Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Meal

The best Mykonos days leave the shore behind. This 6 to 6.5-hour sailing cruise combines the ancient ruins of Delos with swimming in the clear coves of uninhabited Rhenia. I especially like the small-group feel and the generous Greek lunch served on board, with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water included. The one catch is that Delos receives limited time, and the boat does not include a guide for the archaeological site.

You get a pleasing mix of culture and leisure here. You can wander among some of the Aegean’s most important ancient remains, then spend roughly two to three hours swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply lying on deck. Keep in mind that Mykonos is famously windy, so the ride can be lively, and the front of the boat may get wet.

Five things to know before you sail

• Delos gets the cultural spotlight: You have about 1 to 1.5 hours to visit the archaeological site or museum, but admission and a guide cost extra.
• Rhenia is the relaxed half: The uninhabited island offers clear water, quiet coves, swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Lunch is a real strength: Expect a buffet of freshly prepared Greek specialties, plus house wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• The boat ride depends on the wind: You may sail with the main and jib up, but the yacht also uses its motor, and rough water is possible.
• Check the departure time carefully: Most details describe a 9:00 a.m. departure and return around 3:00 p.m., while another notice lists a 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. sunset cruise.

Why this Mykonos sailing day works so well

At $123 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Delos. But the price covers the yacht, skipper and assistant, fuel, port fees, taxes, lunch, and drinks. You also get a second island, a long swim stop, and a full day on the water rather than a simple ferry transfer.

I like the balance. Delos gives you a reason to get off the beach, while Rhenia gives you time to enjoy the sea without another busy port or town competing for your attention. That combination is the main value of the trip.

The boat is described as a sailing yacht, but you should not picture a silent, engine-free voyage all day. The crew may raise the sails when conditions allow, and some departures have included full sailing with the main and jib. The yacht also uses its motor, especially when needed for timing or calmer progress.

The mood is informal. You may be invited to hold a rope or help with steering, though that depends on the captain and conditions. A young passenger once got to steer for a short time, which gives you a good sense of the friendly style on board.

Leaving Mykonos New Port in the morning

The standard plan begins at Mykonos New Port at 9:00 a.m. The itinerary shows around 50 minutes of cruising before reaching Delos, while the fuller description gives about an hour. In practice, you should expect a pleasant first stretch across the Aegean rather than a quick transfer.

There are two possible meeting or drop-off options connected with the booking: Grand Banks Yacht, Mykonos Cruise, or Zephyros Sailing Mykonos. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you select, so check it closely before setting out.

Bring your passport or national ID card, or a copy. The operator also asks for each passenger’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number before departure. This is not the sort of trip where you should leave identification details until the last minute.

The ride can be smooth and sunlit, but the wind around Mykonos is not a minor detail. One passenger described rough conditions that the captain handled well, while another said everyone got a little wet on the way back. If you want to stay dry, avoid the very front of the boat.

Delos: important ruins with limited visiting time

Delos is the serious historical stop. In ancient times, this small island held major religious and commercial importance in the Aegean. Today it is an archaeological site rather than a normal inhabited island, so the experience is about ruins, open ground, and the remains of a once-important sacred center.

You get approximately one hour to 1.5 hours here, depending on the day’s timing. You can leave the boat to visit the archaeological site and museum, or stay on board, swim near Delos, and enjoy a drink.

I strongly recommend going ashore if you have not visited Delos before. The ruins are the reason this cruise is more than a beach outing, and walking among them gives the day historical weight. You may see ancient streets, columns, statues, and the remains of large public and religious buildings, though the exact portions you reach depend on your route and opening conditions.

There is no included guide at the archaeological site. That is the main weakness for anyone who wants the stones explained rather than simply seen. A guide would help you understand what you are looking at, especially if you have limited knowledge of ancient Greek history.

Admission is not included either. One past booking paid about €8, but fees can change, so carry money and check the current charge when you arrive. The tour price covers transport and the yacht, not the archaeological entrance.

The limited time is another compromise. One passenger enjoyed the day but wished for longer at Delos. That is a fair criticism. Delos deserves several hours if history is your main interest, but extending the visit would reduce the time available for swimming and lunch at Rhenia.

Crossing to Rhenia for the best swim of the day

After Delos, the yacht crosses a narrow stretch of water to Rhenia. Unlike Mykonos, Rhenia is uninhabited, with no town to visit and no ordinary sightseeing circuit. The reward is quiet water, simple coves, and a strong sense of being away from the island crowds.

The schedule allows roughly two to three hours at Rhenia, depending on the version of the itinerary. This is where the day slows down. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, sunbathe, or stay aboard with a cold drink.

The water is the star. Several people singled out the clarity and color of the swimming stop, and that praise makes sense: Rhenia gives you the kind of sea time that a standard island tour often rushes. You are not just taking a quick photo and climbing back aboard. There is enough time to get in the water more than once.

Snorkeling gear is available, and stand-up paddleboarding is included as an activity. The supplied information does not promise a particular amount of marine life, so come for the clear water and easy swimming rather than expecting a dedicated wildlife excursion.

There may not be much shade on deck. One passenger specifically wished for more shaded space, so bring sunscreen and a jacket for the changing conditions. A towel and swimwear are essential, and a light jacket helps during the return ride when the wind picks up.

Greek lunch on board, with drinks included

Lunch is served during the Rhenia stop. It comes as a buffet of Greek dishes freshly prepared on board, rather than a packaged meal brought from shore.

The exact menu can vary, but past meals have included Greek salad, bread with a spread, giant beans, pasta, and bruschetta. The food has been described as light, fresh, well presented, and plentiful. The captain’s own recipes have also been part of the meal, which gives it a more personal feel than a standard excursion buffet.

I would count lunch as one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Several meals in Mykonos can be expensive, and a good Greek spread with a sea view adds real value to the $123 price. You are also not paying extra for the basic drinks package.

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine. The crew keeps the atmosphere easygoing, and music may be played on board. One group was allowed to connect its own music to the speaker, though you should not assume that every departure will follow the same arrangement.

The food is not meant to be a formal restaurant service. It is a relaxed meal on a moving boat, usually eaten after swimming. That is part of the charm, but anyone expecting a polished dining room should adjust expectations.

Sailing back with Mykonos in view

The return journey takes about 50 minutes in the itinerary. When the wind is favorable, the crew may raise the sails and give you a proper sailing experience. Some departures have included both the main and jib, while others have relied more on the motor.

This is where conditions matter most. The Aegean can be windy, and the ride may rock and roll. The captain has been praised for handling rough water confidently, but no skipper can remove the motion from the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly before boarding and choose a stable seat near the middle of the boat if one is available.

The route may pass sights around Mykonos on the way back, including Little Venice and the windmills. That gives you a different view of the island, now seen from offshore rather than from the narrow streets.

The usual return is around 3:00 p.m., followed by a farewell drink. However, the supplied details also contain a separate note saying the cruise may depart at 4:00 or 4:30 p.m., run until sunset, and pass by Delos. That does not match the morning schedule described elsewhere. You should confirm your actual departure time and whether your booking is the daytime Delos and Rhenia trip or a sunset sailing before paying.

Crew, group size, and the feel on board

The professional English-speaking skipper and assistant are included. Captains and crew members named in passenger comments include Dimitris, George, Evgenia, and Zak. The consistent theme is friendly, attentive service, with the crew helping people feel comfortable and involved.

The standard experience is described as a friendly small-group cruise, and a private group option is available. The exact maximum group size is not provided, so do not assume you will have the yacht to yourself unless you book the private option.

The crew’s practical help matters. They can explain the day, handle changing sea conditions, provide equipment, and serve lunch. You are also welcome to help with ropes or steering when appropriate. That makes the cruise feel more active than sitting on a ferry, without turning it into a sailing lesson.

Families and mixed-age groups fit this outing well. A family ranging from age 17 to 70 had a good day, and the activities can be adjusted easily. You can swim hard, explore Delos, paddleboard, or simply remain on deck with a drink.

What the $123 price really buys you

At $123, the trip is good value if you plan to use the full day. The included lunch, drinks, yacht transport, fuel, and port charges remove several costs that could add up separately. The Rhenia swim stop also gives you several hours of leisure rather than a quick stop between transfers.

The value is weaker if your priority is a long, guided visit to Delos. You pay extra for admission and a guide, and the island visit is short. In that case, a dedicated archaeological excursion may suit you better.

I would also compare the price with your appetite for comfort. This is a working sailing yacht, not a luxury cruise ship. Shade may be limited, the bow can get wet, and the sea can be rough. But the small-group atmosphere, Greek food, and swimming time make it a strong choice for an active day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Mykonos plans are still moving, but the departure-time contradiction is more important than the payment flexibility. Confirm the schedule first.

Who should book this cruise?

You should consider it if you want three things in one day: ancient ruins, open-sea sailing, and a long swim in clear water. It suits couples, families, friends, and anyone who would rather spend a day outdoors than move between crowded Mykonos streets.

It is especially good for people who enjoy informal trips. You can take part in sailing, talk with the crew, listen to music, and eat a homemade-style Greek lunch. You do not need to be an experienced sailor.

Think twice if you need guaranteed calm water, plentiful shade, or a detailed guided explanation at Delos. You should also be cautious if you dislike boat motion. The captain can manage the conditions, but the wind remains part of the Aegean experience.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia cruise?

I would book this cruise if your ideal Mykonos day includes a little history followed by a lot of sea. Rhenia, the lunch, and the warm crew service are the clearest strengths, while Delos is best treated as a worthwhile introduction rather than a full archaeological tour.

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, a jacket, and identification. Avoid the front of the boat if you want to stay dry, and confirm the exact departure time before you commit. If you accept the wind, short Delos visit, and lack of an included guide, the combination of ruins, sailing, Greek food, and clear-water swimming is hard to beat for the price.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 6 to 6.5 hours. The standard schedule describes a 9:00 a.m. departure and a return around 3:00 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart?

The departure point may be Grand Banks Yacht, Mykonos Cruise, or Zephyros Sailing Mykonos, depending on the option booked. Check your confirmation for the exact meeting point.

Is Delos admission included?

No. Admission to the Delos archaeological site is not included. One past booking paid about €8, but you should confirm the current fee.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. A tour guide at the archaeological site is optional and costs extra.

How much time do I get on Delos?

The schedule allows about 1 to 1.5 hours for visiting Delos. You may also stay on the yacht instead of visiting the site.

How long is the stop at Rhenia?

The Rhenia stop lasts about two to three hours, depending on the schedule. It is used for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, lunch, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared on board.

Which drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your passport or ID is accepted.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.