All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation)

Ancient ruins meet a clear Aegean swim. This six-hour sailing trip links Delos archaeology with a relaxed stop at Rhenia, giving you culture, food, and sea time in one outing. I especially like the small maximum of 12 people and the included hotel transfer, two details that make Mykonos touring easier. The main drawback is that Delos entrance is extra, and the self-guided visit may feel short if you want to study every ruin.

The crew also gets high marks for friendly hosting, useful commentary, and a generous lunch. Captain Bob and crew members Ernesto, Antonio, Teo, and JJ are named in the feedback, though the exact crew can vary. Plan for wind, a bumpy ride at times, and water that may feel chilly outside the warmest months.

Key points to know before you book

• Delos comes first: You reach the archaeological island after about an hour at sea, with time to explore the ruins and museum on your own.
• Rhenia supplies the quiet contrast: The uninhabited island brings a sheltered swim stop, snorkeling gear, lunch, and time in the sun.
• The boat holds only 12 people: This is a more personal outing than a large excursion vessel, with room for conversation and flexible attention from the crew.
• Hotel pickup saves money: Complimentary shuttle service runs from your hotel, Airbnb location, or cruise-related meeting point and returns you afterward.
• Lunch is a real part of the experience: Expect a Greek-style meal, often seafood pasta with salad and bread, plus alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Budget for Delos admission: Entrance is not included, and the extra charge has been reported as €20.

Setting out from Tourlos Bay at 9:00 a.m.

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or listed accommodation, followed by a shuttle ride to Tourlos Bay. Cruise ship passengers can also arrange pickup from the appropriate meeting point, but you need to provide the ship name or exact location in advance.

At Tourlos, you board the sailing boat Nadia K. Boarding takes about five minutes, then the captain and crew get underway. The trip to Delos takes roughly one hour, giving you a broad view of the Mykonos area from the water instead of from a crowded road or harbor promenade.

I like this start because transportation is part of the price. Taxis on Mykonos can be expensive, so the included shuttle is more than a minor convenience. It also removes the usual question of how to reach the marina early in the morning.

The boat has a restroom, Wi-Fi is advertised, and drinks are available during the outing. One person specifically reported that Wi-Fi was not working, so I would treat it as a possible extra rather than a reason to book. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker. Even on a sunny day, an open boat can feel cool at speed, and several accounts describe the ride as windy or bumpy.

The boat may sail under wind power when conditions allow, but the experience also includes motor travel. That means the schedule is not dependent on perfect sailing weather, although poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Why Delos deserves the first stop

Delos is not simply a pretty island reached by boat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Greece’s most important archaeological locations. Ancient tradition connected the island with the birth of Apollo and Artemis, which made Delos sacred. The island was treated as a place where ordinary birth and death were not permitted.

That background helps explain why the ruins feel unusual. You are walking through the remains of an entire ancient settlement, not just looking at one surviving temple. Marble fragments, old streets, houses, public buildings, and religious sites spread across an open island with the Aegean behind them.

The crew gives background during the sailing and helps you get ashore, but the visit itself is self-guided. This is the most important thing to understand before booking. There is no promise of a dedicated archaeologist or a personal guide walking you through each building.

I recommend reading a short guide to Delos before you go. Several people found the site impressive but wished they had more explanation once they arrived. Signage may not provide all the context you need, and one account noted that the available information was in Greek. A little preparation lets you recognize the main areas instead of wandering among stones without knowing what you are seeing.

The time on Delos is generally enough for a useful first visit, often around 90 minutes according to the detailed accounts. The official timing describes about an hour at the stop, so the exact length can change with the day’s conditions and sailing schedule. If you want a long museum visit, a careful study of every ruin, or a formal guided tour, you may find this portion rushed.

You also need to pay the island admission separately. The listed trip price does not cover Delos entrance, and the extra cost has been reported as €20. Check the current fee before departure because admission charges can change.

Still, arriving by small sailboat is a fine way to approach the island. The boat can reach Delos before larger excursion groups, which may give you a quieter first stretch among the ruins. That timing is one of the stronger reasons to choose this trip over a big cruise excursion.

Rhenia brings swimming, snorkeling, and lunch

After Delos, the boat heads toward Rhenia, an uninhabited island near Mykonos. The purpose here is not sightseeing in the archaeological sense. Rhenia is your pause for swimming, snorkeling, sun, and lunch.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and the water has been described as clear enough to spot fish. One person even saw a fairly large octopus. That does not mean marine life is guaranteed, but you have a real chance to see more than an empty patch of blue.

The usual swimming area can be busy with other boats. One of the best details about this outing is that the captain may choose a more sheltered or secluded cove when the main anchorage is crowded. This is where a small boat helps. A large vessel has fewer options once it arrives at a popular swimming spot.

The water temperature is worth considering. Some people swam happily, while others stayed aboard because the sea felt cold, especially on a cool or windy day. If you are not sure about getting in, bring a swimsuit anyway, but do not assume swimming will feel warm. Towels are not included, so pack your own.

Lunch is served around the swimming stop. The meal has included seafood pasta, often described as shrimp or prawns with mussels, along with Greek salad and bread. Other comments praise the generous portions and the cooking by Ernesto or Teo, depending on the crew. Drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are included and are offered throughout the trip.

This meal matters because it turns the Rhenia stop into a proper break rather than a quick photo stop. You can swim before eating, sit with the group, and enjoy the view without searching for a beach restaurant on an uninhabited island.

Food can vary by day and crew, so I would not book solely for one exact pasta dish. The consistent value is that lunch is prepared aboard, served hot in many cases, and paired with drinks. If you have dietary needs, contact the operator before departure rather than assuming the standard meal will suit you.

A small boat changes the mood

The maximum group size is 12 people. That is small enough for the crew to speak with everyone, help with swimming equipment, and adjust the mood of the outing. It also makes the boat feel more like a shared day at sea than a transport service.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. Captain Bob is often singled out for explaining Mykonos, Delos, sailing routes, and nearby geography without turning the trip into a lecture. Ernesto is praised both for hospitality and for cooking. Other named crew members include Antonio, Teo, and JJ.

Names can change, but the pattern is clear: the human side of the trip is a major part of its appeal. The crew serves drinks, answers questions, takes photos in some cases, and helps people feel safe aboard. Music is also part of the atmosphere, with Greek music mentioned during the ride.

You should know that a small shared boat is not the same as a private charter. You may spend several hours with people you have never met, and the mood can depend on the group. The feedback includes families, cruise passengers, couples, and larger groups booking together. For an outing advertised up to 12 people, that is a reasonable mix.

The boat is described as spacious enough for 12, but comfort depends on weather and how much time you spend seated. Wind can make the return ride lively. That may be fun for you, but anyone prone to seasickness should take normal precautions.

What the $165.75 price really covers

At $165.75 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Delos. The price includes much more than a boat ticket, though: hotel or meeting-point transfer, a six-hour outing, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, restroom access, and a small group.

The transportation alone can have real value on Mykonos, where getting around by taxi may cost more than visitors expect. You also avoid arranging separate transport to Tourlos and finding your way back after the cruise.

Compared with a large cruise excursion, the value comes from the smaller group, the more personal crew service, the swimming stop, and the included meal. A large boat may offer a lower headline price, but it may not offer the same flexibility at Rhenia or the same amount of attention from the crew.

The price is less attractive if you only care about Delos. In that case, you are paying for a boat day, lunch, transfer, and swimming time that you may not use fully. The extra Delos admission also needs to be added to your budget.

I see this as good value for someone who wants three things in one day: a major ancient site, time in the sea, and a hosted meal. It is especially sensible for cruise passengers with one day in Mykonos, since pickup and return can be arranged around the ship’s location. Confirm the timing carefully before booking so the port schedule works for you.

Timing, pickup, and details that prevent trouble

The advertised start is 9:00 a.m., and the full experience lasts about six hours. The stated return is around 4:00 p.m., followed by shuttle transport to your hotel or another agreed point.

Give the operator your full name, a phone number with country code, and your hotel, Airbnb location, or cruise ship name. WhatsApp is preferred for communication. Passport details are requested in a table because port authorities require them, so prepare that information before the trip.

This paperwork is not a detail to leave until the morning of departure. One serious complaint involved a missed pickup and confusion over passport information and the hotel location. The account conflicts with the otherwise strong transportation feedback, but it gives you a useful lesson: send the exact accommodation details early, confirm the pickup point, and keep the company’s contact number handy.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The trip depends on good weather, and if the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The listing also notes access to public transportation. Since the trip involves boarding a boat, walking around uneven archaeological ground, and possibly swimming, consider your own mobility and comfort before you reserve.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos day most

I would choose this tour if you want an active but not exhausting day. You get a historical site, a boat ride, a meal, and a swim without having to organize separate bookings.

It suits:

• Cruise passengers who want something more personal than a large ship excursion
• Couples and families who like a mix of culture and beach time
• Small groups of friends who want to share a boat without booking a private charter
• People who enjoy seafood, Greek salad, music, and a social atmosphere
• Anyone who wants hotel pickup included

I would look elsewhere if you need a fully guided archaeological tour. Delos is self-guided, and the available time may not satisfy a serious student of ancient history.

I would also pause if you dislike open-water movement, cold swimming water, or shared meals. The boat can be windy, and swimming is optional rather than guaranteed. You should also bring a towel, jacket, sunscreen, and any snacks or medication you personally need.

The ride back to Mykonos

After lunch and the Rhenia stop, the boat returns to Tourlos in about an hour. The final stretch may include stronger wind and a lively ride, depending on conditions.

The route can pass views of Mykonos from the water, including the windmills and Little Venice. This gives you a different angle on the island and makes the return trip more than simple transportation. Dolphins have also been seen during the ride, though that is an occasional bonus, not part of the promise.

At Tourlos, the shuttle takes you back to your hotel or another agreed location. The tour can finish earlier than planned in some cases, so do not schedule a tight late-afternoon activity unless you have enough margin.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia sailing tour?

I would book it if you want the best blend of ancient Greece and Aegean leisure in one half-day. The crew, fresh lunch, small boat, included transfer, and swimming cove give this outing more substance than a simple ferry ride to Delos.

Before paying, make sure you are comfortable with the extra Delos entrance fee, the self-guided ruins, possible wind, and the lack of included towels. Send accurate pickup and passport information well ahead of time.

For most people spending a short time in Mykonos, this is a strong choice. It gives you a memorable archaeological stop without giving up the pleasure of being on the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Delos and Rhenia tour?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. It starts at 9:00 a.m. and is scheduled to end around 4:00 p.m., including the return shuttle.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Complimentary shuttle transportation is provided from your hotel, Airbnb location, or an arranged cruise-related meeting point. The shuttle also returns you afterward.

Is Delos entrance included in the price?

No. Delos admission is not included. An additional charge of €20 has been reported, so confirm the current fee before departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Meals described include seafood pasta, salad, and bread.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Swimming is done near Rhenia, although water temperature and weather may affect whether you want to enter the sea.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.