A boat day in Mykonos beats another day in the heat. This catamaran minicruise pairs classic sites with real swim time, plus an all-in feel thanks to hotel pickup and food/drinks on board. You also get a choice of morning or sunset timing, so you can match it to your pace and crowds.

I especially like the way the trip mixes one quick history hit (Delos) with a long, relaxing water break (Rhenia). I’m also a fan of the on-board meal: it’s not just snacks, it’s a freshly cooked lunch with Greek favorites, served while you’re anchored in clear water.

One thing to consider: the sea and safety rules can change the plan. If wind is up, you might not be able to stop at Delos as planned, though you’ll still get the core experience at the cove for swimming.

Key things you’ll notice on this Mykonos catamaran day

• Hotel pickup plus a modern catamaran: you get an air-conditioned minivan ride to the new port and then settle in on a sailing catamaran.
• Delos views from the water: a short photo stop in front of the archaeological site with onboard narration.
• Rhenia cove anchor time: swim and snorkel in clear, turquoise water right where you’re dropped.
• Open bar with a local touch: homemade wine and traditional homemade raki are part of the drink spread.
• Onboard lunch that actually fills you: grilled shrimp, kebabs, Greek tzatziki, vine leaves, salad, and more.
• Your timing is flexible: you choose morning or sunset so the light works with your day.

Mykonos catamaran day: Delos plus swim time, without the grind

Mykonos can be intense on land. The streets, the buses, the walking, the crowds. A catamaran day flips the script: you trade shoes and sunburn for sea breeze and wide horizons.

The experience is built around two “mood shifts.” First, you move from the coast toward Delos, with a quick look at the island’s archaeological setting from the water. Then you shift into vacation mode at Rhenia, where you drop anchor in a small cove and spend real time swimming and snorkeling.

On top of that, you’re not stuck planning meals. You’ll have a freshly cooked lunch served on board, and the bar is open for drinks and sodas. That matters because on a day like this, you don’t want to spend your energy hunting food or finding somewhere cheap and decent.

Price and value for a group up to 15

The listed price is $2,161.32 per group (up to 15 people) for about 5 hours on the water. That can sound high until you do the math like a planner, not like a ticket buyer.

If your group fills close to 15, you’re effectively paying around $145 per person (rough estimate). With a cruise boat, hotel pickup/return, an onboard hot meal, and an open bar, that starts to look like real value—especially compared with piecing together separate boat transport, a meal, and drinks.

Where it may not be as good: if you’re traveling as a small group, your per-person cost rises. Still, if you care about comfort, the all-in pace, and not having to coordinate land plans, it can still be worth it.

Pickup to the new port: how you get onboard

The day starts with pickup from hotels. The key detail here is the boundary on where pickup is available: they don’t do transport from villas. If you’re staying in a villa outside the pickup pattern, you’ll want to confirm your access to the meeting point early.

Once you’re picked up, you ride in an air-conditioned minivan to Mykonos new port. Then you meet the professional skipper and crew and get settled on the modern catamaran.

This matters more than people think. Mykonos has different docking and walking routes depending on the time of day. You’ll be happier if you arrive a bit early so you can get your bearings and get to the right boat without stress. The boat is only a short walk once you find it—but one review highlighted that it could be easier if someone met you at the port to guide you over.

Sailing past the islands: Baos to Delos

After boarding, you pull out past the iconic Mykonos scenery—those white houses that look like someone placed them carefully for photos. As the catamaran heads across the Aegean, you’ll also get views of small island stops en route.

One neat part of the routing: you pass the small island of BAOS, often referred to as a pirates island. It’s the kind of detail that doesn’t take long, but adds flavor to the trip. You’ll also get drinks as you go—home-made wine or a traditional homemade raki.

This is a “settle in” stretch. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is also where you can decide whether you need a more sheltered spot on deck for comfort before you reach the Delos photo phase.

Delos archaeological stop: quick look, good photos, weather can shift it

Delos is the big name, and this cruise treats it like a photo-and-context stop rather than a full walking tour. You’ll have a short stop in front of the archaeological site, and an onboard hostess explains some history as you look.

What you should expect from this format:

• You’re there mostly for views and pictures.
• You won’t get the slow, step-by-step wandering you’d get on a land tour.
• You’ll hear just enough to connect the dots while you’re seeing the structures from the water.

The practical caveat is weather and safety. When conditions are choppy or wind is strong, it may not be safe to stop at Delos. In that case, the day can compress and pivot toward the swim cove stop instead. That’s not ideal if Delos is your only target, but it’s also honest: on the sea, safety comes first.

My advice: if Delos is your must-see, choose your timing carefully (morning tends to be steadier for many people, but the cruise still runs with real weather limits). And keep your expectations flexible.

Rhenia cove: the best part for swimming and snorkeling

Rhenia is where the day turns into vacation. The catamaran drops anchor in a small cove with crystal clear turquoise water. Then you get time to swim and snorkel while the crew serves the meal onboard.

This is also where the cruise feels most “private” in spirit. One review mentioned that the experience felt like it included a cove all to themselves. You can’t count on empty water (it depends on conditions and other boats), but the cove anchor style usually limits crowding compared with land hotspots.

Food is served right during this anchored time, so you don’t have to choose between eating and enjoying the water. It’s a smart flow: swim first, eat while you’re settled, then relax again.

If you want the clearest water views, bring your eyes to the surface. Even without fancy gear, you’ll likely see enough around the snorkel area to make the time worthwhile.

Little Venice and windmills: photo time on the return

On the way back, you pass by the famous Little Venice area and the windmills. From the sea, these are dramatic visuals—less “look at it while you walk” and more “wow, that’s all right there.”

This return segment also depends on whether you chose a morning or sunset cruise. If you booked sunset, you’ll be watching for golden light right as the day winds down.

Even if you don’t care about sunsets, this portion is useful because it gives you the classic Mykonos icons without needing to fight for a perfect spot on the shoreline. You get photo angles from the water, and the pace stays relaxed.

Food and drinks onboard: fresh meal, open bar, and Greek comfort

Let’s talk about the onboard lunch, because this is where a lot of boat trips either impress or disappoint. Here, it’s firmly the good category.

You’ll have a traditional freshly prepared meal that includes:

• grilled shrimps
• spaghetti with red sauce
• mixed green salad
• vine leaves stuffed with rice (a.k.a. grape leaves)
• kebab
• Greek tzatziki sauce
• bread

That’s not a light snack platter. It’s a full meal with enough variety to satisfy picky eaters and to keep you energized for swimming time.

Drinks are also part of the “all-in” feeling:

• homemade wine
• homemade raki (a traditional Cretan favorite)
• Coca-Cola and orange juice
• bottled water
• open bar style service

You don’t need to micromanage your thirst. Just be sensible with timing, especially if you plan to snorkel soon after.

Comfort, motion, and family vibes on a moving boat

A catamaran generally feels stable, and this one is designed for a comfortable sailing day. Still, the sea can get rough when wind is high, and a couple of reviews referenced choppier rides.

The good news: when conditions were rough, the crew still made it work safely, and people reported they could swim and snorkel when the water allowed it. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this trip may still be doable—one review explicitly praised how well the day worked out for someone who usually gets motion sick.

What to do on your end:

• Sit where you feel the least sway on deck.
• Keep your eyes on the horizon if you’re feeling off.
• Time your snorkeling when you feel steady.

Families also tend to like this kind of excursion. A review noted that teens had fun with music from the speakers, and kids stayed busy with swimming and the novelty of being on a catamaran. This is not a stiff, museum-like outing—it’s a time-on-the-water day.

What’s not included (and what to pack)

The only clearly listed non-inclusion is towels. So you’ll want to bring your own beach towel or plan for using whatever towel situation your hotel provides.

Also think practical basics:

• sunscreen (Mykonos sun is not gentle)
• swimwear under your clothes
• a light layer for sea breeze
• sunglasses and a hat
• a small bag for phone and valuables (if you plan to snorkel)

Since the schedule includes swimming and snorkeling, pack like you’ll actually get wet. That sounds obvious, but it’s the difference between a relaxing day and a “why am I hauling this dry bag everywhere?” day.

Timing tips: morning vs sunset cruise

The cruise choice is built around two moods.

Morning departure tends to fit travelers who want Delos earlier, then swim and lunch before the island warms up further. You’ll likely arrive back while the day still feels active.

Sunset departure is for travelers who want the payoff of golden light over Mykonos on the return, with windmills and Little Venice in softer colors. It’s also a nice option if you’ve already done land exploring earlier in the day and just want a slower, scenic finish.

One more point: if wind is up and safety affects stops, the cruise may shorten or adjust. Both departures are subject to weather, but sunset days can feel more magical if you get even partial golden views on schedule.

Who this cruise is best for

This catamaran day works best if you want:

• a break from crowded streets
• a real swim/ snorkel block at sea
• an all-in meal and open bar so you don’t plan dinner afterward
• a mix of big-name Mykonos icons and a classic island stop (Delos)

It’s also a good fit for families because the pacing supports kids and teens: viewpoints on the move, swimming time, and food that’s more “everyone eats” than “fancy tasting menu.”

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants hours of guided walking through Delos on the ground, this won’t replace a dedicated Delos visit. Think of it as a sea-based taste of the island, paired with long water time.

Should you book this catamaran cruise in Mykonos?

I’d book it if you like your Mykonos days to feel like a true change of scenery: sea breeze, anchored swim time, and a warm meal that shows up without a reservation. The value improves if you’re traveling with friends or family who can fill out the group.

I’d hesitate if Delos is the single thing you must do and you don’t handle weather changes well. The plan can shift when conditions are rough, and the Delos stop may become only a pass-by or no stop at all for safety.

If you’re flexible and want the best chance at a memorable sea day, this fits the bill. Choose morning for more structured sightseeing energy, or sunset for the classic Mykonos light on the return.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It runs for about 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels. They don’t do transportation from villas.

What food is included on board?

Lunch is included and freshly prepared, with items such as grilled shrimps, spaghetti with red sauce, mixed green salad, vine leaves stuffed with rice, kebab, tzatziki sauce, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. There’s an open bar with homemade wine and traditional homemade raki, plus Coca-Cola, orange juice, and bottled water.

Is admission to Delos included?

The experience indicates admission ticket is free.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.