6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht

The best part of this six-hour sailing trip is the change of pace. You leave Mykonos from Tourlos Bay, visit the ancient island of Delos, then spend time in the clear water around Rhenia. It gives you archaeology, swimming, lunch, and open-sea views in one well-packed day.

I like the freedom to explore Delos at your own pace, and I like that Rhenia is not just a photo stop: you have time to swim and snorkel. Captain Bob is attentive and fun, while Ernesto handles the cooking as well as sailing duties. The main drawback is that the Delos entrance fee is extra, and you need to bring your own towel.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different islands: See the ancient ruins of Delos, then trade stone pathways for swimming and snorkeling around Rhenia.
• Lunch is cooked into the experience: The meal includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad, with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• S/Y Aeolus keeps the day personal: Feedback highlights an ideal number of people on board rather than a crowded boat setting.
• Captain and cook both matter: Bob leads the sailing, while Ernesto is praised for his food and his work on the boat.
• Hotel transfers are included: Pickup and return transportation connect your hotel with Tourlos marina.
• Bring a towel and extra money: Towels and Delos admission are not included in the $158 price.

Leaving Mykonos from Tourlos Bay

Your day begins with complimentary pickup from your hotel. You need to tell the operator your pickup location at least one day before the tour, then wait outside at the agreed time. That detail matters in Mykonos, where hotel access and narrow roads can make an informal pickup confusing.

The shuttle takes you to Tourlos marina, north of Mykonos Town, where S/Y Aeolus is docked. From there, you board the sailing yacht and leave the busy parts of Mykonos behind. The marina transfer saves you from arranging a taxi and makes the experience easier if you are staying away from the port.

The exact departure time depends on availability, so check the schedule before booking. The total outing lasts six hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper island excursion without taking up an entire day from morning until evening.

The boat is central to the experience. This is not simply a fast transfer to two islands. Sailing gives the route breathing room, and you get time to sit back between stops. The feedback also points to a comfortable passenger count, which is important here. A smaller, better-managed boat usually makes lunch, boarding, and swimming breaks less hectic.

Exploring Delos at your own pace

Delos is the cultural heart of the trip. The island is known for its ancient Greek ruins, and the stop lets you walk through the archaeological site rather than view it only from the sea. You can explore at your own pace, which suits independent visitors who prefer to pause, look closely, and set their own rhythm.

The value of this stop is the contrast with Mykonos. Mykonos is known for beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, while Delos offers an older and quieter chapter of the Cyclades. Ancient streets, foundations, and surviving structures make the island feel less like a beach outing and more like a visit to an open-air archaeological site.

You should plan for sun and exposed walking. The supplied details do not specify a guided tour, audio guide, or amount of time on shore, so do not book this expecting a detailed lecture from a resident archaeologist. The experience promises access and time to explore, not a fully guided museum visit.

The entrance fee is not included. At $158 per person, this is an important part of the budget. You are paying for the yacht, hotel transfers, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and the sailing route, but you should still allow for the separate Delos admission charge.

That extra cost is easy to overlook because the main price covers so much. Check the current entrance fee when you book, since the supplied tour information does not state the amount. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water are sensible choices, though the only item specifically required in the instructions is a towel.

Rhenia brings the swimming break

After Delos, the yacht heads to Rhenia. The mood changes quickly. Instead of ancient ruins and archaeological remains, you get a stop built around swimming, snorkeling, and time on the water.

The sea is described as crystalline, making this the right part of the day to use the included snorkeling equipment. You do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel, though you may bring them if you prefer your own fit. The tour does not promise a particular marine-life sighting, so treat snorkeling as a chance to enjoy the water rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

This stop is especially useful for anyone who wants more than a sightseeing cruise. You can swim, cool off, and enjoy the setting without the pressure of a tightly scheduled shore excursion. The listed Rhenia portion includes about two and a half hours of sailing and water-based time, though the information does not break down the precise minutes for swimming, lunch, or sailing.

Bring a towel. It is not supplied, and you will want one after getting out of the water. You should also remember that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so the boat and island access require a level of mobility that is not available to every passenger.

Lunch with shrimp pasta and Greek salad

Lunch is served on board, which is one of the more appealing details of this excursion. Instead of losing time finding a restaurant on shore, you eat during the island cruise and keep the day moving.

The meal includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are unlimited according to the included services, giving the lunch a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Dessert is also listed as part of the food and drink offering.

Ernesto is identified as the chef as well as a sailor, and the feedback gives his cooking particular credit. That is useful to know because food can be an afterthought on boat trips. Here, it is one of the parts people remember most positively.

Still, you should consider the menu before booking. The supplied details mention shrimp pasta and Greek salad but do not describe vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly alternatives. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator before paying. Do not assume that a replacement meal will be available.

The drink service adds value, especially on a six-hour trip. You are not paying separately for every glass of wine, beer, or soft drink. You should still drink sensibly, particularly if you plan to swim and spend time in the sun.

The people behind S/Y Aeolus

Captain Bob receives strong praise for being attentive, friendly, and fun. That matters on a sailing trip because the captain shapes both the safety feeling and the mood on board. You want someone who watches the passengers, handles the boat confidently, and keeps the day pleasant without turning it into a loud performance.

Ernesto brings a second skill to the trip. He is responsible for the food and also works as a sailor. Having the cook involved in the sailing operation gives the experience a more personal feel than a large commercial cruise with separate, invisible departments.

The boat has also been praised for carrying an ideal number of people. No exact passenger limit is provided, so I would not book this expecting a guaranteed private charter. Still, the available feedback suggests that the setup avoids the tiring, overcrowded feeling that can spoil a small-boat outing.

The tour is hosted in English. If you need detailed archaeological explanations in another language, this is not the right choice based on the information provided.

Is $158 a fair price?

At $158 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time around Mykonos. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: hotel pickup and return, sailing on S/Y Aeolus, access to two islands, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.

A simple boat transfer would cost less, but it would not give you the same combination of ruins, swimming, food, and hosted service. On the other hand, the Delos entrance fee is extra, towels are excluded, and the tour lasts six hours rather than offering a full-day sailing program.

I see the strongest value for someone who wants variety. You can explore an important archaeological site, swim in Rhenia, and eat lunch without arranging separate transport or restaurants. If your main goal is simply to lie on a beach, the price may feel high. If you want a neat mix of culture and sea time, it is easier to justify.

The included hotel transfer also has real value in Mykonos. You avoid arranging transport to Tourlos marina in the morning and finding your way back after a day on the water. Just remember that the pickup depends on you providing the correct location and waiting outside at the agreed time.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, and independent sightseers who want a balanced day of ruins and swimming. It works particularly well for first-time visitors to Mykonos who want to see something beyond the island itself.

It also suits people who enjoy a social boat setting but do not want a huge cruise ship. The passenger count is described as ideal, though the exact size is not given. The atmosphere appears to rely on friendly service, good food, and time on the water rather than organized entertainment.

Families may like the combination of a short archaeological visit and a swimming stop, but you should think about the children in your group. Delos involves walking around an archaeological site, while Rhenia involves boarding and swimming from a yacht. No child age policy or flotation equipment details are provided.

This is less suitable if you use a wheelchair, need guaranteed step-free access, or want a highly structured historical tour with a specialist guide. It may also disappoint anyone seeking a private yacht, since the experience is sold as a shared sailing excursion and no private charter option is stated.

Practical advice before you book

Tell the operator your hotel pickup point the day before. Wait outside at the agreed time rather than expecting the driver to search through a hotel complex.

Bring a towel, since none is provided. Add sun protection and comfortable shoes for Delos, but keep your packing light enough for a boat.

Budget separately for Delos admission. The tour price covers many useful extras, but it does not cover entry to the archaeological site.

If you have food allergies or follow a special diet, contact the operator before booking. The stated lunch is shrimp pasta and Greek salad, with no alternative menu listed.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mykonos plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia sailing tour?

Book it if you want Mykonos sightseeing to include both ancient Greece and open-water swimming. The route is varied, the boat service receives especially strong praise, and lunch with drinks keeps the six-hour schedule simple.

Think twice if the extra Delos admission, lack of a provided towel, or shared-boat format does not suit you. The tour is also not appropriate for wheelchair users, and the limited menu information means you should check dietary options in advance.

For most able-bodied visitors who want one well-organized day away from Mykonos, this is a good value at $158. You get a meaningful Delos stop, a proper Rhenia swim break, hotel transfers, equipment, and a meal prepared by Ernesto, with Captain Bob helping set the friendly tone.

FAQ

How long does the Delos and Rhenia sailing tour last?

The tour lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Tourlos marina, where S/Y Aeolus is docked. Complimentary transportation takes you from your hotel to the marina and returns you afterward.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but you must provide your pickup location one day before the tour and wait outside your hotel at the agreed time.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Admission to Delos is not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and dessert are included as part of the onboard meal service.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided, so you need to bring your own.