Rhenia: Clear Water and Quiet Bays

After Delos, the boat crosses a narrow strait to Rhenia. Unlike Mykonos, Rhenia is uninhabited, with no town center or busy resort strip. The appeal is simple: a sheltered bay, transparent water, and time to do very little.

You have about two to three hours here, depending on the exact schedule. This is the relaxed half of the day. Swim from the boat, snorkel, sunbathe on deck, or try the stand-up paddleboard. Snorkeling gear is provided, according to the tour information and firsthand accounts of the experience.

The water is the star. It is clear enough to make the swimming stop feel special, even if you are not an enthusiastic swimmer. You can also stay on board with a cool drink and watch people move between the yacht and the cove.

Rhenia is not a guided island visit. You are not coming ashore for shops, monuments, or a long walk. You are coming for sea time. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the return ride.

The yacht may not offer much shade, so plan your place on deck with care. Sun lovers will be happy, but anyone sensitive to heat should use sunscreen regularly and take breaks from direct sun. The front of the boat can also get wet when the sea is choppy.

A Greek Lunch Served While You Float

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The crew prepares a buffet on board featuring Greek dishes and local-style favorites. Examples include Greek salad, giant beans, pasta, bruschetta, bread, and a spreadable cheese or similar accompaniment.

The meal is not a formal restaurant service. It is a generous boat feast, served while the yacht rests near Rhenia. That setting adds a lot: you eat with the sea around you, then step back into the water when you are ready.

The food has received especially high praise, and the captain’s own recipes have been noted as part of the appeal. Several people found it among the best meals of their time in Greece. I would not book the trip solely for lunch, since menus can change, but you can reasonably expect more than a token sandwich.

Drinks are included: water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine. That makes the price easier to justify, especially since fuel, port fees, and taxes are also covered. Drink service is a pleasant touch on a hot afternoon, though you should pace yourself if the boat is moving in rough water.

What the Yacht Ride Really Feels Like

This is a sailing trip, but do not picture a silent yacht gliding under sails for the entire route. The boat can sail with the main and jib when wind allows, and the crew may invite you to help hold ropes or take the wheel briefly. It also uses its motor, especially when timing or sea conditions require it.

That mix is practical. You get the fun of sailing without depending entirely on wind speed and direction. On a breezy day, the return to Mykonos can feel genuinely adventurous, with more movement and spray. On calmer days, the ride is easier and more peaceful.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Captain Dimitris has been singled out for handling rough water calmly, while George and Evgenia have been praised for being attentive and welcoming. The crew explains the route, helps passengers feel comfortable, and may let younger participants try steering under supervision.

The yacht has padded areas where you can sit or lie down. There is no promise of extensive shade, however, and the boat can feel exposed during the hottest part of the day. Families with teenagers and older adults have enjoyed the outing, but anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about the wind and rolling motion.

Timing, Meeting Points, and One Important Confusion

The standard schedule describes a 9:00 a.m. departure from Mykonos New Port, returning around 3:00 p.m. The route includes the sailing leg to Delos, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours at Delos, and about two to three hours at Rhenia.

The supplied information also contains a separate note saying the cruise may depart at 4:00 or 4:30 p.m., continue until sunset, and pass by Delos. That is not the same experience as the morning itinerary. Check the departure time shown for your chosen date and booking option before paying, and confirm whether you are booking the full Delos visit or a sunset sailing that only passes the island.

There are two listed starting options, Grand Banks Yacht, Mykonos Cruise and Zephyros Sailing Mykonos. The exact meeting point depends on the option you choose. Pick-up and drop-off service are not included, so you need to reach the marina yourself.

The boat returns to one of the listed drop-off locations. Allow extra time around the start, since port areas can be confusing and the meeting point may vary.

You must provide each participant’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number with the booking. A photo or copy of the passport or ID may be accepted for submission, but bring your passport or ID card on the day unless the operator tells you otherwise.

Is $123 a Fair Price?

At $123 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the sea around Mykonos. It is also not just a boat transfer. The price covers the sailing yacht, skipper and assistant, fuel, port fees, taxes, lunch, soft drinks, beer, house wine, and water.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a Delos boat trip, a swimming cruise, lunch, and drinks. You also get a small-group setting rather than a large ferry-style outing. Private groups are available, though the price and arrangements for that option should be confirmed separately.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to explore Delos in detail. The archaeological admission fee and guide are extra, and the site visit is short. In that case, a dedicated Delos excursion with more time on the island may suit you better.

For a mixed day, though, the price is sensible. You get culture, swimming, a meal, and a proper ride through the Aegean in one outing. The included food and drinks help, especially in Mykonos, where meals and boat excursions can quickly become expensive.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want variety. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a day on the water without hiring a private yacht.

It is especially good for people who enjoy swimming but do not want to give up Greece’s ancient sites. The family age range can work well, since some people can explore Delos while others stay on the boat, then everyone comes together for lunch and swimming at Rhenia.

You should think twice if you dislike boat motion, strong sun, or unstructured time. The water can be rough, the deck may have limited shade, and Rhenia is about swimming and relaxing rather than sightseeing.

I would also avoid this choice if your priority is a serious archaeological visit. One hour at Delos gives you an introduction, not a complete study. For most people, that is a fair compromise, but it is worth knowing before you book.

What to Pack for a Comfortable Day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. The jacket matters because the wind can make the return ride feel cool, even after a sunny afternoon.

Wear something practical for moving around the yacht and walking around Delos. The ancient site is open and exposed, so sun protection is useful. Keep your passport or ID available as required by the operator.

If you plan to take photos, protect your phone from spray, especially near the front of the boat. Choose a seat away from the bow if staying dry matters to you.

Should You Book the Delos and Rhenia Cruise?

Book it if you want the best mix of ancient sites and swimming time in one Mykonos outing. The crew, Greek lunch, included drinks, clear water, and chance to sail make this a strong all-round choice.

Do not book it expecting a long guided tour of Delos or a fully shaded, calm boat ride. Confirm the departure time, meeting point, Delos admission details, and whether a guide is available before you commit.

For a six-hour day that gives you ruins, open sea, a memorable Greek meal, and a beautiful swimming stop, I think the $123 price is reasonable. The key is knowing that Rhenia is the relaxed centerpiece, while Delos is a brisk but worthwhile introduction.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about six to six-and-a-half hours. The main schedule describes a morning departure and a return around 3:00 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart?

The listed starting options are Grand Banks Yacht, Mykonos Cruise and Zephyros Sailing Mykonos. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, house wine, and water are included.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Admission to the Delos archaeological site is optional and not included in the cruise price.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. A tour guide at the archaeological site is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket, and a passport or ID card. A copy may be accepted for the required passenger information.