Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Boat Cruise with Lunch & Transfer

A boat trip starts the story fast, and this one does not waste time. You’ll sail from Mykonos to Delos for a walk around the Apollo and Artemis birthplace site, then anchor at Rhenia for beach time, swimming, and snorkel in famously clear coves. I love the mix of ancient sights and real water time, plus the Greek lunch served onboard. One thing to consider: on a sailing yacht the motion is real, so if you get uneasy on boats, you’ll want to plan for that.

I also like how the day is set up around short, doable chunks, about an hour for sailing to Delos and about two hours for the Rhenia swim stop. The crew includes experienced sailors like Vangelis and Tina (and I’ve seen other team members like Gerasimos and Giannis named in guest notes), and the vibe is practical and friendly. If you want only pool-style relaxation, this trip might feel a bit active, but if you like sun plus variety, it’s a strong match.

Key highlights at a glance

• Delos in about 75 minutes, focused on the Apollo and Artemis birthplace area
• Rhenia’s uninhabited coves, with anchored beach time and clear water for snorkeling
• Onboard Greek lunch with drinks, served while you’re sailing and relaxing
• Snorkeling gear included, plus SUP if weather permits
• Crew on safety and comfort, mentioned by multiple guests on the Beneteau sailing yacht

A 9:00 a.m. day at sea, with Delos first

This is a half-day style cruise, about 6 hours total, built around a morning departure. You set out at 9:00am from Tourlos Marina, and the day starts with transit arranged through the meeting point at Matthew Tavern. I like this timing because you get the Delos visit while the morning light is still kind, and you still return with plenty of daylight left in Mykonos.

The sailing to Delos takes about one hour, so you’re not sitting around waiting for the day to begin. The yacht itself is a 50.5-foot Beneteau sailing yacht, the kind that feels classic and hands-on compared with big motorboats. That also means you’ll feel more motion than you would on a more stable vessel, so treat this as a sailing experience, not a static sightseeing bus on water.

Delos: walking the grounds where Apollo and Artemis were worshipped

Your first big stop is Delos. You get about 75 minutes on the site after a roughly one-hour sail, which is enough time to take in the main areas without feeling rushed. Delos is famous as a cult center tied to the Olympian gods, and this cruise’s focus is the birthplace setting of Apollo and Artemis.

What makes this stop work well for most people is the balance of time and scale. You are not expected to conquer the whole island, you get a concentrated visit in a defined window. And because the cruise is built around a short on-land segment, you can keep the rest of the day moving toward water time at Rhenia.

One practical consideration: Delos archaeological site entry tickets are not included and are listed at 20€ per person. Also, a tour guide is not included, so you’ll be relying on your own reading, any onboard explanation the crew gives, and the visuals of the site itself. That’s not automatically a dealbreaker, but it does change what you should expect in terms of interpretation.

If Delos closes on that day, the operator notes you may still pass by Delos but not get a drop-off. I like that you’re still sailing the route, but it’s worth knowing ahead of time so you can plan your expectations.

Rhenia’s beaches and the reason people love the water here

After Delos, the day shifts from stone to sand. Rhenia is uninhabited and about four times the size of Delos, separated by a small channel. You’re going to see why yachts meet here: Rhenia has several protected sandy coves, and the water color is described as ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue.

You won’t just “see” Rhenia. The boat anchors in a secluded bay, and you get about two hours for swimming and beach time. I like that the stop includes privacy, not crowds. You’re not forced to cram into a popular pier view, you’re given anchor-and-choose time.

Once anchored, you can swim, snorkel, or hang out on the sand. The cruise notes that snorkelling does not require special training or equipment, and snorkeling gear is included. That matters because it reduces the usual stress of figuring out what to bring or how to get started. The water is the main attraction, and with goggles you can watch underwater life up close without needing advanced skills.

For the more active among you, the island can be explored on foot. The data doesn’t promise a guided hike, so keep it practical: wear sunscreen, wear water-friendly footwear if you have it, and treat any walking as casual exploration rather than a structured trail.

Lunch and drinks onboard: the payoff between swimming sessions

The lunch is one of the easiest “value” parts of this cruise. You’ll enjoy a traditional Mykonian meal onboard while you’re enjoying the day, not after you’ve already finished the fun. Included are wine, beer, and soft drinks, and multiple guest notes mention that drinks are available throughout the experience.

In plain terms, this is the kind of lunch that makes a day trip feel complete. You get fed without needing to leave the boat, and because you’re still in swim mode, you don’t spend your afternoon hunting for a meal or waiting for a restaurant with a line.

I’ve also seen guests mention that the food was a pleasant surprise and that the onboard cooking made the day feel special, not like an afterthought. It’s not a gourmet tasting menu pitch, but for a 6-hour outing that mixes Delos and Rhenia, it’s a solid inclusion.

The sailing yacht experience: crew, safety, and real sea motion

This trip is on a sailing yacht, not a party catamaran with a DJ. Multiple comments highlight experienced crew and a safety-first approach, including mention of sailor Vangelis and coworker Tina. That’s comforting because on a sailing boat you’re dealing with movement, shifting angles, and wind-driven changes that can feel unfamiliar if you only take motorboats.

One reviewer note includes an honest moment: a young guest had a panic attack when the boat moved in an inclined position. The key takeaway for you is not fear-mongering, it’s awareness. The movement is part of sailing. If you’re sensitive to that, consider bringing a motion-sickness option you trust and choose a seat where you can look at the horizon when possible.

Also, sails set can vary with conditions. One guest mentioned that on a second trip sails were not set, which can happen depending on wind. So if you’re hoping for a specific “full sail” look the whole time, know it may change.

On the plus side, you get the kind of day where the crew is actively involved. If you have questions, the English-speaking host or greeter is noted, and the general vibe described is attentive and helpful. That matters on a day where you want to swim and snorkel without feeling unsure.

Price and value: what $176 really buys you

At $176 per person for a 6-hour cruise, you’re paying for three things: the boat charter, the time on two different experiences (Delos and Rhenia), and the onboard meal and drinks.

Here’s how the cost stacks up in practical terms.

You’re getting:

• A sailing yacht charter and fuel charges
• A skipper and a skipper’s assistant
• Lunch onboard plus wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP if the weather permits

What you’re not getting:

• Delos site entry tickets at 20€ per person
• A tour guide
• Beach towels

For many people, the biggest “value” point is the included lunch and drinks plus the gear. If you were to do Delos plus a boat swim day on your own, you’d likely spend similar or more just coordinating transport, tickets, and a boat with snorkeling access.

The missing guide can be the deal-maker or deal-breaker depending on what you want. If you like historical sites but also want self-guided freedom, you’ll be fine. If you want a lecturer-style explanation for every section, you might feel you’re reading signals rather than getting a narrative.

In short, I think this is good value when you want a one-book-day solution: history, then water, then food and drinks, with the logistics handled for you.

What to bring so you actually enjoy the day

This cruise is sunshine and swim focused, so pack for comfort, not just weather. The basics listed are:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing

I also strongly suggest you plan for the sailing aspect. Bring something that works for a breeze on the water, even if it’s hot. A light layer can make a big difference once you’re out in the wind.

If you have a preferred snorkel setup, you can bring it, but snorkeling equipment is included. You do not need a lesson to use it, so it’s mostly about being comfortable in the water and taking your time once anchored.

And if SUP is important to you, remember it’s weather permitting, so you’re not guaranteed it will run that day.

Who this Delos and Rhenia cruise is best for

This is best for you if you want a balanced day: ancient ruins in the morning, then an anchoring swim stop with snorkel gear and beach time. I’d also say it suits people who like small-to-medium boat energy more than large-ship crowds.

You should be cautious if you:

• Need wheelchair access, because it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users
• Have pre-existing medical conditions, since it’s listed as not suitable
• Get motion sickness easily, since sailing movement is part of the experience

If you’re celebrating something, this can also feel special because the lunch and drinks are onboard and the day includes a “see and then do” flow, rather than only sightseeing.

Language is English, and the crew and host/greeting is described as English-speaking. That matters if you want questions answered quickly without a language barrier.

If Delos closes, how the day changes

It’s worth paying attention to this detail before you commit in case you’re planning around Delos as the main reason. The operator notes they are not liable for closures of the Delos archaeological site. If Delos is closed, your trip will include passage by Delos island but not a drop-off.

Practically, that means you still get the sailing route experience, but you lose the on-ground exploration time. If Delos is a “must photograph” stop for you, consider holding some flexibility in your schedule on Mykonos in case you can’t do the site that day.

Should you book this Mykonos Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you want an all-in-one day that mixes Delos with Rhenia’s water time, and you value included lunch and drinks plus snorkeling gear. The $176 price feels reasonable for the combination of boat charter time, two distinct destinations, and the fact that you’re not coordinating meals or gear yourself.

Pass or choose carefully if you’re very sensitive to boat motion, need wheelchair access, or have medical limitations that might make sailing uncomfortable. And go in knowing there’s no tour guide included, so you’ll want to be okay with self-exploration at the archaeological site.

If you like your Mykonos days with wind in your face, a bit of history on land, and a real swim stop where you can use goggles right away, this is the kind of cruise that fits the way people like to travel here.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 6 hours.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet inside Matthew Tavern, and the skipper will be waiting there about 15 minutes before the trip.

What time does the boat depart?

The cruise sets sail at 9:00am from Tourlos Marina.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the sailing yacht charter, skipper’s assistant, lunch onboard, wine, beer, and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and SUP if weather permits, plus fuel charges.

Do I need tickets for Delos?

Yes. Delos Archaeological Site entry tickets are not included and cost 20€ per person.

Is there a tour guide on the day trip?

A tour guide is not included.

Can I snorkel if I have no experience?

Snorkelling is described as not requiring special training or equipment, and snorkeling equipment is included. You can also choose to swim or relax without snorkelling.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you want it, you need to specify your exact pick up location by 10:00 PM the day before the tour.

Is this cruise suitable for wheelchair users or people with medical conditions?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and also not suitable for people with pre-existing medical conditions.