From Mykonos: Cruise to Delos and Rhenia with Lunch

Delos is the star here, but the best part of this day is the balance: ancient ruins after lunch, then clear Aegean water and a quiet shore on Rhenia. You get a slice of Greece’s sacred past without giving up a proper swimming day.

I like the generous food and drinks, and I like the crew’s warm, social spirit. Paola and the wider team are known for keeping the mood easy, with music and dancing often taking over the top deck on the ride home. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded, and rough seas can make the return ride lively in every sense.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhenia comes first: Swim from the anchored boat and walk along a quiet shore on this uninhabited island.
• Delos needs extra planning: Admission is not included, and you explore the archaeological site on your own.
• Lunch is a full Greek-style meal: Expect chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, wine, juice, and water.
• The return can become a party: Music and dancing are common, especially when the sea is choppy and the wine is flowing.
• This is a full six-and-a-half-hour outing: Allow 390 minutes, plus your own time getting to the Old Port.
• Bring identification and sunscreen: A passport or ID card, or a copy, is required, and shade on the boat is limited.

Why this Mykonos boat trip works so well

For $103 per person, this cruise combines three things that are often sold separately in Mykonos: a boat day, a swim stop, and a visit to Delos. You are not simply paying for a ride across the water. You are paying for captain and crew service, lunch, drinks, and access to two very different islands.

That mix gives the day its appeal. Rhenia is about slowing down, swimming, and feeling the sun. Delos is about walking through an archaeological site that once mattered to the whole Aegean world. The contrast keeps the outing from feeling like a standard beach cruise.

The tour leaves from Mykonos Old Port, at the kiosk next to the bus station. That is close to Mykonos Town, but you must arrange your own way to the boat. There is no included hotel transfer, so check your route before departure day. Large luggage is not allowed, which is sensible on a boat but worth noting if you are moving between hotels.

The full duration is 390 minutes, or six and a half hours. That is long enough to make the journey worthwhile, but you should not book it on a day when you need to catch a flight or ferry soon afterward. Wind can affect the schedule. One outing was rescheduled because of strong weather, though communication from the host was quick and polite.

Rhenia: your first swim in the Aegean

The boat heads first toward Rhenia, a small, uninhabited island near Delos. The boat anchors a few meters from shore, and you can swim in the clear water or walk onto the beach. This is the most relaxed part of the day, and it gives you time to enjoy the sea before the historical stop.

You should think of Rhenia as a natural swimming stop rather than a developed beach visit. There are no listed beach facilities, shops, or organized water activities. Bring what you need for the swim, including a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof pouch for small valuables.

The water is a major reason to book this cruise. It is described repeatedly as crystal clear, and the stop gives you a chance to jump from the boat or swim toward shore. If you prefer not to get in, you can stay aboard and enjoy the views. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own gear if you want to look below the surface.

This is also where the group atmosphere usually loosens up. At first, people may keep to themselves while the boat gets underway. Once the first swim begins, the mood tends to become more social. The crew is active and friendly, and Paola is often at the center of the music and dancing later in the day.

A barbecue lunch with wine and Greek sides

Lunch is prepared on the boat and includes chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread. It is straightforward Greek barbecue food, but it fits the setting well. After swimming, a warm meal with familiar flavors is more useful than a complicated menu.

Wine, juice, and water are included throughout the cruise. Several aspects of the day’s value come from this detail. You do not need to keep buying drinks every time you return to the deck, and the included wine helps create the festive mood on the return trip.

Food quality can vary slightly from one departure to another, as it would with any meal prepared for a boat full of people. Most accounts describe lunch as tasty and satisfying, though one person felt the food could have been better. It is best to think of it as a good onboard barbecue, not a restaurant meal.

The boat seems suited to people who enjoy a shared outing rather than a quiet private charter. You will be eating, swimming, and sailing with a mixed group. Families, couples, friends, and older visitors can all fit the format, but anyone seeking silence or lots of personal space may find the boat busy.

Delos, where myth and archaeology meet

After lunch, the boat takes you to Delos. In Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, which made it one of the most sacred places in ancient Greece. Its position in the Cyclades also helped it become a major religious and commercial center.

The island’s importance went beyond worship. It became home to people from different parts of the ancient world, creating one of the earliest multicultural communities in the region. That makes Delos more interesting than a single temple site. You are walking through the remains of a real settlement, with homes, public spaces, religious buildings, mosaics, and statues.

The visit includes time to explore on your own. The Houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra are key sights, and the mosaics give you a close look at the artistic skill of ancient residents. The remains are spread across an open archaeological area, so expect walking over uneven ground and exposure to the sun.

Admission to Delos is not included in the $103 price. The exact cost depends on your eligibility and the current admission rules. One price reported for many visitors was €20, while EU citizens under 25 may qualify for free entry under the applicable rule. Bring your passport or ID so you can show proof if needed. A copy is accepted for the tour requirement, but keep in mind that admission staff may apply their own identification rules.

You get roughly two hours to explore on the scheduled program. That is enough to see the main remains and visit the museum if it is open during your visit, but it is not enough for a slow, expert-led study of every section. There is no listed archaeological guide included, so you should read a little about Delos before you go if the site matters to you.

I would not skip Delos simply because the swimming stop is attractive. Rhenia gives you a beautiful afternoon on the water, but Delos is what makes this outing different from many Mykonos cruises. If the entrance fee is a concern, you can choose to remain on the boat, but you will miss the closest view of the ruins and mosaics.

The flexible choice when Delos is not your priority

The schedule gives some flexibility. People who do not want to enter Delos may stay aboard and, on some departures, continue to another swimming spot while the rest of the group visits the archaeological site. This option is useful if you have already seen Delos, are traveling with children who need a quieter break, or simply want a full day on the water.

You should confirm the exact arrangement with the crew on the day. The supplied information describes the standard Delos visit, while individual departures have offered an alternate swim stop for those remaining aboard. The boat then returns to Delos to collect the group before sailing back to Mykonos.

That choice also affects the feel of your day. The Delos visit is active and sun-exposed, while staying aboard is slower and more relaxed. Neither option is automatically better. It depends on whether your priority is ancient Greece or a second swim.

Music, dancing, and a lively ride home

The return journey is often the most social stretch of the cruise. Music starts, the crew encourages people to dance, and Paola has been praised for drawing different age groups into the fun. The party is informal, not a formal show, so you can join in or remain seated and watch.

The sea can be choppy on the way home. That may add to the excitement, but it can also be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness. Wine and dancing on a moving boat call for a little judgment. Hold the rail, stay hydrated with water, and do not assume a lively deck is right for everyone in your group.

This is one reason the cruise suits a range of ages but not every personality. You can have a relaxed swim, eat lunch, and enjoy the scenery without dancing. Still, you should expect a more energetic atmosphere than you would get on a quiet sailing charter.

What the $103 price really includes

The price is fair if you plan to use the main inclusions. A comparable day built from separate boat transport, lunch, drinks, and a Delos visit could cost more and would require extra planning. Here, the captain, crew, meal, and refreshments are bundled together.

The price does not cover transport to the Old Port, Delos admission, or snorkeling equipment. These are not surprise charges, but they affect the final total. Add the cost of reaching the port and the archaeological ticket before comparing this tour with a private boat or a basic Delos ferry.

The strongest value comes if you swim, eat onboard, and visit Delos. If you stay on the boat for the entire day and do not care about the ruins, the price becomes less compelling, though the included lunch, wine, and swimming stops still carry weight.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There is limited shade on the boat, so sun protection is not a minor detail. A light cover-up is useful after swimming and for walking around Delos.

Pack only a small day bag. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and the boat is a poor place for bulky belongings. Bring a passport or ID card, or a copy, because identification is required and may help with Delos admission.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around the deck, swimming from an anchored vessel if you choose, and walking over uneven archaeological ground. If you do not swim, you can remain aboard, but the Delos portion still involves getting on and off the boat.

The host team speaks Greek, and the activity information lists Greek as the language. Communication before departure has been described as easy, but you should still arrive at the Old Port kiosk with your meeting details clear. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option is offered at booking.

Who should book this Mykonos cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want culture and swimming in one day. It works especially well for first-time visitors to Mykonos who want to see more than the town, and for families or groups who appreciate having lunch and drinks arranged.

It also suits social travelers. The crew makes a real effort to involve people, and the return party can be a highlight. You do not need to be young or a serious party person to enjoy it, but you should be comfortable sharing the boat with an active group.

I would think twice if you need a quiet, private sailing trip, dislike crowded boats, have limited mobility, or become ill in rough water. The sea is not always calm, and the group size can affect how much space you have.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full Mykonos day with clear water, a solid barbecue lunch, included drinks, and a worthwhile look at Delos. The combination is the deal: Rhenia gives you the swim, Delos gives you the meaning.

Before paying, budget for Delos admission and check the forecast. If the wind is strong, the schedule may change and the ride home may be rough. If you accept those limits, the $103 price offers a practical way to connect two very different Cycladic islands without arranging the pieces yourself.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station. Transportation to and from the boat is not included.

How long does the activity last?

The listed duration is 390 minutes, which is six and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread. Wine, juice, and water are also included.

Is the entrance fee to Delos included?

No. Entrance to the archaeological site of Delos is not included in the tour price.

Can I stay on the boat instead of visiting Delos?

On some departures, you can remain on the boat while the group visits Delos and continue to another swimming location. Confirm the exact option with the crew on your departure.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, or a copy, along with swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Snorkeling gear is not included, and oversize luggage is not allowed.