Two islands, one sail, and sea air. I love how the day links the myth-heavy ruins of Delos with the crystal-clear swimming coves of Rhenia, all from a friendly, small-group yacht day. You get real time on the water, not a rushed port-to-bus shuffle.

One thing to plan for: Delos site time is great, but it’s not set up for an in-depth, guided walkthrough. Admission to the archaeological site (and a tour guide there) isn’t included, so if you want extra context you’ll pay more and you might wish you had longer.

Key takeaways

• Delos + Rhenia in one day: history first, then beach-silent swimming on an uninhabited island
• Small-group yacht vibe: you’ll move with the wind, not with the crowd
• Greek buffet lunch onboard: freshly prepared and served with chilled wine and drinks
• Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard: gear is provided, and the water really does look like the photos
• Hands-on sailing moments: the crew invites you to help steer if you want
• Friendly crew focus: attentive, upbeat, and quick to make you comfortable at sea

Why Delos and Rhenia feel like a real Aegean day

A Mykonos sailing trip can be anything from a quick cruise to a full-on sea day. This one wins because it’s built around two totally different moods: ancient Delos and uninhabited Rhenia. You don’t just watch the Aegean—you live in it for hours.

I like that the trip has a rhythm you can actually enjoy. You have time to explore, time to rest, and then time to swim until your skin feels sun-warmed and salt-sweet. And since it’s a yacht with a professional English-speaking skipper and assistant, the day stays friendly instead of chaotic.

Getting to the boat in Mykonos: simple, but time-sensitive

The cruise starts from Mykonos New Port and typically heads out with an early morning departure (the schedule you see may list 09:00), then returns around late afternoon (often around 15:00) after a farewell drink. At the same time, there’s also a note that some departures run at 16:00 or 16:30 and last until sunset, passing by Delos along the way. So your confirmation matters.

You’ll meet at one of the listed options, which can include Grand Banks Yacht or Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing Mykonos, depending on what you book. Give yourself a buffer so you’re not sprinting to the marina with sea air already in your lungs.

Mykonos departure and the sailing experience you actually came for

Once you’re aboard, the first stretch is pure sea time: a boat cruise of about 50 minutes from Mykonos, then the journey toward Delos (about one hour). This is the part where you can settle in—find a spot, check out the coastline, and watch the light change on the water.

The sailing itself can be a highlight. Some days feel like proper sailboat travel (more sails up), and the captain runs the boat comfortably even when the wind has opinions. One reviewer even noted the ship headed back with everyone getting a bit wet—because this is sailing, not a lake.

Delos: ancient ruins, plus the choice to stay on board

Delos is the “wow” stop, even if you only have a limited amount of time. The plan gives you about 1.5 hours for sightseeing on Delos, and there’s also time near the island where you can relax onboard with a cool drink. If you’d rather not walk around, you can stay on the boat and enjoy the sea and views instead.

Here’s the practical side: you can visit the archaeological site and museum if you want, but the admission fee for the archaeological site is not included. That means you should budget extra if Delos is a big priority for you, especially if you arrive ready to explore deeply.

Also, note the time trade-off. One common sentiment is that Delos feels memorable but might come across as a little short if you want a slow, guided-style wander. In plain terms: if you love ruins and want explanations at every step, you may want to arrange more context on your own day—either by paying for a guide there (not included) or by spending extra time elsewhere on your trip.

Rhenia: where the Aegean turns into swim-and-forget

Rhenia is where the trip earns its postcard reputation. This is an uninhabited island with secluded coves and clear water, and you get about three hours there to swim, snorkel, and lounge.

The key detail is how Rhenia is used in the day: it’s not a quick “look from the boat” stop. You’ll go in. Snorkel gear is available, and the water is described repeatedly as crystal clear and transparent enough to make snorkeling feel effortless. If you don’t snorkel, you can still enjoy the swim-by the boat method: float, wade, and let the boat’s rhythm help you take your time.

Stand-up paddleboarding can also be part of the Rhenia stop, and that’s a fun way to cover more water without turning it into a workout. Just remember you’re in wind country, so if it’s breezy you’ll feel it in the water.

Lunch on board: Greek flavors, not sad cruise food

The lunch is a big reason this cruise punches above its weight for the price. You get a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared on board, served during the Rhenia portion of the day. Reviews also describe the food as light and nicely presented for something made at sea, and people keep calling out that it compares well to what they ate on other parts of their trip.

What makes this lunch valuable is timing. You’re usually sweaty (from swimming) and hungry, but you’re also still relaxed because you’re eating right on the water, not in a restaurant where you lose time to finding it. And the drinks pair well with the vibe: soft drinks, beer, and house wine are complimentary, plus water.

Drinks and the small-group feel: the mood matters more than you think

Sailing trips can be either social or silent. This one tends to be social in a relaxed way—small group atmosphere, professional crew, and an easy sense that people are there for the same thing: sea air, swimming, and not being stuck on land too long.

Complimentary wine and drinks are part of the day’s comfort, and you’ll often hear that the crew keeps it flowing without turning it into a party. It’s more like an unhurried family-style lunch, but with sails.

Can you help steer? Yes—and it changes how you remember the day

One of my favorite “small but meaningful” aspects of this cruise is how hands-on it can be. If you feel like it, you can hold the ropes and help with steering and navigating. Even if you don’t, the moment still matters because it makes the sailing feel real instead of like you’re just being transported.

The crew’s role here is important. The skipper and assistant aren’t just there to drive. They’re attentive, friendly, and quick to make sure everyone feels safe and included. That’s one of those details that turns a good outing into a personal memory.

Weather on Mykonos: windy is normal, and that affects comfort

Mykonos is known for wind, and the Aegean can get choppy fast. The good news: the captain is experienced with conditions, and the boat is comfortable enough that you can still enjoy yourself even when the sea is less than calm. Some days may feel rougher, and it’s possible you get a bit wet during the return depending on where you’re sitting.

If you’d like to stay drier, you should pay attention to where you park yourself on deck. One tip from a past guest: avoid sitting at the front of the boat if you’re trying to keep your clothes mostly dry. If you get sea-spray easily, bring a light jacket or something quick-drying.

Also, shade isn’t guaranteed the way it is on a beach umbrella. One reviewer specifically wished for more shade on deck, so if you burn easily, plan ahead with sunscreen and a light layer.

Practical value: is $123 a fair deal?

At around $123 per person for about 6 to 6.5 hours, this cruise looks like good value once you break down what’s included. You’re paying for a sailing yacht day, a professional skipper and assistant, a real lunch onboard (not a token snack), and complimentary drinks like beer and house wine.

It also saves you from the hassle of piecing the day together yourself: getting to sea spots, sorting boat access, and then trying to find lunch that fits your swim time. If Delos admission is extra for you, yes, add that to the budget. But even with that, the overall package is a solid way to get both history and clear-water swimming without losing half the day commuting.

My rule of thumb: if you want a break from Mykonos town crowds and you care about being on the water for hours, this is the kind of tour that earns its cost.

Who this sailing day fits best (and who might want something else)

This is ideal if you want:

• A small-group yacht day with real swimming time
• A mix of Delos ruins and a relaxed uninhabited-island beach mood
• A lunch that feels like actual Greek food, served with drinks
• The chance to help with sailing or at least watch it up close

You might want to think twice if:

• Delos needs a long, guided-style visit for your interests (admission and guidance aren’t included)
• You hate any chance of wind or sea spray and want a very controlled, flat-water day

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia sailing cruise?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a classic Aegean day that doesn’t involve running from one attraction to the next. The combination works: Delos for the mind, Rhenia for the body, and a Greek lunch onboard that feels like part of the experience instead of an afterthought.

Book it with a clear expectation: you’re doing a set amount of time on Delos, and the real payoff is that Rhenia swim stop. If you care a lot about Delos details, plan to budget for admission and consider getting extra context elsewhere on your trip.

If the weather cooperates, this one can easily become your favorite day on the island.

FAQ

What’s included in the cruise?

You get the sailing yacht with a professional English-speaking skipper and assistant, lunch onboard (a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared), complimentary soft drinks, beer, house wine, and water. Fuel charges, port fees, and taxes are also included.

Is admission to Delos included?

No. Admission fee at the archaeological site of Delos is not included, and a tour guide at the site is also not included.

How long do you spend at Delos?

You’ll have sightseeing time on Delos of about 1.5 hours, plus additional time in the tranquil waters of Delos where you can relax onboard.

How long do you spend at Rhenia for swimming?

You’ll have around three hours on Rhenia for swimming and snorkeling, plus time for stand-up paddleboarding.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Snorkeling is part of the Rhenia stop, and stand-up paddleboarding is included as part of the activities. Snorkel gear is provided.

What time does the cruise run?

The schedule can vary. Some options list a 09:00 am start with return around 3:00, while another note says departure may be 16:00/16:30 and the cruise can last until sunset.

Where do you meet in Mykonos?

The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, including locations such as Grand Banks Yacht and Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing Mykonos.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. You’ll also need a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).