Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Cruise with Swim and Greek Meal

A full day at sea beats another crowded beach. This six-hour sailing trip combines a look at sacred Delos, a long swim stop at Rhenia, and a freshly prepared Greek lunch on board. I especially like the small-group feel and the fact that snorkeling gear, paddleboards, pool noodles, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included.

The biggest draw is the balance. You get ancient sites, open Aegean views, time in clear water, and a proper meal without having to organize several separate activities. The main consideration is that Delos admission costs an extra €8, and the sea can become windy on the return ride.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different islands in one outing: Delos brings archaeology and mythology, while Rhenia is for swimming, sun, and quiet beach time.
• Lunch is prepared on board: Expect Greek and Mediterranean flavors, with wine, beer, cola, and water included.
• Water equipment comes with the boat: You can use snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and pool noodles at Rhenia.
• Small groups are possible: One outing had eight guests and three crew, while another had only four guests.
• Hotel pickup is included: Leave your hotel name when booking and wait in the lobby 10 minutes before pickup.
• Plan for wind and boat access: This is not suitable for wheelchair users, and getting on or off the boat may require extra care.

Why this six-hour sailing trip works so well

Mykonos is famous for whitewashed lanes, beach clubs, and late nights. Those are all fine, but the island can feel busy and repetitive after a few days. This cruise gives you a different view of the Cyclades, from the water, with a useful mix of sightseeing and downtime.

I like that the trip does not force you to choose between culture and swimming. Delos provides the ancient setting, while Rhenia gives you a relaxed place to spend roughly two hours. You are not simply ferried from one port to another. The sailing itself is part of the experience, with views of the Aegean and Mykonos from a slower, more pleasant angle.

The price is $159 per person. That is not a budget boat ride, but the value improves when you add up what is covered: hotel pickup, the sailboat, crew, lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, snorkeling gear, paddleboarding equipment, and pool noodles. You also get two island stops and six hours on the water.

For a person who would otherwise book a boat trip, lunch, and beach time separately, this is a fair package. It is less attractive if you only want a quick swim or if you plan to spend most of your time on Delos, since the archaeological admission is extra and the Delos visit is not the main focus of the day.

Starting from Mykonos with hotel pickup

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Mykonos. You need to provide the hotel name when booking, then wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the arranged time. That small detail matters because the boat cannot wait for a late arrival, and the pickup time may be arranged rather than fixed across all bookings.

The cruise operator is Doukas Sailing. The boat used on one highly praised outing was called Billy One, though you should confirm the boat assigned to your date if that matters to you. The crew handles navigation, safety, food service, and the general flow of the day.

The group size can vary. One outing had eight guests and three crew, while another had only four guests. That is a major advantage over large excursion boats, where swimming and lunch can feel more like crowd management. A small group also makes it easier to ask questions, find a comfortable place to sit, and get help when boarding.

Still, a sailboat is not the same as a flat-deck ferry. If you are nervous about stepping on or off, tell the crew. One passenger specifically appreciated help with boarding and felt reassured by the captain during a windy day. That is useful context for anyone who is unsure about boat access.

Sailing through the Cyclades toward Delos

The first sailing leg takes about 50 minutes. This is your chance to settle in, watch Mykonos recede, and enjoy a glass of wine if the crew has started service. The views are the real entertainment here. The water, low islands, and changing light give you a much better sense of the Cyclades than a drive around Mykonos can.

The boat then passes Delos. The crew provides a short explanation of the island and its place in Greek mythology, including its connection with Apollo and Artemis. Delos is traditionally known as the mythical birthplace of both gods, and the island was an important sacred center in the ancient Greek world.

The published schedule allows about 15 minutes for the Delos sightseeing stop, but some departures have included about an hour to visit the ruins. Since the length can matter greatly to archaeology fans, ask the operator exactly how much time your departure will have. The €8 admission fee is not included.

If you have always wanted to walk around Delos, check this point before paying. A short pass-by and photo stop is enough to appreciate the setting, but it is not enough for a detailed archaeological visit. If the trip includes an hour ashore, you can get a much better look at the site. Either way, the boat view offers a useful introduction.

I like the way Delos fits into the day. You get a taste of one of the Aegean’s most important ancient sites without sacrificing the relaxed part of the excursion. If ancient monuments are your main reason for coming to Mykonos, however, you may prefer a dedicated Delos trip with more time on land.

Rhenia Island is the day’s main event

After about 20 more minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Rhenia Island. This is where the schedule slows down. You have about two hours for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing.

Rhenia is the best part of the trip for anyone who wants time in the water rather than a quick photo stop. The water is described as crystal clear, and the boat carries masks and snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and pool noodles. That means you can choose your level of activity. Paddle out for a look around, float near the boat, swim toward shore, or simply stay aboard with a drink.

You should bring a swimsuit and towel. There is no need to pack separate water equipment unless you prefer your own. The inclusion of paddleboards is particularly helpful because rental fees can add up quickly at popular Mykonos beaches.

The water stop is also flexible in spirit. Some people will want to swim the whole time. Others will prefer to sit in the sun, read, chat, or take photos. The two-hour window gives you enough time to do more than one thing, which is important when the boat is the day’s main base.

The main limitation is weather. One outing was chilly but still enjoyable, while another became quite windy during the return. Rhenia may be warm and inviting, but the Aegean is not always calm. If you get cold easily, bring a light layer for the sailing sections and do not count on swimming for the entire stop.

A Greek lunch served on board

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of this experience. It is freshly prepared on board and built around Greek and Mediterranean flavors. Past meals have included Greek salad and meats, along with other filling dishes. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish.

The setting helps. A meal eaten on a boat, after swimming in Rhenia’s clear water, feels more special than a standard restaurant lunch. You can eat while looking out over the island, then return to the water without packing up and moving to another location.

Wine is included, with rosé and white options. Beer, cola, and water are also provided. This makes the $159 price easier to justify, particularly for anyone who would otherwise buy lunch and drinks separately.

The food has received remarkably consistent praise. It is described as delicious, fresh, tasty, and filling. I would still advise you to share any dietary needs before departure, since the available information does not confirm vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or other special menus.

Lunch also helps set the tone of the trip. This is not a loud party cruise built around unlimited alcohol. It is a social meal with drinks, swimming, scenery, and conversation. That suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who want a relaxed day out.

The return sail and Little Venice views

The final sailing leg takes about 50 minutes. After a day in the sun, this is a good time to dry off, have another drink, and let the crew handle the route back toward Mykonos.

The return can be breezier than the outbound trip. That is normal for an open-water sailing day, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are prone to seasickness. Sit where you feel most stable, follow the captain’s instructions, and keep a layer nearby.

Before returning to port, the boat passes Little Venice in Mykonos for about 20 minutes of sightseeing and photographs. The waterfront houses, balconies, and sea-facing buildings are among the island’s most recognizable views. Seeing them from the water gives you a fresh angle and avoids the crush of people along the waterfront itself.

Little Venice is mainly a photo stop. Do not expect time to go ashore, shop, or sit at one of the waterfront cafés. The value is in the view, especially after spending the day away from the main island.

The crew and safety matter here

The crew is a major reason this trip earns such strong marks. The captain and staff are repeatedly praised for being friendly, funny, helpful, and capable. The crew also provides information about Delos, the Cyclades, and Greek mythology, so you are not left guessing what you are looking at.

Safety is especially important on a sailing excursion. One passenger felt fully confident during a windy day, and another praised the crew for handling rougher water on the return to Mykonos. That does not promise calm seas, but it does suggest that the crew is used to changing conditions.

English is the stated language of instruction. If you need extensive information in another language, this may not be the right fit.

This trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. That is not simply a technical footnote. Boarding a sailboat, moving around its deck, and getting into the water can require balance and mobility. If you have any concern, contact the operator before booking and describe your needs clearly.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for someone who wants one well-rounded Mykonos day rather than several separate bookings. It suits you if you like:

• A small-group boat outing
• Swimming and snorkeling in open water
• A freshly prepared lunch with drinks
• A short cultural stop at Delos
• Paddleboarding and relaxed time at anchor
• Scenic views of Mykonos from the sea

Solo visitors can fit in well, especially because the shared meal and water activities make conversation easy. Couples get a scenic day without having to plan every detail. Families with older children may also enjoy it, provided everyone is comfortable with the boat and sea conditions.

I would think twice if you want a long, serious visit to the Delos ruins. The timing may be too short, and the €8 entrance fee is separate. I would also reconsider it if you dislike open-water movement, need step-free access, or want a guaranteed calm sea.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make planning less risky. Availability and starting times vary, so check the schedule before you commit.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos Delos and Rhenia cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including sailing, the Delos sightseeing stop, about two hours at Rhenia, and the Little Venice photo stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from your Mykonos hotel. Provide the hotel name when booking and wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Admission to the Delos archaeological site costs €8 and is not included in the tour price.

What food and drinks are included?

A Greek lunch with Mediterranean flavors is included, along with rosé and white wine, beer, cola, and water.

What water equipment can I use?

Snorkeling equipment, paddleboarding equipment, and pool noodles are included. Bring your own swimwear and towel.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Boarding and moving around a sailboat may also require extra care.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a balanced Mykonos day on the water, with enough time to swim, a real lunch, and a taste of Delos rather than an all-day archaeological tour. The small-group atmosphere, helpful crew, fresh food, and included water equipment make the $159 price reasonable.

Before booking, confirm how much time your departure will spend at Delos. If that stop works for you, this is an easy choice for a relaxed, active, and scenic day away from Mykonos town.