The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

A day of swim, ruins, and boat fun beats the usual Mykonos shuffle. The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise mixes Rhenia beach time with a visit to Delos, plus onboard Greek BBQ and drinks. It is a half-day plan that feels like you packed a full trip into one sail.

I like the combo of Greek barbecue lunch and time to stretch out in calm, turquoise water. I also like the energy on board, especially on the return sail when music and dancing can turn into the day’s best memory.

One thing to think about is the water access. Rhenia is a deserted island, so you may use ladders to reach the sea, and not every stop feels like a sandy beach you walk onto from shore.

Key takeaways before you go

• Rhenia first, with about 3.5 hours for swimming and beach wandering.
• Lunch is included: souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit.
• Delos is worth it, but the site entry fee is extra and the time there is limited.
• Expect an active vibe, including a photo pass by Little Venice on the return.
• Timing is strict. Getting to the Old Port meeting point on time matters.
• Boat entry can involve ladders, so pack for sea and sun, not just sightseeing.

The Half-Day Plan That Actually Feels Relaxing

This cruise runs about 6 hours 30 minutes total, starting at 10:30 a.m. You leave Mykonos, spend a long chunk of time at Rhenia, then head to Delos, and finish back at the Old Port with a scenic photo stop near Little Venice.

What makes this work is simple. You do your big stuff early (swim and lunch), then you do the must-see ancient site after. It is not the usual Mykonos pattern of hopping from one crowded viewpoint to the next.

Price and Value: What Your Money Buys

At $106.42 per person, this is not a budget bargain. But it also is not just a boat ride. Your money covers the onboard lunch BBQ, complimentary wine and refreshments, water, and the main logistics of the day.

Delos adds one unavoidable extra: the Delos archaeological site entrance fee is 20€ per person (not included). Some extras can also pop up onboard, like snorkeling equipment or towels if you do not bring your own.

If you want value, focus on what you avoid paying separately:

• Entry to Delos (20€) is extra, but everything else is rolled in.
• Lunch is included, so you are not searching for food in Mykonos midday.
• Wine and refreshments are included, which is a real quality-of-day upgrade.

Getting to Mykonos Old Port: Be There by 10:15

The meeting point is Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours, Mykonos Old Port (Μύκονος 846 00, Greece). Embarkation starts around 10:15 a.m., and the cruise departs at 10:30 a.m.

Here is the practical issue. The Old Port is not always where cruise ships drop you, depending on where you dock. In one reported case, a traveler arrived from the cruise area and missed the boat because they walked to the meeting point and showed up late. The provider response was clear: they cannot wait when the schedule is tight, especially for a shared group.

My advice is boring and effective:

• Aim to arrive early, not right on time.
• Use a map and plan your walking route.
• If you are unsure, take a taxi or short transfer rather than trusting your feet.

The Rhenia Stop: 3.5 Hours of Beach Time

Rhenia is the big reason this cruise works. The boat leaves Mykonos Old Port and heads over in about 45 minutes. Then you anchor off a deserted beach and settle into a long stretch of time.

You get roughly 3 hours 30 minutes at Rhenia. That time is flexible:

• swim in the clear water
• sunbathe on the sandy area
• take a stroll around the spot

The important detail is how you actually get into the water. Rhenia is described as a deserted cycladic island, and access can involve climbing down a ladder into the sea. That is normal for the anchor-and-swim style, but it is not for everyone. If you are not comfortable with ladders or rough footing, bring sturdy, water-friendly shoes and be ready to take your time.

Greek BBQ Lunch On Board: More Than Just Fuel

Around 14:30, lunch happens before you sail to Delos. The included BBQ spread is:

• Greek souvlaki (pork and chicken)
• Greek salad
• rice
• tzatziki sauce
• bread
• seasonal fruits

Drinks are part of the deal. You get complimentary wine, plus refreshments and water. One thing to know from real-world experience is that wine flow can feel different depending on the day and the crowd mood, but it is included, and many people report it being part of the fun.

Food quality is generally described as good or decent rather than fancy. That said, it is a real advantage to eat onboard with zero hassle. And if you have dietary needs, you might be in luck. One review highlighted that the crew accommodated a vegetarian diet.

Delos UNESCO in 1 Hour 45: How to See the Best Parts

After lunch, you sail to Delos for about 1 hour 45 minutes. Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you explore it at your own pace. The site entrance fee is extra, so plan for 20€ per person.

With less than two hours, you cannot cover everything. You will get more out of Delos if you go in with a plan:

• pick a few areas you most want to see
• move at a steady pace
• save your longer look for the spots that hook you

This is also where the cruise is different from a guided tour. You are free to wander, which is great if you like independent sightseeing and photos. It can feel rushed if you want to read every label, so adjust your expectations.

One extra reality check. Delos can close on certain dates for holidays. In one reported case tied to Easter, Delos was closed, but the day still stayed enjoyable. If that matters for your trip, it is worth checking closer to departure.

The Return Sail Past Little Venice and the On-Board Dance Mood

After Delos, the schedule brings you back with about 1 hour 15 minutes for the return sail to Mykonos Old Port. On the way, you pass by Little Venice, and the cruise includes a photo opportunity as you go.

This is also where the vibe can turn lively. Multiple reviews mention music and dancing on the return trip. One standout detail is that the crew kept the mood upbeat, even when conditions got a bit choppy. So if you want your Mykonos day to end with energy instead of exhaustion, this fits.

Boat comfort depends on conditions. There are reports that the boat can operate even with strong winds, and other reports that the return ride could be rough. The key takeaway is to pack like you might ride waves, not like you are sitting on a smooth lake.

What Actually Costs Extra (And What to Bring)

Your base price covers lunch and drinks, plus onboard basics like safety equipment and a restroom. But you should budget for the extras that are common on this kind of cruise.

Delos entry fee

• 20€ per person for the Delos archaeological site

Optional gear and items

• Snorkeling equipment costs extra (towels and gear are listed as available at a small extra cost)
• Some onboard pricing was clarified in one provider response: snorkeling gear is 15€ rather than a higher mistaken number shared elsewhere
• Towels may also cost extra if you do not bring your own

Cash bar reality

Even though wine and refreshments are included, other drinks can be a cash-only bar. Prices were described as high in at least one review, so if you plan to buy extra drinks, bring cash and decide ahead of time.

My packing list is simple and based on the water-first nature of the day:

• Swimwear and a light change of clothes
• Sun protection
• A hat or cap
• Water-friendly shoes for ladder days
• Your own goggles or snorkel gear if you care about fit
• A towel if you do not want to buy onboard

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This cruise is built for people who want a day that mixes water time with a headline sight. It is especially good for:

• swimmers who like anchoring off beaches and taking long swim breaks
• families with kids who can handle ladders and want a fun onboard mood
• groups who enjoy shared energy, not quiet museum-style touring

It is not the best fit if you want uninterrupted land sightseeing. Rhenia is access-by-ladder territory, and Delos is self-guided with limited time. You also need to be okay with a tight schedule and getting to the meeting point on time.

Booking Timing and Group Size: A Practical Note

The cruise is offered with a maximum of 120 travelers. That helps explain why people often describe the boat as not overly crowded. It is also why the schedule is strict. This is a shared trip, not a private charter with room to wait for late arrivals.

In addition, this experience is commonly booked around 22 days in advance. If you are traveling in a busy season window or want a specific day, book sooner rather than later.

Should You Book the Rhenia-Delos Cruise?

If you want a Mykonos day that gives you real beach time, a filling onboard lunch, and an UNESCO site without needing to plan every step, I think this is a strong choice. The best versions of this day are the ones where you treat Delos as a focused sprint, then enjoy Rhenia for swimming and sun.

I would skip or switch plans if:

• you struggle with ladder access to the sea
• you hate strict timing and hate being early for anything
• you want a long, guided explanation at Delos rather than self-paced roaming

If you fit the first group, you are likely to leave happy, with sun on your skin and ancient stones on your camera roll.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and when do I need to board?

Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m., and the cruise departs at 10:30 a.m. The tour runs about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours, Mykonos Old Port (Μύκονος 846 00, Greece).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch BBQ includes Greek souvlaki (pork and chicken), Greek salad, rice, tzatziki sauce, bread, and seasonal fruits.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get complimentary wine, along with refreshments and water. The legal age for serving alcohol is 18.

Do I have to pay to enter Delos?

Yes. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is 20€ per person, and it is not included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. It is available at an extra cost, and towels may also be available for an extra cost.

Will I need ID or a passport?

Yes. An ID or passport must be presented to verify age.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring light clothing or swimwear and sun protection. If you want snorkeling gear or a towel, you may want to bring your own since they are available for an extra cost.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.