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

Ancient ruins and clear sea make a fine Greek day. This 6.5-hour cruise from Mykonos combines the UNESCO-listed ruins of Delos with swimming off uninhabited Rhenia, a BBQ lunch, free drinks, and a cheerful return ride. It is part history lesson, part beach outing, and part floating party.

I especially like the choice built into the day: you can spend about two hours exploring Delos, or stay aboard for more time in the water. I also like the warm, energetic family crew, who keep the mood easy without turning the whole trip into a forced performance. The main catch is that the boat can be choppy, and Delos is hot, exposed, and extra-cost.

For $101 per person, this is strong value if you want several Mykonos experiences in one outing. Just remember that the Delos entrance fee, about €20, is not included, and there is no guide for the ruins. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and something for motion sickness if rough seas bother you.

Key points before you book

• Rhenia is the swimming star: The boat stops near a sandy, uncrowded stretch of the uninhabited island, with remarkably clear water and time to swim, snorkel, or relax.
• Delos gives the day its meaning: You get roughly two hours at one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, but you explore independently.
• The BBQ is served aboard: Expect meat skewers, rice, salad, bread, dips, fruit, and drinks, with unlimited wine, water, and soft drinks included.
• The return trip turns festive: Music, singing, and dancing are a real part of the experience, especially on the ride back to Mykonos.
• The meeting point needs care: Meet at the bus station by Mykonos Old Port. Allow extra time to find the correct boat and exchange point.
• The sea decides the mood: Calm weather can make this wonderfully relaxed. Wind can make the crossing bumpy, so prepare accordingly.

Meeting at Mykonos Old Port

The day begins at the bus station near the Old Port of Mykonos. This is not a hotel pickup excursion, so you need to make your own way there.

Give yourself extra time. The meeting point is generally easy to reach, but the exact boat or operating name may not be obvious on the spot. One past passenger spent nearly 35 minutes asking around before finding the right agent. Your voucher may also show a different company name from the boat operator, Golden Yachting & Sailing.

That is a small but important bit of practical advice: arrive early, keep your booking details handy, and ask for the Delos and Rhenia boat rather than relying only on the company name.

Once aboard, the tone is friendly and social. The crew checks on people during the trip and keeps the schedule moving. This is a shared boat outing, not a quiet private yacht charter, so expect other passengers, music, conversation, and a lively atmosphere.

Rhenia: Three Hours of Swimming and Lunch

Rhenia is usually the first major stop, reached after about 45 minutes of sailing. Unlike Mykonos, Rhenia is uninhabited. Its appeal is simple: clear water, sandy coves, and a feeling of space that is hard to find on the busier island.

The boat anchors offshore, and you can swim from the boat or toward the beach. Some accounts place the swim to shore at about 50 yards, so you should be comfortable in open water. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay near the boat and use any available flotation aid. The crew appears attentive, but this is not a shallow-water beach arrival.

The water is often the highlight of the day. It is bright, clean, and good for a long swim. Snorkeling is possible, though the underwater life can vary by stop. Do not expect a formal guided snorkeling session or a major reef site. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be purchased aboard.

Rhenia’s beach can be rocky near the water. Water shoes are a smart addition, especially if you plan to swim all the way to shore. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and dry change of clothes will make the afternoon much more comfortable.

The boat spends about three hours around Rhenia, including swimming and the meal. That gives you time to do more than jump in, take a quick photo, and climb back aboard. You can swim, sit on deck, walk along the beach, or simply enjoy the view from the boat.

The BBQ Lunch and Included Drinks

Lunch is served aboard after the swimming stop. The meal typically includes chicken and pork skewers, rice, Greek salad, bread, dips, and watermelon or other fruit. Portions appear adequate for most people, though one person looking for a larger lunch may want an extra snack before departure.

The food is a practical match for the day. It is filling, casual, and easy to eat after swimming. Do not book this as a gourmet food tour, but the BBQ adds real value to the price and saves you from arranging lunch on the islands.

Wine, water, and soft drinks are available without an extra charge. Additional drinks can be purchased if you want something else. The included wine is best viewed as simple table wine rather than a special Greek tasting, and the quality of the rice can vary. Salt and pepper are available.

The meal also helps the social side of the trip. People eat together on deck, chat, and settle into the relaxed rhythm of the boat. If you prefer quiet meals, choose a seat away from the music and busiest areas when possible.

Delos: Two Hours Among Ancient Stones

After Rhenia, the boat continues to Delos. This is the historical heart of the excursion.

Delos was a major sacred center of the ancient Greek world, and the archaeological site is much larger than many first-time visitors expect. You will find broad ruins, fallen columns, old streets, carved details, and views across the island. The site gives you a strong sense of scale, even if you arrive without a specialist guide.

You have about two hours to explore. That is enough time to see a good portion of the main area, read the information plaques, visit the museum if it is open, and climb toward higher ground for a wider view. One practical approach is to go first toward the higher point and then work back through the central ruins. The sun is strongest later, and the climb is easier while you still have energy.

The tradeoff is shade. Delos is open and hot, with little protection from the sun. There are no shops on the site, so carry water with you. A hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and light clothing are more useful here than stylish beachwear.

The Delos entrance fee is not included, and the stated cost is about €20. A guide is also not included. You can explore independently using the site plaques and map, but anyone hoping for a detailed explanation of the mythology, architecture, and daily life should arrange a guide separately if that option is available.

The independent format has two advantages. You control your pace, and you can choose between a quick look and a more serious archaeological visit. The disadvantage is that some parts of Delos may feel less clear without explanation. If the ancient site is your main reason for booking, prepare by reading a little about Delos before you go.

There is also an important choice at this point. You can disembark to visit Delos, or remain on the boat for another swim or a more relaxed break. This makes the excursion work for mixed groups. One person can chase ruins while another stays with the sea.

Sailing Back to Mykonos With Music

The return crossing is not simply transport. The crew often turns it into a small party, with music, singing, and dancing on deck.

This is one of the most praised parts of the outing, but it is also the clearest sign of the trip’s personality. If you enjoy meeting people and joining a bit of group fun, the ride home can be a highlight. Crew members such as Mola, Mohamed, Michael, and Paola received specific praise for their warmth, energy, and ability to keep people involved.

You do not have to dance. You can sit back, watch the islands slip away, and enjoy the sea. The party may be shorter than you expect, especially if you are hoping for a full evening of music, but it adds a memorable finish.

The boat ride itself can be rough in windy conditions. A few passengers found the water choppy, especially on the way back. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual medication and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. Sit where the motion feels easiest for you and keep your eyes on the horizon if needed.

How Much Value Does the $101 Price Offer?

At $101, the price covers the boat, fuel, crew, BBQ lunch, fruit, and the included drinks. It also combines two separate outings that would otherwise require additional planning: a visit to Delos and a swimming trip around Rhenia.

The price becomes especially good value if you plan to swim, eat lunch aboard, visit Delos, and enjoy the music on the way home. The crew, food, and atmosphere add more than simple transportation.

Remember to add about €20 for Delos if you want to go ashore. Snorkeling equipment is extra, and hotel transfers are not included. The lack of a guide also matters if you want detailed archaeological context.

I would compare this with a quiet private sailing trip only if you value peace and personal space above all else. This is a larger shared outing with a sociable crew. Its strength is the mix of swimming, history, lunch, and fun. Its weakness is that no single part receives the depth of a specialist tour.

Who Will Enjoy This Mykonos Boat Trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors who like meeting people, and groups with different interests. The choice between Delos and another swim is useful when not everyone wants the same day.

It also suits first-time visitors to Mykonos who want to see beyond the main island. You get a taste of ancient Greece, a beach stop, open-water swimming, and a bit of local holiday energy without organizing each part yourself.

It is less suitable if you want a private, quiet sailing experience or a serious guided archaeology tour. It may also be a poor fit if you dislike boat motion, cannot comfortably enter the sea from a boat, or find long periods in direct sun difficult.

Families should think about the swimming setup. Rhenia is not presented as a conventional beach arrival with an easy walk from a dock. You may need to swim from the boat toward shore, and the rocky edge makes water shoes useful.

What to Bring for a Better Day

Pack lightly, but bring the right things:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes for Rhenia’s rocky shore
• Water for the Delos visit
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A dry change of clothes
• Motion sickness medicine if you need it
• Snorkeling gear, or money to buy equipment aboard

Your ID is specifically required, and you should keep it with you. Delos is not the place to discover that your documents are back at the hotel.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current start time when booking, since the departure schedule can change.

Should You Book the Delos and Rhenia Cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced mix of sea, ruins, food, and fun. Rhenia supplies the beautiful water and breathing room. Delos supplies the ancient setting and the reason this feels like more than a standard beach cruise. The crew supplies the warmth and the cheerful return ride.

Go with realistic expectations. You will not receive a private yacht, a specialist archaeological guide, or a luxury meal. You may face a bumpy crossing, strong sun, a rocky beach, and an extra Delos fee.

Still, the combination is hard to beat for a half-day outing from Mykonos. If you pack water shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and motion sickness medicine, you will be ready for the only real surprises. For most people who want to experience the surrounding islands without spending far more, I would book it.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip meet in Mykonos?

The meeting point is the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about 6.5 hours, including sailing, the Rhenia stop, lunch, the Delos visit, and the return to Mykonos.

Is the entrance fee to Delos included?

No. The Delos entrance fee is separate and costs approximately €20.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. The visit is self-guided. You can use the site map and information plaques while exploring.

What food and drinks are included?

The boat provides a BBQ meal with items such as meat skewers, rice, salad, bread, dips, and fruit. Wine, water, and soft drinks are included, while other drinks may cost extra.

Can I skip visiting the Delos ruins?

Yes. You can remain aboard instead of going ashore and use the time for another swim or relaxation.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable shoes. Water shoes are useful at Rhenia, and motion sickness medicine may help if you are sensitive to choppy seas.