Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands

Trade Mykonos crowds for clear water. This six-hour cruise gives you two very different island experiences in one day: the UNESCO-listed ruins of Delos, linked to Apollo, followed by swimming, snorkeling, and a generous barbecue lunch near Rhenia. I especially like the easy mix of culture and downtime, plus the crew’s attentive service. The main caution is the sea itself: wind can make the ride lively, and getting on or off the yacht may be awkward if you have mobility issues.

The cruise leaves from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis at 9:30 a.m. and returns there in the afternoon. At about $151.16 per person, the price is fair for a full day on the water with lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, insurance, and Wi-Fi included. You still need to budget for Delos admission and possibly a guided tour or hotel transfer.

What makes this Mykonos boat day worth considering

• Delos combines naturally with Rhenia: You get about 90 minutes among ancient ruins, then time for swimming and lunch in a quiet bay.
• The food earns real praise: The onboard buffet includes grilled pork, beef and lamb kebabs, vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki, seasoned rice, and fruit.
• The yacht is designed for comfort: Depending on the group, you may sail on the 89-foot Andreas, holding up to 40 passengers, or the 72-foot Atlantis, holding up to 30.
• Swimming help is available: Snorkels, masks, swimming noodles, and life vests are provided, though fins are not listed as part of the equipment.
• The crew is a major strength: Dimitri and Thomas are specifically praised for helping passengers, including a parent with mobility concerns.
• The sea can change the mood: Calm water makes this a lovely cruise, but choppy conditions can cause motion sickness on the return ride.

Setting off from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis at 9:30

Your morning begins at Greece Sailing’s base in Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, on the southern side of Mykonos. The yacht leaves at 9:30 a.m., and the first part of the outing is about getting settled, hearing basic safety instructions, and learning the plan for the day.

A crew member explains the route and safety details, or you can use the QR code provided onboard. Life vests are available if you need one or ask for one. The boat operates barefoot, a rule meant to make movement safer and more comfortable on deck, so wear footwear you can easily remove.

The first sailing leg takes you toward Delos. The listed travel time is about 40 minutes, though the full schedule also includes a short return-to-meeting-point segment at the end of the day. This is not a fast ferry ride. The point is the open water, the views, and the chance to settle into a yacht day before the main stops.

The yachts are wide and comfortable for their stated passenger limits. The actual boat used depends on group size. A maximum of 70 people may be accepted for the activity overall, but the two named yachts have lower listed limits. That distinction matters: you should not assume everyone booked for the date will be packed onto one vessel.

The boat is not presented as a loud party cruise. The experience is better suited to families, couples, and people who want a sociable but fairly relaxed day. You can sit on the comfort deck, enjoy a drink, or find a place to stretch out between stops.

Delos: 90 minutes among the ancient ruins

Delos is the cultural heart of this trip. The island is described as a monument dating to around 3500 BC and is associated with the birth of Apollo. Its importance is not just mythological. The island became a major religious and commercial center in the ancient Aegean, and the remaining ruins give you a sense of that former role.

You have two choices. You can pay for a professional guided tour in advance, or explore the archaeological area on your own. The guided option costs an additional 45 euros per person. The entrance fee is also separate at 20 euros per person.

The allotted time is about 90 minutes. That is enough for a useful first look, especially if you have a clear plan, but it is not a leisurely archaeological expedition. You will want to keep an eye on the time and avoid wandering too far from the main areas if you plan to see the site independently.

A guide can make a real difference here. Ancient stone walls and foundations do not always explain themselves, and the significance of Delos can be easy to miss without context. Onboard, the crew provides an overview of the island’s history, but that is not the same as the paid professional tour. If ancient sites are a major reason you are booking, the extra 45 euros may be worthwhile.

Delos can also be hot and exposed. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Water vending machines near the museum shop have been useful for some passengers, but it is still smart to bring your own bottle and avoid relying on a single stop.

If you would rather spend the entire day on the water, you can remain onboard while the other passengers explore Delos. The yacht stays near a bay, allowing you to swim or sunbathe instead. This flexibility is one of the cruise’s better features. You do not have to force yourself through an archaeological visit if your ideal day involves water and sunshine.

Rhenia: swimming in a natural pool

After Delos, the boat continues to Rhenia, also spelled Rineia in some tour details. This is the relaxed half of the day, with about two and a half hours set aside for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and rest.

The water is described as calm and pool-like in the chosen bay, though actual conditions depend on the weather. You can enter the water from the yacht, swim near the rocks, or use the complimentary snorkeling equipment to look for fish. Masks and snorkels are available, and swimming noodles and life vests can be supplied if you are not a confident swimmer.

The reviews consistently praise this part of the trip. Passengers enjoyed jumping from the side of the yacht, floating in clear blue water, and snorkeling close to shore. The area may have other boats nearby, but the setting still feels suited to a long swim rather than a quick dip.

The boat does not list fins among its snorkeling equipment. If you care about swimming efficiently or exploring farther from the yacht, you may want to bring your own, assuming you can pack them conveniently. For most people, the included mask and snorkel should be enough for a casual look below the surface.

The crew keeps an eye on people in the water and can provide flotation aids. Still, you are responsible for choosing a comfortable swimming distance and telling the crew if you need help. The water may look inviting, but this is an open-water stop, not a supervised swimming pool.

A barbecue lunch that adds real value

Lunch is served onboard after the swimming stop. The buffet includes grilled pork sticks, beef and lamb kebabs, grilled eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and other vegetables. You also get Greek salad, tzatziki, seasoned mixed rice, and seasonal fruit salad.

Food is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Multiple passengers describe the meal as plentiful and delicious, with some calling it the best lunch of their time in Mykonos. That praise matters because a boat excursion can feel overpriced when the meal is little more than a sandwich. Here, the barbecue makes the long Rhenia stop feel like a proper part of the day.

The included drinks are also generous. Coffee, tea, soft refreshments, water, beer, and white and red wine are provided. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra. You can enjoy wine or beer with lunch, but do not assume every drink at the bar is included.

The timing works well if the sea is calm. You swim first, then eat and settle back on deck. On a rougher day, however, eating immediately before the return sail may not suit everyone. One passenger reported widespread seasickness on the ride home after lunch. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where movement feels mildest, take any usual precautions, and avoid overeating before the final crossing.

The crew and onboard atmosphere

Service is a big reason this cruise receives a 4.8 rating from 705 reviews, with 96 percent of passengers recommending it. The crew is repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and willing to check on people throughout the day.

Dimitri and Thomas are singled out for helping passengers, including a mother who needed extra assistance. Marissa also helped arrange a complicated meeting for a cruise ship passenger who had not understood the transfer requirement. These details suggest a crew that pays attention when plans become less simple than expected.

The crew also helps with drinks, swimming equipment, and general questions about the islands. You should still tell them clearly if you are not a strong swimmer or need help boarding. Life vests and noodles are available, but the crew needs to know what you need.

This is a shared cruise, so you will be sailing with other people rather than having a private yacht. The benefit is a lower price than a private charter and a social atmosphere. The tradeoff is that you cannot choose every departure detail or control the pace of the group.

The boat remains barefoot for safety and comfort. Bring a light jacket for early or late-season departures, as the wind can make the deck feel cool even under strong sun.

What the $151.16 price really includes

At $151.16 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the islands, but it bundles several costs into one outing. You receive roughly six hours on a yacht, a barbecue and vegetable buffet, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks listed as included, snorkeling equipment, personal insurance, Wi-Fi, and a tour host.

The biggest extra is Delos. Admission costs 20 euros per person. A professional guided tour adds 45 euros, bringing the optional Delos costs to 65 euros per person if you choose both. Hotel pickup and drop-off cost another 20 euros per person, and that transfer must be arranged ahead of time.

The value is strongest if you want all three parts of the day: ancient ruins, swimming, and lunch on the water. If you only want to visit Delos, a different excursion may make more sense. If you only want to swim, a shorter beach or boat outing could be cheaper.

The yacht itself is an important part of the calculation. You are paying for space, a prepared meal, drinks, and a full route rather than simply transportation between islands. The positive comments about the boat being clean and spacious support that value, especially on a full day in the sun.

Transfers, boarding, and practical details

You can make your own way to Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, or arrange roundtrip pickup for 20 euros per person. Pickup is usually 30 to 60 minutes before departure, and the driver contacts you the evening before to set the time.

Do not assume hotel pickup is automatic. It must be reserved in advance, and the transfer fee is paid as instructed by the provider. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, confirm the meeting plan early. One passenger had trouble understanding the transfer arrangement, although the operator helped find a solution.

Boarding deserves attention. The gangplank is not fixed to the dock, and wind or waves can make getting on and off tricky. Crew members can assist, but this cruise is not a good choice for anyone who needs a fully stable, step-free boarding arrangement.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should share any concerns before booking. Passport, ID, or driving license details are required at booking for personal insurance.

Bring:

• Swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing
• A light jacket in early or late season
• Any personal motion-sickness medication you normally use
• Your phone with a valid number for cruise and transfer updates

The cruise depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may change the route or cancel the trip. You are informed the evening before when possible, and a canceled departure due to weather brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want a single Mykonos day that does more than sit on a beach. It gives you a meaningful ancient site, a scenic sail, a long swimming stop, and a cooked lunch without requiring you to arrange several separate bookings.

Families can benefit from the range of activities. Teenagers may prefer jumping into the water and snorkeling, while parents can explore Delos or relax on deck. Couples who want a quiet day should note that this is shared, not private, but the boat is described as comfortable and not centered on partying.

History fans should consider paying for the guide. Independent explorers can save the 45 euros, but the 90-minute visit will feel more rewarding if you read about Delos first or take the crew’s introduction seriously.

I would be cautious if you have mobility limitations, dislike unstable boarding, or become seasick easily. The crew can help, and some passengers with mobility concerns had a positive day, but the physical setup and open-water conditions are genuine considerations.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you want the best mix of Mykonos culture and sea time. The standout features are the attentive crew, comfortable yacht, tasty lunch, and the chance to visit Delos without giving up a long swim in Rhenia.

Add the guided tour if Delos is a priority, and arrange pickup if reaching Agios Ioannis Diakoftis is inconvenient. Bring serious sun protection, expect barefoot boarding, and keep your plans flexible in case the wind rises.

I would skip it only if you need fully accessible boarding, want a private boat, or prefer a short and completely calm ride. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded full-day outing with enough history to make the swimming feel earned and enough relaxation to keep the ruins from becoming a hot, tiring slog.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos sailing cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. It starts at 9:30 a.m. from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is Delos entrance included in the price?

No. The Delos archaeological area entrance fee is 20 euros per person and is listed as an additional cost.

Can I add a guided tour of Delos?

Yes. A professional guided tour is available for an additional 45 euros per person. It must be reserved and paid for in advance.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Roundtrip pickup and drop-off to the meeting point is available for 20 euros per person. It must be arranged in advance, and the driver generally contacts you the evening before.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes grilled pork, beef and lamb kebabs, grilled vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki, seasoned mixed rice, and seasonal fruit salad. Coffee, tea, refreshments, water, beer, and red and white wine are included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is available. Swimming noodles and life vests can also be provided if you are not a confident swimmer. Fins are not listed as included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The operator may change the itinerary or cancel the cruise if conditions are unsuitable. If the activity is canceled because of weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.