Delos on a sailboat feels different. You get UNESCO-level ruins plus open-water Aegean views, with history shared right as you pass the island. I especially like that the day mixes sightseeing with actual sea time, not just a quick stop-and-go schedule.

My second favorite part is the long Rhenia swim window, with snorkeling and paddling gear included so you can do more than just watch the water. One thing to plan for: Delos time is brief, so it works best if you want highlights and atmosphere more than a slow, in-depth ruins day.

Key things to know before you go

• Wine + Greek lunch onboard: rosé and white wine, beer, and cola with a Mediterranean-style meal
• Rhenia Island water time (about 2 hours): swim, snorkel, and paddle with included gear
• Small-day energy: the boat experience tends to feel personal, with space to move around and relax
• Delos as a highlight, not a full museum visit: you’ll get a taste and photo moments, then move on
• Little Venice photo stop in the return loop: quick views of Mykonos’ most famous waterfront look
• A crew focused on comfort and safety: even windy conditions are handled with smooth boarding and recovery

Mykonos sailing to Delos and Rhenia: what the sailboat format gives you

This is the kind of Mykonos day trip that feels made for the Cyclades. Instead of spending hours in traffic or waiting around at crowded ports, you get movement: a sailboat rhythm with Aegean air, sea-scent breezes, and that classic feeling of being part of the coastline for the day.

I like that the cruise is built around two very different kinds of places. Delos gives you the big myth-and-history impact, while Rhenia is all about water time—anchoring, swimming, and using the included snorkeling and flotation gear. If you want your Mykonos trip to include both story and sand-between-your-toes time, this hits the sweet spot.

Passing Delos: UNESCO vibes without the long ruins grind

Delos is one of those places that makes you look twice at the whole island. From the water, you get postcard angles and a sense of scale that’s hard to replicate from land. Even with a shorter stop window, you still get that “oh wow” effect, especially when you’re moving slowly by the sacred site.

What I think works best here is how the day is paced. You’re not asked to turn into a walking tour for hours. You’re given time for photos and sightseeing views, plus an onboard history talk focused on the island’s legendary role in the ancient world.

Practical note: Delos archaeological site admission fees are not included (8€). So if you plan to enter the ruins areas fully, budget that extra cost.

Possible drawback to weigh: if you’re the type who wants to wander every corner for a half-day, this won’t feel like enough. For most people, though, it’s the right length for a “big highlight” day—especially paired with Rhenia’s swim time.

Rhenia Island swim time: the best part if you want to get in the water

Rhenia is where this cruise earns its keep. The boat anchors and gives you about two hours to enjoy the water—swimming, relaxing, and snorkeling if you’re game. The included pool noodles help you feel steady, and the snorkeling equipment makes it easier to actually use the time instead of wishing you’d brought your own gear.

This stop also has a real psychological payoff. After the history-heavy feel of Delos, Rhenia gives your brain permission to slow down. You can swim out at your own pace, paddle around, or just float and watch the sea surface—simple stuff, but it’s exactly what a sailing day is for.

Bring a towel and swimwear so you’re not stuck borrowing anything or scrambling around at the last minute.

Lunch onboard: Greek and Mediterranean flavors with wine, beer, and soft drinks

One of the more underrated parts of a Mykonos cruise is lunch quality. Here, you’re not getting a sad boxed meal. You’ll enjoy a Greek lunch prepared onboard with Mediterranean flavors, plus wine (rosé and white), beer, and cola—and soft drinks and water are included as part of the meal setup.

I like that the food is timed to the day naturally. You’re already warm from sailing and you’ve had time to settle into the rhythm of the trip. Lunch then becomes a “real break,” not a rushed fuel stop between activities.

A small tip: if you’re sensitive to sun and heat, grab your lunch a little earlier than you think. Sitting in the shade on deck for a bit can make the rest of your swim time more comfortable.

Little Venice return stop: iconic Mykonos photos without the full crowds

On the way back, you get a photo stop at Little Venice. This is one of those Mykonos locations that looks great from the water and keeps delivering angles—balconies, waterfront lines, and those characteristic sunset-ish vibes even outside peak golden hour.

The stop is short, so treat it like a chance to grab your photos and get your bearings for the town. If you want to linger for dinner or shopping, you’ll likely do that on your own later in the day—but as a photo hit within a sailing itinerary, it works.

What the day feels like in real life (wind, boarding, and pacing)

Sailing days can be calm or they can be lively. On some departures, weather can turn windy, and you may feel it during the return leg. The upside is that the crew’s job is to keep things smooth: guiding boarding and helping passengers feel confident, especially if getting on and off the boat makes you a little nervous.

I’m also glad this trip is structured with built-in time changes. You’ll have sailing stretches that let you relax, plus “activity blocks” where the day gets active—swimming at Rhenia is the big one. That pacing matters because it keeps the trip from feeling like one long chore.

If you’re the social type, the small-group feel can help you meet people without it being forced. Several past days have had only a handful of guests, which tends to make the whole cruise feel more personal and less like a factory line.

One more fun possibility: you might spot dolphins close to the boat depending on the day and sea conditions. It’s not something you can plan for, but the chance adds a little extra magic to being out there.

Price and value: is $159 worth it?

At $159 per person, this cruise isn’t a bare-bones budget outing. You’re paying for three things at once: the boat, the standout locations (Delos + Rhenia), and the included “stay in the fun” gear and meal.

Here’s why I see it as good value if you want a full-day experience without extra hassle:

• You get lunch and drinks included, including wine, beer, and cola. If you’ve ever bought drinks in Mykonos, this alone can help balance the cost.
• Water activities are covered with snorkeling equipment, paddleboarding gear, and pool noodles, so you don’t need to rent anything or hunt for last-minute supplies.
• You’re pairing two major locations that are hard to do well in a simple day without either a long ferry schedule or a land-based scramble.

The one extra cost you should factor in is Delos admission (8€) if you plan to go in fully. After that, most of your day is handled for you: food, gear, and the big scenic moments.

If you’re traveling on a tight budget and you’d rather pay for only one island plus a quick swim, this might feel pricey. But if you want the convenience of a single booked day that delivers meals, gear, and scenery in one go, it’s a reasonable price for what you actually get.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want sea time as the main event, not just a sightseeing checkbox
• Like a mix of history + water activities
• Appreciate having lunch and drinks handled so you can focus on the day
• Prefer a smaller, more relaxed boat feel (many departures run with a small guest count)

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need wheelchair accessibility (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• Want a long, detailed ruins day at Delos rather than a shorter highlight visit
• Don’t enjoy being on a boat when winds pick up

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia cruise?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a Mykonos day trip that actually feels like a day at sea: history passed from the water, then real swimming time where you can use the gear without extra planning. The included lunch, wine, and onboard activities make it feel complete, not like you’re paying just for transportation.

I’d hesitate only if you’re expecting a slow, detailed Delos deep dive or you’re very sensitive to time on boats in windy conditions. For everyone else, this is a strong way to experience the Cyclades in one smooth, good-value sweep—Delos for the myth and scale, Rhenia for the water release, and Little Venice for the final photo hit.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included, and you should name your hotel so the provider can arrange pick up. Plan to wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Which stops are included?

You’ll sail past and stop for Delos (with photo stop and sightseeing), spend time at Rhenia Island for swimming, and have a photo stop at Little Venice in Mykonos.

Do I need to pay for Delos archaeological site admission?

Delos archaeological site admission fees are not included (8€).

What water activities and gear are included?

Snorkeling equipment, paddleboarding equipment, and pool noodles are included.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll have a Greek lunch with Mediterranean flavors, plus wine (rosé and white), beer, and cola (soft drinks and water are also included with lunch).

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.