Mykonos: Catamaran Cruise with 3-Course Meal and Transfers

The best Mykonos views come from the water. This five-hour cruise pairs a sleek catamaran with a freshly cooked three-course meal, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. I especially like the generous lounging space and the calm, friendly service from the three-person crew. The main catch is simple: at $175 per person, this is a polished shared cruise, not a cheap boat ride, and the route can change with the weather.

The default trip heads toward Rhenia, with a look at Delos from the water rather than a shore visit. I also like that hotel transfers, drinks, equipment, and WiFi are included. Just remember to bring a towel, since swim towels are not supplied, and boarding and leaving the catamaran are done by tender boat.

Key points before you book

• Rhenia is the usual destination: You cruise toward the quiet island of Rhenia, with Delos visible along the route but no stop there.
• The boat is shared but spacious: Capacity is up to 25 people, though smaller departures can feel close to a private yacht outing.
• Food is cooked onboard: The chef prepares a three-course meal using local ingredients, with seafood, vegetarian, and vegan choices.
• Swimming gear is included: Masks, snorkels, life vests, a kayak, and a stand-up paddleboard are available when weather allows.
• The crew is hands-on: The usual setup is a captain, chef, and hostess, with names such as Antonis, Alex, George, Giorgos, and Yanos appearing among the operating teams.
• Weather controls the day: Wind can send the boat into a more sheltered bay or change the route from Rhenia to Mykonos’ southern coast.

A modern catamaran with room to spread out

The cruise uses one of two new catamarans, Aerial or White Coral. The exact boat depends on availability, so do not book expecting one specific vessel unless the operator confirms it.

Both boats are presented as luxury catamarans, and the practical advantage is space. You have large sunbeds, lounge areas, and several places to sit, so you are not forced into one packed seating area for five hours. On a full departure of 22 to 25 people, that matters. On a lighter departure, the boat can feel almost like a private charter.

The catamaran has been praised for being clean, modern, and well maintained. One useful detail from the boat setup is that it offers separate areas where you can find a little privacy, even on a shared sailing. That suits couples who want quiet time as well as social groups hoping to meet people.

The crew of three usually includes the captain, chef, and hostess. That is a small enough team to feel personal, but large enough to manage food, drinks, safety, and water equipment. Crew members named in past operating teams include Antonis, Alex, George, Giorgos, Yanos, and Renee. The exact lineup can change.

The boat has WiFi with unlimited data, which is unusual on a half-day cruise. Still, the real attraction is putting your phone away for a while. Mykonos looks different from sea level, with its white buildings, dry hills, rocky coves, and famous southern beaches arranged along the coast.

The 15-minute transfer and tender boarding

Pickup is available from your accommodation if you provide the details at least 24 hours ahead. The van ride to Nostos Mykonos Yachts takes about 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute safety briefing.

The transfer is a useful part of the package. It saves you from arranging a taxi to the marina and brings you back afterward. Several operating accounts describe the van as punctual and well organized, though one complaint involved a hot vehicle without air conditioning and a long wait for late passengers. Another passenger reported an unhelpful pickup driver, so I would confirm your meeting point and pickup time clearly.

Boarding is not directly from a normal dock. You use a tender boat to reach the catamaran, and the same applies when leaving. This may be awkward for anyone with limited balance or mobility. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and non-folding wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and electric wheelchairs are not accepted.

The tender transfer also means you should avoid bringing bulky items. Baby strollers, non-folding strollers, and large equipment are not allowed.

The 80-minute cruise toward Rhenia

After the safety briefing, the catamaran spends about 80 minutes cruising toward Rhenia. The ride is part of the experience, not just transportation. You can settle into the sunbeds, watch Mykonos recede, and see the Aegean open around you.

Rhenia is the default route because it offers a quieter setting for swimming and lunch. The island is close to Mykonos but feels more removed from the main resort scene. The boat may also pass near Delos, the important archaeological island beside Mykonos, but this cruise does not include a shore stop there.

That distinction matters. You will not have time to explore Delos’ ruins, and the crew may offer some information as you pass. If your main goal is archaeology, book a dedicated Delos trip instead. If you want a day of open water, food, and swimming, the no-stop route keeps the pace relaxed.

The alternative is Mykonos’ southern coastline. The captain chooses the route according to wind and sea conditions. On windy days, the boat may use more sheltered bays, which can mean fewer dramatic open-sea moments but better swimming conditions. That is a sensible trade. A safe, comfortable swim is worth more than forcing the advertised route in rough water.

Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding

The main water stop lasts about an hour. You can swim, snorkel, use the kayak, or try the stand-up paddleboard, with equipment supplied by the crew.

Masks and snorkels are included, along with life vests. The kayak and paddleboard depend on weather conditions, so neither is guaranteed on every departure. The water can be the star of the day, but conditions and temperatures change by season. In October, one operating account noted that the sea felt chilly, even though the crew kept the outing enjoyable.

This part works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head out with the water equipment, while anyone who would rather stay dry can remain on the deck. There is no pressure to take part in every activity. You can sit in the sun, enjoy a drink, or watch others from the lounge areas.

Bring your own towel. The boat supplies water and swim equipment, but swim towels are not included. Sunglasses and swimwear are also on the recommended packing list. A passport or identity card, or a copy, is required.

A three-course lunch cooked on board

The meal is one of the reasons the price is higher than a basic sailing trip. The yacht chef prepares food onboard from local ingredients selected each morning. The menu can include seafood, and vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Past menu details have included shrimp with orzo in a spicy red sauce, deconstructed bruschetta, and tuna on crackers. Other meals have included a personally made chocolate dessert. That gives you a better idea of the style: fresh, Mediterranean, and pleasant rather than a formal restaurant tasting menu.

Most food feedback has been very strong, but expectations should stay realistic. One passenger found the dessert portion limited, describing it as closer to a small chocolate biscuit than a full dessert. The meal is included and freshly cooked, but this is still a boat lunch served during an active day at sea.

Wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. The crew often checks on drink preferences during the meal and cruise. If you have an allergy, tell the operator in advance and repeat it to the crew. A fish-allergy request was handled carefully on a previous sailing, but clear communication is always wise.

Lunch is usually served after the swim stop, during about an hour anchored near Rhenia. That timing makes sense: you can get wet first, then eat while the boat is settled and the sea is calm.

The long sail back to Mykonos

The return portion lasts about 90 minutes and is often the most peaceful part of the outing. After lunch and swimming, you can stretch out on the deck, finish a drink, and watch the coast pass by.

If conditions allow, the captain may sail rather than run the engines for the entire return. That gives you the quiet glide people hope for from a catamaran cruise. The timing of some departures has also allowed passengers to watch the sunset, and one route included views toward Little Venice as an extra visual highlight.

Sunset is not guaranteed, since start times and weather vary. Check the available departure time if this matters to you. An afternoon sailing may offer better sunset potential, while an earlier outing gives you more daylight for swimming and photos.

The catamaran is also a strong choice for pictures. The white boat, open deck, sea views, and Mykonos coastline provide plenty of natural photo spots. You can take pictures without spending the whole day squeezed into a crowded excursion boat.

Is $175 a fair price?

At $175 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mykonos. The value comes from what is bundled into the price: hotel pickup and drop-off when arranged in time, a new catamaran, five hours on the sea, a chef-prepared meal, wine and beer, soft drinks, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, a kayak, a paddleboard when conditions permit, and WiFi.

You are also paying for a smaller, more comfortable format. The maximum is 25 people, and some departures have carried only 8, 12, 17, or 18 passengers. At that size, the large deck and separate lounging areas make a real difference.

The value drops if your only aim is a quick swim or a short boat ride. You could find less costly outings that cover the same water. But if you want a full half-day with food, drinks, transfers, water activities, and a well-kept boat, the price is easier to justify.

The experience carries a listed rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 341 ratings. The strongest praise centers on the crew, boat condition, food, space, and reliable transfers. The main criticisms concern the quality of an occasional van, waiting for late passengers, and a dessert that may feel small.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, honeymooners, families with older children, and small groups celebrating a birthday or hen party. It also suits cruise ship passengers looking for a well-organized port-day activity, since pickup and return are included and the total cruise time is clear.

It is a good match for you if you want a relaxed day with optional activity. You can swim and paddleboard, but you can also remain on deck with a book and a glass of wine. The crew keeps the mood friendly, and shared departures can become social without forcing everyone into constant conversation.

It is less suitable if you need step-free access, dislike tender boats, or want a private yacht with only your own party. The group can reach 25 people, and the boat assignment is not guaranteed. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a long visit to Delos or a formal restaurant-style meal.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if you want included accommodation pickup. If you reserve later, you must arrange your own transport to the starting point. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mykonos plans depend on the weather.

Should you book the Rhenia catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you value comfort, good service, and a full day at sea more than the lowest possible price. The combination of a new catamaran, open-air lunch, included drinks, swimming gear, and a small operating crew makes this a strong choice for seeing Mykonos from another angle.

I would book it for a special day, a honeymoon, or a cruise stop. Just pack a towel, confirm your pickup details, expect a tender transfer, and keep your route flexible because the captain may choose southern Mykonos instead of Rhenia. If you want archaeological sites, choose a Delos visit. If you want the Aegean, good food, and time to relax, this cruise earns its place on your itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The complete experience lasts about five hours. This includes roughly 15 minutes of van travel each way, a 10-minute safety briefing, an 80-minute cruise toward Rhenia, about an hour for swimming and water activities, about an hour for lunch, and around 90 minutes sailing back.

Does the cruise stop at Delos?

No. The included route can pass by Delos, but there is no shore stop for exploring the archaeological site.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included when your accommodation details are provided at least 24 hours in advance. If you book less than 24 hours before departure, you must arrange your own transport.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes a three-course meal with seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options, plus wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

What water activities are available?

You can swim and snorkel, and masks, snorkels, and life vests are supplied. A kayak and stand-up paddleboard are available when weather conditions permit.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and boarding and disembarkation take place via a tender boat. Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, and non-folding wheelchairs are not accepted.