Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Islands Cruise with BBQ Meal

Sea air beats Mykonos crowds. This 6-hour cruise from Mykonos to UNESCO Delos and Rhenia Island lets you mix ancient ruins, swimming, and a meat-and-veg BBQ with unlimited drinks, with one clear catch: you stay barefoot on board and shoes are not allowed.

I like the practical setup for a day that runs on good food and good time in the water, not constant tours. You get complimentary snorkeling gear and even swimming noodles, plus WiFi, towels, and sunscreen to make it easy to travel light. The only real consideration is that Delos involves walking, so comfortable shore shoes help, even though you cannot wear shoes on the yacht.

Key highlights worth planning for

• UNESCO Delos time that balances ruins and downtime, so you can choose how much you want to walk.
• Snorkeling gear included, plus swimming noodles for an extra-relaxing water break.
• Rhenia BBQ lunch with unlimited beer, wine, coffee, tea, and water, served right on board.
• Small gulet sizing, typically 30 to 40 people, which feels calmer than big party boats.
• Optional add-ons if you want a guided Delos visit or hotel pickup for less hassle.

Why Delos and Rhenia feel like a real escape from Mykonos

Mykonos can be intense, even when you love it. This day cruise gives you a built-in reset: you trade loud streets for sea air, open water time, and two very different island moods.

Delos hits you fast. You go from boat decks to the feeling of walking through a sacred place tied to Apollo and Artemis, with ruins that date back thousands of years. Rhenia is a contrast, more about swim breaks, clear water, and an easy hang before heading back.

For me, the winning combo is how much you actually do for the price: you get lunch, drinks, and water time without having to add a bunch of extras. The “barefoot on board” rule is the only thing that changes the experience, so just pack with that in mind.

Getting to the pier, then living on the water for 6 hours

You’ll depart in the Mykonos area from the Agios Ioannis side. If you choose not to use pickup, you meet the yacht at Ioannis Diakoftis pier in the morning.

There is an optional roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off for €20 per person. It’s offered under the cost on the spot model, meaning you arrange it in advance and then pay when you connect with the team.

The boat is a gulet, and the size depends on group and conditions: up to 40 people on a larger 89-ft gulet, or up to 30 on a 72-ft gulet. That matters because it affects how crowded the deck feels while you’re waiting to swim or eating lunch.

Once you’re on board, the crew does a safety briefing and you’ll watch a safety instructions video. You also get life vests, and the crew keeps the pace friendly, with drinks available through the day.

The sailing stretch: views, refreshments, and the first Delos glimpse

Most of the day starts with the simple pleasure part, the boat ride itself. You’ll cruise past Mykonos and nearby islands with plenty of time to get your bearings from the sea.

Expect a short scenic sailing window before you reach Delos. There’s also a brief photo stop there, enough time to take in the vibe and set your expectations for what you’ll see when you walk among the ruins.

This first hit is useful. It helps you decide how you want to spend your time once you get actual ruins access. If you’re the type who likes to wander without a plan, the deck breaks later will help you pace it.

Delos ruins: optional guided structure, plus self-paced time

Delos is the stop that most people remember. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the day is built around giving you enough time to appreciate it without rushing yourself into exhaustion.

You have two ways to do Delos. You can go for the self-guided approach with whatever preparation you bring, or you can purchase a professional guided tour on top of the base experience. The guided option costs €45 for adults and €40 for children, and there is also mention of a separate entrance fee of €20 per person for Delos when you pre-arrange it.

Even without paying for a guide, you still get solid time on Delos to walk and explore, plus breaks built into the schedule. The day includes a longer ruins visit window, where you get guided tour (if you added it), then free time and self-guided sightseeing.

Practical note: Delos is a walking experience. If your goal is photos and a light stroll, it may still feel like a lot if you’re not wearing supportive shore shoes. If you want more structure, adding the guide can be worth it, especially if you’re interested in the stories behind the sites.

Swimming time at Delos: snorkeling gear and a calm water rhythm

After ruins time, the day pivots back to water. There’s about an hour set aside for swimming and snorkeling at Delos, and the good news is the equipment is included.

You get complimentary snorkeling gear, plus swimming noodles. That combination makes it easier for beginners or anyone who just wants to float and look without fussing with renting gear.

This is also where the small-boat vibe pays off. When you’re not packed into a big crowd, it’s easier to rotate between sun and water, and easier to find a comfortable spot along the side of the gulet.

You should bring your beachwear and plan to get wet. Since you’re on a boat, comfort matters more than packing perfection. This is a “feel the day” moment, not a “check every item off a list” moment.

Rhenia Island: BBQ lunch, drinks, and open-water downtime

Rhenia is your big water-and-meal block. You’ll have about two hours there, and it’s timed like a proper break, not a quick stop.

Lunch is part of the Rhenia experience. You’ll be served a traditional Greek BBQ meal onboard, with meat and vegetables, and you’ll also have unlimited drinks available. The drink list includes beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water.

This is one reason the cruise can feel like strong value. Many island days charge extra for food and drinks, and here they’re built in. If you like beer or wine with lunch, the included setup can genuinely change what you’d spend if you were doing the day on your own.

You also keep the water time going at Rhenia: swimming and snorkeling again, with snorkeling gear included. The goal here is simple. Get in the clear water, grab a break on deck, then eat something hot and filling without leaving the boat.

If you want spirits or cocktails, those are not included. Plan on sticking to the listed included drinks unless you’re okay paying extra for anything stronger.

What’s included (and why it matters for value)

At $147 per person for a 6-hour cruise, the math works best when you care about the full package. This one includes the stuff that usually adds up fast: food, drinks, and gear.

Included highlights:

• BBQ lunch with meat and vegetables
• Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, water)
• Snorkeling gear plus swimming noodles
• Towels and sunscreen
• WiFi on board
• Life vests, plus safety video and a professional skipper
• Port fees and taxes

What you should notice is the way it reduces friction. You don’t have to decide where to eat or where to rent gear. You can just show up with the basics and follow the day’s rhythm.

One small comfort factor that people often forget: towels and sunscreen are provided. That means you can travel lighter, especially if you already packed beach essentials for Mykonos.

Barefoot on board: the rule that affects how you pack

This is a big one, and it’s clearly stated. Shoes are not allowed, and participants are barefoot on board for safety and hygiene reasons.

So you’ll want to think about your shoes differently. Wear shore shoes for getting to and from the boat, but plan on leaving them off once you’re onboard. A comfortable pair for walking ruins and walking around the pier helps you enjoy Delos more.

Also pack clothes that dry fast. You’ll likely be in and out of the water more than once. If you’re prone to feeling cold after swimming, the day can still use a light jacket, and the guidance lists bringing one.

Weather, boat choice, and how to avoid a stressful day

This cruise is weather-sensitive. If conditions are not appropriate, you’ll be informed in the evening before about possible itinerary changes or cancellation.

That’s not unusual for Aegean sailing, but it’s still practical to know. If your trip schedule is tight, keep a flexible buffer day around it when possible.

Boat size also depends on group size and conditions. You might sail on a gulet for up to 30 people, or up to 40. Either way, the format is the same, but the deck feels more open on the smaller side.

Who this cruise suits best, and who might want a different day

This fits you if you want a day that mixes one major sightseeing stop with real water time. Delos gives you the anchor, and Rhenia gives you the reset.

It’s also a strong pick if you like social atmosphere but not chaos. With gulets in the 30 to 40 range, it’s easier to talk to the crew and others without constantly feeling squeezed.

You might choose a different option if:

• You dislike walking ruins at all, since Delos involves a real stroll.
• You strongly prefer wearing shoes on boats. This one is barefoot by rule.

For most people, though, it’s a smart way to do Delos without turning the day into a frantic hopscotch between places.

Should you book the Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia cruise?

If you want an efficient, good-value day that includes BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, and snorkeling gear, this cruise is worth serious consideration. You’re paying for convenience, not just for transportation, and that’s where the price feels most fair.

I’d especially book it if you’re going to use the water time and you like the idea of eating onboard in between swims. Delos is the cultural hit, and Rhenia is the easy cool-down, and the schedule is built to give you both.

If you’re undecided, make the call based on two things: how much you’re willing to walk at Delos, and how comfortable you are with the barefoot boat rule. If those two points work for you, you’re set up for a genuinely enjoyable Mykonos day beyond the shoreline hype.

FAQ

What is the duration of the cruise?

The experience runs for 6 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from in Mykonos?

It departs from the Agios Ioannis area. If you do not use pickup, you meet at Ioannis Diakoftis pier in the morning.

What does the BBQ lunch include?

The lunch includes BBQ with meat and vegetables.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included, including beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water. Spirits and cocktails are not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Complimentary snorkeling gear is included, along with swimming noodles.

Can I add a professional guided tour at Delos?

Yes. A Delos guided tour can be added for €45 per adult and €40 per child, with a note that an entrance fee of €20 per person is also required when pre-arranged.

Do I need to bring any identification?

You’ll need a passport or ID card. Driving licence details are also mentioned as acceptable for insurance purposes when booking.

Are shoes allowed on board?

No. Participants are barefoot on board for safety and hygiene reasons, and shoes are not allowed on the yacht.

Is there hotel pickup and drop-off?

Optional pickup and drop-off are available for €20 per person, paid on the spot after pre-reserving.

What happens if the weather is bad?

You’ll be informed the evening before about possible itinerary changes or cancellation if conditions are not appropriate.