Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks

The best part of this cruise is the change of scene. You leave Mykonos’ busy beach belt behind, sail past Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise, then spend about two hours beside quiet Rhenia, an uninhabited island reached only by yacht. The return across the Aegean comes with a sunset, a Greek buffet, and drinks already included.

I like the easy mix of swimming and snorkeling straight from the yacht and the fact that the meal is more than a token snack. I also like the small-group feel, with a maximum of 35 people, though the yacht and final group size can change.

The main catch is the sea. Mykonos is famous for strong northern winds, and a rough return can make this a lively ride rather than a calm glide. The meal may also come late in the afternoon, so eat breakfast and bring a snack if you get hungry.

Key points at a glance

• Rhenia without the beach crowds: Spend about two hours near an uninhabited island where the yacht anchors for swimming and snorkeling.
• A beach safari from the water: See Mykonos’ southern beaches, including Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise.
• Greek food and drinks included: The onboard buffet includes traditional dishes, while wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are complimentary.
• Swimming from the yacht: Use the ladder to enter the sea, with masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles supplied.
• A sunset return: The final sail back to Mykonos is timed for the changing colors over the Aegean.
• Weather matters: Wind can turn the ride rough, and the disembarkation point may change for safety.

Sailing past Mykonos’ southern beaches

You meet the crew at the yacht in Agios Ioannis Diakoftis. Look for a Sunfos Alessia Yachting representative wearing a company shirt or holding a sign. Before departure, the crew explains the route and safety rules, then the yacht heads toward Mykonos’ southern coastline.

This part is less about getting off the boat and more about seeing the island from a useful angle. Mykonos’ southern beaches are protected from the strong northern Meltemi winds, which is why this side of the island is lined with popular swimming spots. From the water, you pass Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise without dealing with beach traffic or searching for a place to sit.

I like this opening because it gives you a broad look at the coast before the quieter part of the cruise. The beach names are familiar, but the view changes when you see them from the sea. You get a sense of how close together several of Mykonos’ famous bays are, and you can compare their shapes and settings without moving from one crowded shore to another.

The cruise lasts about five hours, but the exact rhythm depends on wind and sea conditions. The yacht may sail under canvas when conditions allow, and it may also use the motor. That is normal for a practical sailing excursion, especially when the crew needs to keep the schedule safe.

Rhenia: a quiet anchorage reached by yacht

The yacht takes roughly an hour to reach Rhenia, also called Big Delos. This small, uninhabited island feels very different from Mykonos’ developed beaches. There are no beach clubs, rows of umbrellas, or organized waterfront services at the anchorage.

The yacht does not use a pier or tender to take you ashore. Instead, you enter the water from the swimming ladder. This detail matters. If you are expecting a conventional beach stop with an easy walk onto sand, this is not that kind of excursion. You need to be comfortable climbing down a ladder and swimming in open sea.

The water is the main attraction. It is clear, blue, and salty, and the cruise supplies masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles at no extra charge. You can swim at your own pace near the yacht, then return to the boat when you are ready. The available reviews also describe two swimming opportunities on some departures, though the exact number can change with weather and the captain’s judgment.

I would bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up. A beach towel is not included, though one can be rented on board. You should also secure loose belongings before getting into the water, since there is no promise of a conventional shore facility or dry storage area at the island.

The listed stop lasts about two hours. That is enough time for a real swim rather than a rushed dip, but it will feel short if you want a long snorkel session, a leisurely meal, and time on land. Since the official arrangement is swimming from the yacht, do not book this expecting a guaranteed walk around Rhenia.

What you eat and drink on board

The meal is served as an early dinner during the Rhenia stop or around that part of the cruise. The food is described as a Mediterranean buffet with traditional Greek flavors. Dishes reported on board include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, Greek salad, vegetables, bread, and tzatziki.

That is a useful amount of food for a five-hour outing. You are not paying separately for a basic sandwich at sea, and the meal gives the cruise a stronger connection to Greece than a standard sightseeing boat with packaged snacks. The cooking has been a major part of the experience, with Joanna among the crew members praised for her food on some departures.

Timing is worth noting. The meal may not be served until around 2 p.m. on some schedules, so I would eat a proper breakfast. If you tend to need food earlier in the day, bring a small snack. The provided information does not promise extra snacks, so do not assume the buffet will appear soon after departure.

Complimentary drinks include white and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea. A farewell shot is also included. The drinks are part of the price, but service may depend on the crew’s workload. You might need to ask rather than expect a glass to appear automatically, particularly when the crew is sailing, serving food, or helping swimmers.

The practical point is simple: you can enjoy a full meal and several drinks without building a separate onboard bill. Please pace yourself. Sun, wind, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly, especially on the ride home.

The sunset sail back to Mykonos

After the Rhenia stop, the yacht heads back toward Mykonos as the light softens. The sunset is one of the clearest reasons to choose this departure instead of a standard daytime boat ride. From the water, the sun drops across the Aegean with the islands and coastline forming the background.

This is also when you notice the wind most. Several departures have been described as smooth and relaxing, while others encountered rough seas on the return. The crew is responsible for deciding how to handle conditions, and the route or disembarkation point can change without advance notice if the weather requires it.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully about this outing. A calm day can make the cruise feel gentle and easy, but a windy day can bring spray, rolling movement, and a more physical ride. The tour requires a moderate level of fitness, and pregnancy, mobility concerns, or other health issues should be disclosed before booking.

I would choose this cruise early in a Mykonos stay, especially if your schedule is short. Bad weather can force a cancellation, and having another day available gives you a better chance of enjoying the trip in good conditions.

The crew and the size of the boat

The crew is a central part of the experience. Names appearing on different departures include Costas, Joanna, Bobi, Foti, Sofia, and Tarsos, but the people assigned to your yacht can vary. The strongest accounts describe crew members who explain the boat, help with swimming, keep the food moving, and make the ride feel personal rather than strictly programmed.

The maximum group size is 35 people. That is not a private charter, but it is more manageable than a large sightseeing vessel. The actual number can vary according to the yacht assigned and the weather. You may have enough room to spread out, though prime places on deck can still go quickly.

The yacht includes free Wi-Fi and standard safety equipment. Fuel charges and taxes are included, so the advertised price is not hiding those common extras. The captain and crew also have to balance comfort with safety, which explains why the route, boat, or return point may change.

Pick-up and drop-off are not included in the base price. They can be arranged for an additional charge after booking, either from your hotel or from a designated meeting point. If you are staying away from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, contact the operator early rather than assuming a shuttle is automatic.

Is $114.89 a fair price?

At $114.89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Mykonos from the water. It is also more than a simple short harbor cruise. The price covers about five hours aboard a sailing yacht, crew, fuel, taxes, a buffet meal, several types of drinks, snorkeling equipment, floating noodles, Wi-Fi, and safety gear.

I consider that reasonable if you plan to eat and drink on board and want time for swimming. Buying a meal and several drinks separately on Mykonos can quickly reduce the difference. You are also paying for the route to Rhenia, which is harder to reach without a boat.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quick sunset photo or a guaranteed visit to a beach. You do not get a standard shore landing at Rhenia, and the cruise may spend much of its time sailing between stops. If swimming is not important to you, a shorter sightseeing cruise might make more sense.

The optional shuttle adds to the cost, so include that when comparing the outing with other boat trips. On the other hand, the group cap of 35 and the included food and drinks make this more useful for a full half-day than a bare-bones sailing ticket.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this for couples, families, and small groups who want one outing to combine coastal sightseeing, swimming, Greek food, and sunset views. Children can enjoy the water and the boat, though every participant needs to be comfortable following crew instructions and using the swimming ladder.

It also suits anyone staying in Mykonos for only a few days. You see several famous beaches, get out toward Rhenia, and spend time in the Aegean without arranging separate beach visits. The cruise can provide a strong first look at the island’s coast.

You should think twice if you need firm control over your schedule, dislike boats in rough water, or want a long archaeological visit on land. Rhenia is presented as a swimming stop from the yacht, not a guaranteed walking tour. The sea decides a lot of the day.

The experience may also be a poor fit if you have significant mobility or health concerns, are pregnant, or cannot comfortably manage a moderate level of physical activity. Tell the operator before reserving so participation can be checked for safety.

Booking details worth knowing

You meet and finish at C8F4+2QR, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, unless weather or operating conditions require a change. Public transportation is nearby, but the supplied details do not promise a particular bus connection, so check your route from your accommodation.

A passport number, full name, nationality, and date of birth are required for each person on the passenger list. Confirmation is normally issued at booking, though a reservation made within one day of departure is subject to availability and may be confirmed later.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum number of participants cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Rhenia sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded half-day on the water rather than a quick coastal ride. The combination of Mykonos beaches, quiet Rhenia, clear swimming water, a substantial Greek buffet, included drinks, and sunset sailing gives you a lot for the price.

Skip it if your ideal day requires calm seas, a guaranteed walk on shore, or an early lunch. For the best chance of a comfortable ride, schedule it near the beginning of your stay, watch the forecast, and keep another day available in case weather interrupts the plan.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours, including the sailing time, the Rhenia stop, swimming, the meal, and the return to Mykonos.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The listed meeting and return point is C8F4+2QR, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, Mykonos. The disembarkation point may change because of weather conditions.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Pick-up and drop-off are optional, available for an additional charge after booking, and arranged from your hotel or a designated meeting point depending on where you stay.

Can I swim at Rhenia?

Yes. You can enter the sea from the yacht’s swimming ladder. Pier facilities and tendering ashore are not available according to the supplied tour details.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles are available for free use on board.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes an onboard Mediterranean buffet with traditional Greek dishes. Complimentary drinks include white and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and a farewell shot.

Do I need to bring a towel?

A beach towel is not included. Towels are available to rent on board.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The boat, route, or disembarkation point can also change for safety.