This cruise pairs two very different Mykonos pleasures: a look at ancient Delos and several relaxed hours swimming near Rhenia. You sail from Tourlos, stop for photos by the UNESCO-listed island, then anchor at a quiet white-sand beach where the water is clear and the pace is easy.

I like the fresh Greek buffet and the fact that beer, house wine, soft drinks, and water are included. I also like the small maximum group of 25, plus the use of snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards. The main caution is weather: strong winds can make the return rough, and one serious complaint describes poor safety communication during heavy seas.

Key points to know before booking

• Delos is mainly a photo stop: The cruise offers views of the archaeological island, but the Delos entrance fee is not included.
• Rhenia provides the swimming time: You anchor in a secluded bay with access to a white-sand beach and clear water.
• Lunch is prepared on board: The buffet features Greek dishes, with drinks included.
• Water equipment comes with the fare: Snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards are available.
• The group is capped at 25 people: That keeps the boat more personal than a large day cruise.
• The weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, and strong winds may make the ride back uncomfortable.

Two islands, two very different stops

I like this outing because it does not ask you to choose between culture and beach time. Delos gives the morning a sense of place, while Rhenia supplies the part most people picture when they think of a Mykonos sailing day: sun, water, a swim, and lunch on deck.

The cruise begins at Tourlos, Mykonos’s port area, at either 9:00 or 10:30 in the morning. The exact departure time matters, so check your confirmation carefully. From there, you sail toward Rhenia, with the route taking about an hour.

The experience is operated by Mykonos Cruise, also known as Zephyros Sailing. The service is offered in English, and the boat takes no more than 25 people. That is still a group outing, but it should feel less crowded than a large ferry or party boat.

Delos from the water

Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Cyclades. In Greek mythology, it is linked with Apollo and Artemis, and its ruins tell the story of an island that once mattered greatly in the ancient Aegean.

On this cruise, Delos is presented as a stop for photographs rather than a full archaeological visit. That distinction is important. You should expect a view of the island and its historic remains from the boat, not an extended walk through the ruins.

The route gives you a useful glimpse of Delos without turning the outing into a full museum day. If you have already visited the site, this may be enough. If exploring the ruins is a major goal, plan a separate Delos excursion and treat this sailing trip as a scenic look from offshore.

The entrance fee to Delos is not included, so you should not assume that a ticket to the archaeological area comes with the cruise. The information provided does not promise a shore visit, so pack your camera and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Rhenia’s quiet bay and beach time

After the Delos stop, the boat continues to Rhenia. The cruise anchors in a secluded bay, with the goal of giving you a quieter beach experience than you would find on the main beaches of Mykonos.

This is the heart of the day. You can swim from the boat, go ashore to the white-sand beach, or stay on deck and sunbathe. The clear water is suited to casual swimming and snorkeling, and equipment is supplied as part of the fare.

You can also use stand-up paddleboards. That makes the stop more active without turning it into a formal water-sports lesson. You are given options, which is useful for mixed groups. One person can paddle, another can snorkel, and someone else can simply sit in the sun with a drink.

The beach is described as private and uncrowded, though you should read that as a secluded stop rather than a guarantee that you will have the entire island to yourself. Conditions, boat traffic, and the day’s schedule can affect how peaceful the bay feels.

Towels are not included. Bring your own, along with sun protection and clothing that can handle a wet boat deck. The provided details do not list beach chairs or umbrellas, so do not plan on resort-style service.

Lunch with a Mykonian touch

Lunch is served back on the yacht as a buffet of Greek dishes prepared on board. This is one of the strongest parts of the offering, especially at a price of $138.18 per person.

The meal is not just a snack to keep you going between swims. The food is described as fresh, plentiful, and traditionally Mykonian, with enough variety to make lunch feel like part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Drinks are included too: bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine. That matters on a warm half-day cruise. You will not need to keep paying for each bottle of water or wait until the boat returns to find something cold to drink.

I would still keep expectations sensible. This is a buffet on a sailing boat, not a restaurant meal with a printed menu. The exact dishes can vary, and no detailed menu is provided. Still, the combination of freshly prepared Greek food and included drinks gives the price real weight.

What the $138.18 price includes

At $138.18, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning around Mykonos. The value depends on how much you would otherwise spend on meals, drinks, beach access, and equipment.

Your fare includes:

• Fuel and port fees
• Taxes and other listed fees
• Greek buffet lunch
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Beer
• House wine
• Snorkeling equipment
• Use of stand-up paddleboards

You are paying for a boat trip, not simply transportation between islands. The scenery, beach stop, meal, and drinks are bundled together, which makes the cost easier to justify for someone who wants a simple day with few extra expenses.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the equipment, eat lunch on board, and enjoy several drinks during the cruise. It is weaker if you mainly want to see Delos, since this trip does not include the archaeological site entrance and appears to offer only a photo stop there.

Private transportation is not included. You need to reach the starting point at Mykonos Cruise, Zephyros Sailing, in Tourlos. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes the return straightforward once you have arranged your own way there.

The return sail deserves attention

Most of the outing is designed around calm water, but the sea can change quickly around Mykonos. One particularly serious complaint described gale-force winds, large waves, passengers getting soaked, and concerns about the location of life jackets and the lack of a safety briefing.

That account should not automatically define every departure, but it is a valid reason to take the weather policy seriously. The cruise requires good weather, and the operator says a cancellation caused by poor conditions will result in a new date or a full refund.

Before boarding, I would pay attention to the safety instructions and ask where the life jackets are kept. This is sensible on any boat, especially when wind forecasts are poor. If the weather looks unsettled, contact the operator before leaving for Tourlos rather than assuming the trip will run normally.

The standard cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. One cancellation dispute involved notice given only 1 hour and 33 minutes before departure, so do not wait until the last minute if you need to change plans.

Who will enjoy this sailing day

I would recommend this cruise most strongly to you if you want a low-effort island day with a mix of scenery, swimming, lunch, and drinks. You do not need to plan separate beach reservations, rent snorkeling equipment, or search for a waterfront restaurant.

It also suits families and mixed-age groups because the schedule offers choices. Confident swimmers can use the clear water and equipment, while others can remain on board or relax on the beach. The group size limit of 25 is helpful for families who want something more personal than a large excursion boat.

Teenagers may especially enjoy the combination of swimming, paddleboarding, food, and open-water sailing. The activity has enough variety to avoid feeling like a history tour, while Delos adds something more substantial than a simple beach outing.

I would be more cautious about booking it if you are especially sensitive to rough seas, have limited mobility, or want a full guided visit to the Delos ruins. The information confirms that most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information for boarding, the beach, or the boat itself.

The trip is also not ideal for someone seeking a quiet luxury yacht experience. A 25-person maximum is relatively small, but it is still a shared cruise with a fixed schedule.

Practical preparation for Tourlos

The meeting point is Mykonos Cruise, Zephyros Sailing, in Tourlos. Since private transportation is excluded, allow time to reach the port on your own. The activity ends where it begins.

Bring a towel, since towels are not supplied. I would also pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, a dry change of clothes, and a waterproof pouch for your phone. These are practical choices for a day built around swimming and a boat ride, though only the towel exclusion is specifically listed.

Keep your schedule flexible after the cruise. The advertised duration is about 5 hours and 30 minutes, but sea conditions can affect the journey. Do not book a tight connection or an important appointment immediately after returning to Tourlos.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and mobile tickets are accepted. The service is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the operator states that most people can participate.

How this cruise compares with a separate Delos visit

The cruise gives you a taste of Delos, not a full archaeological experience. That can be a good trade if your priority is a beach day with scenery. You get a historic island in the route without spending the entire morning walking among ruins under the sun.

If Delos is your main reason for going, I would choose a trip that includes the entrance fee and time ashore. Here, the stronger reasons to book are the Rhenia stop, the included lunch and drinks, and the chance to swim from the boat.

This distinction also helps explain why the outing feels balanced. Delos is the visual and cultural opening act. Rhenia is where the schedule slows down and gives you time to enjoy the water.

Should you book the Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia cruise?

I would book it if you want a convenient half-day cruise with a secluded beach stop, Greek food, included drinks, and basic water equipment. The food, crew, views, and value were praised strongly in several accounts, and the combination of activities makes good use of five and a half hours.

I would not book without checking the forecast. Strong wind can change a pleasant sailing day into a wet and uncomfortable ride, and the safety concerns raised in one account deserve attention. Ask for a clear safety briefing before departure and confirm the day’s conditions.

For the right person, this is a well-rounded Mykonos outing: a glimpse of Delos, a swim at Rhenia, lunch on board, and a return to Tourlos in the early afternoon. Book early if your dates are fixed, since the activity is often reserved about 25 days ahead.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Mykonos Cruise, Zephyros Sailing, in Tourlos, Mykonos. Private transportation to the meeting point is not included.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. Departure is scheduled for either 9:00 or 10:30 in the morning.

Is Delos included as a full archaeological visit?

The cruise includes a stop at Delos for photographs. The Delos entrance fee is not included, and the provided details do not confirm a shore visit to the archaeological site.

What happens at Rhenia?

The boat anchors in a secluded bay near Rhenia. You can swim, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, sunbathe on board, or spend time on the white-sand beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet of Greek dishes freshly prepared on board.

Which drinks are included?

Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Stand-up paddleboards are also available for use.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.