From Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

Delos gives this Mykonos boat trip its real sense of place: one hour you are swimming off uninhabited Rhenia, and the next you are walking among temples and marble streets at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I like the choice built into the day, since you can explore Delos or stay aboard for more time in the water. I also like the family-run feel, with crew members such as Mola and Mohamed bringing music, dancing, and easygoing energy to the return trip.

The main catch is that Delos admission costs about €20 extra, and the ruins offer little shade in the middle of the day. The boat can also roll in windy weather, so bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it and expect a social, lively outing rather than a quiet yacht cruise.

At a glance: what makes this trip worthwhile

• Rhenia comes first: Swim from the boat in clear water near the uninhabited island, then eat a BBQ lunch with fruit, wine, water, and soft drinks.
• Delos is your history stop: Spend about two hours among ancient ruins, with the option to remain aboard instead.
• The return becomes a party: Music, singing, and dancing turn the final cruise back to Mykonos into part of the attraction.
• The boat is big and social: You get room to sit, sunbathe, eat, and meet people, but this is not a private sailing trip.
• Pack for heat and stone: Bring ID, swimsuit, sunscreen, water, and sturdy footwear. Water shoes are useful at rocky swimming areas.
• The price is strong for a full day: At about $101 per person, the boat, crew, fuel, BBQ, fruit, and drinks offer good value, though Delos entry is extra.

Two Cycladic islands in one six-and-a-half-hour outing

This excursion gives you two very different versions of the Aegean. Rhenia is about the sea: open space, pale sand, clear water, and a quiet shoreline with no settlement. Delos is about the ancient world, with temples, marble fragments, and the remains of a city that once mattered far beyond these islands.

The contrast is the reason I find the route appealing. Many Mykonos boat trips focus only on swimming and sun. Here, you get a proper archaeological stop as well, without giving up the pleasure of a long swim and a relaxed meal aboard.

The day lasts about 6.5 hours. The listed schedule places roughly 45 minutes of sailing before Rhenia, around three hours at Rhenia for swimming and lunch, about two hours at Delos, and roughly 30 minutes for the return sail. Exact timing can shift with sea conditions and the day’s operation, but plan on a substantial half-day rather than a quick island hop.

Meeting at the Old Port bus station

You meet at the bus station by the Old Port of Mykonos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way there and allow extra time to find the correct boat or local representative.

That last point matters. The meeting location is straightforward once you are at the Old Port, but the boat or voucher name may not always match perfectly. Arriving early gives you time to ask around without the unpleasant worry of watching your departure time approach.

Bring your passport or ID card. It is listed as required, and you should not leave it behind simply because this is a short local cruise.

The boat is described as large and clean, with enough room to sit inside or outside. The atmosphere is friendly and social. If you want a peaceful, private sailing experience, this is not that. If you like meeting people, music, and a crew that keeps the group involved, the format works well.

Rhenia: clear water, rocky edges, and a long swim stop

Rhenia is the first major stop, reached after about 45 minutes of sailing. The boat anchors near the uninhabited island, and you can swim from the boat toward the shore or remain aboard. This is not a standard beach landing with a paved path, snack bar, and easy facilities. You enter the water and make your own way to the beach area.

The water is the star. It can look blue and green from the boat, and the clarity makes this the best part of the trip for anyone who wants a proper swim. You can jump from the boat, float near the hull, or swim toward a sandy cove. Some people use pool noodles or other flotation help, which can be useful if you are not a confident swimmer.

The shoreline is not always soft underfoot. Parts of the swimming area are rocky, so water shoes are a smart addition if you have them. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be purchased aboard. Conditions may be good enough to see fish and sea life, though the site is better known for clear swimming water than for a major snorkeling reef.

You get a generous stretch of time here, about three hours including lunch. That gives you room to swim, dry off, eat, and relax rather than rushing straight from the water to the next stop. On days when Delos is affected by extreme heat or other conditions, the schedule may give you extra time for swimming and sitting aboard.

BBQ lunch with a view of the Aegean

Lunch is served on the boat after the Rhenia swim. The meal has included meat skewers, Greek salad, rice, bread, dip, and watermelon, though the exact menu can vary. Portions have generally been enough for a midday meal, but one hungry person may want a snack before departure.

Drinks are part of the value. Water, soft drinks, and wine are available, with additional drinks for purchase. The included wine is simple rather than special, but it does the job at a sunny lunch on the sea. You can also mix it with juice if you prefer a sweeter drink.

I like the way the lunch fits the route. You do not lose time walking to a restaurant or trying to find food on a remote island. You swim first, eat while the boat is settled, and then have time to dry off before the archaeological stop.

Do not expect a polished restaurant meal. This is a boat BBQ, and the appeal is convenience, setting, and the easy social mood. The food has been a strong part of the experience overall, though details such as the rice seasoning may not suit everyone. Salt and pepper are available.

Delos: two hours among ancient temples and marble streets

After Rhenia, the boat heads to Delos. You can get off for around two hours and explore the archaeological site independently, or stay aboard and take another swim or enjoy more time on the boat.

I recommend going ashore if ancient sites interest you at all. Delos is not a small pile of ruins you can understand in ten minutes. The remains cover a broad area, with temples, houses, streets, columns, and carved details spread across open ground. A map and information plaques help you make sense of what you are seeing, even without a guide.

There is no guide for Delos included. You explore on your own, and an audio guide is not listed as part of the trip. That keeps the price down, but it also means you need to set your own pace and read the signs as you go.

The site is exposed. In summer, the stone reflects the heat, and shade is limited. Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and comfortable shoes. The best way to use your two hours is to move with purpose rather than wander randomly. Several people have found it useful to head toward the higher part of the island first for the views, then work back through the main ruins.

The entrance fee is approximately €20 and is not included in the boat price. Check the current charge when booking or at the site, since archaeological fees can change. If you are comparing tours, remember to add this cost before deciding that the package price tells the whole story.

The option to stay aboard is valuable. You may have already had enough sun, you may prefer swimming to ruins, or you may be traveling with people who want different things. One person can choose ancient temples while another enjoys the sea. That flexibility makes the outing easier for families and mixed-age groups.

A lively ride back to Mykonos

The return cruise is not simply a transfer. Music usually comes up, and the crew encourages singing and dancing. The atmosphere can become a small boat party, with crew members joining in and helping shy passengers feel welcome.

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience, but it is also the clearest clue about the tour’s personality. You should book it if you like a warm, interactive crew and do not mind a bit of noise. If you want to read quietly, nap, or enjoy a silent sunset sail, this may feel too lively.

The family-run character adds to the appeal. Crew members named in the experience feedback include Mola, Mohamed, Michael, and Paola, although the exact team can vary by departure. The consistent theme is attentive service, music, and a willingness to help people feel comfortable on the boat.

The sea may be choppy on the way home, especially in windy weather. A sturdy boat helps, but it does not remove the motion. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual medicine before sailing rather than waiting until you feel ill.

What the $101 price really covers

At about $101 per person, this is a good-value way to combine transport, swimming, lunch, drinks, and Delos access by boat. The included package covers the cruise, fuel, crew, BBQ, and fruit. You also get the practical benefit of reaching two islands without arranging separate ferries or boats.

The price is less impressive if you only want a short swim. Mykonos has many ways to reach the water, and Delos admission adds about €20. You also need to pay for your own transport to the Old Port and any snorkeling equipment or extra drinks.

Still, the comparison changes when you count the full day. You get a long Rhenia stop, a cooked meal, a two-hour Delos window, and entertainment on the ride home. For a visitor who wants both sea time and ancient sites, the package is easier to justify than a simple beach cruise.

Who should book this Mykonos boat trip?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and friends looking for a full day with several different moods. It also works well for a honeymoon or a cruise-port stop, provided your timing in Mykonos allows you to reach the Old Port and return comfortably.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want to swim in clear Aegean water without arranging a private boat.
• You would like to see Delos but do not need a private archaeologist.
• You enjoy a friendly crew, shared lunch, music, and dancing.
• You want the freedom to choose ruins or more swimming at Delos.
• You are comfortable entering the sea from a boat and walking over hot, uneven ground.

Think twice if you need shade, quiet, a fully guided Delos visit, or an easy beach with facilities. The boat is social, the archaeological site is exposed, and the Rhenia stop may involve swimming to shore over rocky ground.

Practical packing advice

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a refillable bottle if you use one. Add water shoes for the stony shoreline and comfortable walking shoes for Delos.

Bring your passport or ID card, and carry some money for the Delos entrance fee, extra drinks, or snorkeling equipment. A dry bag can protect your phone and wallet during the swim, though one is not listed as included.

Keep your clothing simple and sun-friendly. Delos can be very hot, while the boat ride may feel cooler when the wind picks up. Motion-sickness medicine is worth considering if rough water affects you.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Check the available start time carefully, since the full outing takes 6.5 hours and hotel transportation is not provided.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want Mykonos to mean more than white buildings and nightlife. Rhenia gives you beautiful sea time, Delos gives you a serious ancient site, and the crew adds a cheerful finish with music and dancing.

I would not book it for a quiet luxury cruise or a fully guided history lesson. For an active, social day that combines swimming, a BBQ, and one of the Aegean’s great archaeological sites, the $101 price is convincing. Just budget for Delos admission, arrive early at the Old Port, protect yourself from the sun, and be ready for a bumpy ride if the wind rises.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia boat trip?

The activity lasts about 6.5 hours, including sailing, the Rhenia stop, lunch, the Delos visit, and the return to Mykonos.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Which island do you visit first?

The listed schedule places Rhenia first, with about 45 minutes of sailing from Mykonos. Delos follows after the swimming and BBQ stop.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Entrance costs approximately €20 and must be paid separately. The fee can change, so check the current amount before departure.

Is there a guide at Delos?

No guide for Delos is included. You can explore the archaeological site independently for about two hours.

Can I stay on the boat instead of visiting Delos?

Yes. You can remain aboard for more swimming or relaxation rather than getting off to explore the ruins.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ and fruit are included. The meal has included items such as meat skewers, salad, rice, bread, dip, and watermelon.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimsuit, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Water shoes are useful at rocky swimming areas, and motion-sickness medicine may help in choppy conditions.