Delos and Rhenia make Mykonos feel calmer. This 6-hour sail day pairs UNESCO Delos ruins with Rhenia Island swimming and an onboard BBQ that actually tastes like someone planned it.

What I like most: the BBQ lunch plus unlimited beer, wine, coffee, tea, and water feels like real value, not just a token meal. I also love that you get snorkeling gear, towels, and noodles, so you can jump in at Rhenia without running around town first.

One thing to keep in mind is timing: if you add the optional Delos guided tour, you might end up moving faster than you hoped once the group is formed and you need to get back to the boat.

Key Highlights Worth Booking

• Delos and Rhenia in one trip: short on time, big on variety.
• BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks: beer and wine included on board.
• Snorkeling gear included: you’re set up for Rhenia’s clear water.
• Small-to-mid group feel: usually up to 30 or 40 depending on the yacht.
• Crew support all day: friendly help, photo moments, and drink check-ins.
• Optional guided Delos ruins: useful, but watch the schedule.

Why This Cruise Feels Like the Right Kind of Escape

Mykonos can be a lot: loud streets, fast decisions, and constant people-watching. This cruise gives you a different pace. You leave by yacht from the Agios Ioannis area, sail with scenic passing views, and spend your best hours swimming and eating on the water instead of hunting for tickets and transport.

The setup is simple. You get the big sights without the stress, and the onboard rhythm is built for relaxing. Unlimited drinks help a lot too, especially when you’re out in the sun and want something cold without planning ahead.

The boat experience is also practical. You get safety gear (life vests), towels, sunscreen, and even a safety instructions video. WiFi is included, though it’s more of a nice bonus than a reason to work.

Leaving Mykonos: Deck Time With Drinks, Not Lines

The day starts with a cruise segment that’s all about getting settled. Expect a roughly 45-minute sail experience that includes the usual on-board service flow: coffee, tea, beer, wine, and a general pass-by of Mykonos scenery while you’re not yet distracted by ruins or swimming plans.

This is a great moment to do the boring-prep stuff: put on sunscreen, get comfortable, and figure out where you’ll stash your things for the water stop later. You’ll also hear the safety briefing and get used to the boat rules.

Practical note: shade can be limited. The yacht has a cabin if weather turns, but a lot of people will naturally stay outside for sea views. If you burn easily, bring a light layer and plan your sun strategy early.

Delos: Quick Impressions or a Guided-But-Clocked Visit

Delos is the headliner for many people, and it delivers even when your time is limited. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site tied to ancient Greek culture, and it’s strongly associated with myths around Apollo and Artemis. Even a short visit makes the place feel special because the ruins are everywhere—so you don’t need a lecture to understand you’re standing in history.

In practice, you’ll get two possible styles:

• If you don’t book a guide, you can walk the ruins on your own and focus on what catches your eye.
• If you book the optional professional ruins tour, you’ll have someone to help connect the dots.

Here’s the tradeoff. The guided option can be really helpful—especially if you like structure and facts. But it can also be more time-tight than you expect, because you still have to regroup and return to the boat on schedule. Some people even end up wishing they had more freedom once the group forms and the walking gets real.

Also note: the Delos guided tour is sold as an add-on. You pay in advance for the guide (different prices for adults and children), and there’s also an entrance fee component. Make sure you know what’s included in your add-ons so there are no surprises when you arrive.

The Real World Tradeoff: Great Sights, Limited Hours

A big part of why this tour works is also why it can feel rushed. Delos is not a place you can do casually for half a day. There’s a lot to see, and you’ll be balancing walking time, heat, and the need to be back in time for the next water stop.

This is where I’d encourage you to decide what matters most before you go:

• If you want maximum swimming and a relaxed day, you might prefer less pressure at Delos.
• If you want facts and a route through the ruins, book the guided tour—but expect the clock to guide you.

One tip that came up often with Delos is the heat. Delos can be hot, and you’ll be walking in open areas. I strongly suggest you bring water for the island part, even though drinks are available on the yacht.

Rhenia Island: Swimming and Snorkeling the Way the Day Should Feel

Rhenia is where the cruise turns into a beach day without the beach hassle. The water quality is the point. You’ll spend about two hours at Rhenia, and that time is built around swimming and snorkeling using the complimentary gear.

Even if you’re not an expert, you’ll be fine. The crew provides snorkeling setup, and there are swimming noodles available too, which makes it easy for different comfort levels. If you like to float and take in the water color, you’ll enjoy this stop. If you like to swim actively, you’ll also have room to move.

This is also the part where the staff tends to be extra helpful. You’ll see people jump off and play around, and the crew is usually circulating—checking if you need drinks or help getting geared up.

If weather is even a bit rough, the Rhenia stop can still be great, but your comfort matters. Life vests are available, and the crew’s job is to keep things safe. Follow their lead on where to swim and when.

BBQ Lunch and Unlimited Drinks: A Surprisingly Good Meal Setup

The BBQ lunch is a core value reason to book this cruise. You get meat and vegetables, prepared fresh onboard, served during the Rhenia stop. And it’s paired with unlimited drinks: beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water.

This matters because many Mykonos food experiences come with strings attached—either you pay extra or you’re stuck with limited choices. Here, the meal is included in the main price, and the drinks keep the day flowing.

Two notes for realistic expectations:

• Spirits and cocktails aren’t included. If you’re planning on stronger mixed drinks, you’ll need to plan separately.
• Unlimited drinks doesn’t mean unlimited space. The crew works hard, but on a busy boat they can be moving constantly. If you want something specific, ask when you’re near someone rather than trying to flag them from far away.

Dietary needs can often be handled because the crew is attentive. Still, if you have serious restrictions, I’d contact the provider in advance to confirm how they’ll manage it.

Boat Comfort, Barefoot Rule, and What to Pack

This cruise is run with either a Gulet around 89 feet (up to 40 people) or a 72-foot option (up to 30 people) depending on group size and conditions. Either way, you’re on a real watercraft, not a party barge. That’s why the day feels more personal than the big mass-tour boats.

There is one rule you’ll want to respect: shoes aren’t allowed on board, and you’ll be barefoot for safety and hygiene. You can still wear shoes when walking at ports or ruins, but bring beach footwear only for land time. Once you step on the boat, follow the barefoot rule.

What to pack based on what you’ll actually do:

• Beachwear and a towel mindset (towels are provided)
• A jacket for wind or evening chill
• Comfortable clothes for walking on Delos
• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes for the island walk (even though shoes aren’t used on board)
• Beach bag with water, sunscreen, and a small plan for where your things go

Sunscreen is provided onboard, but I’d still bring your own if you’re picky about brands. The sun can be strong, and you’ll be out enough hours for reapplication to matter.

Transfers and Getting There Without Stress

You can meet the yacht directly at the Ioannis Diakoftis pier, or you can add hotel pickup and drop-off. Pickup costs €20 per person and is arranged by reserving in advance, with payment on the spot. This is the option I’d recommend if you’re staying outside the main walking areas, traveling with family, or you simply don’t want to deal with taxis while on a tight schedule.

The ship rides are scheduled based on your chosen departure window, and the day is timed so you’re back in Mykonos by the end. If weather turns, you’ll be informed the evening before about possible itinerary changes or cancellation. That flexibility is important in the Aegean.

Value Check: Is $152 Worth It?

At around $152 per person for a 6-hour cruise, this tour tends to feel like good value because the inclusions are strong:

• BBQ lunch (meat and veggies)
• Unlimited drinks including beer and wine
• Snorkeling gear, noodles, towels, sunscreen
• WiFi onboard
• Safety equipment and a professional skipper
• Taxes and port fees

The add-ons cost extra:

• Hotel pickup/drop-off: €20 per person
• Optional guided Delos ruins tour: a guide fee plus an entrance fee component (adults and children priced differently)

So the value depends on how you want to spend your day. If you’re happy with self-guided ruins or you only need a simple Delos overview, you’ll get more of your money’s worth from the included meal and water time. If you want the guided ruins experience, factor the extra cost into your budget—but also recognize you’re trading some flexibility for structure.

Who This Cruise Best Fits

You’ll likely love this if:

• You want a break from Mykonos crowds and chaos
• You care more about swimming and good food than about doing every museum stop
• You want snorkeling gear included and a crew that keeps the day moving
• You’re traveling as a couple, group, or family and want an easy plan

You might think twice if:

• You want lots of time on Delos for deep exploring
• You hate tight schedules and regrouping on a deadline
• You only enjoy strong cocktails (spirits and cocktails aren’t included)

The Booking Call: Should You Book This One?

I’d book this cruise if your ideal day looks like this: sail out, see Delos without stress, then spend your best time at Rhenia in clear water with BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks. It’s a straightforward plan with enough included value to justify the price, and the staff attention is a major part of why it feels easy.

If you’re considering the optional Delos guide, decide carefully. I think the guide can be helpful, but the schedule can get tight once the group is set. If you’d rather wander and control your pace, you can go without the guide and still enjoy Delos on your own.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia?

The total experience lasts about 6 hours.

Where do I meet the cruise?

You either meet at the yacht at Ioannis Diakoftis pier, or you can choose an option with hotel pickup (pickup and drop-off cost €20 per person).

What’s included with the BBQ meal?

You get BBQ lunch that includes meat and vegetables, plus unlimited drinks onboard (beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water).

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Complimentary snorkeling gear is included for the swimming stop at Rhenia Island.

Can I add a guided tour of Delos?

Yes. A professional Delos ruins guided tour can be added for an extra fee for adults and children, and an entrance fee component is also required.

Are spirits or cocktails included in the drink package?

No. Spirits and cocktails are not included.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring a passport or ID card, comfortable clothes and beachwear, and comfortable shoes for walking. For the boat itself, shoes aren’t allowed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

You’ll be informed the evening before about possible changes to the itinerary or cancellation depending on weather conditions.