Delos and Rhenia in one smooth sail is a great combo. I like that you get ancient-site time at Delos and then swap straight to swimming in clear water at Rhenia, all without ferry lines or multiple ticket stops. One thing to consider: you’ll need to add the Delos archaeological tickets cost (and the site can close on some days).

This is also a smart value if you want privacy without turning the day into a logistics headache. The crew can even get you involved with trimming the sails, and lunch comes on board with water, wine, and beer. The main drawback is simple: weather can change routes and timing, so you should pack for a bit of flexibility.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Private yacht time up to 10 people means you control the pace and avoid crowd crush.
• Delos access for about 75 minutes lets you see the Apollo and Artemis site without spending the whole day trapped in lines.
• Rhenia anchoring for secluded swimming means you can jump in with fewer people around.
• Snorkeling gear + goggles/flippers included, and snorkeling is set up as easy, no special training required.
• SUP is included when weather allows, so you may get extra time on the water beyond swimming.
• Lunch on board includes a drink setup, so you spend less time thinking about meals.

A Six-Hour Private Yacht Day for Delos and Rhenia

This cruise works because it pairs two very different Mykonos moods in one ticket. You start with archaeology at Delos, then shift to beach time on Rhenia where the whole day turns slower and more “Aegean summer.”

I like the pacing here: it’s long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long that you start counting the minutes. You’ll be on a sailing yacht for the trip segments, not stuck on a big motor ferry, and the crew can involve you with small sailing tasks if you want to participate.

Price-wise, it’s quoted per group (up to 10). That matters in Mykonos, where private options can get expensive fast. If you’re traveling as a family or small group and you share the cost, you’re buying convenience plus a calmer day on the water.

Tour Logistics: Tourlos Marina, Matthew Tavern, and a Clean 09:00 to 15:00 Day

The cruise departs at 09:00 from Tourlos Marina. Your day is expected to run about 6 hours, with an arrival back around 15:00.

For meet-up: you meet at Matthew Tavern, and the skipper is there about 15 minutes early. If you’re doing hotel pickup, it’s optional and you need to arrange your exact pickup location ahead of time (send it by email or WhatsApp by 10pm the previous day).

Here’s the practical tip: build a little buffer before you go. Even though the schedule is tight, any change in weather can nudge routes or stops. The provider also notes that Delos drop-off may not happen if the archaeological site is closed, but you’ll still pass by Delos island.

Delos by Boat: Apollo and Artemis Without the Crowd Chaos

Delos is the headline, and the itinerary treats it like a focused stop instead of an all-day distraction. You’ll sail for about one hour toward Delos, then you get around 75 minutes on the ground.

The stop centers on one of the most famous cult sites in Greek history: the birthplace area connected with Apollo and Artemis. This is the kind of place where timing matters. When your visit lines up well, you can spend time looking at details without constantly dodging tour groups, and you’ll feel like you have room to think.

A possible drawback: you’re not there long enough to wander every corner like a dedicated tour day. If you love reading every sign and stitching together every interpretation, you might want a separate guided history add-on. But if you want a powerful snapshot paired with beach time later, this format makes a lot of sense.

One more logistics note: Delos tickets are not included. The cost listed is 20€ per person, so budget for that up front.

Rhenia Island Anchoring: Secluded Beaches and Crystal-Water Swimming

Rhenia is where the cruise earns its “vacation” label. You’ll sail from Delos and then anchor in a secluded bay so you can enjoy a white beach feeling away from the crowds.

Rhenia is uninhabited and about four times the size of Delos. It has four sandy beaches tucked into protected coves: Glyfada, Stena, Lia, and Amelia. The water colors around here are described as ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue, and that matches what you want when you came to the Cyclades for swimming.

You’ll have about two hours at Rhenia for:

• Swimming and snorkeling
• Beach time for relaxing
• Goggles and flippers for underwater viewing
• SUP (weather permitting)

Snorkeling is framed as easy: you don’t need special training or equipment beyond what’s provided. That’s important because it keeps the water time from turning into a gear lesson. If you’re more of a “float and watch” person than an “explore every inch” person, you’ll still get value.

If you feel adventurous, you can also explore the island on foot. Just remember your time is limited, so don’t get carried away hiking when your main prize is the water.

The On-Board Lunch That Makes the Day Feel Effortless

Lunch is served on board, timed so you can eat without breaking the flow of the day. You’ll get lunch on board plus water, wine, and beer, which is a big comfort factor when you’re spending hours between islands.

Some past guests have described the meal as a home-cooked style green feast, which tells me you’re not stuck with a boring catering sandwich. I’d treat it as a perk that you don’t have to plan. On Mykonos, eating well is one thing; eating well while still being on a boat is another.

Because drinks are included, you can keep the day feeling social. That also means less time thinking about where to buy something, and more time staying in your cruise rhythm.

If you have dietary needs, the data doesn’t spell out meal customization. So if that matters to you, I’d message ahead and be specific about what you can and can’t eat.

Snorkeling Gear, SUP Options, and What You Should Pack

What’s included is exactly what you want for a hassle-free swim: snorkeling equipment plus SUP (weather permitting). That weather caveat is real—if the wind and sea state aren’t right, SUP may not happen. But even without it, you’ll still get proper beach and water time.

You’ll want to bring the basics that make the day comfortable:

• Swimwear
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Towel (it’s not included)
• Flip-flops and/or closed-toe shoes
• A jacket (the Aegean can feel cooler on the boat, especially if there’s wind)

I also recommend keeping your sunscreen and a small towel situation easy to grab. You’ll likely go from sun on deck to water fast, and you don’t want to waste your best light hunting for supplies.

Sailing Time: When You Want Movement, Not Just Transport

This isn’t just a boat ride between stops. It’s a sailing yacht experience, which changes how the day feels.

You’ll have about one hour of sailing as you move between Mykonos and Delos, and another one hour as you head back. The crew is also happy to get you involved with trimming the sails, which can be genuinely fun if you like hands-on moments or just want something different from sitting still.

If you want to rest, you can. If you want activity, you can. That flexibility is one of the reasons private cruises work better than day tours on big boats.

And since the group size is kept private (up to 10), you tend to get a calmer atmosphere. That matters on days when the islands already feel busy.

Value Check: What $1,767 Per Group Really Buys You

The price is $1,767 per group (up to 10) for a 6-hour private charter. That sounds high at first glance—until you do the math like a real trip planner.

If you’re sharing costs among 6–10 people, you’re effectively buying a full day on a sailing yacht with:

• a skipper and assistant
• lunch on board
• water, wine, and beer
• snorkeling equipment
• SUP when weather allows

Then you add what costs separately on many Mykonos-style itineraries: boat time, guided logistics, and a meal you don’t have to track down onshore. You also avoid the “race” part of travel days: getting to ferries, hauling bags, and reorganizing your day around delays.

The one extra cost to plan for is Delos tickets (20€ per person) and you may want to factor in your own beach towel. Also keep in mind Delos drop-off isn’t guaranteed if the site closes.

So the value is strongest if:

• you’re traveling with family or friends and can split the group cost
• you want privacy and a calmer rhythm
• you care about swimming time more than a museum-style history deep dive

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This is a great fit if you want a day that feels like a real Mykonos highlight: sea views, a famous archaeological stop, and beach time that doesn’t feel rushed.

It also suits active-but-not-athletic travelers. You can swim, snorkel, and maybe try SUP. You can also simply relax on the beach and enjoy the change of scenery.

If you’re the type who wants a long guided explanation at every stop, you might feel the Delos time is short. The itinerary gives you enough time to see key areas, but not enough to go line-by-line through the site.

Also, if anyone in your group has pregnancy, mobility, or health issues, you’ll want to inform the local partner when booking so they can advise on suitability.

Should You Book This Mykonos Yacht Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a private day that mixes Delos culture with Rhenia water time in a way that’s easy to manage. The standout advantages are the private group setting, the included swimming gear, and the fact that lunch happens on board with drinks—so you don’t lose your day to meal hunting.

I wouldn’t book it as confidently if:

• you’re counting on Delos drop-off at all costs (site closures can change the plan)
• you need a fully detailed, long-form archaeological guide
• you’re traveling solo and would rather pay per person than share a group charter

If you match the right traveler profile, this cruise hits a sweet spot: famous sights, secluded swimming, and a schedule that feels like someone planned it for actual humans.

FAQ

Do I need tickets for the Delos archaeological site?

Yes. Delos archaeological site tickets are not included and cost 20€ per person.

What time does the cruise start and when do you return?

The cruise sets sail at 09:00am from Tourlos Marina and the expected arrival time back to Mykonos is about 15:00.

Where do I meet the skipper?

Meet your guide at Matthew Tavern. The skipper will be waiting there about 15 minutes before the trip.

Is snorkeling included, and do I need experience?

Snorkeling equipment is included. The activity is described as not requiring special training or equipment, and you can use the provided gear.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. You’ll have lunch on board, plus water, wine, and beer.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. You can request it, and you’ll need to send your exact pickup location by email or WhatsApp by 10pm the previous day.