From Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

Ancient ruins, clear water, and a lively boat ride. This Mykonos excursion brings together two very different islands: Delos for its remarkable archaeological site and Rhenia for swimming, sandy coves, and a relaxed BBQ lunch. I especially like the choice between spending two hours walking around Delos or staying aboard for more time in the sea.

The friendly family crew receives the strongest praise, with music, dancing, drinks, and plenty of attention throughout the day. I also like the value at $101, since the boat ride, BBQ, fruit, fuel, crew, and several drinks are included. The main drawback is that Delos has little shade, and the sea crossing can be choppy, so this is not the right pick if you dislike open water, hot walks, or a social boat atmosphere.

Key details before you book

• Two islands, two moods: Delos offers ancient temples and ruins, while Rhenia gives you clear water, swimming, and an uncrowded beach setting.
• A six-and-a-half-hour outing: Plan on most of your day being taken up, including the sail from Mykonos and the return ride.
• The best swim comes at Rhenia: You can jump from the boat, swim toward shore, snorkel, or relax aboard during the roughly three-hour stop.
• Delos is optional, but worthwhile: You have about two hours for a self-guided visit, with an entrance fee of about €20 not included.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect a BBQ with fruit, plus water, soft drinks, and wine. Additional drinks may be available to buy.
• The return trip becomes a party: Music, singing, and dancing are a major part of the ride back to Mykonos.

Why this Mykonos boat trip works so well

Mykonos is famous for beach clubs and nightlife, but the islands just beyond it offer a more varied day. This trip gives you ancient Greece, open sea, swimming, lunch, and a bit of organized fun without requiring several separate bookings.

The split between Delos and Rhenia is the real strength. Delos gives the outing purpose and cultural weight. Rhenia gives you time to slow down and enjoy the sea. You are not forced to spend the whole day walking among ruins, and you are not limited to a simple swim cruise.

The experience lasts about 6.5 hours and costs $101 per person. That is a fair price for a full day on the water, especially since fuel, crew, lunch, fruit, and the boat ride are included. You still need to pay the Delos entrance fee, listed at about €20, and snorkeling equipment is not included.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 750 reviews, and the praise is unusually consistent about the crew. Names mentioned in the feedback include Mola, Mohamed, Michael, and Paola, though the exact team may vary by departure. Expect a warm, outgoing style rather than a quiet sailing lesson.

Finding the boat at Mykonos Old Port

The meeting point is the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. You need to make your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Allow extra time to find the correct boat and exchange your voucher. One report describes unclear signage and a voucher showing a different company name from the operator at the dock. That does not mean every departure will be difficult to locate, but the Old Port can be confusing, and rushing before departure is a poor way to start a boat day.

Once aboard, the setup is straightforward. The boat has room to sit in the sun or find shade, and the crew provides guidance about the plan. Since the boat can carry a social crowd, expect conversation, music, and a group atmosphere rather than a private charter.

Bring your passport or ID card. You should also pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water for the Delos walk, and shoes that can handle rocky shorelines. Water shoes are a smart choice at Rhenia, where parts of the beach and seabed can be stony.

The first sailing toward Rhenia

The published route lists about 45 minutes of sailing before the Rhenia stop. This is your first chance to take in the open water around Mykonos and settle into the pace of the day.

The sea is not always calm. Several people describe a pleasant ride, while others note that the boat was quite rocky, especially on windy days and during the return to Mykonos. If you are prone to seasickness, bring the medication you normally use. The boat ride is part of the experience, but it is not always smooth.

The crew receives strong marks for keeping people comfortable and maintaining a cheerful mood. You can sit back, take photographs, listen to music, or prepare for the swim. The trip does not feel like a rushed transfer because Rhenia is treated as a proper stop, not just a quick photo pause.

Rhenia: three hours for swimming and lunch

Rhenia is uninhabited, which gives this part of the day a quieter feel than Mykonos. The boat anchors near a beach, and you can swim in the clear water, snorkel, jump from the side of the boat, or make your way toward shore.

The boat may stop about 50 yards from the beach, so reaching the sand requires a swim. That is easy for confident swimmers, but it matters if you are not comfortable in open water. Pool noodles are available according to the feedback, and salt water makes floating easier, but you should still be honest about your swimming ability.

The water is often described as exceptionally clear and blue. One person found it too cold at first, while others called it comfortable after a minute or two. Water temperature depends on the season and the day, so do not assume the sea will feel warm simply because the air is hot.

Snorkeling is possible, but conditions vary. Some people saw fish and sea life, while another found the beach stop less impressive for snorkeling. Think of Rhenia mainly as a beautiful place to swim and float, with snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book.

The stop lasts about three hours and includes the BBQ lunch. Food described in the feedback includes chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, bread, dip, and watermelon. Most people found the meal tasty and satisfying, though a few comments suggest the rice can be plain and portions may feel modest if you have a large appetite.

Wine, water, and soft drinks are available during the meal and throughout the outing. The included wine is simple rather than special, and additional drinks may be available for purchase. You are paying for a relaxed boat lunch, not a restaurant meal, but the food is a useful part of the value.

This is also the best time to relax with other people on board. The crew is active and sociable, checking that people are comfortable and helping create a friendly mood. If you prefer a silent, private swim, the music and group energy may feel like too much. If you enjoy meeting people, it is one of the trip’s nicest features.

Delos and its two-hour walk through ancient Greece

After Rhenia, the boat continues to Delos. The published schedule gives you about two hours at the archaeological site, with a self-guided visit. You may also have the option to remain aboard for another swim instead, depending on the day’s arrangements.

Delos is the cultural heart of the trip. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains far more than a few isolated stones. The ruins spread across a broad area, with temples, streets, buildings, and viewpoints that help you understand the former importance of the island.

You will not have a guide included, so you need to explore independently. Maps and information plaques help explain what you are seeing, and people who want more detail should read the signs as they go. An audio guide is not part of the listed package.

Two hours is enough to see a great deal, but it is not unlimited. Some people wished they had more time, while others found the schedule long enough to appreciate the site. A useful approach is to head first toward the higher point and main temple area, then work back through the ruins. That helps you make the most of the time before wandering becomes tiring.

The heat is the serious issue. Delos has little shade, and the site can feel especially exposed during summer afternoons. Bring water and sunscreen, wear a hat if you have one, and use sensible footwear. There are no shops on the island according to the practical advice provided, so do not count on buying a drink after you arrive.

The Delos entrance fee is not included. The listed amount is approximately €20, although prices can change, so check the current charge when booking or before departure. People under 25 may qualify for free entry under certain rules, as one report notes, but you should confirm your eligibility rather than rely on it.

I would choose Delos if this is your first visit and you care about ancient sites. The ruins give the day a sense of place that a swim-only cruise cannot match. If you have already visited Delos, or if hot walking is not appealing, staying with the boat and swimming may be the better use of your time.

The return to Mykonos is part of the entertainment

The return sail takes about 30 minutes in the published schedule, though the full timing can vary with conditions and the day’s program. This is where the tone shifts from archaeology and swimming to music.

The crew often turns the ride home into a small dance party, with singing, lively music, and encouragement to get up and move. Several people describe this as a highlight, and even those who did not dance enjoyed the atmosphere.

This section is not subtle or formal. It is cheerful, participatory, and sometimes noisy. You can join in or stay seated, but the crew clearly enjoys making the return memorable. The dancing also helps the trip feel like more than a transport service between two islands.

The sea may be bumpier on the way back, particularly in windy weather. Hold on when needed, keep valuables secure, and take your seasickness precautions before the boat leaves Rhenia rather than after the waves pick up.

What the $101 price really includes

At $101 per person, the trip sits in the middle range for a full-day Mykonos boat outing. The value is strongest if you want several elements in one booking: transport by boat, time at two islands, a BBQ, fruit, drinks, crew service, and entertainment.

The cost is less attractive if you only want a quiet beach transfer. You will spend part of the day sailing, and the group setting may not suit everyone. The Delos entrance fee is extra, and snorkeling gear must be purchased onboard if you need it.

Still, the combination is hard to match at this price. A separate boat trip, lunch, and visit to Delos could cost more and require more planning. You also get flexibility on the day, since you can focus on the ruins or stay with the swimming option.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve without paying immediately make it easier to fit into a changing Mykonos schedule. Check the available starting time before booking, since this is a long activity and does not pair well with another fixed tour.

Who should book this excursion?

You should consider it if you want a social day on the water with a mix of culture and swimming. Couples, families, solo visitors, and groups can all fit into the format, and the crew works hard to make people feel included.

It is especially good for first-time visitors to Mykonos who want to see more than the main island. Delos provides the major historical reason to go, while Rhenia gives you a break from sightseeing.

You may want another option if you need a quiet, private experience, have limited swimming ability, or dislike boats that can move sharply in rough water. The Delos walk also demands sun protection and a reasonable level of comfort with walking over exposed archaeological ground.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia boat trip?

Book it if you want variety. The best part is the balance: clear water at Rhenia, a proper look at Delos, lunch on the boat, and a playful return ride with music and dancing.

I would treat Delos as the priority and Rhenia as the reward. Bring water, sunscreen, water shoes, a swimsuit, and seasickness medication if needed. Allow extra time at the Old Port, and budget separately for the archaeological entrance fee.

For $101, this is a strong choice for an active, friendly, good-value day around Mykonos. It is not a private luxury cruise, and the food and wine are simple, but the crew, scenery, and choice between ruins and swimming make the outing easy to recommend.

FAQ

Where does the Delos and Rhenia boat trip depart from?

It departs from the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is about 6.5 hours.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is listed at approximately €20 per person. The price can change, so confirm the current amount before visiting.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. The Delos visit is self-guided. A guide and an audio guide are not included in the stated package.

How much time do you get at Delos?

The schedule provides about two hours for sightseeing and independent exploration.

Can I swim instead of visiting Delos?

The schedule allows an alternative for people who prefer to stay aboard and swim rather than disembark at Delos. Confirm the exact option with the crew on the day.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a BBQ and fruit. Water, soft drinks, and wine are available, and additional drinks may be purchased onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be purchased onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, drinking water for Delos, and suitable shoes. Water shoes are useful because some areas around Rhenia are rocky.