From Mykonos: Cruise to Delos and Rhenia with Lunch

Two islands, one very full day. This 390-minute cruise combines swimming off uninhabited Rhenia with time at the ancient sanctuary of Delos, making it a good choice if you want more than a standard beach day in Mykonos. I especially like the clear water at Rhenia and the chance to see Delos without arranging a separate boat trip.

I also like the friendly crew atmosphere, with lunch, wine, juice, and water included. The main drawback is that this can be a busy boat outing, and the sea may be choppy. You will also pay separately for entry to the Delos archaeological site, so budget for that if you want to go ashore.

At a glance

• Rhenia swim stop: Anchor near a secluded beach on the uninhabited island of Rhenia for swimming and time on shore.
• Delos archaeology: Visit the sacred island linked with Apollo and Artemis, including the Houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra.
• Greek lunch on board: Eat chicken and pork skewers with salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread.
• Drinks included: Wine, juice, and water are available during the cruise.
• Lively return ride: Music and dancing often turn the trip back to Mykonos into a small boat party.
• Practical limitation: Transport to the Old Port and Delos admission are not included, and the boat is not suited to people with mobility impairments.

Why this Mykonos cruise is worth considering

Mykonos is famous for beach clubs, whitewashed lanes, and expensive drinks. This cruise gives you a different look at the islands. You spend time on the water, swim in places that are difficult to reach by land, and visit one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites in the same outing.

At $103 per person, the price is fair for a six-and-a-half-hour trip that includes the cruise, crew service, lunch, and drinks. It is not the cheapest way to see Delos, since admission costs extra, but you are also paying for a full day on the Aegean rather than a simple ferry crossing.

I would think of this as a social boat excursion, not a quiet private sailing trip. Some departures feel energetic, with music, dancing, and plenty of interaction from the crew. If you prefer a small group and long stretches of silence, the size and mood may test your patience.

Getting to the boat at Mykonos Old Port

The meeting point is at the kiosk next to the bus station at Mykonos Old Port. That location is close to Mykonos Town, but you still need to arrange your own way there because transportation to and from the boat is not included.

I would arrive early enough to find the kiosk without rushing. The Old Port can feel confusing when several boats are preparing to leave, so having the meeting point saved on your phone is useful. Keep your passport or identity card with you. A copy is accepted, according to the tour information.

Leave large suitcases behind. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and this is best treated as a day trip with a small beach bag. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a light layer for the ride back. There is limited shade on board, so sunscreen matters even if you plan to spend much of the day sitting down.

The crew speaks Greek, and the host or greeter is listed as Greek. In practice, the crew takes an active role in helping people settle in and keeping the day moving.

Rhenia: clear water and a quiet beach stop

The first major stop is Rhenia, a small, uninhabited island near Mykonos. The boat anchors a few meters from shore, giving you the choice to swim in clear water or walk onto the beach and relax in the sun.

This is the part of the day built for simple pleasure. There is no town to visit and no long list of sights to check off. You swim, sit on the shore, take photographs, and enjoy the contrast with busy Mykonos.

The water is a major reason to book the trip. The clear blue sea makes Rhenia a strong stop for swimming, and the boat gives you a chance to get into the Aegean away from the organized beaches on Mykonos. If you are nervous about jumping from the boat, the crew can offer encouragement and assistance, but you should still be comfortable getting in and out of the water.

Some departures include more than one swim opportunity. People who choose not to visit Delos may stay aboard and continue to another swimming location while the archaeological visitors go ashore. This option is useful, but you should confirm the exact arrangement with the crew on the day.

Rhenia is not a resort beach. Do not expect loungers, cafés, changing rooms, or organized facilities. The appeal is the lack of development. Bring what you need from Mykonos, and keep your beach expectations simple.

The sea can also change the mood of this stop. Calm conditions make swimming easy and relaxing. Wind can bring rougher water, and the return crossing may feel lively. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in a stable part of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid drinking too much wine too early.

Lunch on board: a practical Greek barbecue

Lunch is prepared on the boat and includes chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread. This is a sensible menu for a day at sea: filling, familiar, and easy to serve to a mixed group.

The food receives strong praise, though one piece of feedback found it less impressive than the rest of the trip. That is a fair way to view it. You are getting a good included meal, not a restaurant lunch prepared to order. The value comes from eating on the water without having to stop and find a taverna.

Wine, juice, and water are included during the cruise. Several parts of the day can feel more festive as the wine starts flowing, particularly on the return ride. I would pace yourself. A sunny boat, rough water, and unlimited drinks can make the final crossing harder than expected.

Vegetarian, allergy, and other dietary details are not provided in the information for this activity. If you have food restrictions, ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the barbecue can be changed.

Delos after lunch: Greece’s sacred archaeological island

After the swimming and lunch, the boat goes to Delos. This island was considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and its religious importance helped turn it into a major center of trade in the ancient Greek world.

The attraction here is not a single perfect monument. Delos is spread across an open archaeological site, where ruined houses, public buildings, sanctuaries, mosaics, and statues create a sense of a once-important island city. You are walking through remains rather than entering a restored ancient town.

The Houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra are among the named highlights. The House of Dionysus is known for its mosaic, while the House of Cleopatra gives you a closer look at domestic life in the ancient settlement. The site also includes a museum, which can help make sense of the fragments and statues found on the island.

You get time to explore on your own. That freedom is useful if you already know what interests you, but it also means you should not expect a long guided history lecture at every ruin. I recommend reading a little about Delos before the trip or downloading information in advance. A few minutes of preparation will help the stones and mosaics mean more when you arrive.

Admission to Delos is not included. The exact charge and eligibility rules can change, so check before departure. Some people may qualify for reduced or free entry under Greek archaeological-site rules, but you should carry the required identification if you plan to claim an exemption. Credit and debit cards are accepted at the site according to recent trip information, though having a backup payment method is still wise.

A key choice comes here: visit Delos or stay on the boat. If ancient sites matter to you, I would pay the entrance fee and go ashore. Delos is the cultural heart of the day, and skipping it means you are mainly booking a swimming cruise.

If you have already visited Delos or care more about swimming, staying aboard may suit you better. The boat may take that group to another swimming area, and you can enjoy a quieter part of the outing while the archaeology group explores.

The return crossing and the boat-party mood

The ride back to Mykonos often changes character. Music starts, the crew encourages people to dance, and the top deck can become a small party. Host Paola, also referred to as Paula in some feedback, receives special praise for her energy and for getting people involved.

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience if you like meeting people and joining in. The atmosphere works for many age groups, including families, younger couples, and middle-aged visitors who want fun without spending the entire day in a beach club.

It is also the point where the tour feels least like a quiet island excursion. If you want calm views and a peaceful sail, find a spot away from the music. If you want a celebratory finish, join the dancing and enjoy the ride.

Rough seas can make the return journey exciting, but they can also make it uncomfortable. Hold onto your belongings, choose stable footing, and do not treat the dancing as a reason to ignore the conditions. The crew’s friendly attitude helps, but the Aegean remains the Aegean.

Comfort, timing, and who should book

The total duration is 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours. That is long enough to feel like a real day trip, but it also means you should be ready for extended time on a boat. There is little shelter from the sun, and the schedule depends on wind and sea conditions.

The boat is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to manage the port, boat boarding, swimming or shore access, and the archaeological site. Delos itself involves walking around uneven ancient ruins, so sturdy footwear is a smart choice.

I think this cruise suits you best if you want:

• A mix of swimming, food, history, and music
• A social atmosphere rather than a private charter
• A convenient way to combine Rhenia and Delos
• A full day outside Mykonos Town
• A chance to swim from a boat in clear Aegean water

I would look elsewhere if you want a small, quiet sailing trip, a fully guided archaeological tour, or a boat with lots of shade and low movement. You also need to be comfortable with the possibility of choppy seas and a fairly lively group setting.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if the weather forecast is uncertain, but they do not remove the need to check conditions before leaving.

Is the $103 price good value?

For $103, you receive the cruise, captain and crew service, lunch, wine, juice, and water. The day also includes two very different destinations: a secluded swimming stop and a major ancient site.

The main extra cost is the Delos entrance ticket. That matters because some people choose to stay on board rather than pay admission, while others consider Delos essential. I see the price as good value if you use both sides of the experience. A person who only wants swimming may find a simpler beach cruise cheaper, while someone focused on archaeology may prefer a dedicated Delos visit with more interpretation.

The included meal and drinks improve the value. You are not constantly reaching for your wallet during the day, although optional purchases and the site entrance remain separate. The friendly crew and music also add to the experience, particularly if you enjoy a social boat ride.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you want one easy day that covers clear-water swimming, Greek food, ancient ruins, and a festive ride home. I would especially recommend it for first-time visitors to Mykonos who want to see more than the town and its beaches.

Make Delos your priority if you are interested in Greek archaeology, and plan to pay the separate entrance fee. If swimming is your main goal, ask about staying on board for an additional swim stop.

The best practical advice is simple: arrive at the Old Port prepared, carry identification, pack light, bring serious sun protection, and pace yourself with the included wine. With those details handled, this is a well-priced way to turn a Mykonos beach day into a fuller Aegean outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet in Mykonos?

The meeting point is at the kiosk next to the bus station at Mykonos Old Port.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts 390 minutes, or approximately six and a half hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, juice, and water are included during the cruise.

Is the entrance fee for Delos included?

No. Admission to the Delos archaeological site is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or identity card, swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. A copy of your passport or identity card is accepted, and oversize luggage is not allowed.