Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands

Delos feels different from a yacht. This half-day sail trip mixes Delos archaeology with a real swim-and-snorkel break at Rhenia, plus a lunch buffet served right on the boat. I like that the day gives you both a structured plan and freedom, like choosing a guided Delos tour or self-walking the ruins. One possible drawback: getting on and off can be tricky if you have mobility issues, and rougher water can make the ride back uncomfortable.

For money, it is a strong value if you want a day on the water without micromanaging details. Lunch and drinks are included, and you also get snorkeling gear and Wi-Fi onboard. Still, budget extra for the Delos entrance fee and optional guided tour, and keep an eye on the weather, since the itinerary depends on good sea conditions.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• Delos choice matters: Guided tour add-on or self-walk time, plus the option to stay onboard for a swim.
• Rhenia is the water payoff: Snorkeling gear is included, and the crew can help non confident swimmers with noodles or life vests.
• Lunch is not an afterthought: A BBQ buffet is served onboard, not a quick snack.
• You travel on a gulet: Depending on your departure, you may be on Andreas (up to 40 people) or Atlantis (up to 30 people), with extra space to relax.
• Barefoot rule onboard: It is for comfort and safety, so plan your socks-free packing.

Why this Mykonos Delos and Rhenia sail is a smart use of time

Mykonos can eat your day with bus transfers, lines, and long waits. This cruise keeps things tight and scenic, with a focus on two places that are famous for very different reasons: Delos for the ancient site, Rhenia for clear-water swimming.

I especially like the pacing. You get a planned window at Delos (about 1.5 hours), then you get real time in the water at Rhenia (about 2.5 hours). If you want a day that feels like Mykonos, not like an all-day checklist, this fits.

The main thing to consider is that you will be at the mercy of sea conditions. This is not a calm-lake experience, and the ride back can feel choppier if the wind and waves are up.

Getting on board at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis (and what happens first)

Your day starts at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis at 9:30 am. Boarding is quick, around 10 minutes, and a crew member gives basic safety instructions plus an overview of the plan. Life vests are available for passengers if needed or requested.

There is also a QR code onboard for extra information, so you can scan for details without a long lecture. And yes, everyone is barefoot on the boat for safety and comfort, so leave your shoes for the shore.

If you buy pickup, the transfer is arranged separately. Pickup is available for 20 euros per person roundtrip and usually happens 30 to 60 minutes before departure, with the driver contacting you the evening before.

The Delos stop: 1.5 hours at a UNESCO site, with two ways to do it

Delos is the big headline. You are visiting a UNESCO archaeological monument tied to ancient Greek mythology, including the idea of Apollo’s birthplace. The cruise docks long enough for a meaningful visit, about 1.5 hours.

Here is the key decision point: you can either take a professional guided tour (45 euros per person, pre-reserve required) or self-walk the ruins. If you like learning on the spot and want help linking buildings to stories, the guided option is worth considering. If you prefer to move at your own pace and read what you see, self-walking works fine.

Delos has an admission fee not included in the base price (20 euros per person). If you want to stay onboard instead of touring ashore, you can. That means you can swap a hot walk for swimming and sun time at a nearby bay, then rejoin the day later.

One practical note: Delos can get hot and tiring. If you plan to self-walk, wear comfortable clothing for sun exposure and bring a hat, because you will be under open sky.

Sailing time between stops: views, sun, and a reality check on motion

Between stops, you are on the boat for cruising time. That is when the scenery is at its best, and you can settle into deck life with coffee or wine depending on what you are offered onboard.

A few important expectations to set upfront. The sea can be wavy, and the ride back in particular is the moment when people who are sensitive to motion tend to feel it. If you have ever felt sick on boats, plan for that possibility and take it slow right after you eat.

The good news is that the yachts are described as wide and extra comfortable. You should always be able to find space to lay back and relax, even at the maximum group sizes. Crew attention is a big theme in the day’s feedback, which matters when water gets choppy.

Rhenia Island: the swim-and-snorkel stretch with included gear and BBQ lunch

If Delos is your brain day, Rhenia is your body day. This stop is about 2.5 hours, with swimming and snorkeling as the main event.

Rhenia is described like a natural pool, which is exactly what you want when you are trying to enjoy the water without fighting it. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is included. If you are not a confident swimmer, the crew can provide swimming noodles or life vests for comfort and safety.

Then comes the part that turns a good day into a great one: lunch. Rhenia includes a BBQ lunch served onboard during the swim window. The food is fresh and prepared for the group, with grilled meats and vegetables and a proper sit-down feel even though you are eating on a boat.

If you love snorkeling, this is the moment to lean in. The day is built so you can enjoy the water, watch what is happening underwater when conditions allow, and still have time to eat afterward without rushing.

Food and drinks onboard: what the BBQ lunch is really like

Lunch is a buffet style BBQ served onboard. The menu includes grilled options such as pork skewers, beef, and lamp kebabs, plus grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. You also get a Greek salad on the starter side, tzatziki as part of a spread, mixed rice with veggies and seasonings, and a fruit salad for dessert.

Drinks are not just water. Coffee and tea are included, along with refreshments and white and red wine, beer, and water. Alcoholic and cocktail drinks beyond what is included are available to purchase, so you can decide how social you want the day to be.

In short, this is not a boat tour where lunch is an afterthought. You should come away feeling fed, not just “tasted something.”

Crew members and boat comfort: small details that make the day smoother

The crew is a major reason this tour earns such high marks for overall satisfaction. People mention the staff as attentive and engaged, checking in and helping throughout the day. Names that came up include Marissa, plus crew members Dimitri and Thomas, who were singled out for friendliness and patience.

On the boat itself, you are not squeezed. Depending on the group and which yacht you sail on, you may travel on Andreas (gulet, up to 40 people) or Atlantis (gulet, up to 30 people). Either way, the yachts are described as comfortable and wide, and there is extra deck space to lay back.

Wi-Fi is included onboard, which is surprisingly useful if you are coordinating pickup details or just want to post photos from clear water. That deck comfort plus a real lunch is what makes the day feel like a planned escape instead of a rushed excursion.

Price and value: what you get for $151.16 and what costs extra

The base price is $151.16 per person for about 6 hours (approx.). For that, you get the anchor experience: sailing between islands, a host or tour escort, the lunch buffet on board, snorkeling equipment, personal insurance, and access to coffee, tea, refreshments, and included wine and beer.

What costs extra, if you want it:

• Delos entrance fee: 20 euros per person (not included)
• Professional guided tour at Delos: 45 euros per person (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: 20 euros per person roundtrip (optional purchase)

If you want the simplest plan, you can skip the guided tour and just self-walk Delos. If you want the most context, you can add the guided tour, and if you do not want any stress finding the meeting point, add pickup.

That is the real value equation. You are mostly paying for a day of sailing plus a solid included lunch and swimming time. The add-ons help you customize the day toward learning or convenience.

Timing, weather, and how to plan for a choppy day

This is a weather-dependent cruise. You will be informed the evening before about possible changes to the itinerary or cancellation if conditions are not appropriate for sailing.

Plan for the fact that wind and waves can change how the trip feels. Even when the itinerary stays the same, water can be choppy on sail segments. One practical takeaway is to avoid assuming you will feel perfectly calm the entire ride, especially around the return portion of the day.

If you are sensitive to motion, make sure you have a light mindset about how you will feel after eating and getting back underway. This is not a floating spa, it is an active sea day.

What to bring and what to do before you arrive

Pack for sun and water. Bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen, plus comfortable clothes. If you are visiting in early or late season, a light jacket helps for cooler moments on the water.

You also need to provide passport or ID, or driving licence details when booking due to travel insurance requirements. On top of that, you should provide a valid phone number so the cruise and transportation details can reach you. That matters most if you purchased pickup or you are connecting from a cruise ship area.

If you want to be extra prepared for the water time at Rhenia, bring your own comfort priorities. The boat provides snorkeling gear, and the crew can help with noodles or life vests if you ask, but it still helps to mentally decide how adventurous you feel before you hit the water.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia sail cruise?

I think you should book it if you want a Mykonos day that feels active and scenic without turning into a full-day archaeology grind. The combo of Delos, a swim break at Rhenia, and a real BBQ lunch onboard is a strong fit for people who like variety.

Book with caution if you have mobility limitations, because getting on and off the boat can be challenging. The gangplank is not described as fixed, and conditions can make it trickier, even with crew help.

If your travel style is good with some sea motion and you pack for sun and water, this is a very solid way to spend a half-day from Mykonos. Add the Delos guided tour only if you really want a structured history walkthrough, and otherwise plan to self-walk and enjoy the ruins at your own pace.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos sail cruise to Delos and Rhenia?

The tour is approximately 6 hours.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is pickup from a hotel included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for purchase for 20 euros per person roundtrip.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A lunch buffet onboard is included, with BBQ and veggie options.

Do I need to pay for Delos entrance?

Yes. The Delos archaeological entrance fee is 20 euros per person and is not included in the base price.

Is a guided tour available at Delos?

Yes. A professional guided tour at ancient Delos is available for purchase for 45 euros per person, pre-reserve required.

Is snorkeling available at Rhenia?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the cruise includes swimming time at Rhenia.

What drinks are included onboard?

Included drinks are coffee, tea, refreshments, white and red wine, beer, and water. Alcoholic and cocktail drinks beyond that can be purchased.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen, plus comfortable clothes. A light jacket is recommended for early and late season.

What if the weather is bad?

This activity requires good weather. If conditions are not appropriate, you will be informed the evening before about possible itinerary changes or cancellation, with either a different date or a full refund offered.