From Mykonos: Cruise to Delos and Rhenia with Lunch

Ancient ruins and clear water make a fine pair. This 6.5-hour cruise from Mykonos combines a swim stop on quiet Rhenia with time at sacred Delos, then wraps up with lunch, wine, and music on the Aegean. I like the easy mix of sea time and Greek archaeology, plus the friendly crew, especially the lively host often called Paola or Paula by passengers. The main catch is that Delos admission costs extra, and the boat can feel busy or rough when the wind rises.

You leave from Mykonos Old Port and spend much of the day outdoors. I like that you can choose between exploring Delos or staying aboard for more swimming, although the boat offers limited shade and the tour is not a good fit for people with mobility impairments.

Quick facts about the Mykonos boat trip

• Two very different islands: Swim from the boat near a private beach on uninhabited Rhenia, then walk among the ruins of ancient Delos.
• A full half-day at sea: The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours, including lunch and the island visits.
• Greek BBQ included: Lunch features chicken and pork skewers, rice, salad, tzatziki, and bread, with wine, juice, and water served during the cruise.
• A flexible Delos stop: You can visit the archaeological site or remain on the boat for another swim stop, depending on the day’s arrangement.
• A social return sail: Music and dancing are common on the way back to Mykonos, especially when the sea is lively.
• Bring identification and sunscreen: A passport or ID card, or a copy, is required. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and there is not much shade aboard.

Leaving Mykonos Old Port for Rhenia

The meeting point is at the kiosk beside the bus station at Mykonos Old Port. That is close to Mykonos Town, but the port area can still be busy, so I would arrive with enough time to find the kiosk without a last-minute sprint.

Once aboard, the first part of the day is a cruise across the Aegean toward Rhenia. The trip is less about commentary and more about the setting: white boats, open water, and the low, dry islands that give this part of Greece its spare beauty.

The crew provides refreshments during the ride, including wine, juice, and water. That sounds simple, but it changes the mood of the trip. You are not constantly hunting for a drink or worrying about buying lunch later. The atmosphere often starts quietly, then grows more social after the first swim.

You should expect a shared excursion rather than a private sailing. The boat may be full, and one passenger found it a little too crowded. Still, the crew receives strong praise for being warm, attentive, and involved with the people aboard. Paola, in particular, is repeatedly singled out for keeping the mood light and encouraging people to join in.

Swimming off Rhenia’s quiet shore

Rhenia is the relaxing half of the day. The island is uninhabited, and the boat anchors a short distance from a secluded beach. You can swim in clear water, float beside the boat, or go ashore for a walk and some time in the sun.

This is not a beach club stop. There are no shops or rows of sunbeds described here, which is part of the appeal. You get a simple Aegean pause: water, rock, sand, and open sky. The lack of facilities also means you should bring what you need for the stop, including sunscreen and any personal swimming items.

The water is the star. Many people rate the swim as one of the best parts of the day, and the conditions can be excellent in calm weather. The boat may make more than one swimming stop, and some passengers choose to remain aboard when the Delos group goes ashore. That option is useful if you have already seen ancient sites or simply want a quieter afternoon in the water.

Snorkeling gear is not included. You can bring your own equipment, but do not count on the boat providing it. The published information also says the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so think carefully about boarding, moving around the boat, and getting ashore by tender or from the beach.

Wind matters in the Cyclades. The cruise has been rescheduled when conditions were too windy, and choppy water has affected some departures. That is not a flaw unique to this outing. It is the price of spending a full day on the Aegean. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare accordingly and choose a calm-weather day if your schedule allows.

Lunch with chicken souvlaki-style skewers

Lunch is served aboard and is built around familiar Greek flavors. Expect chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread. It is a practical meal for a boat day: filling, easy to serve, and suited to a wide range of tastes.

Most people find the food satisfying, and several particularly praise the lunch along with the drinks. One person found the food less impressive than the rest of the outing, so I would keep expectations sensible. This is a catered boat lunch, not a restaurant meal in Mykonos Town.

Wine, juice, and water are included. The wine becomes part of the social atmosphere, especially during the return trip, when music and dancing often begin. Drink carefully, though. A sunny day, moving boat, and generous refreshments can catch up with you quickly, particularly if the sea turns rough.

The crew’s energy is a major part of the experience. This is not a silent yacht cruise. The return journey may include dancing on the top deck, and the hosts make a real effort to involve people of different ages. Families, couples, groups of friends, and solo passengers can all fit into the mix, provided they enjoy a sociable setting.

Visiting sacred Delos after lunch

After the swim and lunch, the boat heads to Delos. This is the cultural heart of the trip, and I would not treat it as an optional extra unless you have already visited the island.

In ancient Greek belief, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Its position in the Cyclades also helped it grow into a major religious and trading center. The ruins reveal a place where people from different parts of the ancient world lived, traded, worshipped, and built grand homes.

You have time to explore on your own. The program commonly allows around two hours at Delos, enough to see a meaningful section of the site without trying to inspect every stone in the heat. The island is exposed, so bring water, a hat, and sun protection. After swimming and lunch, the sun can feel especially strong.

Look for the ancient houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra, along with their mosaics and statues. The House of Dionysus is known for its floor mosaic featuring the god riding a panther. The name House of Cleopatra refers to the remains of a wealthy residence, including statues associated with its owner. These homes help turn the ruins from a pile of columns into a picture of private life in the ancient city.

A museum is also part of the site experience, and some passengers consider it a highlight. If you enjoy sculpture and archaeological finds, allow time for it rather than spending the entire stop outside among the foundations.

The entrance fee is not included. The supplied information lists admission as an additional cost, and some passengers report paying €20. One person noted that visitors under 25 from the European Union may qualify for free entry, but eligibility rules can change, so check the current policy before counting on that discount. Cards are accepted at the site according to one recent account.

There is a useful alternative. If you do not want to pay the entrance fee or would rather swim longer, you may be able to stay on the boat while the Delos group visits the ruins. On some departures, the remaining passengers are taken to another swimming location. You will see parts of Delos from the water, but that is not a substitute for walking through the archaeological site.

The return trip, music, and rough Aegean water

The ride back to Mykonos is where the outing often changes character. After a quiet swim and an ancient site, the music comes on, people gather on the top deck, and the crew may lead a small dance party.

This is a pleasant surprise if you want a social day. It is less appealing if you hoped for a peaceful sunset cruise. The tone depends on the group, the crew, and the sea. The hosts appear to work hard at including people, rather than leaving everyone in separate clusters.

The same wind that makes the Aegean look dramatic can make the return ride bumpy. Several accounts describe rough waves, and one person ended up with bruises after dancing on a moving boat. Take that as practical advice, not a reason to avoid the cruise: hold on, wear sensible footwear, and do not overdo the wine.

The boat returns to the Old Port, close to Mykonos Town. Transportation to and from the boat is not included, so you arrange your own way to the meeting point. The central port location is convenient, especially if you are staying near town or arriving from a cruise ship, but you still need to plan the short transfer yourself.

Is $103 a good price?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Delos. The value comes from combining several costs and activities in one day: the cruise, crew service, lunch, refreshments, a Rhenia swim stop, and a return sail with entertainment.

You should add the Delos entrance fee to your budget. You may also need to pay for transport to the port and bring or rent snorkeling equipment if you want it. Even with those extras, the outing offers more than a simple boat transfer to Delos.

I see the price as fair for someone who wants a complete day on the water rather than just archaeological access. It is less attractive if your only goal is Delos, since a simpler trip may suit you better. It is also worth knowing that one passenger thought the price would feel stronger with fewer people or a smaller fare. Group size is part of the tradeoff.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a passport or ID card. A copy is accepted according to the activity information, but keep the original available if your travel plans require it elsewhere.

Pack lightly because oversize luggage is not allowed. You will want swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes, and sturdy sandals or shoes for Delos. There is limited shade on the boat, so sun protection is not a minor detail.

Bring cash or a payment card for the Delos entrance fee. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own gear because it is not included. Most important, leave room for flexibility. Wind can change the schedule, and the order or timing of swimming and Delos may shift for safety.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately under the pay-later option. Those terms help if your Mykonos plans depend on weather, but check the booking conditions at the time you reserve.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want water, ruins, food, and a party atmosphere in one outing. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people aboard.

It is especially good for anyone who finds a full day at an archaeological site too much. Rhenia breaks up the history with swimming, while Delos gives the day a real cultural purpose.

I would hesitate if you need a quiet, private boat, dislike rough water, have limited mobility, or want guaranteed shade. I would also think twice if Delos is your single priority and you want a longer, more focused archaeological visit.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you want a lively Mykonos day with clear water, a substantial Greek lunch, included drinks, and a worthwhile visit to Delos. The crew’s warmth and the optional music on the return sail add real value.

Before paying, confirm the current Delos entrance fee, check the weather forecast, and decide if you will actually go ashore. If you are happy with a shared boat and a little sea motion, this is a strong way to see two very different sides of the Cyclades in one day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

How long does the experience last?

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

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

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

Is the entrance fee for Delos included?

No. The Delos entrance fee is not included and must be paid separately.

Can I stay on the boat instead of visiting Delos?

Yes, you may have the option to remain aboard while other passengers visit Delos. On some departures, the boat takes those passengers to another swimming location.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, or a copy, along with swimwear, sunscreen, and anything you need for swimming. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and snorkeling gear is not included.