Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport

Mykonos is famous for whitewashed lanes and beach clubs, but this cruise gives you a quieter way to see the island. You sail toward Rhenia, stop in clear Aegean water for swimming and snorkeling, and get room to stretch out on a new catamaran instead of squeezing onto a crowded beach.

I like the freshly cooked three-course lunch and the included wine and beer. I also like the practical hotel transfer, especially if you are staying away from the harbor or visiting Mykonos from a cruise ship. The main catch is that the route depends on wind and sea conditions, and the cruise is relaxed rather than a guaranteed party.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhenia or the south coast: The captain chooses the safest route according to the weather.
• Aerial or White Coral: Both are new sailing catamarans with sunbeds, lounge areas, and a walk-around design.
• Lunch and drinks included: You receive a fresh three-course meal, wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.
• Water time matters: Snorkeling gear, a SUP, and a kayak are available when conditions permit.
• Small-group scale: The maximum is 25 people, though the boat can feel busy when everyone gathers in one place.
• Easy transfers: Pickup and return are available if you send your location and a text-capable phone number at least 24 hours ahead.

Five hours between Mykonos and the open Aegean

This is a half-day sailing trip built around one good idea: leave the crowds behind and spend several hours on the water. The route generally heads toward Rhenia, the uninhabited island west of Mykonos, or along the island’s southern coast.

You are not signing up for a fast sightseeing ride with constant stops. The point is to settle into the boat, enjoy the view, swim when the captain anchors, eat lunch, and let the Aegean set the pace.

The catamaran layout helps. Aerial and White Coral have large sunbeds, lounge spaces, and room to walk around the boat. That gives you more choice than a standard excursion boat. You can sit with the group, find a sunny spot, or stay in a quieter corner.

The maximum group size is 25. That is far smaller than a large cruise excursion, but do not mistake it for a private yacht. On some departures, about 18 to 20 people may be aboard. There should be room to spread out, though seats and shade can feel limited when everyone wants the same area.

Rhenia, clear water, and a useful change of scene

Rhenia is the main draw when the weather allows the route. Its waters offer the classic Cycladic setting: pale shorelines, open sea, and bright water suited to a swim stop.

You may spend time anchored near a quiet area rather than stepping onto a beach. This distinction matters. The cruise is designed for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing from the boat. It does not promise a beach landing.

Bring realistic expectations about the stop. If you want a day of visiting several beaches on foot, this is not the right trip. If you are happy to swim from the catamaran and enjoy the coast from the water, the format works well.

The swimming stop is one of the strongest parts of the day. You can use the supplied masks and snorkels, and a SUP and kayak are available when the weather permits. Some sailings also have floating aids such as pool noodles, which are useful if you want to enjoy the water without constantly swimming.

The water can be exceptionally clear, making it easy to see below the surface. Still, conditions vary. Wind can shorten the stop, change the route, or make the water less comfortable.

Delos from the water, not from the ruins

Weather permitting, the captain passes by Delos, the famous archaeological island and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You see it from the sea rather than stopping to explore the ruins.

That is a valuable distinction for planning. This trip does not replace a proper Delos archaeological visit. You will not have time to walk among the monuments or visit the site at length. Instead, the crew may point out the island and explain some of its past as you pass.

For many people, that short view is enough to add cultural interest to a swimming day. For others, Delos is the main reason to come to this part of the Cyclades, and they should book a dedicated shore visit instead.

The captain has the final say. One account of the sailing describes the crew adjusting the route because the group was comfortable with rougher water, but you should not count on that. Safety and sea conditions control the plan.

What lunch and drinks are really worth

The price is about $180 per person. That is not a bargain-priced boat ride, but the cost includes more than a seat on a catamaran.

You receive a freshly prepared three-course meal cooked on board, plus wine and beer. Soft drinks and bottled water are included as well. Fuel and WiFi are also covered, and there is no separate charge for snorkeling equipment or the water toys when they can be used.

The meal has received plenty of praise, especially the pasta and other freshly cooked dishes. Some people have found the food only average or felt the portions were limited for the price. Food is personal, so I would treat lunch as a useful part of the package, not the sole reason to book.

The drink service is included, but it may not work like an open bar where you help yourself. You may need to ask a crew member when you want another beer or glass of wine. That is worth knowing if you picture a free-flowing party cruise.

The value improves if you use the whole package: transfer, five hours on the water, lunch, drinks, swim stop, equipment, and a new catamaran. The value drops if you mainly want a quick boat ride or a loud social scene.

A comfortable boat with a few rules

The Aerial and White Coral catamarans are the stars of the trip. Their walk-around design makes movement easier, and the large sunbeds are well suited to a slow day at sea.

You will also receive safety instructions before or during the cruise. On a moving boat, the crew may ask you to move carefully or have someone accompany you. Some passengers find those rules strict, but they are intended to reduce slips and accidents on deck.

Do not expect every seat to be available at once. The boat can carry up to 25 people, and one account describes a group of around 20 feeling comfortable while another found seating tight. Your experience will depend on the group, the wind, and how many people choose the same lounge area.

The boat is best enjoyed as a shared space. You can meet people from different countries, but the mood changes from day to day. Some sailings are social and chatty. Others are quiet, with people reading, sunbathing, or resting.

If you want a guaranteed private atmosphere, a private charter is the better choice. This cruise offers a polished shared outing, not a personal yacht day built around your own group.

Hotel pickup and cruise port advice

Pickup and return can save you a fair amount of hassle. You must provide your pickup location and a phone number able to receive texts or WhatsApp messages no later than 24 hours before departure. The company sends the exact pickup information the evening before.

If you do not provide those details in time, you are responsible for reaching the meeting point yourself. The listed meeting point is Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios, at Agia Anna, Paraga.

Cruise ship passengers need to pay close attention to port details. Mykonos has an old port and a new port, and your ship’s transfer information may not make the distinction clear. Confirm where your ship arrives before the day of the cruise, and allow time for tendering.

The cruise begins and ends at the meeting point, but boarding and leaving the catamaran take place by tender boat. That means you do not simply step from a dock onto the yacht. If you have mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking and ask whether the transfer and tender arrangement will work for you.

Communication can be especially important for cruise passengers. A late tender from a ship can put a tight schedule under pressure, and missing the departure may mean losing the fare. The operator states that missed services are not refundable.

How the weather shapes the day

This is a weather-dependent sailing, not a fixed sightseeing bus tour. Strong wind or rough seas can change the route, reduce water activities, or send the captain toward the Mykonos south coast instead of Rhenia.

That flexibility is sensible in the Aegean. You may not get the exact route pictured in your plans, but you should get a safer and more comfortable day. The advertised options include Rhenia with a pass-by of Delos, or the southern coast of Mykonos.

The SUP and kayak are also dependent on conditions. Snorkeling equipment is included, but clear water and calm seas are never guaranteed. Pack a swimsuit, sun protection, and something warm for the ride back if the wind rises.

Swim towels are not included. Bring your own towel, along with dry clothing and any medication you need during the five-hour trip.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos catamaran cruise

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a polished day on the water without arranging a private boat. It suits couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who like swimming, sun, light sightseeing, and a meal built into the day.

It is also a strong option for cruise ship passengers who want a more personal outing than a large shore excursion. The transfer service is useful, but only if you provide correct details and leave enough time for tendering.

The cruise may not suit you if you want a lively party. The group mood is not fixed, and several people may prefer a quiet ride. It may also disappoint you if you expect to walk onto a beach, visit Delos on foot, or stop at many different coves.

The experience is best for someone who values comfort and convenience. You pay for the boat, crew, food, drinks, equipment, fuel, and transport rather than for a long list of land stops.

Practical booking details for a smoother day

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The operator may cancel for poor weather or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The activity is offered in English, has mobile ticketing, and is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the tender boat boarding and moving catamaran deserve extra attention if you have limited mobility.

I would book as early as your plans allow. The average booking lead time is about 37 days, and the most popular dates can fill well before arrival.

Should you book this cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed, well-equipped catamaran day with a swim stop, a fresh meal, drinks, and help getting to and from the boat. The excellent crew service, clean modern catamaran, and clear Mykonian water are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Think twice if $180 feels high for a half-day outing, or if you expect a private boat, several beach landings, or a guaranteed party. For the best match, treat this as a comfortable shared sailing day with swimming and lunch, not as a full tour of Mykonos.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours. The main sailing and water stop take about four hours, with the rest of the scheduled time covering the full outing.

Where does the cruise start?

The listed meeting point is Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios, Agia Anna, Paraga, Mykonos 846 00, Greece.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are included only when you provide your pickup location and a phone number that receives texts or WhatsApp messages at least 24 hours before departure.

Which islands and coasts does the cruise visit?

The route may go to Rhenia and pass by Delos without stopping, or follow the southern coast of Mykonos. The captain changes the route according to weather and sea conditions.

Can I visit the ruins of Delos?

No. When conditions permit, the boat passes by Delos so you can view the island and archaeological site from the water. The cruise does not include a stop at Delos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The price includes a freshly cooked three-course meal prepared on board.

Are drinks and water included?

Yes. Wine and beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. Swim towels are not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 25 people. The cruise uses either the Aerial or White Coral catamaran, subject to availability.