Reviewed · CATAMARAN CRUISES

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation.

★ 4.5 · 41 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $192 Operated by Mykonos Cruises, Yacht Sailing Tours, Mykonos Catamaran, Dolphin Navigation · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Catch Mykonos from the water. This five-hour catamaran cruise pairs hotel pickup with a small-group sail past Delos, a swim stop near Rhenia, and a freshly prepared meal with wine. I like the choice between a morning outing and a sunset sailing, and I like that the group is capped at 18 people. The main catch is the wind: rough water, chilly conditions, and occasional seasickness can change the mood quickly.

I also like the easy hotel transport from Platis Gialos and the relaxed social feel on board. Crew members such as Captain Adonis, Fanis, Matt, Dimitris, Stefanos, Giannis, Juglio, and Sotos have earned warm praise for their cooking, hospitality, and care. Still, the boat is beginning to show its age, and the food and service can be uneven from one sailing to the next.

Key points to know before you book

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Key points to know before you book

  • Delos is viewed from the catamaran: You stop in front of the archaeological site for photographs and a short explanation, but you do not go ashore.
  • Rhenia provides the main swim stop: Expect clear turquoise water, snorkeling equipment, and time to swim from the boat.
  • The meal is cooked on board: Lunch or dinner can include salad, pasta, meats, bread, grape leaves, fruit, and seafood, though quality may vary.
  • The cruise is semi-private, not private: The maximum is 18 people, with some departures carrying fewer passengers.
  • Mykonos wind matters: Bring a warm layer, and consider seasickness precautions if you are sensitive to waves.
  • Sunset departures add atmosphere: The afternoon option passes Little Venice and the windmills on the return, with a chance to watch the sun go down.

What this five-hour Mykonos cruise actually offers

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - What this five-hour Mykonos cruise actually offers

The appeal is simple. You leave the crowded roads of Mykonos behind, settle onto a sailing catamaran, and spend much of the day looking at the island from the Aegean. The outing includes transport, drinks, food, snorkeling gear, and a crew to handle the sailing.

At $192.23 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. You are paying for more than a seat and a short harbor trip. The price covers an air-conditioned van, fuel surcharge, skipper and crew, a meal, wine, soft drinks, raki, and snorkeling equipment. For someone who wants an all-in-one day on the water, that can be reasonable.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want a long swim or a polished luxury yacht. The cruise lasts about five hours, and some departures make only one substantial swimming stop. The boat is comfortable and clean, but one rating specifically noted that it is showing its age, with two items breaking during the trip and the crew making professional workarounds.

The small-group format helps. With a maximum of 18 people, you are not dealing with a giant excursion boat and a crowd fighting for every seat. Some sailings have been much smaller, including a group of eight with another couple. That makes it easier to talk with the crew and other people on board, though the social side depends on the mix of the group.

Leaving Mykonos by air-conditioned minivan

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Leaving Mykonos by air-conditioned minivan

Pickup is offered from hotels in Platis Gialos, followed by transport to Mykonos New Port. The air-conditioned van is a useful part of the package, especially because getting around Mykonos can be tiring during busy periods.

One practical warning: confirm the pickup time carefully and stay ready early. A morning sailing originally scheduled for 9:30 reportedly generated a last-minute message asking everyone to be ready at 8:30. That sort of change can throw off your morning, so I would keep your phone nearby and avoid planning anything tightly before the cruise.

The booking confirmation arrives at the time of reservation, and you can download the ticket to your phone. No printed paper is needed. Public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate, but the provided information does not promise pickup from every part of Mykonos. The stated hotel pickup arrangement specifically mentions Platis Gialos.

Sailing past Mykonos, Baos, and the pirate island

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Sailing past Mykonos, Baos, and the pirate island

Once you meet the skipper and crew at the port, you can find a place on the modern sailing catamaran and watch Mykonos recede behind you. The view changes quickly from white houses and harbor activity to open water and low islands.

The route passes the small island of Baos, described as the pirates island, before heading toward Delos. This is a good moment to settle into the pace of the day. The catamaran is not only a transport machine. The point is the open-air ride, the sea breeze, the light on the water, and the chance to see Mykonos without a road, wall, or café in front of you.

Drinks are part of the outing from early on. Homemade wine, soft drinks, and a traditional alcoholic drink from Crete called raki are available. Several strong ratings praised the supply of wine and the relaxed atmosphere, while one person found the wine selection disappointing. If you care about wine, keep your expectations modest. This is casual boat service, not a tasting experience.

Wind is the big variable. Mykonos is famous for strong winds, and the boat can feel rough when the sea picks up. Two people became sick on one sailing, and another person needed help from the crew after feeling unwell on the way to the swimming area. The staff responded quickly with a bag and paper towel, which is reassuring, but you should still bring any usual motion-sickness remedy.

Seeing Delos without stepping ashore

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Seeing Delos without stepping ashore

The Delos stop is a scenic and cultural pause rather than a full archaeological visit. The catamaran stops in front of the site, where you can take photographs while a hostess gives a short explanation of the island’s past.

That distinction matters. Admission to Delos is not included, and the tour does not drop you off on the island. You will see the ruins from the water, not walk among the temples, houses, and monuments. If Delos is a main reason for your trip, plan a separate shore visit.

Still, the view from the catamaran has its own appeal. You get a sense of the island’s isolation and see ancient remains against the sea, without spending the day on a formal guided land tour. The stop also breaks up the sailing and gives you a clear photographic subject.

The information about the presentation is mixed in tone. Juglio was praised for giving an interesting explanation of the places along the route, while another person found the crew quiet and minimally involved in sharing history. Expect some commentary, but do not book this as a detailed archaeology lesson.

Anchoring near Rhenia for swimming and lunch

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Anchoring near Rhenia for swimming and lunch

After Delos, the catamaran heads toward nearby Rhenia and anchors in a small cove. This is the physical high point of the cruise for many people. The water is described as crystal clear and turquoise, and the setting feels far removed from Mykonos town.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Towels are not included, though one account referred to clean towels on board, so the safest choice is to bring your own. The official inclusions clearly exclude towels.

The stated plan suggests time for swimming and snorkeling, but the actual stop pattern may be more limited. One person expected several stops and found there was only one swimming location. If you want a full day of hopping from cove to cove, this may feel too restrained. If you prefer one well-chosen stop with time to eat and swim without constant movement, it works better.

The crew prepares the meal on board while the boat is anchored. Food reported on different sailings included meats, salad, pasta, bread, grape leaves, prawns, sausages, and sliced pears and apples. Several people called the lunch delicious or very good, and the captain was specifically praised for cooking.

The meal is not perfectly consistent. One person found the sausages oily, the prawns reheated, and the pasta overcooked. Another felt the food and wine did not match the price. I would treat the meal as a welcome part of the cruise rather than the main reason to pay $192.23.

If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied information does not explain what substitutions are available. Ask before booking rather than assuming the onboard menu can be changed.

Little Venice, windmills, and the sunset return

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Little Venice, windmills, and the sunset return

The return route passes Mykonos’s famous Little Venice, the windmills, and the old town. Seeing these landmarks from the water gives you a different angle from the usual streets and viewpoints. Keep your phone or camera ready, since this is one of the easiest times to capture the postcard side of Mykonos without standing in a crowded lane.

The afternoon option adds a sunset element. As the light softens, the white buildings and windmills take on warmer colors, and the boat becomes a comfortable place to watch the day close. One French-language account described seeing dolphins on the return, but that is an occasional bonus, not part of the promised route.

The sunset sailing may be the better fit for couples and people who want atmosphere. The morning departure makes more sense if you want to swim earlier, preserve your evening, or avoid finishing the day late. Both choices cover the same general route, with the sunset option adding the evening light.

How the crew affects the experience

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - How the crew affects the experience

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Names praised in different accounts include Captain Adonis and Fanis, Matt and Dimitris, Stefanos and Giannis, and Juglio and Sotos. Their roles can vary, but the common thread is a friendly, helpful approach on many sailings.

The best accounts describe crew members who cooked lunch, explained the sites, kept drinks flowing, helped with seasickness, and made sure everyone felt included. Solo participants especially may appreciate the easy social mood. Several groups said people mingled naturally, and one person called the number of passengers perfect.

Service is not uniform every day. One rating described the crew as disengaged and minimally interactive. That may reflect the particular sailing, the weather, or the group dynamic, but it is worth keeping in mind. A semi-private cruise gives you more contact with the crew than a large ferry, yet it does not guarantee constant guiding or personal attention.

Weather also changes how the staff can operate. On a cloudy, rainy outing, the crew still earned high marks for helping with seasickness and preparing a strong meal. On calmer days, you may get the full relaxed boat experience shown in the best accounts.

The boat, comfort, and what to pack

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - The boat, comfort, and what to pack

The catamaran has been described as comfortable and clean, but not brand new. That is an important distinction for a tour marketed as luxury. You are getting a pleasant sailing platform with room to sit, eat, and move around, not necessarily a flawless high-end yacht.

Bring a light jacket or windbreaker even in warm weather. Mykonos can feel cold on the water, especially when the boat is moving or clouds roll in. One person’s wife was cold for most of the cruise, and this is an easy problem to prevent.

I would also pack:

  • A towel, since towels are not included
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • A phone or camera for Delos, Little Venice, and the windmills
  • Seasickness medication if you need it
  • A warm layer for the ride back
  • A waterproof bag for small electronics

Snorkeling equipment is included. The material also mentions a paddleboard, but one person said the crew did not offer to put it down for use. Do not count on that activity unless the operator confirms it before departure.

Is $192.23 fair for the experience?

The price makes the most sense for people who would otherwise pay separately for transportation, a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and water equipment. Add in the small maximum group size and the five-hour duration, and the package has real convenience value.

I would call it fair, but not an obvious bargain. The meal receives both strong praise and clear criticism. The boat is comfortable but aging. Some departures feel warm and lively, while others seem less engaging. The swimming stop is attractive, but you may get only one main stop.

For a special occasion, the sunset option can justify the spend, especially if you value photographs, wine, and a more intimate setting. For budget-conscious people who mainly want to swim, a simpler boat outing may be better. For anyone comparing this with a private charter, the semi-private format costs much less than hiring the entire catamaran, but you give up control over the route and group.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos sailing most?

I would recommend it to couples, solo people, families, and small groups who want a social day on the sea without arranging every detail themselves. It works particularly well for anyone staying in Platis Gialos who values hotel transport.

The outing suits you if you care about:

  • Scenic views of Mykonos, Delos, and nearby islands
  • A small group instead of a large boat
  • Swimming in clear water
  • A meal and drinks included
  • A relaxed crew-led day
  • Morning or sunset scheduling

I would think twice if you strongly dislike rough water, need a detailed archaeological tour, expect gourmet food, or want several swimming locations. You should also be comfortable with the possibility of a boat that shows normal wear.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The cruise depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book this catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social way to spend five hours on the Aegean, with transport, a cooked meal, wine, snorkeling gear, and memorable views included. The swimming cove near Rhenia and the return past Little Venice are the strongest reasons to go.

I would choose the sunset sailing for atmosphere and photographs, or the morning cruise if swimming and a free evening matter more. Pack a towel and warm layer, prepare for wind, and view the meal as a pleasant extra rather than a luxury dining event.

The cruise earns its good reputation through the crew, the small group, and the setting. It is not perfect, but for the right kind of Mykonos day, it offers a rewarding break from the island’s crowded streets.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The experience takes place around Mykonos, Greece, with sailing near Baos, Delos, Rhenia, Little Venice, the windmills, and Mykonos old town.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels in Platis Gialos using an air-conditioned van.

Is the cruise available in the morning and afternoon?

Yes. You can choose a morning cruise or a sunset cruise when booking.

Can I visit the archaeological site of Delos?

The catamaran stops in front of Delos for photographs and a short explanation, but there is no drop-off on the island. Admission is not included.

Is lunch or dinner included?

Yes. The cruise includes a meal, with lunch associated with the morning sailing and dinner associated with the later option.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, soft drinks, and a traditional alcoholic drink called raki are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are towels provided?

Towels are listed as not included, so you should bring your own.

How many people can join the cruise?

The experience has a maximum of 18 participants.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

More like this

Catamaran Cruises, compared.

The full Catamaran Cruises list →
Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfers
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 3,933 reviews· from $114

Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfers

Read our review →
Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,975 reviews· from $133

Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

Read our review →
Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 2,822 reviews· from $117

Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar

Read our review →
All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 2,002 reviews· from $83

All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Read our review →
Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,694 reviews· from $181

Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar and Sunset

Read our review →
Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Athens with Traditional Greek Meal and BBQ
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,346 reviews· from $205

Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Athens with Traditional Greek Meal and BBQ

Read our review →
Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,105 reviews· from $95

Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore Greece

Pick a coastline, a ruin or a kitchen.