From Mykonos: Cruise to Delos and Rhenia with Lunch

The best part of this Mykonos day trip is the pairing of two very different islands: Rhenia for clear-water swimming and Delos for ancient ruins. You get a relaxed boat day, a Greek barbecue lunch, drinks, and time to walk through one of the Aegean’s most important archaeological sites.

I like the choice built into the schedule. You can leave the boat to explore Delos, or stay aboard for more swimming if ruins are not your main goal. I also like the crew-led atmosphere, especially the music and dancing that often build on the return ride. The main drawback is that the boat can feel busy, and rough Aegean water may make the ride uncomfortable for some people.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands, two moods: Swim off uninhabited Rhenia, then walk among the sacred ruins of Delos.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: Expect chicken and pork skewers, rice, salad, tzatziki, bread, wine, juice, and water.
• Delos entry costs extra: Your cruise ticket does not include admission to the archaeological site.
• The return can turn lively: Music, dancing, and choppy seas are part of the boat’s social atmosphere.
• Plan for strong sun: Shade is limited on parts of the boat, so sunscreen, a hat, and water-friendly clothing matter.
• Best for active sightseers: The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

From Mykonos Old Port to open Aegean water

You meet at the kiosk beside the bus station at Mykonos Old Port. This is close to Mykonos Town, but the port area can still be busy, so give yourself enough time to find the exact meeting point before boarding.

The full outing lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours. That is long enough to make the boat ride feel like a proper day away from Mykonos rather than a short sightseeing cruise.

The boat provides captain and crew services, lunch, wine, juice, and water. Transportation to the port is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. Bring a passport or identity card, with a copy accepted, and leave oversized luggage at your accommodation.

The cruise is social rather than private. You share the boat with other passengers, and the atmosphere can shift during the day. Early on, people may sit quietly and watch the water. After swimming, lunch, and a few glasses of wine, the deck often becomes much more animated.

Rhenia is the day’s swimming break

Rhenia is uninhabited and much quieter than Mykonos. The boat anchors a few meters from shore, giving you a chance to swim in clear water before walking onto the beach.

This is the part of the outing to treat as a simple Aegean pause. You are not visiting a developed resort with rows of facilities. You get water, sand, sun, and the calm of a small island with no regular town life.

The swimming area is one of the strongest reasons to book this cruise. Several people found the water exceptionally clear, and the stop gives you time to swim, sunbathe, and relax without rushing straight from one sight to the next.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and something dry to wear afterward. There is limited shade aboard the boat, so a hat or light cover-up will make the long day more comfortable. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to look below the surface.

The exact feel of the stop depends on wind and sea conditions. Strong Aegean winds can make the water choppy, and the boat may move more than you expect. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where movement is less noticeable and take the conditions seriously.

A barbecue lunch with Greek basics

Lunch is served on the boat and centers on chicken and pork skewers. The meal also includes salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread, with wine, juice, and water available during the cruise.

This is not a long restaurant meal. It is practical boat food that fits a day of swimming and sightseeing. The menu gives you familiar Greek flavors without requiring you to leave the water or search for a taverna between stops.

Most people will find the meal filling enough for the schedule. A few diners may find the food more functional than memorable, but the combination of lunch and included drinks adds real value to the $103 price.

The wine is part of the social setup. The crew keeps the mood friendly and, on many departures, adds music and dancing toward the end of the journey. If you want a quiet archaeological excursion, this may feel too lively. If you enjoy meeting people and joining a light boat party, it is a major benefit.

Delos, the sacred center of the itinerary

After lunch, the boat takes you to Delos. In ancient Greek tradition, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, which gave the island major religious importance.

Its location also helped it become a major trading center. The island drew people from different parts of the ancient world, and its remains reflect more than a single temple complex. You see streets, houses, mosaics, statues, and the remains of a once-important settlement.

You have time to explore the archaeological site independently. A commonly reported schedule gives you about two hours on Delos, though you should confirm the exact timing on the day.

The houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra are among the most interesting stops. The House of Dionysus is known for its detailed mosaic work, while the House of Cleopatra gives you a look at the scale and layout of private ancient homes. These remains help you picture Delos as a lived-in city rather than only a sacred hill scattered with columns.

The site is exposed, and there is little reason to expect much shade among the ruins. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and protect yourself from the sun. The boat provides the transport, but Delos is a walking visit over uneven archaeological ground.

Admission to Delos is not included. Recent booking information has placed the general adult fee at about €20, though prices and eligibility can change. Some European Union visitors under 25 may qualify for free entry, so bring identification if that applies to you.

You can pay for admission by card on the island, according to recent practical information from the tour. Still, carrying a backup payment method is sensible.

Choosing Delos over another swim stop

The itinerary gives you a meaningful choice. You can get off at Delos and explore the ruins, or stay with the boat and continue to another swimming area.

I would choose Delos if you have any interest in ancient Greece. The site is not just something to view from offshore. Walking among the houses, mosaics, and statues gives you a much better sense of the island’s importance.

If you have already visited Delos, dislike archaeological sites, or want a pure swimming day, staying aboard may suit you better. Some people choose the extra swim and beach time instead of paying the separate entrance fee.

This flexibility is useful for families and mixed groups. One person can explore the ruins while another prefers the boat and the sea. The limitation is that the group follows a shared schedule, so you cannot create a fully private plan for each stop.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is central to the experience. Paola is singled out by name in the tour’s feedback, and several accounts describe her as friendly, energetic, and good at getting people involved. The crew also helps passengers feel safe when the water is rough or someone is nervous about jumping in.

The hosting style is informal and social. You should expect interaction rather than a silent, polished luxury cruise. Music usually becomes more prominent on the way back, and the crew may lead dancing on the upper deck.

That atmosphere works best if you are open to a shared celebration. It may not suit you if you want a quiet sail, a formal meal, or a private guide focused on detailed history at every ruin.

The information provided lists Greek as the tour language. Confirm language arrangements before booking if you need detailed commentary in another language. The Delos visit itself is largely self-guided, so you should not expect an extended private archaeological lecture.

Is $103 good value?

At $103 per person, the price is reasonable for a six-and-a-half-hour cruise that combines transportation by boat, captain and crew service, lunch, wine, juice, water, swimming, and access to two islands.

The value is strongest if you use the whole package. A separate boat trip, meal, and visit to Delos could cost more once transport and drinks are added. You also avoid arranging your own route between Mykonos, Rhenia, and Delos.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short swim or if you plan to skip Delos and spend most of the day sitting on the boat. The separate Delos entrance fee adds to the total cost for many adults.

Group size also affects your calculation. A busy boat can mean less personal space and fewer quiet moments. In return, you get a lively social setting, onboard entertainment, and a crew that actively works to keep the mood upbeat.

Wind, waves, and comfort on the return

Weather matters more here than it does on a land tour. The trip has been rescheduled when wind conditions were too strong, and rough seas can still affect a sailing day that goes ahead.

The return ride may be especially lively. Several accounts describe big waves, music, and dancing together, which sounds fun if you enjoy a party atmosphere. It can be less appealing if you get seasick or want a calm ride back.

Keep your plans flexible around the cruise. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. If the operator reschedules because of wind, clear communication is important, so keep your phone available on the day.

This is also why I would avoid booking the tour immediately before a flight or ferry connection. The stated duration is six and a half hours, but sea conditions can affect the pace.

Who should book this Mykonos cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a social boat setting. It works particularly well if you want to combine swimming with a genuine cultural stop instead of choosing only beaches or only ruins.

It is also a good fit for anyone who wants help with the day’s structure. The crew handles the route, lunch, drinks, and timing, while you decide how much energy to put into swimming, Delos, or dancing.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, since the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and Delos involves walking across an archaeological site. I would also look elsewhere if you want a small private yacht, a quiet sailing experience, or a fully guided historical tour.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full Mykonos day with clear water, ancient ruins, included lunch, and a friendly party mood. The strongest version of the day is to swim at Rhenia, pay to explore Delos, then enjoy the music on the return.

Skip it if you dislike shared boats, strong sun, rough water, or lively group entertainment. For most active visitors, the combination of Rhenia and Delos makes the $103 fare a solid use of one day in Mykonos, provided you remember that Delos admission and transport to the Old Port cost extra.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is at the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, which is about six and a half hours.

Is transportation to the port included?

No. Transportation to and from the boat is not included, so you need to reach the Old Port independently.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, juice, and water are included during the cruise.

Is Delos admission included?

No. Entrance to the archaeological site of Delos is separate from the cruise price.

Can I choose not to visit the ruins at Delos?

Yes. You can remain on the boat and use the time for another swimming stop instead of getting off to explore Delos.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or identity card, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing for the boat and archaeological site. A copy of your identification is accepted, and oversized luggage is not allowed.