That turquoise water makes planning worth it fast. This Delos-and-Rhenia catamaran cruise pairs Aegean sailing with an anchored beach cove and a lunch served right on board. I love the unlimited homemade rosé wine and the long, low-stress stop for swimming and snorkeling in Rhenia’s clear coves. One thing to factor in: Delos is a photo stop only, and windy conditions can shift the route.

From the moment you’re met for a quick safety briefing, this feels like a well-run half-day with time to actually relax. You’ll get onboard comfort, snorkeling gear, and even SUP time, plus lunch that isn’t just an afterthought. The only real drawback is that it’s a group cruise, not a private sail, so you’re sharing space and timing with others.

Key things to know before you go

• Delos is views-only: you pass by and take photos from the boat, no island hiking
• Rhenia is the star: a long anchor stop in calm, crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling
• Homemade drinks are the focus: unlimited homemade rosé plus beer and other onboard refreshments
• Food is proper Greek-style: a hot lunch with seafood pasta, meat, and vegetarian options
• Weather can change the plan: the captain may reroute along Mykonos’s south coast to stay safe
• Bring your own towel: it’s not included, but swimwear and sun gear are essential

Getting Onboard in Mykonos: transfers, timing, and the vibe

Most people either use hotel pickup or head to the meeting spot outside Mathios tavern. If pickup is selected, you wait in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and the driver won’t wait more than 15 minutes after. Either way, you’ll be slotted into a smooth flow: quick transport, then a safety briefing plus welcome refreshments.

This is a modern catamaran, and the whole feel is practical: get settled, get your sea legs if you need them, and then enjoy the day. The crew keeps the tone friendly and organized, and there’s enough structure (briefing, photo stops, swimming time, meal) that you don’t lose the day to confusion.

Setting Up for Sun and Salt: what to pack and what you can skip

You’ll be in the sun and in the water, so pack for both right away. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear—plus your camera for boat-level views. A towel is required too, but it’s not included.

On the gear front, you don’t need to bring your own snorkeling equipment. The cruise includes snorkeling gear, and SUP is included as well. If you’re sensitive to motion, it’s worth taking seasickness prevention seriously, since sea conditions can vary, and some crews have reportedly had medication ready on board.

Delos From the Sea: a photo stop with real context

Delos can be a big deal in Greek history, but here you don’t visit the island itself. Visitors won’t go onto Delos Island—you pass by and take photos from the catamaran, with a sightseeing/photo window of about 1.5 hours.

That setup is good if your priority is water time and relaxation instead of walking. It also means you avoid the logistics of landing, crowds, and the hike element—just keep your camera handy and be ready for quick photo moments while the boat is positioned for views.

A practical note: if winds are strong, the captain can modify the route. That can affect the ability to do the Delos portion, so plan for the fact that your day may focus more heavily on the Mykonos coastline and the Rhenia cove instead.

The Sailing Rhythm to Rhenia: drinks on the move and windmill views later

Once you’re out past Mykonos, the pace is mostly about cruising and enjoying the scenery. You’ll sail among the Aegean’s turquoise waters, and you’ll get those classic sight lines that make Mykonos feel unmistakable from the sea.

A big part of the comfort is how drinks fit into the sailing rhythm. There’s homemade rosé available while you’re moving, and later in the day you’ll also have beer and other refreshments tied to breaks and meal time. This matters because it keeps the day from feeling like a bunch of rigid checkpoints—you’ll still have time to lounge, look around, and catch the breeze.

Rhenia Island Anchor Stop: swimming and snorkeling in a calmer pocket

Rhenia is where the day turns into beach holiday mode. The cruise drops anchor in a small cove with crystal-clear turquoise water, and you get a break that includes photo time plus free time. The swimming portion is about 2 hours, which is long enough to do a proper swim, try snorkeling, and still have time to float and chat.

You’ll have snorkeling gear included, and the water clarity is a major reason this stop gets such strong reactions. SUP is also available, so if you prefer calmer pacing over snorkeling, you can still get a full activity window. Even when snorkeling doesn’t turn into a reef safari, the experience of being in clear water off a protected cove is still the whole point.

If conditions are rough, this is also often the kind of stop the crew can protect. When weather forces changes, the boat may pivot to safer sheltered areas along the south coast of Mykonos—so you still get a swimable cove rather than losing the day.

Lunch on Board: Greek comfort food, multiple options, and the wine factor

The lunch is served onboard after the crew gets everything ready while you’re swimming or snorkeling. The menu is built around Greek comfort: a traditional meal that includes seafood pasta, plus meat and vegetarian options. Seasonal fruits are included too, which is a nice touch for something lighter between sun time and sailing time.

What makes the food feel like value is that it’s not just snacks. You’re getting a real hot meal plus fruits, and it lands right when you’re ready for a break—after water time, not before.

Drinks are part of the meal experience. Homemade rosé is included, and the cruise is designed around keeping refreshments flowing. Depending on the timing of breaks, you’ll find beer, wine, and aperitif-style service connected to the Rhenia stop and the return.

Onboard comfort that actually matters: small details for a smoother day

This is a group experience, but many departures feel fairly intimate, with small onboard counts mentioned around the 10–15 range. That makes a difference for finding space to sit, sunbathe, and switch between lounging and water time without feeling packed.

You’ll also have a Bluetooth speaker onboard, so music happens without turning the day into a party you have to endure. There’s also a bathroom onboard, which is one of those details you only appreciate once you’re out in the sun and you want convenience without stress.

Some crews add extra float options (beyond standard snorkeling gear), which can help if you want support while you float or ease into snorkeling. Bottom line: you don’t need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the water time.

The Return to Mykonos: windmills, town views, and optional sunset magic

Heading back, you’ll pass by Mykonos sights from the water—especially the windmills that define the skyline. There’s also a chance for photo stops along the way, plus aperitif-style drinks around the cruise rhythm so the return doesn’t feel like a dull commute.

If you select a sunset cruise option, the timing can be stunning: golden light drops across the horizon, and the sea goes from bright to soft. Even if you’re not on the sunset departure, you’ll still get strong Mykonos views from the catamaran as you approach.

People often like that the return doesn’t just strand you back in the same place you started. You get one last stretch of scenery with drinks and relaxed sailing, then you finish with a quick van transfer to drop-off points.

Price and value: does $123 feel fair for what you get?

At about $123 per person for a 5-hour half-day, the price makes sense only if you care about the included mix: water time, lunch, and drinks. Here, you’re not paying extra for a meal on the boat, and you’re not paying extra for snorkeling gear or SUP.

You also get value from the structure. The day includes transportation (when pickup is selected), a real meal with meat/vegetarian options, homemade rosé, and time anchored in a clear-water cove. That bundle matters in Mykonos, where food and beach access costs can add up quickly.

Two ways to judge if it’s worth it for you:

• If your top priority is swimming with clear water plus a hot onboard lunch, this price is usually easier to swallow.
• If you mainly want to hike or fully explore Delos on foot, this won’t match that goal because Delos is a pass-by photo stop only.

Who should book this catamaran cruise

This fits best if you want a break from Mykonos’s crowded beach scene and you’d rather spend your time on the water. It’s ideal for couples, friends, and groups who enjoy a relaxed day: lounge, swim, eat well, and take photos without racing a tight schedule.

It also works for families in the sense that the schedule is simple and the crew supports guests through the day. Just note the cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, since you’ll be on a boat and moving between areas onboard and anchored stops.

If you’re the type who loves planning a trip around one standout swim cove, Rhenia is the reason to consider it.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran to Delos and Rhenia?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward Mykonos highlight: sea views, a protected swim stop, and a hot Greek lunch paired with homemade rosé. The biggest reason to choose it is the combination of clear water at Rhenia plus included gear, so you can focus on enjoying the day rather than figuring everything out.

Skip it (or at least manage expectations) if you’re mainly chasing a full Delos experience on land. Here, Delos is about passing by and photos, not hiking. Also bring a towel and sun gear so you’re comfortable once you’re anchored and the water time starts.

If you want a half-day that feels like a real vacation day, with the best parts of Mykonos delivered from the sea, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

Is Delos Island included in the visit?

No. You will not go onto Delos Island. The cruise passes by Delos and you’ll have time for photos from the boat.

How long do you spend swimming and snorkeling at Rhenia?

You get about a 2-hour swimming stop at Rhenia Island, with time to swim and snorkel in the cove.

What food and drinks are included?

A traditional meal is included onboard with seafood pasta, meat, and vegetarian options, plus seasonal fruits. Homemade rosé wine is included, and the experience also includes refreshments such as beer and wine during the day.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and SUP is also included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The base manager waits outside Mathios tavern by 8:30 every day. If you booked hotel pickup, the van will handle pickup from selected Mykonos hotels.

What happens if it’s too windy to follow the plan?

The captain can modify the route when wind and sea conditions aren’t suitable. If it’s too windy, you’ll often sail along the south coast of Mykonos and visit a protected cove instead.