Private Speedboat Cruise from Delos to Rhenia and Mykonos

Sea days beat crowded buses. This eight-hour private speedboat cruise links Delos, Rhenia, and Mykonos’s famous south-coast beaches in one long, easygoing day. I like the mix of ancient sites and swim stops, and I like that your group of up to nine has its own boat, captain, snorkeling gear, snacks, fruit, and drinks.

The main thing to check before paying is the meaning of the open bar. One past booking had only a few beers on board, with limited snacks, and the operator later offered a €200 credit. Also, the €12 Delos entrance fee per adult is not included, so this is a fine splurge for a private group, but not a cheap beach outing.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worthwhile

• Delos gives the day a real sense of place: You can see the sacred island’s ancient remains from the small port, with a guided visit possible if arranged.
• Rhenia is the main swimming reward: The three-hour stop includes time for clear water, a sandy beach, snorkeling, sun, and snacks on board.
• A private boat changes the pace: Only your group participates, so you can enjoy the stops without joining a large excursion.
• The south-coast route is flexible in feel: Psarou, Elia, and Kalo Livadi bring beach clubs, restaurants, sea-entry docks, and wide coastal views.
• Drinks are included, but clarify the supply: Beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and fruit are listed, yet the amount and selection should be confirmed.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refundable.

A private Mykonos day on the water

The cruise begins at 10:00 a.m. from the Ornos dock. The listed price is $1,982.41 for the whole boat, with up to nine people included. That works out to about $220 per person for nine, or about $331 each for six, before any Delos admission fees.

That price makes more sense for a family group, two couples, or a group of friends than for one or two people. You are paying for privacy, a captain, fuel, equipment, and a full day on the water rather than a basic transfer between islands. If your group fills most of the boat, the cost becomes easier to justify.

The private format also gives the day a more relaxed shape. You are not waiting for dozens of people to board at every stop. You can spend your best swimming time at Rhenia, linger near a beach, or stay on board with a drink and a snack while the captain handles the route.

Pickup needs a close look. Hotel pickup is offered in some cases, and the cruise may collect you from a hotel dock if that applies. Yet hotel pickup and drop-off are also listed as excluded, while the official start point is the Ornos dock. Confirm the exact meeting arrangement before the day arrives. Otherwise, plan to reach the Ornos embarkation point yourself.

Delos: ancient Greece seen from a modern speedboat

The first stop is Delos, reached after a short boat ride from Ornos. This small island was sacred to the ancient Greeks and linked by myth to Apollo and Artemis. According to the old story, Leto came there while being pursued by Hera and gave birth to the two gods.

You can see ancient monuments from the small port, but the visit deserves some planning. The archaeological site entrance costs €12 per adult and is not part of the cruise price. If you want to walk through the ruins properly, allow enough time and arrange a professional guide in advance. A guide can make the stones, sanctuaries, and old religious importance much easier to understand.

The supplied timing gives Delos only 20 minutes, which is a major point to clarify. Twenty minutes may work for a brief look from the port or a quick orientation, but it is not much time for a full archaeological visit. The description says guided tours can be arranged, yet it does not state the guide’s cost or the exact time spent inside the site.

I would ask three questions before booking:

• Is the boat stopping only for a view, or can you enter the archaeological area?
• How long will the boat wait while you visit?
• Is a private guide included, or does it cost extra?

The captain may provide a short explanation of Delos, but that is not the same as a full guided tour. If ancient sites are your main reason for coming, treat Delos as a separate paid visit that needs confirmation. If swimming is your priority, enjoy the view and save your energy for Rhenia.

Rhenia: three hours for swimming and beach time

After Delos, the boat heads to nearby Rhenia. This is the heart of the day. The island has no large resort strip in the supplied description, and the appeal is its open beaches and clear aquamarine water.

The best-known beach is Skinos, also called Blue Lacuna. The cruise allows about three hours here, enough time to swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, sit on the golden sand, walk along the coast, or stay aboard with a drink. This long stop is what separates the cruise from a sightseeing boat that simply circles the islands.

The water is described as clear, shallow in places, and somewhat warm in one particularly positive account. Those details matter if your group includes people who prefer gentle swimming rather than a rough open-water plunge. Still, conditions can change with the weather, and the cruise requires good weather to operate.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but do not expect a full guided snorkeling session unless that is arranged separately. The equipment lets you explore on your own. You can also choose not to swim at all and enjoy the view from the boat, which helps if your group has mixed interests.

Rhenia is also where the food and drink promise matters most. The package includes bottled water, fresh fruit, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. One booking had a poor experience with supplies: only a few beers, no wine at first, and a small container of nuts shared among four people. The operator explained that a last-minute boat change caused the snack problem and provided a €200 credit.

That does not mean every cruise will have the same issue, but it is a practical warning. Ask what snacks will be loaded, how much wine and beer is supplied, and what open bar means in practice. The operator has also explained that drinks are provided generously but are not unlimited without limit, since the captain must keep the boat safe. The wording is important. You should not assume a fully stocked bar with unlimited alcohol.

Psarou, Elia, and Kalo Livadi from the sea

The second half of the route follows Mykonos’s south coast. Psarou, Elia, and Kalo Livadi are among the island’s best-known beaches, and the boat gives you a view that roads cannot provide.

Psarou is linked with upscale restaurants, clubs, beach bars, and private docks. The cruise may give you the choice of going ashore through a sea-entry dock, depending on the arrangement, or staying on board with your own drinks and snacks. If you want lunch or cocktails at a particular venue, confirm reservations and dock access before the cruise. The supplied information does not include a meal or promise entry to any specific restaurant.

Elia offers another look at the south coast. The point is less about ticking off a landmark than seeing how quickly Mykonos changes from quiet water and sandy coves to busy beach clubs and polished dining spots. The stop is listed for about an hour.

Kalo Livadi brings another hour of coastline, restaurants, and beach views. The route includes several famous beaches, but the exact order and time at each one may depend on sea conditions and the day’s plan. The description lists one hour at Psarou, one hour at Elia, and one hour at Kalo Livadi, so you should expect short visits rather than a full beach day at each place.

This section is strongest for people who want to see Mykonos’s social side without spending the whole day in a beach club. You can sample the famous coast from the water and choose where to pause. It is less suitable if you want a quiet, untouched beach for the entire afternoon, since these south-coast beaches are known for restaurants, clubs, and busy shore facilities.

The ride back to Mykonos

The cruise returns to the Ornos meeting point after roughly eight hours. The experience is promoted as a chance to watch a Greek sunset while sailing back, but the scheduled 10:00 a.m. start and approximate eight-hour duration place the return around early evening. The exact sunset experience will depend on the season, route, and operating schedule.

That is worth checking if sunset is a key reason for booking. In summer, sunset may occur later than the expected return time. You may still get lovely late-day light over the water, but do not treat a dramatic sunset as guaranteed unless the operator confirms the timing.

The return ride is also your chance to enjoy the boat without rushing between stops. The strongest part of this experience is not any one beach. It is the contrast between Delos’s old stones, Rhenia’s open water, and Mykonos’s polished south coast, all within one day.

Drinks, snacks, and what to clarify

The inclusions look generous on paper:

• Bottled water
• Fresh fruit
• Snacks
• Beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Captain
• Fuel surcharge

The fuel surcharge matters because private boat prices can otherwise change with fuel costs. Having it included makes the quoted group price easier to understand.

The food is light rather than a full meal. Think of snacks and fruit, not lunch, since no meal is listed. If you need a substantial lunch, ask about stopping at a restaurant or bring extra food if the operator permits it.

The drink wording deserves the most care. The cruise advertises an open bar, while the operator has clarified that drinks are not without limit. One booking also had a supply problem after a boat change. I would confirm the drink selection and quantity in writing, especially if the onboard refreshments are central to your decision.

The captain is included and handles the boat, route, and general day. A strong captain can make a big difference on a private cruise. One especially favorable account praised the captain’s friendly manner, island explanations, and attention to the group’s comfort. No captain’s name is provided, so you cannot request a specific person from the details available.

Who should book this private cruise?

This works best for a group that values space, swimming, and control over the day. Families with older children, couples traveling together, and friends marking a special occasion can spread the cost and make good use of the private boat.

It suits you if you want:

• A full day away from busy roads
• Several swim and beach stops
• A private boat for up to nine people
• Snorkeling equipment without bringing your own
• A short look at Delos combined with Rhenia
• The option to visit or view Mykonos’s famous south beaches

It may not suit you if you want a low-cost excursion, a full archaeological tour of Delos, or a guaranteed unlimited bar. It is also a poor fit for children aged three and under, since the experience is not recommended for that age group. Children must be accompanied by an adult, while service animals are allowed and most people can participate.

The cruise is offered in English. It begins and ends at the Ornos dock unless a separate pickup arrangement is confirmed. Mobile tickets are provided, and confirmation arrives when you book.

Weather, cancellation, and practical timing

This is a weather-dependent experience. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Less than 24 hours before departure, cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so keep that in mind if you are arranging the cruise near the end of your stay in Mykonos.

The cruise is rated five out of five from 48 ratings, with 98 percent of customers recommending it. The strongest praise centers on the clear water, beautiful beaches, captain’s care, and the pleasure of seeing Mykonos from the sea. The one detailed complaint focused on refreshments and a sense that the advertised service did not match what arrived on board. That balance gives you a useful booking lesson: the route appears to be the main strength, while the bar and snack details deserve a direct question.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your group can share the cost and you want a private day built around water, beaches, and a little ancient Greece. Rhenia is the real prize, with three hours for swimming and beach time, while Delos adds meaning and the south coast adds variety.

I would book only after confirming four details: the exact pickup point, the time allowed at Delos, whether site entry or a guide is included, and what the open bar and snacks will contain. If those answers suit you, this is a memorable way to see Mykonos beyond its lanes and nightlife. If you are mainly interested in Delos’s archaeology or need a genuinely unlimited bar, choose a more focused experience instead.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at the Ornos dock in Mykonos and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to nine people.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Admission to the Delos archaeological site costs €12 per adult and is not included.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Bottled water, snacks, fresh fruit, beer, wine, and soft drinks are listed as included. The operator has clarified that open bar does not mean unlimited drinking, so confirm the supply before departure.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.