Mykonos: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Transfer

Delos from the water feels like a shortcut. I love the Rhenia island swim stop with snorkel gear, and I love how the crew serves homemade rosé with lunch while you are still anchored in a quiet cove. In a good way, it feels hosted, not rushed, with guides like Dmitris and Iliana (and hosts such as Margarita on other departures) making sure you stay comfortable and taken care of. The main thing to consider is that you do not actually land on Delos, and the route can change if wind and sea conditions are rough.

This is also one of those Mykonos experiences where the “value” shows up in the basics: you get hotel transfer when selected, drinks included, snorkeling gear plus SUP, and real time in the water. The group size tends to feel manageable, with many departures running around 10 to 15 people, so you are not packed in like sardines. Still, do not expect a silent, sail-only fantasy, since some trips may run mostly by motor depending on conditions.

Key things to notice before you book

• Rhenia’s 2 hour anchored cove time: built for swimming, snorkeling, and just hanging on deck
• Delos is pass-by only: you get a photo stop and sightseeing from the boat, not a landing
• Unlimited homemade rosé plus drinks: paired with lunch served onboard
• Onboard extras that matter in practice: snorkeling gear, SUP, and a Bluetooth speaker for your playlist
• Crew energy and attention: multiple guides, including Dmitris, Iliana, Margarita, and Adonis, are repeatedly praised for keeping things moving
• Weather can shift the plan: the captain may reroute to calmer coves along Mykonos instead of Delos

From Mathios Tavern to the catamaran: getting comfortable fast

My favorite part of this trip is how quickly it turns from Mykonos streets into open water time. If you choose hotel pickup, a van transfer brings you to the cruise base area, usually with a short ride and then a focused onboarding. If you are doing the self-meet option, the base manager waits outside Mathios tavern by 8:30 daily, so plan to arrive a bit early and not sprint at the last second.

Once you are on board, there is a safety briefing and welcome refreshments, then you settle in on the modern catamaran. The vibe is relaxed from the start, not formal. You get the sense that the crew runs this like a friendly daytime hangout with real maritime competence behind it. One practical win from past days: there is onboard seating and a bathroom, which makes the few in-between sailing stretches much easier.

If you get even a little seasick, this is worth knowing. On at least one rougher wind day, the crew had motion-sickness help ready (Dramamine was mentioned in a guest note), which tells me they think about comfort, not just departures and arrival times.

Delos from the sea: what you actually see in 1.5 hours

Delos is famous enough that people expect the full experience. Here, you get the Delos photo stop from the water. That means no hike and no landing on Delos Island. You pass by and snap pictures from your boat, then keep cruising.

In practice, that is not a downside as much as it is a tradeoff. Delos can be time-consuming on land, with heat, walking, and crowds. From the catamaran, you get a clean, quick window to understand why Delos is so historically charged, without turning the day into an endurance event. You are still close enough to take meaningful photos, and the crew typically gives context as you approach.

One gentle caution: if you want the kind of trip where you stand on every site, this is not that format. It is a photo-and-sightseeing stop, then the day moves on. Also, if wind or sea conditions are too challenging, the captain can adjust the itinerary, which may mean Delos gets reduced or swapped for a different route.

Rhenia Island cove time: swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and breathing room

Rhenia Island is the heart of this cruise. You sail over to the nearby cove, then drop anchor in calm, clear turquoise water. This is where the trip earns most of its praise, and where your day really changes pace.

You usually get about two hours at Rhenia, and the schedule is built around water time instead of constant cruising. You can swim straight off the boat, and you also get snorkeling gear plus float-friendly options (pool noodles have come up in guest notes). If you want to move slow, you can lounge in the sun, float, and work through your camera roll. If you want active time, you can snorkel while the crew handles lunch prep.

What makes this stop special is the way it balances freedom and support:

• The cove setting is secluded, so the water time feels calmer than the crowded beach scene.
• The crew is there, organized, and ready to help with gear.
• You are not stuck in a single long swim with no breaks, since the day is timed for both water play and the onboard meal.

A few notes to keep your expectations realistic. Snorkeling can be fun even when fish are not abundant. In at least one guest experience, the beach was beautiful but fish were not as plentiful, so the highlight was the water and the quiet shore feeling. In other days, it is more about visibility and that clean, bright Aegean look. Either way, you are paying for quality water time, not a reef safari.

Also, this is a great place to try the included SUP if you feel confident enough to balance on the water. Even if you do not do it, it is a nice option to have on a day that otherwise revolves around swimming and sunbathing.

Lunch on deck: seafood pasta, meat and vegetarian options, plus rosé

If you care about food, this is one of the best-value parts of the day. Lunch is served onboard after you are anchored at Rhenia, so you are not spending your best water hours searching for a meal. The onboard menu is designed to satisfy different appetites: seafood pasta, plus meat and vegetarian options. You also get seasonal fruits.

Then there are the drinks, and this is where the cruise really nails the Mykonos mood. You get homemade rosé and other beverages onboard, with lots of guests specifically praising how drinks are kept coming. Unlimited rosé keeps showing up in feedback, and it is easy to see why this works well on a catamaran, where the day naturally stretches into a long, gentle afternoon.

A small detail that adds comfort: the crew uses a Bluetooth speaker, so there is music without turning the boat into a party bus. You still hear the sea, and it stays social.

One more comfort check: a few guests noted the atmosphere felt tailored to the group, including families. If you are traveling with kids, you are not dragging them through museums. You are offering a safe, contained time on the water with staff support, then lunch and calm sailing back.

What you should bring is the stuff that makes the water stop painless: swimwear, sunglasses, and sun protection. You will want a towel too, since towels are not included.

Sailing back past Mykonos windmills: views, aperitif, and optional sunset

The return cruise is when Mykonos looks at its best from sea level. As you sail back, you get photo moments and that classic island look: windmills on the islandscape, and Mykonos town views as you approach. Many guests also like the way the boat brings you past iconic spots without you having to fight traffic or find parking.

If you book the sunset cruise option, you get an extra layer of magic. The schedule includes a sunset viewing window on the way back, so you are not trying to cram sunset into your dinner plan. Even on non-sunset departures, there is often an aperitif and drinks during the sailing back part of the day, which keeps the experience feeling like a complete afternoon instead of a quick shuttle.

In past guest notes, people also mentioned seeing views of the Little Venice area during the return. Even if you have seen it before, it hits differently when you are moving past it slowly, with sea air on your face.

One reality check to keep your decision grounded: a guest with a more critical eye noted that the catamaran may be under motor rather than full sailing depending on the conditions. That does not ruin the day, but it does change the vibe. If you are chasing pure sailing romance, keep your expectations flexible.

Is it worth about $123? My booking advice

For a price around $123 per person for a 5 hour experience, the value comes from packing a lot of the day’s costs into one ticket. You are effectively getting:

• hotel transfer when selected
• a 2 hour anchored swim stop at Rhenia
• snorkeling gear plus SUP
• lunch with seafood pasta and vegetarian choices
• homemade rosé and additional drinks
• fuel charges and onboard basics handled by the crew

Where this becomes a smart deal is that you are paying for time, comfort, and simplicity. Instead of juggling beach admission, a standalone boat rental, and then lunch and drinks, you get them combined into one scheduled afternoon.

Who should pick this cruise:

• You want water time first and sightseeing second
• You like the idea of Delos as a photo-and-sightseeing pass-by, not a land-based hike
• You value friendly crew attention, especially if you want drinks kept coming and gear ready
• You want a low-stress day that works for couples, small groups, and even families who can handle a boat ride

Who should skip it:

• If you are determined to step onto Delos and walk the site, this is not your match.
• If you need wheelchair access, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• If rougher wind days would stress you out, just know the captain may reroute along the south coast of Mykonos to find protected coves away from crowds. That is still enjoyable, but it may change the exact views you were expecting.

Should you book this Mykonos catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a half day that feels like a real break from Mykonos town, and you care about the combination of calm swimming, good food, and generous onboard hospitality. I would book it for the Rhenia cove experience, not for checking off Delos by foot. Just pack for the water, keep an eye on wind expectations, and choose sunset if you want the return to end on a high note.

FAQ

Do we get to visit Delos Island?

No. You do not land on Delos. The boat passes by, and you get a photo stop and sightseeing from the water.

How much time do we spend at Rhenia Island?

You get a break at Rhenia Island for swimming and snorkeling, with a total time on-site of about two hours.

What food and drinks are included?

A fresh traditional meal is included onboard, with seafood pasta plus meat and vegetarian options. Homemade rosé wine is included, along with other drinks such as beer and wine.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided, and SUP is also included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. Otherwise, you meet at the base manager location outside Mathios tavern by 8:30 daily.

What should I bring for the cruise?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a camera, and a towel. Towels are not included.