Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the contrast: you spend part of the day walking through ancient Delos, then trade hot stones and marble ruins for a swim off the boat near Rhenia. It is a smart way to combine Greece’s past with the easy pleasure of a day on the water.

I like the generous onboard lunch and the crew’s steady attention to passengers. You get barbecue, Greek salad, tzatziki, rice, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water. The main drawback is the sea itself. Wind can make the ride rough, and stepping between dock and boat may be awkward for anyone with limited mobility.

Key points to know before booking

• Delos gives the day real substance: You get about 90 minutes to explore the UNESCO archaeological site, with self-guided and paid guided options.
• Rhenia is the relaxing half: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and eat a freshly prepared barbecue lunch from the boat.
• The boats are roomy gulets: Depending on group size, you may sail aboard the 89-foot Andreas or 72-foot Atlantis.
• The crew earns strong marks: Dimitri and Thomas are among the crew members praised for helping passengers, including people needing extra assistance.
• The price is strongest if you value variety: At $151.16, you are paying for transport by sea, food, drinks, equipment, and two very different islands.
• Prepare for a barefoot boat day: Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a light jacket, and patience with changing wind and waves.

Why this cruise works so well from Mykonos

Mykonos is famous for white lanes, beach clubs, and strong summer energy. This cruise gives you a different view of the Cyclades. You leave from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis and spend the day looking back at the island from the sea, with Delos and Rhenia providing the real focus.

The route lasts about six hours, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending back at the meeting point. That timing matters. You get a full morning and afternoon on the water without giving up your entire evening in Mykonos.

I especially like the balance between activity and downtime. Delos asks you to walk, look closely, and think about the ancient world. Rhenia asks very little of you beyond getting into the water, finding a comfortable spot on deck, and accepting another plate of food.

This is not a pure sightseeing boat and not a party boat. It is closer to a relaxed small-group sailing day with a serious archaeological stop. The yachts can carry more people, but the operating group limits are listed as up to 40 people on Andreas and up to 30 on Atlantis, depending on the departure. The overall activity can reach 70 people, so the exact feel depends on the boat and group size.

Getting aboard at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis

The meeting point is Greece Sailing at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, southwest of Mykonos Town. The cruise begins with basic safety information and an outline of the route. A QR code provides additional details, and life jackets are available if you need one or ask for one.

You will go barefoot aboard the yacht. That is part of the operator’s safety and comfort policy, so wear something easy to remove and avoid bringing delicate shoes onto the boat.

Hotel pickup is not included in the base price. A round-trip transfer costs 20 euros per person and must be arranged ahead of time through the provider. Pickup generally takes place 30 to 60 minutes before departure, with the driver contacting you the evening before to confirm the details.

Do not leave transportation until the last minute, especially if you are staying away from Agios Ioannis or arriving from a cruise ship. A missed transfer can create needless stress before a day that otherwise runs at an easy pace.

You need to provide passport, identity card, or driving license details when booking because of the personal insurance requirement. Also provide a working phone number that can receive messages online. These are small requirements, but they matter when the pickup time or meeting instructions need to be adjusted.

Sailing toward Delos, Greece’s ancient island center

After the safety briefing, the boat sails toward Delos. The crossing is listed at about 40 minutes, giving you time to settle in, order a drink, and get used to the motion of the yacht.

Delos is not simply another picturesque Greek island. It is an archaeological site connected with Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology and is protected as a UNESCO monument. The remains cover a broad area, so even a short visit gives you a sense of how large and important the ancient settlement once was.

You have about 90 minutes ashore. That is enough to see a meaningful portion of the ruins, but it is not enough for a slow examination of every corner. I would wear sturdy walking shoes for Delos, even though you go barefoot on the yacht. The site can feel exposed, and the sun can be fierce.

You can explore independently or pre-book a professional guided tour for 45 euros per person. The guide adds context to the stones, streets, homes, and sanctuaries, which can be useful because Delos does not unfold like a compact museum. Without explanation, it is easy to admire the columns and mosaics without understanding how the pieces fit together.

The entrance fee to the archaeological area is not included. It costs 20 euros per person. Add that to the advertised tour price when working out your true budget. If you choose the guided option as well, the total becomes noticeably higher, but you are buying a fuller historical experience.

The other option is to remain aboard while the group goes ashore. You can swim or sunbathe near a bay instead. This flexibility is valuable if someone in your group has already seen Delos, dislikes walking in heat, or simply wants a water day.

One practical warning: Delos can be tiring. The combination of strong sun, uneven ground, and limited time encourages you to move quickly. Carry water, use sunscreen, and do not expect the archaeological stop to feel cool or restful.

Rhenia brings the swim and lunch

After Delos, the boat continues toward Rhenia, also spelled Rineia in the route details. This is the part of the day built around water, food, and rest.

The yacht anchors for about two and a half hours. The water is described as calm enough to resemble a natural pool, although actual conditions depend on the wind. You can jump or step into the sea, use the complimentary masks and snorkels, and look for fish near the rocks. Fins are not provided, so the snorkeling is casual rather than a serious underwater excursion.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. Swimming noodles and life jackets are available. The staff also keeps an eye on passengers and regularly offers drinks, which makes the swimming stop feel well managed rather than hands-off.

The lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic boat transfer. The buffet includes grilled pork sticks, beef and lamb kebabs, grilled eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, Greek salad, tzatziki, seasoned rice with vegetables, and seasonal fruit salad.

Drinks include water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, white and red wine, and beer. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra. The meal is served aboard, so you do not lose time going ashore or searching for a restaurant. You can swim before eating, return to the deck, and build a plate when the food is ready.

I would not plan on a quiet, polished restaurant lunch. This is a generous barbecue on a moving yacht, with passengers coming and going from the water. That is part of its charm. The food has a Greek holiday feel, and the crew prepares it fresh rather than handing out boxed meals.

The timing works nicely, but you should know that eating before a rough return crossing can be uncomfortable. If the sea turns choppy, take smaller portions, drink water, and consider waiting before going back for more food.

What the boats and crew are like

The cruise uses either Andreas, an 89-foot gulet with a maximum listed group of 40, or Atlantis, a 72-foot gulet with a maximum listed group of 30. Both are described as wide and comfortable, with room to lie back even when the boat is busy.

The exact assignment depends on group size, so you cannot choose between the two vessels from the information provided. The important point is that this is designed as a spacious yacht day rather than a tightly packed speedboat ride.

The crew handles safety, route information, food service, drinks, and swimming support. Dimitri and Thomas have been singled out for helping passengers throughout the day, including an older passenger with mobility problems. Marissa has also helped arrange a complicated meeting for passengers who needed to join the yacht from a cruise ship.

That kind of practical attention matters more than a polished speech. You want crew members who notice when someone needs a hand at the gangplank, a life jacket, or a quieter place to sit. The basic host service is included, while a formal Delos guide costs extra.

Wi-Fi is included, though you should treat it as a convenience rather than the main reason to book a sailing day. The scenery, swimming, and conversation are better uses of your attention.

The main drawbacks to consider

The boat is comfortable, but this is still a sea trip. Wind can make the crossing lively, and one rough return caused widespread seasickness among passengers who had just eaten. The crew cannot control the weather, and even a large yacht can move noticeably in open water.

If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose a place on deck with fresh air. Keep your first lunch plate moderate until you know how the sea feels.

Boarding can also be tricky. The gangplank is not fixed in place, so it may move with the water. Crew members assist, but you still need to manage a step between the dock and the boat. This cruise is not a good choice for anyone who cannot safely handle that movement.

Weather can change the plan. If conditions are unsuitable, the operator will contact you the evening before about an itinerary change or cancellation. A poor-weather cancellation brings a different date or a full refund.

The schedule gives Delos about 90 minutes, which some people will find short. You can see the main remains, but you will not study the whole island at a leisurely pace. If Delos is your main reason for coming, pay for the guide and use your time carefully.

Is $151.16 a fair price?

At $151.16 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near Mykonos. Yet the price includes several things that quickly add up on their own: a six-hour yacht outing, a host, lunch, wine and beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, snorkeling equipment, insurance, and transport between Mykonos, Delos, and Rhenia.

You should add 20 euros for Delos admission. Add another 45 euros if you want the professional guided tour. Hotel pickup and drop-off add 20 euros per person. The basic price is therefore best for someone happy to explore Delos independently and reach the meeting point without a transfer.

The value is strongest if you want a full day with several elements. You are not paying just for a boat ride. You are getting an archaeological site, a swimming stop, a substantial lunch, and time to rest on a broad yacht.

If you mainly want to swim, a simpler beach or boat outing may cost less. If you mainly want ancient ruins, a land-based archaeological visit may give you more time. This cruise earns its price by combining both.

What to pack for six hours at sea

Bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes. A light jacket helps in early or late season, when the wind can feel cool during the return sail.

Pack water-safe essentials in a small bag. You will be barefoot aboard, and wet swimwear will be part of the afternoon. Wear proper walking shoes for Delos, then remove them before boarding the yacht.

If you plan to snorkel, remember that masks and snorkels are supplied, but fins are not. Non-swimmers can request a noodle or life jacket.

The sun is strong at sea, even when a breeze makes the air feel mild. Apply sunscreen before boarding and repeat after swimming. A hat with a secure fit is more useful than a loose one that blows away.

Who should book this Delos and Rhenia cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants more than a beach afternoon. It works especially well for people who like a day with a clear rhythm: history first, swimming and lunch second.

Families can split up easily. One person can walk around Delos while another stays aboard. Teenagers can snorkel and swim, while older family members relax on deck, provided everyone can manage boarding and the uneven archaeological site.

It also suits cruise ship passengers if you arrange transport and meeting details early. The operator has handled cruise-related transport changes, but you should not assume a last-minute solution will always be available.

I would hesitate if you have serious mobility limitations, dislike open water, or want a slow archaeological study visit. I would also think twice if rough seas usually make you ill. This is a sailing day, not a stationary floating restaurant.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want the best mix of Delos, swimming, and a proper lunch in one Mykonos outing. The crew service, roomy boats, useful swimming gear, and food make the day feel complete rather than padded with empty sailing time.

Before paying, decide if you want the Delos guide, entrance fee, and hotel transfer. Bring sun protection, plan for a moving gangplank, and accept that wind may change the mood of the crossing. For a balanced first look at the islands around Mykonos, this is a strong choice. For a quiet beach day or a serious archaeological study, choose something more focused.

FAQ

Where does the Mykonos sailing cruise start and end?

The cruise starts and ends at Greece Sailing, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, 846 00, Greece. The activity begins at 9:30 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. The route includes sailing to Delos, about 90 minutes at the archaeological site, around two and a half hours near Rhenia, and the return sail.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Round-trip pickup and drop-off to the meeting point is available for 20 euros per person. It must be arranged with the provider, and pickup generally takes place 30 to 60 minutes before departure.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee to the Delos archaeological area costs 20 euros per person. You can explore independently or pre-book a professional guided tour for 45 euros per person.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. The buffet includes grilled meats, grilled vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki, seasoned rice, and seasonal fruit. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, white and red wine, and beer are also included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. The boat also provides swimming noodles and life jackets for people who are not confident swimmers. Fins are not listed as part of the equipment.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise requires suitable weather. If conditions are not appropriate, the provider will contact you the evening before about possible itinerary changes or cancellation. If the experience is canceled for weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.