Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks

Mykonos from the water is a whole different world. This 5-hour sail to Rhenia gives you that rare, quiet-islet feel plus snorkeling gear right off the yacht. The main drawback to know up front is that sailing is weather-dependent, and if seas turn rough, the return can feel a bit intense.

What I like most is the value for your time. You get a guided beach-safari style cruise along Mykonos’ best-known coasts, then a long swim stop in clear, protected water, with an onboard early-dinner buffet and unlimited drinks during the outing. Just go in with the right expectations: this is not a long beach day where you’re off exploring on land for hours.

Key highlights at a glance

• Rhenia (Big Delos) swim stop: a secluded islet with access from the yacht via swim ladder
• Snorkeling on your schedule: mask, snorkel, and fins plus floating noodles included
• Greek buffet early-dinner onboard: served with complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee/tea
• Mykonos south-coast beach safari: Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, Paradise, plus sightseeing views from the boat
• Friendly, hands-on crew vibe: lots of attention to keeping drinks topped up and guests comfortable
• Small-group feel: maximum 35 travelers, so the boat doesn’t feel packed

Why this Mykonos sunset sail feels worth the price

If you only have a half-day in Mykonos, this kind of outing is a smart move. You trade the long back-and-forth of taxis and crowded beach transfers for one concentrated experience: sailing, views, a swim stop, and a meal that is actually included.

At $114.89 per person for about 5 hours, the price makes sense when you add up what you’re getting. There’s a real boat day, snorkeling equipment, a Greek buffet onboard, and multiple drink types included. On a lot of island tours, you end up paying extra for at least one of those.

You’ll also appreciate the small-group setup. With a maximum of 35 travelers, you’re not stuck in a giant cattle-car situation, and it’s easier to find space on deck when you want sun, shade, or a quiet moment.

Meeting at Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis, then out along the south coast

The cruise starts at Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis (meeting point listed as C8F4+2QR). You’ll find a representative and crew in a shirt or with a sign saying Sunfos Alessia Yachting. It’s a straightforward meetup, and because it’s near public transportation, you’re not stuck if your timing is a bit off.

Pickup is optional. If you want a shuttle, you request it after booking and it costs extra, with transfer arranged either from your hotel or a designated meeting point. If you’re staying close to the port area, you may find it simpler to go on your own and keep the day flexible.

Once you board, the crew gives you an overview and safety information. Then you head out under sail along Mykonos’ southern coastline, a part of the island known for being more sheltered from the Meltemi, the strong north wind that earns Mykonos its reputation as the Island of Winds.

The beach-safari route: famous names, best viewed from sailing speed

This isn’t a slow, stop-and-go bus tour. You’ll pass by the coast’s headline beaches from the water while the boat sails and the crew points things out along the way.

On the route, you’ll see or pass by Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise. You’ll also be sailing in waters that are meant to be calmer, so the ride stays more comfortable while you enjoy the views.

One practical tip: because a lot of the sightseeing is happening while you’re still in motion, it’s worth grabbing a comfortable spot early. If you want photos, pick a position where you can rotate between shade and sun as the day shifts.

Rhenia Island (Big Delos): the swim-and-snorkel payoff

The day’s centerpiece is the run to Rhenia, an uninhabited islet sometimes called Big Delos. You head out for about an hour to get there, and the island is known for being accessible only by yacht, which is exactly why it feels different from Mykonos’ more organized beaches.

Plan on about 2 hours at Rhenia. The water here is famously clear and turquoise, and the setup is simple: you swim right from the yacht using a ladder. There are no pier facilities and no tender service to shore, so your access is water-based.

Snorkeling gear is included free of charge. You’ll have masks, snorkels, and fins available onboard, plus floating noodles. That matters because you’re not spending time hunting for rentals or carrying equipment all day.

What you can realistically do:

• Swim at your own pace from the yacht
• Snorkel when you feel like it, without waiting for a separate tour segment
• Relax on the deck while the boat hangs out in the cove area

A note on ruins and shore access: some people have described swimming in close and reaching a rocky area where you can spot remains of older structures. The important thing for you is to understand that the guaranteed, formal “land tour” is not the focus here. Treat this like a swim stop with optional glimpses near the waterline if conditions allow.

Lunch happens onboard, and it can be earlier than you think

When you return to cruising time, early-dinner is served onboard. The buffet is Mediterranean-style Greek food, and it’s paired with a selection of complimentary drinks: house wine (white and rosé), beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee or tea. There’s also a farewell shot drink included.

The best practical advice: eat breakfast before you go. Multiple people have flagged that the lunch or food timing is not “midday and done,” it tends to be served later in the outing. So if you show up hungry expecting a traditional lunch window, you may feel the gap.

From the onboard buffet, you can expect classic Greek comfort foods like moussaka and chicken in addition to sides and salads. People consistently describe the meal as plentiful and a real highlight, not just a token snack.

Drinks and the real comfort level on a boat day

This is one of those tours where the included drinks are a major part of the mood. You’ll have wine, beer, and soft drinks available during the cruise, and the tone onboard tends to be friendly and attentive.

That said, one detail you should keep in mind: included drinks do not always behave like a perfectly self-serve bar. A couple of people have noted that they had to ask or track down crew for refills. So if your goal is to keep drinking uninterrupted, be proactive and wave when you want something.

The other comfort factor is sea conditions. A strong theme in the experience is that most of the day feels great, but on very windy days, the return can get rough. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, choose a calmer day when possible and pack your usual remedy.

How the sunset return changes the whole feel of the tour

After Rhenia, the ride back is where the colors shift. You’ll sail back to Mykonos while watching the sunset colors in the Aegean. The vibe tends to turn from active sightseeing into relaxed “sit and watch the horizon” time.

This is also when people enjoy the boat’s smaller-group feel. Instead of trying to cram into late-day crowds on shore, you get a front-row seat from the water.

One extra perk that surprised people: free wifi onboard. It’s not why you book the sail, but it’s a helpful bonus for quick updates or maps while you’re waiting for the return.

Price and logistics: what you should plan for

Here’s the part that matters for your day, not just the headline price.

What’s included

You’re covered for:

• Sailing yacht cruise for about 5 hours with crew
• Onboard early-dinner buffet
• Complimentary house wine (white and rosé), beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee or tea
• Farewell shot drink
• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and floating noodles
• Free wifi
• Safety equipment, fuel, and taxes

What isn’t included

• Pickup and drop-off shuttle service is optional and costs extra if you request it
• Beach towel is not included as a freebie, but you can rent one onboard

What you might need before boarding

You’ll be asked for passport details for the passenger list before embarkation date. If you’re traveling with multiple people, double-check the names and passport numbers are correct when you submit your reservation info.

Weather reality check

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If your Mykonos schedule is tight, it’s smart to schedule early in your stay so you have backup options.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A short, high-impact Mykonos experience without overplanning
• A swim-and-snorkel stop without renting gear
• A real Greek onboard meal paired with drinks
• Views of multiple famous beaches, without paying for separate shore trips

It’s less ideal if:

• You dislike boats or get motion sick easily
• You need guaranteed time on land, like long walking stops or beach lounging ashore

Family-friendly? The crowd often mixes ages, and the day works well because you can swim if you want, relax if you don’t. Just be mindful that water access is via ladder, so comfort level in the water matters.

Should you book this sunset sail to Rhenia?

I think this is a yes for most first-time Mykonos visitors, especially if you want a classic Aegean day with a calmer, secluded swim stop. The combination is hard to beat: Rhenia’s quiet feeling from the yacht, free snorkeling gear, and an included Greek buffet with drinks, all wrapped up with a sunset return.

Book it if your priorities are:

• Snorkeling off the boat in clear water
• A low-stress half-day that still feels special
• Great food and drinks without hunting for restaurants

Hold off or choose a backup date if:

• Your schedule is so tight you cannot shift plans
• You’re very sensitive to rough sea conditions

If you want Mykonos without the land-based chaos, this is one of the cleanest ways to do it from the water.

FAQ

Do I need a pickup for the yacht cruise?

Pickup and drop-off shuttle service is optional. If you want it, you must request it after booking, and it is an additional charge. Transfers are arranged from your hotel or a designated meeting point, depending on where you’re staying.

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is at C8F4+2QR, Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis 846 00, Greece. Crew and a representative can be identified by a t-shirt or sign that says Sunfos Alessia Yachting.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, including mask, snorkel, and fins, is provided free onboard, along with floating noodles.

Can I get to Rhenia Island by boat and swim from the yacht?

Rhenia is reached by yacht. You will enter the water from the yacht using a swimming ladder, since there are no pier facilities or tendering ashore. The tour gives you time in the water while the boat is at the islet.

What food and drinks are included?

An onboard early-dinner buffet is included, along with complimentary house wine (white and rosé), beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee or tea. There is also a farewell shot drink included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.