Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Islands Cruise with BBQ Meal

Mykonos gets quieter fast on this Delos and Rheneia cruise. You sail out of Agios Ioannis and spend the day between ruins on Delos and swim time around Rheneia, with snorkeling gear and a BBQ meal onboard. It is a nice way to see more than just another beach, without dealing with buses and schedules.

I really like the Delos setup: a photo stop first, then real time to walk the ruins at your own pace. I also like the onboard comfort and food plan, with unlimited drinks and a freshly prepared meat-and-veggie BBQ served right on the yacht.

One consideration: everyone is barefoot onboard for safety and hygiene, and shoes are not allowed. If you want a fully guided walkthrough of the Delos ruins, that is an extra add-on.

Key things I’d remember before you go

• Delos UNESCO ruins, timed for both photos and walking: you get a brief stop plus about 1.5 hours to explore and decide how much you want to do.
• Snorkeling gear and swimming noodles included: the water time is built into the day, not tacked on.
• Rheneia is the swim and BBQ focus: your long stop includes lunch onboard, then more water time.
• Unlimited drinks onboard, with clear exclusions: beer, wine, coffee, tea, water, plus refreshments, but spirits and cocktails cost extra.
• Small-ish gulets, up to 40 or 30: group size can change by boat size and conditions.
• Barefoot on board changes your packing: bring a cover-up, not footwear for inside the boat.

The basic idea: why this cruise beats a standard Mykonos day

This is a 6-hour cruise that deliberately shifts you away from Mykonos’s nonstop pace. You are not just sailing around. The day is built around two very different experiences: ancient Delos, and swim time around Rheneia. That combo works because you get both a mental reset (ruins, sea air, walking paths) and a physical reset (time in the water, a long lunch break, then relaxing again).

Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site with roots going back to 3500 BC. Even if you do not pay for the optional professional guide, you still get time to wander among the ruins and soak up the setting connected to Apollo and Artemis. The day does not rush you like some “see it and go” tours. You get a photo stop, then a longer window to explore.

Rheneia is where the cruise turns into a classic Aegean day: calm stops, crystal-clear water, snorkeling, and a meal served onboard. I like that the schedule has downtime built in, so you can spend the day in “eat, swim, relax” mode without constantly checking your watch.

Boat life details that really matter in Greece

This type of cruise runs on comfort and safety, and this one covers both. You sail on a gulet-style yacht, and the group size can vary depending on conditions and which boat is used, up to about 40 people on an 89 ft boat, or up to about 30 on a 72 ft boat. That matters because it tends to feel more like a day with your group than a crowded cattle-car.

Onboard, you get snorkeling gear for exploring underwater near Rheneia, plus swimming noodles for easier, floaty fun. Towels and sunscreen are included, which is practical because sun and salt can dry you out quickly on the Aegean. There is also WiFi onboard, which is handy if you want to look up a self-guided route for Delos.

Safety is not an afterthought. You get a safety briefing and a safety instructions video, plus life vests. And yes, there is a specific hygiene rule that impacts your comfort: you will be barefoot onboard and shoes are not allowed. Plan around that by bringing easy-to-remove beachwear and a light jacket for shade and wind on the deck.

What I like most is that the drinks are organized and continuous, so the “what do we do now” feeling stays low. Crew members are friendly and attentive, and the vibe tends to be relaxed rather than strict.

Getting out of Mykonos: the first sailing segment

The cruise starts around the Agios Ioannis area, with departure timing based on the option you choose. If you select hotel pickup, you can add roundtrip pickup and drop-off for €20 per person, paid on the spot after pre-reserving. If you do not want pickup, you meet the yacht directly in the morning at the Ioannis Diakoftis pier.

The early portion of the day includes a scenic sailing stretch, with drinks available and a safety briefing. This is not just dead time. It is the moment you get your bearings, grab a coffee or tea if the morning is cool, and settle in before Delos becomes the main event.

One small practical note: you bring a jacket even if you think you will only bake in the sun. Wind off the water can be chilly at the start, and shade on deck is real once you are moving.

Also, the cruise includes coffee, tea, and beer along with wine and water. That means you can keep it simple. You do not have to spend mental energy figuring out “what is available at which stop.” It is ready while you sail.

Delos time: ruins, viewpoints, and deciding your pace

Delos is the UNESCO anchor of the trip. You start with a brief photo stop, then you move into the main Delos section with time for both guided and self-guided options.

Here is the pattern that helps you plan:

• You get a short photo moment to capture the dramatic setting.
• Then you have about 1.5 hours to visit and walk around, with sightseeing time built in.
• You also have a block later that allows more time around the day before you move on to Rheneia.

You can go fully self-guided, or you can add a professional guide. The optional guided experience is sold separately at €45 for an adult and €40 for a child. There is also an entrance fee for Delos that you handle as part of the add-on package, listed as €20 per person when reserving in advance.

What I like about this approach is control. If you love ruins and want the story behind the stones, pay for the guide and let someone point out what matters most. If you prefer autonomy, you can explore on your own and focus on the sections that catch your eye, then come back for photos and the best viewpoints.

A real benefit is that Delos time is not just a quick walk through. Reviews connected to this trip highlight that people found it worthwhile even without paying for the guide, especially if you prep beforehand. So if you are someone who likes to understand where you are standing before you arrive, spend a bit of time on a self-guided plan. You will get more out of the route.

Rheneia: swimming, snorkeling, and a relaxed island rhythm

After Delos, the day shifts to Rheneia, and this is where most people feel the cruise become a vacation. Rheneia is where the water experience is the headline: swimming and snorkeling with the included gear, plus the longest stop on the itinerary.

Your Rheneia window is about 2 hours. That is generous enough to do the two most popular things without rushing:

1) Go in the water, snorkel around, and enjoy the clear visibility.

2) Come back up for lunch, then relax again while the group settles in.

The BBQ lunch happens onboard. It is described as a freshly prepared traditional Greek meat and vegetable barbecue, served with drinks. You also get more time for swimming and snorkeling after the meal, which I love because you get to eat while the sun is high and then come back when you are ready to move again.

If you are not an advanced swimmer, that is not a barrier. The cruise includes swimming noodles, and the water time is a managed break rather than a free-for-all. You still get the Aegean thrill, but with built-in support from the crew and safety equipment.

One more practical detail: towels and sunscreen are included, and there is time to dry off and reset between swims. That small logistics help makes the day feel smoother.

BBQ lunch and drinks: what’s included, what costs extra

This is one of the clearest value parts of the cruise. You get BBQ lunch onboard, with meat and vegetables. The lunch is served during the Rheneia stop, so you are eating in a moving-island setting, not at some roadside stop where everyone is hungry and tired.

Drinks are also included on a true “unlimited” basis: beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water. That is a big deal on Mykonos, where drinks can quietly become a line item by the end of the day.

What is not included is spirits and cocktails. If you are the kind of person who wants a mixed drink with lunch, plan for that add-on cost.

Based on what people emphasize about the food, the BBQ tends to be a highlight. The servings are described as plentiful, and the meal quality often gets called out as better than what many people expected from a cruise format. That is not a guarantee, but it is a good sign that the cruise does not treat lunch as filler.

If you want a simple day, you can eat and drink without thinking too much. If you have dietary needs, the data here only confirms meat and vegetables, so you might want to check in directly with the operator before you go.

How the stops fit a 6-hour schedule (and where time can feel tight)

Six hours sounds long until you are on the water and realize you spend some of that time moving between islands. The good news is the schedule uses time in blocks:

• Sailing time passes by with scenic views and drinks.
• Delos time is split into a quick photo portion and a longer explore window.
• Rheneia is the big, fun block with water time plus BBQ.

The one place that can feel tight is the Delos walking time if you want to see everything, especially if you also plan photos and a longer break. You get about 1.5 hours at Delos for the visit and self-guided sightseeing portion. If you are a slow explorer or you like to sit and absorb details, you may want the optional guide. It can help you make decisions faster about what is worth your steps.

Weather also matters. The operator notes that if conditions are not appropriate, you will be informed the evening before about possible itinerary changes or cancellation. That can be frustrating, but it is better than showing up and being stuck. It also means it is smart to travel with flexible expectations.

Who should book this cruise (and who might skip it)

This is a strong fit if you want a single-day “wow” that mixes ancient sites with real water time. I would especially recommend it to:

• Couples who want a relaxed pace with a clear plan.
• Travelers who hate switching modes all day (bus, line, bus, line), but still want more than one stop.
• People who care about included basics like snorkeling gear, towels, sunscreen, and lunch.

It may be less ideal if:

• You strongly dislike being barefoot onboard. The hygiene and safety rule is non-negotiable.
• You want a very in-depth Delos experience with a lot of time for monuments and extended museum-style learning. You can add a professional guide, but even then, the visit window is still a day-trip window.
• You are the type who wants no weather-based uncertainty at all. Conditions can change the plan.

The fact that the cruise includes a friendly crew, a professional skipper, and safety equipment makes it easier to relax. You do not need to be a scuba diver to enjoy the Rheneia water time.

Price and value, including the extras you might actually use

At $147 per person for a 6-hour cruise, the best value comes from what is packed into that price. You get:

• BBQ lunch onboard (meat and vegetables)
• Unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, coffee, tea, water, and refreshments
• Snorkeling gear plus swimming noodles
• Towels and sunscreen
• WiFi onboard
• Life vests, safety briefing, and skipper service
• All taxes and port fees

On paper, that is a lot of included “day-trip costs” bundled together. If you were to do Delos independently and then arrange a separate boat day for snorkeling and food, you would likely pay more in separate tickets, transportation, and onboard spending.

Just remember the two common add-ons:

1) Hotel pickup and drop-off for €20 per person (if you do not want to manage the pier on your own).

2) Optional Delos guided tour, plus the Delos entrance fee add-on package. The guide is €45 adult and €40 child, and the entrance fee is listed as €20 per person when handled in advance.

So the real comparison is not only the base price. It is base price plus what you personally want: convenience (pickup) and interpretation (guide).

If you like planning your own Delos route and you are comfortable exploring with time to walk, you can keep costs down. If you want a more structured experience at Delos, add the guide and entrance fee and treat the day as a history-plus-water combo rather than a self-guided scavenger hunt.

Should you book this Delos and Rheneia cruise with BBQ?

I think you should book it if you want one ticket that delivers three things you cannot easily DIY on Mykonos: real time at Delos, real water time at Rheneia, and a lunch that is actually part of the experience. The included snorkeling gear, unlimited drinks, and BBQ lunch are the “value backbone” here, and the crew support is repeatedly called out as attentive.

Before you commit, make sure you can handle the barefoot onboard requirement and that you pack for sun and wind (a jacket helps). Also decide in advance how you want to experience Delos. If you want a guided route, plan for the added guide and entrance fees. If you prefer independence, plan a self-guided approach so your 1.5 hours feels like your kind of exploration.

If you want a calm, satisfying day that mixes ancient ruins with Aegean swimming, this is a very sensible choice.

FAQ

Is the Delos guided tour included in the price?

No. The Delos guided tour is an optional add-on. It is listed as €45 per adult and €40 per child, and there is also an entrance fee add-on listed as €20 per person that needs to be reserved in advance.

What is included in the BBQ lunch?

The onboard BBQ lunch includes meat and vegetables, served during the Rheneia stop.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included on an unlimited basis, including beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water. Spirits and cocktails are not included.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Complimentary snorkeling gear is included for underwater exploration at Rheneia. Swimming noodles are also provided.

Do I need hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off is optional. It can be added for €20 per person, paid on the spot after pre-reserving. If you skip pickup, you meet the yacht directly at the Ioannis Diakoftis pier.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

Are shoes allowed on the boat?

No. Shoes are not allowed onboard. Participants are barefoot for safety and hygiene reasons.

What documents should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card. Driving licence details are also mentioned as required upon booking for personal insurance.