3 hour private cruise: DELOS – RHENIA

Two islands, one easy plan.

This private cruise from Ornos is designed to get you off land crowds fast, then slow down once you are on the water, with a catamaran feel and time to swim. I especially like the open bar setup, since beer, wine, and soft drinks are part of the day, not something you have to hunt down.

My favorite part is how the stops are built around water time. You will get snorkeling equipment plus towels, and the Rhenia stop is aimed at swimming and relaxing, including Skinos, also called Blue Lacuna, with those bright turquoise-looking coves. The tone tends to be warm and hands-on, with crew members such as Vassillis, Vasilis, and Aries showing up in the communication and service style.

One thing to budget for: the Delos archaeological site entrance fee is not included, listed at €12 per adult. It is easy to miss until the day arrives, so plan for that add-on if Delos is a must-see.

Key things that make this cruise work

• Private catamaran for up to 9 keeps the day intimate and flexible
• Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks) make the time on deck feel effortless
• Delos plus Rhenia gives you both ancient sites and a swim-focused island stop
• Snorkeling equipment and towels included means you can get in the water without extra prep
• You can shape the day around what you care about most, with time built in for swims

A smart Mykonos day: Delos first, then Rhenia’s swim time

Mykonos is famous for parties and picture-perfect lanes, but it can also be packed with day-trippers. This is the kind of tour that flips the script, because you start at the water, and you spend the most enjoyable moments away from crowds.

The format is also practical. It runs about 3 hours, and it is private, meaning your group is not sharing the catamaran with strangers. That makes a difference when you want a slower, more personal pace, especially once you get to the water stops.

On top of that, it is built for comfort. Think lounging space on your own boat, plus an open bar during the cruise, so your day is about actually enjoying the sea, not budgeting every hour.

Private catamaran vibes: who it suits best and what to expect

This is a private tour/activity, so you will go with your own group only, up to 9 people. That limit matters because it keeps the experience feeling roomy, and it makes it easier for the captain and crew to manage the day.

It also fits well if you like a bit of control. The cruise is described as flexible, meaning you can tailor the experience toward your interests rather than being locked into a one-size-fits-all schedule.

If you want a calm day with lots of stops for photos, swimming, and snacks, this model works. If you need a totally slow boat ride, keep in mind that some people note the pace can feel fast and you may get a bit wet. That is not a safety issue based on what is shared, just something to consider if you are easily bothered by sea spray.

Meeting at Ornos, then heading out for your Delos to Rhenia route

You meet at Ornos dock in Mykonos (the embarkation point listed is at Ornos, 846 00). The experience ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not dealing with complicated drop-offs after a few hours at sea.

A key practical note: hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. Even though pickup is sometimes offered on other products, this one specifically calls out hotel transfer as not part of the deal. Plan on getting yourself to the dock on Ornos, then letting the cruise take it from there.

You will also receive a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. If you want clear communication in advance, the tone from the crew style here is consistently described as quick and helpful.

Stop 1: Delos, 20 minutes on a holy island and the one cost to plan for

Delos is one of those places where the setting and the story match. You approach by boat, and from the small port you can see ancient monuments of the island. It is also a myth-heavy location: in Greek legend, the holy island was connected to Poseidon revealing it through the Aegean waves, and then Leto arriving to give birth to Apollo and Artemis.

Your time here is about 20 minutes. That sounds short, but it is often the right length when you are doing Delos as part of a combined sea day, not as a full land tour. You are not going to become an archaeologist in 20 minutes, but you will get a taste of why this island matters.

One consideration is the entry fee. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is excluded, listed at €12 per adult. So while you are not usually surprised by a small add-on on Mykonos, this is one item worth budgeting early so you do not end up adjusting your spending plan at the last minute.

There is also the option of guided tours by professional guides once you are on Delos. If you care deeply about history and want more than quick seeing, this is where you would want to match your curiosity with a guide.

Stop 2: Rhenia and Skinos, the Blue Lacuna swim stop

After Delos, you head to Rhenia, a nearby island that has a very different feel. In antiquity, Rhenia was used as a kind of sanctuary with stories tied to people who were not allowed to remain on Delos and those with severe illnesses. Today, the message is simple: Rhenia is treated like a day-at-the-beach kind of place.

This is where the cruise becomes truly relaxing. You get about 2 hours at the Rhenia stop, and it is built around swimming, sunbathing, and strolling around the coast at a comfortable pace.

The most famous area is Skinos, known as Blue Lacuna. Expect clear water and beach time. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the golden sandy stretch, then hang out back on the boat for a drink.

Snorkeling fits naturally here because the cruise includes use of snorkeling equipment. If you like seeing fish and shapes under the water without needing your own gear, this included item turns a beautiful cove into a more complete experience.

Also, the boat ride back includes views of Mykonos from sea. It is not a dramatic “big finale,” but it is a nice way to end the day with a different angle on a familiar place.

Food, towels, and the open bar that changes how you feel on the water

The cruise includes a very practical set of extras: unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus fuel surcharge, towels, and snorkeling equipment. That combination matters because it covers the stuff that makes a short sea day enjoyable instead of stressful.

In plain terms, the open bar helps you stay in “vacation mode.” You can focus on the swim cove and the views rather than thinking about drink costs or whether you should pace yourself.

Some of the most positive comments attach to the crew style and little touches. Names like Vassillis, Vasilis, and Aries show up linked to good communication and friendly service, plus snacks and wine served at the swim stop. That kind of timing is important: having food and drinks ready right when you are at Blue Lacuna makes the whole stop feel smoother.

What to bring is simple, but think about comfort. You will be on the water, swimming, and moving between boat and beach areas. Bring your swimsuit, expect sun, and consider water-friendly footwear only if you already know you like it. The cruise provides towels and snorkeling gear, so you do not need to pack those.

Price and value: what $901 per group really buys you

The price is $901.05 per group, for up to 9 people. That might sound steep if you compare it to a shared public boat, but the math changes fast when you split it across your group.

This is the key value point: you are paying for privacy, flexibility, and time on your own catamaran, not just transportation. On a crowded island like Mykonos, the difference between sharing and having your own boat can turn a “nice trip” into a genuinely relaxed afternoon.

Add the included items to the mix: unlimited drinks, towels, and snorkeling equipment. Those extras are not small on a short tour. If you would otherwise buy drinks and rent or supply snorkeling gear, the cruise price starts looking more reasonable.

And then there is the one item outside the package: Delos entrance fee at €12 per adult. That is the main “surprise potential” here, so it is smart to plan it in from day one.

Booking timing also matters. The cruise is commonly booked about 46 days in advance on average, so if your travel dates are set, you will likely want to reserve earlier rather than later.

Timing and comfort tips for a smoother day at sea

This is a 3-hour experience, so every segment is short by design. Delos is quick at around 20 minutes, then Rhenia takes the time with about 2 hours for swimming and relaxing.

Because Delos is short, do not try to treat it like a full walking tour with museum-level reading. Go for what you came for: boat views of the monuments and a sense of the myth and archaeology in a compact format.

For Rhenia, plan to be in swim mode. You are spending the bulk of your time there, and snorkeling equipment is included. If you want photos, do them between swim sessions, not while you are chilled or tired.

One more practical detail: the experience notes that good weather is required. If weather turns, you should expect the possibility of a different date or a full refund. That matters for planning, especially in shoulder seasons when wind can change the feel of the Aegean.

Who should book this Delos and Rhenia private cruise?

Book it if you want:

• A crowd-free sea day with your own group
• Delos as a highlight, but not a full-day land marathon
• Rhenia time built for swimming and snorkeling
• A simple package with unlimited drinks and included gear

Consider a different option if:

• You are extremely budget-sensitive and hate add-on fees, since Delos entry is not included at €12 per adult
• You need a super slow, very dry ride, because the boat pace and sea spray can be a factor for some people

This is also a good fit for couples and small groups who want a relaxed Mykonos day without spending the entire time in taxis, queues, and packed ferries.

Should you book this cruise?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a practical mix: ancient Delos views plus a genuine swim stop at Rhenia’s Blue Lacuna (Skinos). The private setup, the included snorkeling equipment and towels, and the unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are exactly the kind of included value that makes a short trip feel complete.

If Delos fees are not a big deal for you, and you are happy to keep Delos to a quick, scenic stop, you should feel good about booking. If Delos is your top priority and you want long guided time on land, you might want a dedicated Delos option instead. For many people, though, this private two-island format is the best way to get both story and swim time into one easy afternoon.

FAQ

How many people are in a private group on this cruise?

It is a private tour/activity with up to 9 people per group.

How long is the Delos and Rhenia cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

What is included in the open bar?

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included, with unlimited drinks during the cruise.

What extra cost should I plan for at Delos?

The entrance fee for the Delos archaeological site is €12 per adult and is not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

You start at Ornos dock and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. The meeting point is Ornos dock.