REVIEW · MYKONOS

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport

5.0 · 777 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $180 Operated by Nostos Mykonos Yachts · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of this Mykonos outing is simple: you trade crowded beaches for a spacious catamaran and clear Aegean water. The route usually heads toward Rhenia, with a possible pass by Delos, though wind and sea conditions can send you along Mykonos’ southern coast instead.

I like the brand-new Aerial and White Coral catamarans, which offer wide walk-around decks, sun beds, and room to spread out. I also like the practical all-in price: a fresh three-course lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, snorkeling gear, and water toys are included.

The main consideration is that this is a relaxed shared cruise, not a guaranteed party or a private yacht charter. The group can include up to 25 people, the food will not suit every taste, and boarding takes place by tender boat, so you should be comfortable with that extra step.

Key points to know before booking

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Key points to know before booking

  • Rhenia is the main prize: Swim and snorkel in clear water away from the busiest parts of Mykonos.
  • Delos is a scenic bonus: You may pass the UNESCO site, but this cruise does not stop there.
  • The boat matters: Aerial and White Coral have spacious decks, lounge areas, and large sun beds.
  • Lunch is cooked on board: The three-course meal is included, along with wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.
  • Transfers can save your day: Hotel pickup and return are available if you send your details at least 24 hours ahead.
  • Expect a changing mood: Some sailings feel social and lively, while others are quiet and restful.

Leaving Mykonos behind by catamaran

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Leaving Mykonos behind by catamaran

For me, the appeal here is the change of pace. Mykonos town and the southern beaches can be busy, especially in high season. Once you are on the water, the island looks different: white buildings shrink behind you, the sea opens up, and your main decision becomes choosing between a shaded lounge and a sunny deck.

The cruise lasts about five hours, with roughly four hours devoted to the sailing and stop. That is enough time to enjoy a swim without sacrificing the whole day. You are not being rushed from one sight to another. The rhythm is closer to a floating lunch outing with a swim break than to a packed sightseeing tour.

The boats, Aerial and White Coral, are new sailing catamarans with a walk-around layout. That design gives you more ways to settle in. You can sit near the lounge areas, stretch out on a sun bed, or move around to watch the coast. On a monohull boat, people often cluster in one narrow area. A catamaran usually feels less cramped, though one lower-rated experience found seating tight when the boat was full.

The maximum group size is 25. That is small compared with a large excursion vessel, but it is not private. If you want silence, total control of the route, or a dedicated crew just for your party, a private charter is the better choice.

Rhenia and the best part of the swim stop

Rhenia, also spelled Rineia in some trip details, is the usual destination. The island is close to Mykonos but feels quieter, with open water and fewer signs of the beach-club scene. The exact anchorage depends on weather and sea conditions, so you should think of Rhenia as the general destination rather than a guaranteed single beach.

The main activity is getting into the water. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are supplied, and the crew can put out a SUP and kayak when conditions allow. Reviews also mention pool noodles and floating equipment, useful if you want to enjoy the water without turning the swim into a workout.

The water is the star here. Clear conditions can let you see the bottom from the boat, and one account described a captain recovering prescription sunglasses from about 15 feet below the surface. That is a good reminder to secure your own glasses, phone, and other loose items before entering the sea.

You should bring a swim towel, since towels are not included. Swimwear, sunscreen, and a light layer also make sense, though only the towel is specifically identified as an extra item.

The drawback is that this is not a beach landing. The boat may stop near a beach or cove, but the plan is generally to swim from the catamaran. If you expect to walk ashore, order a drink at a beach bar, or explore the sand, this outing may disappoint you.

A possible view of Delos, not a full archaeological visit

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - A possible view of Delos, not a full archaeological visit

When weather permits, the captain may pass by Delos. You can see the island and its archaeological remains from the water, and crew members may explain some of its past. This is a pleasant addition, especially if you want a glimpse of the famous sacred island without giving up the swim stop.

Keep your expectations in check. Delos is a pass-by sight here, not a shore excursion. You will not walk among the ruins or have time to visit the archaeological site. If Delos is your main reason for leaving the beach, book a dedicated Delos trip instead.

The route can also shift to Mykonos’ southern coast. This flexibility is sensible in the Aegean, where wind can change the feel of the water quickly. It does mean that your exact view and swimming location are not fixed at booking. Safety controls the route.

That uncertainty is worth accepting for a sailing experience. The crew cannot promise a particular cove if conditions make it uncomfortable or unsafe. One account even described the crew making an extra effort to pass Delos after the group confirmed they were comfortable with rougher water, but you should not count on that adjustment.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard atmosphere

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Lunch, drinks, and the onboard atmosphere

A three-course lunch is cooked on board by the chef. The menu is not specified in the booking details, so do not book this as a food-focused tasting tour. The meal received strong praise overall, with pasta and other freshly prepared dishes mentioned positively, but at least one person found the food ordinary and limited for the price.

That mixed response is normal for a shared boat meal. The value is that lunch is served without interrupting the day or requiring you to find a restaurant between swim stops. You can eat with the group, keep your feet near the water, and avoid another transfer.

Wine and beer are included, along with bottled water and soft drinks. The crew generally serves the drinks, so you may need to ask when you want another beer rather than help yourself. One person found that arrangement overly watchful. I would treat it as a service and safety routine, but it is useful to know if you picture a self-serve bar.

The mood depends heavily on the group. Some departures become social, with people meeting others from different countries and sharing the deck. Other sailings are quiet, with people reading, sunbathing, or sleeping between stops. If you want a guaranteed party atmosphere, this is the wrong kind of booking. If you want a peaceful day with the option to chat, that uncertainty may work in your favor.

Music has also been part of the experience, according to one account, but no fixed playlist or entertainment program is promised. The boat’s natural setting is the main entertainment.

What the crew adds to the day

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - What the crew adds to the day

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of this cruise. Names that have appeared include Captain Adontis or Adonis, Alex, Manos, George, Thomas, and Harris, but your crew may be different.

Their work covers more than steering. They explain the boat rules, help people board and get off, serve lunch and drinks, set up the water equipment, and provide information about places such as Delos. That range matters on a boat day. Good handling at the tender, clear safety instructions, and timely help with the gear can make the difference between feeling relaxed and feeling awkward.

The crew has also helped with difficult transport situations, including delayed cruise ship tender service. Do not assume they can solve every delay, since the operator does not cover missed services caused by problems before the activity. Still, the transfer communication has been a real strength when plans have gone smoothly.

There are a few firm boat rules. One account objected to needing someone to walk with them while the boat was moving. Those restrictions may feel fussy, but they are connected to movement on a sailing catamaran. Listen carefully to the crew, especially when the sea is choppy.

Is $180.19 a fair price?

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Is $180.19 a fair price?

At $180.19 per person, this is not a bargain beach transfer. The value depends on how much of the package you would otherwise pay for separately.

You are paying for about five hours on a new catamaran, fuel, crew, lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, possible SUP and kayak use, WiFi, and hotel transportation when arranged properly. A private boat would cost much more, while a basic group boat may cost less but offer a larger crowd and fewer included services.

For me, the strongest value comes from the boat space and the included meal and drinks. If you plan to spend the day on the water anyway, the package is easier than arranging a rental, buying supplies, and finding a swim spot on your own.

The price feels less convincing if you mainly want a beach day. You do not land on the beach, Delos is only viewed from the water, and the itinerary may include some quiet cruising between stops. A person seeking nonstop activities might find the day slow.

You also need to compare the cost against your expectations. This is a semi-private sailing experience, not a private yacht, and the social atmosphere is not guaranteed. Book it for comfort, scenery, and an easy day at sea, not for a high-energy party.

Transfers, tender boarding, and useful planning details

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Transfers, tender boarding, and useful planning details

Pickup and return are offered, but you must provide your pickup location and a phone number that receives text messages or WhatsApp messages at least 24 hours before departure. The operator sends the exact details the evening before. If you miss that deadline, you need to arrange your own transport.

The listed starting point is Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios. The activity ends back at the meeting point. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, confirm which port you are using, old or new, and do not rely on the ship staff to know the details of this excursion. One person nearly missed the outing because the port information was unclear.

Boarding and disembarking are done by tender boat. That is important for anyone with mobility concerns or for people carrying bulky bags. Most people can participate, but the tender transfer adds a physical step before you reach the catamaran.

The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation is provided at booking. The tour is offered in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund, and a cancellation caused by insufficient bookings is handled the same way.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos cruise?

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Who will enjoy this Mykonos cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to:

  • Spend a half day on the sea without arranging a private charter
  • Swim and snorkel in clear water
  • Enjoy a fresh meal and drinks without carrying supplies
  • See Delos from the water while keeping time for a swim
  • Meet other people in a small shared setting
  • Get hotel transportation arranged in advance

I would hesitate if you need a fixed itinerary, a beach landing, a lively party, or complete privacy. I would also choose another activity if your main goal is to tour the ruins of Delos.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the spacious deck and water equipment, but the tender boarding and moving boat rules deserve attention. Anyone prone to seasickness should also remember that conditions can change. The operator requires suitable weather, but a calm forecast does not promise perfectly still water.

Should you book the Aerial or White Coral cruise?

I would book this cruise for the boat time, not for a particular beach. The strongest version of the day is a calm sailing, a comfortable swim stop near Rhenia, a good lunch, and a friendly crew such as the teams led by Adontis, Alex, Manos, or George. The excellent overall rating and 96 percent recommendation fit that picture.

The weaker version is a full boat, a quiet group when you hoped to socialize, one swim stop, and food that feels merely adequate for the price. That possibility does not make the tour poor, but it means you should value the whole package rather than expect a perfect, custom-made day.

Book it if you want an easy, polished escape from Mykonos’ crowded shore and like the idea of lunch with your feet near the Aegean. Skip it for a private charter if you want control over the route, timing, menu, and mood.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, with about four hours allocated to the cruise and stop.

Where does the cruise start?

The listed meeting point is Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios, Agia Anna, Paraga, Mykonos 846 00, Greece.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and return are available if you provide your pickup location and a phone number that can receive text messages or WhatsApp messages at least 24 hours before the cruise. Otherwise, you must arrange your own transportation.

Does the cruise stop at Delos?

The captain may pass by Delos when weather permits, giving you views of the island and archaeological site. The cruise does not stop at Delos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly cooked three-course lunch prepared by the onboard chef is included.

Are drinks included?

Wine, beer, bottled water, and soft drinks are included. The crew serves the alcoholic drinks.

Can I use snorkeling and water-sport equipment?

Snorkeling masks and snorkels are included. SUP and kayak use are available when weather conditions permit.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You may also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

More like this

Catamaran Cruises, compared.

The full Catamaran Cruises list →
5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 9,957 reviews· from $69

5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

Read our review →
Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 8,204 reviews· from $41

Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

Read our review →
Daytime or Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Music
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 5,923 reviews· from $15

Daytime or Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Music

Read our review →
Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 5,886 reviews· from $93

Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music

Read our review →
Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 5,697 reviews· from $41

Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Read our review →
Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 5,496 reviews· from $62

Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

Read our review →
Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 4,761 reviews· from $44

Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

Read our review →
Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 4,362 reviews· from $57

Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Find your boat

Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.