Cruises to Delos-Mykonos, Santorini and Koufonisi by Alexander

Two islands, one long Aegean day. This Delos and Mykonos boat trip is a handy way to reach two famous islands from Naxos or Naousa without arranging separate ferries. I like the generous three hours at Delos and three and a half hours in Mykonos, plus the clean boat, punctual departures, and friendly crew praised by many passengers.

The main catch is that this is transportation with free time, not a guided sightseeing tour. You also pay the €20 admission fee separately, and rough seas can make the crossing unpleasant for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours at Delos: Enough time to see the major ruins, theatre, statues, and museum area at your own pace.
• Three and a half hours in Mykonos: Walk through Chora, Little Venice, and the windmill area without rushing every photograph.
• Useful island transport: The trip links Naxos or Naousa with two popular destinations in one day.
• Not a guided tour: You explore both islands independently, so bring a plan or arrange a guide separately.
• Good onboard basics: Air conditioning, WiFi, and a restroom are included, with drinks and light snacks available for purchase according to passenger reports.
• Weather matters: The boat can operate in normal Cycladic wind, but a rough day may bring a very choppy ride.

What this Naxos day trip actually includes

Despite the word cruise in the name, you should think of Alexander Boat’s service as a day boat and island transfer, not a scenic cruise with commentary, meals, or organized shore excursions. The boat carries you from the departure point to Delos, waits while you visit, then continues to Mykonos before taking you back.

That distinction matters. If I wanted a guide explaining every temple and statue, I would book a guided Delos visit. If I wanted a simple, well-timed way to see the islands independently, this arrangement makes more sense.

The full outing lasts about 10 hours, including the time spent traveling. The advertised rate is $53.92 per person, though the separate €20 admission fee for the archaeological site, museum, or related attractions should be included in your budget. Food and drinks are also extra.

At this price, the value comes from convenience. Booking separate ferries can mean comparing schedules, finding the right port, and building your own return plan. Here, the route and pickup times are organized around a single day. Several passengers especially appreciated that the boat left and returned on time.

The listed maximum is 300 passengers, so this is not a small private boat. It is better suited to people who value practical transport over personal service or a quiet sailing atmosphere.

Delos: three hours among ancient ruins

Delos is the serious cultural stop. In ancient Greek tradition, it was linked with Apollo and Artemis, and the island grew into one of the Aegean’s major religious and commercial centers. Today, it is an archaeological site where foundations, columns, statues, theatres, streets, and other remains spread across an open, exposed setting.

The three-hour visit gives you a useful amount of time. You can see the principal monuments without turning the stop into a frantic race back to the boat. You also have time to pause, look carefully, and get a sense of how large the settlement once was.

The archaeological museum adds another layer, with sculptures and objects connected to the island’s past. The information provided for this trip describes Delos as a floating archaeological museum, which is a fitting idea: the island itself is the exhibit, with the remains still spread across the ground around you.

Do not expect the boat crew to lead you through the site. You are on your own once ashore. That is a plus if you enjoy setting your own pace, but it is a drawback if you want the meaning of each building explained as you walk.

Plan your Delos entry carefully. The €20 admission charge is not included, and one passenger specifically advised buying the museum or walking-tour ticket ahead of time, or getting off the boat early enough to avoid a long ticket line. The exact ticket arrangements can vary, so check the current instructions before departure.

Delos is also physically exposed. The provided information does not specify walking conditions or shade, so sensible preparation is important. You might find little relief from the sun while moving between the ruins. Comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, and a hat are practical choices, even though breakfast, lunch, and snacks are not part of the package.

The island is most rewarding for you if ancient sites are a major reason for visiting Greece. If you only want a quick photo and a café, Delos may feel like a demanding stop, especially in hot or windy weather.

Mykonos: three and a half hours in Chora

After Delos, the boat continues to Mykonos. The usual focus is Chora, the island’s main town, where narrow lanes lead past white buildings, shops, cafés, restaurants, and galleries.

Three and a half hours is a sensible amount of time for a first look. You can wander the alleyways, find Little Venice, walk toward the famous windmills, and still leave room for a drink or meal. You will not see every corner of Mykonos in one afternoon, but you can cover the classic center without feeling trapped in a rushed shore visit.

Little Venice is one of the town’s best-known spots, with buildings and waterfront cafés facing the sea. The windmills provide the other familiar view. Together, they offer the postcard side of Mykonos, while the lanes give you room to wander beyond the most photographed points.

Food is not included, so Mykonos is your chance to choose something independently. The description mentions cafés, restaurants, shops, and art galleries, but no meal voucher or reserved seating. That freedom is useful, though prices in a famous resort town can vary widely.

The limitation is simple: three and a half hours is enough for an introduction, not a full island visit. You will be seeing the town rather than beaches or distant villages. Keep an eye on the departure time. A late return to the boat could create a serious problem because the trip continues according to a fixed schedule.

The boat ride: clean, organized, and sometimes rough

The strongest practical praise concerns the boat itself. It is described as clean, comfortable, tidy, and well organized. Check-in and boarding were considered easy, and the crew was generally friendly. The service also received praise for punctual departures and pickups, which is particularly valuable on a multi-stop day.

Air conditioning, WiFi, and a restroom are listed as included. Those basics matter after walking across Delos in the heat or spending time on foot in Mykonos. Drinks, coffee, and light snacks can be purchased onboard according to the passenger accounts, but you should not treat them as included refreshments.

The important warning is the sea. The Cyclades can be windy, and the route between Delos and Mykonos may become choppy. One strongly negative account described severe seasickness and fear during a windy crossing, while the company explained that the forecast was around 5 to 6 Beaufort and considered that normal Cycladic weather. The company also stated that the Port Authorities decide whether a boat may sail, with smaller boats generally stopping at higher wind levels.

Both points can be true: the boat may be operating within official rules, and the ride may still be miserable for someone sensitive to motion. I would not book this trip without checking the forecast if you are prone to seasickness. Sit where you are least affected by movement, bring any medication you normally use, and ask the crew about seasickness bags before the boat leaves.

The negative account also describes a passenger becoming too unwell to stand at Mykonos and later choosing another ferry back to Naxos at extra cost. That is an unusually harsh experience compared with the largely positive feedback, but it is useful practical information. Weather is not a minor detail on this trip.

Is the schedule well balanced?

Yes, for a first visit. The three-hour Delos stop gives the archaeological site proper attention, while the three-and-a-half-hour Mykonos stop allows time for the central sights and a break.

The trade-off is the long day. You spend part of the 10 hours in transit, then walk around two exposed island destinations. This is not the right choice if you want a slow morning, a long lunch, or a beach day.

The schedule works best when you treat each stop as a focused visit:

• At Delos, see the major archaeological areas first, then spend remaining time in the museum or looking at smaller details.
• At Mykonos, head toward Little Venice and the windmills before wandering through the lanes.
• Return to the boat early enough to account for port walking and boarding.

The boat’s punctuality is a real advantage here. A reliable pickup lets you use your free time instead of waiting nervously at the harbor. Still, you should not stretch the schedule. This is a linked transport service, not a flexible private charter.

Who will get the most from this experience?

I would recommend it to you if you are based in Naxos or Naousa and want to add Delos and Mykonos without changing hotels. It suits independent visitors who are happy to read signs, follow a map, and choose their own route.

It is especially good for:

• People interested in ancient Greek civilization
• First-time visitors who want a sample of Mykonos
• Couples or friends who prefer independent exploring
• Passengers who want one organized booking instead of separate ferry tickets
• People with limited time in the Cyclades

I would be more cautious if you need a guided history lesson, have serious motion sickness, or dislike large group transport. The maximum capacity of 300 means the experience may feel busy, especially at boarding and disembarkation.

It may also disappoint you if the word cruise suggests entertainment, meals, or a narrated voyage. The value is in getting you there and back cleanly and on schedule.

Booking value and cancellation terms

At $53.92 per person, the base price is reasonable for a full-day connection between Naxos, Delos, and Mykonos. Add the €20 admission fee, then allow extra money for lunch, coffee, drinks, and snacks. The total remains attractive if separate ferry tickets would cost more or require awkward connections.

The best value comes from the timing. You get meaningful time on both islands rather than a brief photo stop. You also avoid arranging your own return ferry from Mykonos, which can be a major benefit during a short Greek itinerary.

The booking can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip requires good weather, a weather cancellation brings either a different date or a full refund.

Service animals are allowed, the departure point is near public transportation, and most passengers can participate. The information does not provide detailed mobility guidance, so anyone needing specific assistance should confirm arrangements before paying.

Should you book the Alexander Delos and Mykonos trip?

Book it if you want efficient island-hopping, free time instead of a guided group walk, and a strong chance to see Delos and central Mykonos in one day. The clean boat, onboard restroom, air conditioning, WiFi, good timing, and ample time at each stop make this a practical choice.

Skip it if you are looking for a small luxury cruise, a fully narrated tour, or a guaranteed calm sea. Check the forecast, budget for the €20 entry fee, and make a plan for Delos before you board.

For most independent visitors staying in Naxos, this is a useful and well-priced day out, with weather and seasickness as the two big conditions to consider.

FAQ

Where does the trip depart from?

The experience offers departure from Naxos or Naousa, Greece.

How long does the full experience last?

The total duration is approximately 10 hours, including travel time between the islands.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $53.92 per person. A separate €20 admission fee is not included.

Is a guided tour of Delos included?

No guided tour is specified. You have free time to explore Delos independently.

How much time do I get on Delos?

The scheduled stay at Delos is approximately three hours.

How much time do I get in Mykonos?

The scheduled stay in Mykonos is approximately three and a half hours.

What is included onboard?

The listed inclusions are an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, and a restroom onboard. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Poor-weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.