Two islands, one boat day, and plenty of saltwater. This Mykonos cruise mixes the sacred ruins of Delos with a beach break on Rhenia, plus BBQ lunch and drinks while you sail the Aegean.

I love the Rhenia swim time—the boat anchors close to shore, and you’re dropped into crystal-clear water with room to relax. I also like the on-board BBQ lunch with chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread, followed by more wine and refreshments.

The one drawback to plan around is the sea. Windy weather can change timing, and Delos involves uneven walking, so it’s not a good match if mobility is an issue.

Key things to know before you go

• Rhenia is the private beach moment: a quiet stop on an uninhabited island where you can swim and stroll along the shore.
• Delos is the big culture hit: you’ll see the houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra, plus mosaics and statues at Greece’s legendary sanctuary.
• Lunch is actually part of the fun: BBQ skewers with tzatziki and rice, served onboard while you’re sailing.
• Drinks keep the day moving: wine, juice, and water are available during the cruise and lunch.
• Expect personality on the boat: the hosts, including Paola/Paula, bring energy (including music and a dance-party vibe on the return).
• Delos entry is separate: entrance to the Delos site isn’t included, and you should be ready to pay on-site.

From Mykonos Old Port to the Aegean: the start-to-float setup

The action begins at the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station. This is a practical pick because you’re near the center, so you’re not scrambling across town just to catch a boat.

Plan to travel light. Oversize luggage isn’t allowed, and since the tour doesn’t include transportation to and from the boat, you’ll want a simple walk-from-your-hotel plan or a short local ride. Bring your ID (passport or ID card), and keep it handy for the day.

Then there’s the first real payoff: once you’re underway, the day shifts from city energy to open water. The cruise format matters here. Instead of rushing between separate stops, you get sailing time plus stops built around swimming and walking.

Sailing to Rhenia: what that private-beach stop really feels like

Rhenia is the “breathe for a minute” island. It’s secluded, uninhabited, and the boat anchors just a few meters from shore. That small detail changes everything. You’re not doing a long hike to a distant beach, and you’re not stuck waiting around for complicated transfers.

From the boat, you’ll swim in clear Aegean water and then get a chance to walk along the shore. It’s the kind of pause that balances the archaeology later in the day. If Delos feels intense on foot (it does), Rhenia gives you the physical reset.

A practical note: sea conditions can affect comfort. On calmer days, it’s easy to relax and swim. If it’s a bit choppy, you’ll want to take it slow when getting in and out of the water. The crew’s job is to keep things safe, and most of the time that “anchor close” setup makes the entry manageable.

The on-board BBQ lunch: where the value shows up

This is one of the most cost-effective parts of the experience. At $103 per person, you’re not just paying for boat transport—you’re also getting a full lunch onboard plus wine and refreshments.

What you eat is straightforward and filling: chicken and pork skewers on a BBQ style spread, served with salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread. That combination is genuinely “Greek-timed” food—salty, cooling, and easy to eat without needing to find a restaurant in town.

And the drinks matter too. Wine, juice, and water are available during the cruise. People sometimes worry that included wine will be weak or awkward. The bigger point here is that the tour keeps you in the mood for the day. Lunch isn’t a rushed stop; it’s part of the sailing rhythm.

If you’re sensitive to heat, plan your pace. There’s not much shade built into a swim-and-sun day, so sunscreen and a hat are smart.

Delos: sacred sanctuary, mosaics, and the houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra

After lunch, you head to Delos, one of the most sacred sites in ancient Greece. This island became legendary as the birthplace associated with Apollo and Artemis, and it also grew into an important trade center. In other words, Delos is not just “pretty ruins.” It’s a place where religious meaning and everyday city life overlap.

You’ll have time to explore on your own at the archaeological site. That free-roam time is key. Delos is spread out, and everyone has different interests. Some people want to focus on major buildings and museum-style details. Others prefer slower wandering to take in the mosaic floors and statues.

Two standout areas you’re set up to see are the ancient houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra. These are exactly the kind of ruins that reward you for slowing down: decorative detail, floor remnants, and the feeling that you’re looking at everyday luxury and status.

A practical reality: Delos involves walking on uneven ground. Wear shoes you can trust. And since entrance to the site is not included, budget for the admission fee separately. One helpful detail from real on-site experience: credit and debit cards were used to buy tickets on Delos, so you may not need cash—still, I’d keep some cash in your day bag just in case.

Timing and how to manage the day when the sea is choppy

The tour runs about 390 minutes, which is roughly 6.5 hours. That’s enough time to do the “swim + ruins + lunch” mix without it feeling like a half-day distraction.

Still, timing can flex with the weather. Windy conditions can lead to schedule changes, and the cruise approach is built around sea travel, not a fixed-land routine. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, keep that in mind. The upside is that the crew works to keep the day on track, and the overall structure still delivers both Rhenia and Delos.

Chop affects comfort more than it affects the sights. On a return sail with higher waves, the boat can feel more like a moving party than a sightseeing ride. That’s not a problem if you like energy. If you get motion sickness easily, it’s worth preparing with the kind of plan you’d use for any Greek island ferry day (and don’t ignore the early signs).

Also, the day is long enough that you’ll want to think ahead about small comfort basics: sunscreen, water already in the mix, and a comfortable outfit you can swim in later.

What the boat vibe adds: energy, music, and a real social feel

This cruise isn’t a silent museum tour. The vibe tends to be social, with lively hosting on board. One name that shows up clearly in the experience is Paola/Paula, who helps set the tone. You’ll often see music and a dance-party-style moment on the top deck during the return.

That’s not just entertainment. It changes how the day feels. Instead of treating each stop as a separate task, you feel like you’re part of a shared experience at sea—lunch becomes more relaxed, and the return sail turns into a decompression moment.

If you prefer quiet and solitude above all, you might want to mentally prepare for a busier boat atmosphere. The upside is that the tour also gives you space when you’re swimming or exploring on your own at Delos.

Price and logistics: does $103 make sense for Delos + lunch + a private beach?

Let’s talk value in plain terms.

You pay $103 per person for:

• the cruise
• captain and crew services
• lunch onboard
• wine and refreshments
• the full flow that includes Rhenia swimming and Delos exploration time

What you pay separately:

• transportation to and from the boat
• snorkeling gear
• entrance to the Delos site

The key value point is that lunch and drinks are included while you’re sailing. That’s money you would otherwise spend on food and beverages in Mykonos, plus it saves you from coordinating meals between separate activities. Add in the fact you’re getting both a swim-focused stop on Rhenia and a major archaeological stop at Delos, and the price starts to look like a package deal rather than a standalone boat ride.

One more logistics note that can affect cost: Delos entrance can be paid at the site, and one person reported using credit/debit on Delos. That makes the “entrance not included” part easier to handle in real life.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great match if you want a balanced Mykonos day:

• you want swimming time at a quieter island beach
• you want to see Delos without planning your own day-trip logistics
• you like the idea of good food and drinks included in the experience
• you’re okay with a boat ride that can get bouncy when the sea has opinions

It’s not ideal if:

• mobility is limited (Delos walking and general boat movement can be tough)
• you need a fully quiet, no-energy atmosphere
• you strongly dislike time on the water

If you’re traveling with friends, this is also one of the more social ways to see Delos. The energy on board can turn a long day into something memorable rather than just scheduled.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia cruise?

I’d book it if your dream Mykonos day includes both water time and ancient ruins, and you want lunch plus drinks without hunting for them. The format is efficient: you get a swim break on Rhenia, then Delos for the big cultural stop, with enough time to explore rather than just pass by.

I’d hesitate if you’re sensitive to choppy seas or you need very easy walking. Delos isn’t smooth, flat, and stroller-friendly in real terms, and the tour’s core is still a boat day.

If your priority is a mix of private-beach relaxation and Delos archaeology, this is one of the clearest choices from Mykonos.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The tour meets at the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 390 minutes (around 6.5 hours).

What does the price include?

It includes the cruise, captain and crew services, lunch, and wine and refreshments.

What is not included?

Transportation to and from the boat, snorkeling gear, and entrance to the Delos site are not included.

Do I need a passport?

You can bring a passport or an ID card. A copy is accepted.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

Can I bring oversize luggage?

No. Oversize luggage isn’t allowed.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What languages are used?

The tour is offered in Greek.

What’s the cancellation rule?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.