From Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

The best part of this Mykonos boat trip is the contrast: one stop puts you in clear Aegean water beside quiet Rhenia, the next takes you across ancient Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. It is a full day without feeling like a formal history tour.

I like the choice built into the day. You can walk among Delos ruins, or stay aboard for another swim, and the crew keeps the mood warm with a BBQ, drinks, music, and dancing on the return. The main drawback is heat and exposure: Delos has little shade, Rhenia’s shore can be rocky, and the boat may be choppy.

Key points to know before you book

• Two very different islands: Rhenia offers swimming and sandy coves, while Delos supplies temples, statues, and ancient streets.
• A choice at Delos: Spend roughly two hours exploring the UNESCO site, or remain on the boat for more time in the sea.
• Lunch is included: The BBQ includes meat skewers, rice, salad, dips, bread, fruit, and drinks such as wine, water, and soft drinks.
• The return becomes a party: Music, singing, and dancing are a regular part of the ride back to Mykonos.
• Bring practical gear: Pack swimwear, sunscreen, water, an ID card or passport, and water shoes if you have them.
• Allow for extra costs: Delos admission is not included and is listed at about €20. A guide and snorkeling gear also cost extra.

Why this six-and-a-half-hour cruise works

Mykonos is famous for beach clubs and late nights, but its best day trip is often a quieter one. This cruise lets you see two nearby Cycladic islands in one outing, with enough time for swimming, lunch, and a substantial visit to Delos.

At $101 per person, the value comes from the combination rather than any single feature. Your fare covers the boat, fuel, crew, BBQ lunch, fruit, and several drinks. You still pay the Delos entrance fee, and there is no hotel pickup, but comparable outings can cost more when they include only a cruise or only a historical site.

I would choose this for a day when you want variety. It is not a small, silent sailing lesson, and it is not a guided archaeological seminar. It is a social boat outing with a strong dose of history and a relaxed beach stop.

The atmosphere matters. The family crew is central to the experience, checking on people, helping swimmers, serving food, and keeping the boat lively. Names that come up around the crew include Mola, Mohamed, Michael, and Paola. The exact team may differ, but the style is clear: friendly, informal, and keen to involve everyone.

Meeting at Mykonos Old Port

You meet at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. That sounds simple, but give yourself extra time. One past departure was difficult to locate because the boat and voucher information did not appear to match clearly, and the meeting point had limited signage.

I would arrive early and keep your booking details ready. The Old Port can be busy, and you do not want to begin the day searching while boarding is under way. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the bus station.

The boat itself is described as clean and large enough to offer different ways to spend the day. You can sit in the sun, find a more relaxed spot, eat lunch, or join the social mood on deck. It is a group outing, so expect company rather than a private charter.

Take an ID card or passport. The activity information specifically asks for one, and it is sensible to have it with you for an international island trip.

Rhenia: clear water and a swim from the boat

Rhenia is the day’s easy pleasure. This uninhabited island has quiet beaches, sandy coves, and water that can look almost impossibly blue on a calm day. The boat stops near shore, but you may need to enter the water and swim roughly 50 yards to reach the beach.

That detail is important. You do not simply walk down a gangway onto a developed beach. The usual experience is a jump or step from the boat into the sea, followed by a swim toward the shore. Pool noodles are available to help people float, according to the practical experiences shared about the trip, but you still need to be comfortable in open water.

The water can be cool, especially in spring, but many people find it manageable after the first minute. Salt water makes floating easier, and you can return to the boat whenever you want. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for help and use a flotation noodle. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view.

A pair of water shoes is a smart addition. The beach can be rocky, even though the water is clear and the coves are attractive. Snorkeling is possible, but conditions vary. Some stops offer fish and sea life, while another account found the beach less useful for snorkeling than for swimming and relaxing.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can buy it aboard, or bring your own if you have room. Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cover-up for the hours between swimming and lunch.

BBQ lunch with the Cyclades around you

The Rhenia stop is also the main meal break. The included BBQ has been described as meat skewers, rice, Greek salad, bread, dips, and watermelon or other fruit. Portions appear reasonable, though one person found the rice plain and another wished for a little more food.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, and wine. The house wine is basic rather than a reason to book the cruise, but it is available in generous supply. Other drinks can be purchased aboard.

I like the timing here. After swimming, a simple meal tastes better, and eating on the boat keeps the day moving without sending you ashore to search for food. You can sit with your group or chat with people from other countries, which suits solo visitors and couples who enjoy a social setting.

Do not expect restaurant-level cooking or a quiet lunch. This is a boat BBQ served to a group, and the appeal is the setting, the convenience, and the easygoing atmosphere. If food is a major part of your holiday, keep your expectations sensible.

Delos and its ancient stones

After Rhenia, the boat continues to Delos. The site visit lasts about two hours, and you explore without a dedicated guide. Admission is extra, listed at approximately €20, although some age groups may qualify for reduced or free entry.

Delos is far larger than many people expect. You can see ancient streets, temples, columns, statues, and other remains spread across an open archaeological area. Plaques and a site map help you understand what you are seeing, but a guide or audio option is not included.

Two hours is enough to get a strong impression, but it is not enough for every corner. If you want the best use of your time, walk with purpose. Several people recommend heading toward the higher point first, where the Temple of Apollo area and wider views help you understand the scale of the island. Then return to inspect the lower ruins.

This is the part of the trip that rewards preparation. Read a little about Delos before you go, or save a short guide on your phone. Without context, broken walls can blur together. With even a basic sense of the island’s role in ancient Greece, the streets and sanctuaries become easier to read.

There is very little shade. Delos can be brutally hot in summer, and the open ruins offer no easy escape. Bring more water than you think you need, apply sunscreen before leaving the boat, and wear shoes suited to uneven ground. The island has no shops for a quick drink during the walk, so do not rely on buying supplies after arrival.

The schedule gives you a choice. You can leave the boat to explore Delos, or stay aboard and take another swim at a nearby spot. I would choose Delos unless you have already visited, because the archaeological site is the part of the day you cannot easily replace with an ordinary beach stop.

The ride home turns into a music session

Once Delos is behind you, the return cruise usually changes character. Music comes up, the crew sings or dances, and passengers are encouraged to join in. Some people dance enthusiastically, while others sit back with a drink and enjoy the show.

This is not a polished stage performance. That is part of its charm. The crew creates a loose, cheerful party on the way to Mykonos, and the mood can be especially fun after a day in the water. Several people described the return as one of the strongest parts of the trip, while a few wished it lasted longer.

The sea may be choppy, especially on a windy day. One person described a very bumpy ride but still found the crew reassuring and helpful. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring medication that you already know works for you. Sit where you feel most stable, keep water nearby, and do not let the music tempt you into overdoing the wine before the crossing is finished.

The final ride also gives you a chance to see the islands from offshore. Mykonos, Delos, and Rhenia make more sense as part of a wider Cycladic group when you view them from the water rather than from a hotel terrace.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos day trip?

I would recommend this excursion to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and friends who want a mix of swimming and culture. It suits people who like meeting others and do not mind a shared boat with music and a lively crew.

It is also a good pick for a cruise-ship stop in Mykonos because the meeting point is at the Old Port and the outing returns there after about 6.5 hours. Still, leave a sensible margin around your ship schedule. The sea can slow the return, and the activity is not built around hotel or ship transfers.

You should think twice if you want a quiet private sail, a highly detailed guided tour of Delos, or a fully accessible beach visit. Rhenia involves entering the water to reach the shore, Delos requires walking in heat over uneven ground, and the return can be noisy and energetic.

Families should consider swimming ability and sun tolerance. The crew can offer a pool noodle, but the outing is not a substitute for close supervision. Children who enjoy water, music, and ancient ruins may have a terrific day, while very young children may find the long boat schedule tiring.

What to pack and what to expect

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Refillable water bottle
• Water shoes
• Motion sickness medication if needed
• A small amount of cash or a card for extras

Snorkeling equipment is not included, and Delos admission is separate. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your route to the Old Port bus station before departure day.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date carefully before booking.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the best mix of sea time, ancient ruins, lunch, and fun in one Mykonos outing. The strongest value is the chance to swim at Rhenia and visit Delos without arranging separate boats, meals, and transfers between the islands.

I would book it for an active, social day rather than a quiet cruise. Bring water shoes, protect yourself from the sun, allow extra time to find the meeting point, and budget for Delos admission. If that sounds manageable, this is a well-priced way to see a side of Mykonos that beach clubs cannot provide.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia trip last?

The activity lasts about 6.5 hours, including the boat ride, swimming, lunch, time at Delos, and the return to Mykonos.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The trip includes a BBQ and fruit. The meal may include meat skewers, rice, salad, bread, dips, and watermelon or other fruit.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and wine are included. Additional drinks may be available to buy aboard.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The listed entrance fee is about €20 per person. The amount can depend on applicable age or admission rules.

Is there a guide at Delos?

No dedicated Delos guide is included. You explore the archaeological site independently, using the available signs and map.

Can I swim at Rhenia?

Yes. The boat stops near Rhenia for swimming, and you can also snorkel. You may need to swim from the boat to reach the beach, which can be around 50 yards away.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be purchased aboard.

What happens if I do not want to visit Delos?

You can stay on the boat and use the time for another swim or relaxation instead of leaving the boat to explore the archaeological site.