The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the pairing of ancient Delos with the clear-water coves of uninhabited Rhenia. In one morning and afternoon, you get an archaeological site tied to Apollo and Artemis, then time to swim, snorkel, eat lunch, and relax aboard a catamaran.

I like the easy package: lunch and drinks are included, along with snorkeling gear, fuel, a skipper, and a sailor. I also like the small maximum group of 18, plus hotel pickup and drop-off when arranged in advance. The main catch is that Delos entry costs another €20, and you have only about one hour on the island.

Key details to know before booking

• Delos and Rhenia in one six-hour outing: You visit a major ancient site, then spend two hours around quiet beaches and swimming coves.
• A small catamaran group: The boat carries no more than 18 people, which should feel less crowded than a large day boat.
• Lunch, wine, beer, and soft drinks included: The price covers more than transport and sailing, though towels are not supplied.
• Delos admission costs €20 extra: The archaeological site ticket is not part of the tour price.
• Pickup is available by request: Give the exact pickup location by 10 p.m. the night before.
• Weather controls the day: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

From Mathios Tavern to the Aegean

The cruise begins at Mathios Tavern on Mykonos at 9 a.m. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, unless you arrange hotel pickup and return in advance. If you need a transfer, send the exact pickup location by 10 p.m. the evening before. That deadline matters, especially if you are staying outside the main town or changing hotels.

The boat has a skipper, a skipper’s assistant who works as a sailor, and a host. The crew handles the sailing and onboard service, but there is no tour guide included. That distinction matters most at Delos. You can explore the site on your own, but you should not expect a guide to explain the ruins as you walk.

The total outing lasts about six hours, including travel time. The trip to Delos takes roughly one hour, so the cruise is not six full hours of swimming and sightseeing. You will spend part of the day in transit, but that is part of the appeal. The sea route gives you a break from Mykonos streets and puts the two islands into one manageable day.

One hour among the ruins of Delos

Delos is the cultural centerpiece. In ancient Greek religion, the island was regarded as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, two Olympian gods. It also served as a major cult center, making it far more than a quick photo stop.

You get approximately one hour ashore. That is enough to see part of the archaeological grounds and understand why Delos is important, but it is not enough for an unhurried visit to every corner. I would treat this as a focused introduction rather than a full archaeological tour.

Because admission is separate, budget €20 per person on top of the cruise price. The lack of a guide means you should decide how you want to use the hour. If you already know the basic story of Apollo, Artemis, and ancient Delos, independent exploration may suit you. If you want detailed explanations of temples, statues, and ruins, bring your own background notes or use a guidebook.

The timing also shapes your day. After about an hour on land, you return to the catamaran rather than spending a long morning among the ruins. That keeps the pace moving and leaves the larger share of the itinerary for Rhenia’s beaches and water.

Wear footwear suited to an archaeological site and bring sun protection. Towels are not included, so pack one if you plan to swim later. The supplied details do not specify changing facilities, so it is sensible to plan your clothing with both the ruins and the boat in mind.

Two hours in Rhenia’s protected coves

Rhenia provides a sharp contrast to Delos. The island is uninhabited and has four sandy beaches in protected coves. The water shifts from emerald green to turquoise blue, and yachts often gather in the area because of those calm, clear-looking anchorages.

You have about two hours here, making this the main relaxation period. The crew supplies snorkeling equipment, and a stand-up paddleboard may be available if the weather permits. These extras give you choices: swim, look below the surface, paddle, or simply stay aboard with a drink and enjoy the setting.

The phrase weather permitting is important. The SUP is not guaranteed, and sea conditions can affect how much time you spend in the water. The cruise itself also requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can take a different date or receive a full refund.

Rhenia is uninhabited, so do not expect a developed beach stop with shops, restaurants, or a row of facilities. That is part of its appeal, but it also means you should carry what you need for two hours outside, including sun protection and a towel. Lunch and drinks are provided, but the available information does not promise beach chairs, umbrellas, or changing areas.

The protected coves make Rhenia a good counterpoint to busy Mykonos. You are not spending the whole day chasing sights. After Delos, the schedule gives you time to slow down and enjoy the sea.

Lunch and drinks onboard

Lunch is included, along with wine, beer, and soft drinks. That is a meaningful part of the value at $216.53 per person, since you are not paying only for a boat ride. The package also includes fuel, the skipper, the sailor, the host, and water equipment.

The meal helps keep the schedule simple. You do not need to leave the boat in search of food during the Rhenia stop, and you can return from Delos knowing that lunch is part of the day. The exact menu is not provided, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or a meal tailored to a stated dietary need.

Drinks are included, but that should not be confused with unlimited or fully specified beverage service. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are listed, while other drinks are not. If you have a specific requirement, ask the operator before departure.

The lack of towels is the clearest packing issue. Bring your own. You should also protect yourself from the Mykonos sun, since the day combines open-water sailing, time at an exposed archaeological site, and a beach stop.

Is $216.53 good value?

At $216.53 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend a day at sea. The price makes more sense if you value the combination of transport, sailing, lunch, and drinks rather than comparing it with a basic ferry or beach transfer.

You are paying for a six-hour experience with a catamaran, fuel, a skipper, an assistant sailor, a host, food, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and possible hotel transfers. Delos admission is the extra cost, adding €20 per person. That puts the real spend above the advertised cruise price, so include the archaeological ticket when planning your budget.

The maximum group of 18 is another value point. It is still a shared cruise, not a private charter, but the cap is modest. That should give the outing a more personal feel than a large excursion boat, though the exact atmosphere depends on the group aboard that day.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a quick swim. In that case, paying for the Delos visit and the combined itinerary may not fit your priorities. If you want both a major historical site and a proper period on the water, the package does more in one day than a simple sailing trip.

Transfers and the practical morning plan

Pickup is available upon request, not automatic for every booking. You must provide your exact pickup location by 10 p.m. the day before. The listed meeting point is Mathios Tavern, and the activity returns there at the end.

That arrangement gives you two ways to plan the morning. You can make your own way to Mathios Tavern, or request hotel pickup and drop-off ahead of time. Do not leave the pickup details until the morning, since the stated cutoff is the night before.

The start time is 9 a.m. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can take part, though the day includes boarding a catamaran, walking around an archaeological site, and possible swimming or paddleboarding. The supplied information does not give more specific mobility details, so ask the operator if you have concerns about boarding or shore access.

The cruise is booked, on average, 34 days in advance. That does not guarantee that every date sells out, but it is a useful planning signal. If this is important to your Mykonos schedule, booking early is sensible, especially during the busy summer period.

What the crew setup means for you

The boat is operated by a skipper and assistant sailor, with a host included. You get a crew focused on running the boat and looking after the onboard experience, but not a dedicated historical guide.

That setup works well for an independent day. You can enjoy the sailing, eat lunch, and choose how much time to spend snorkeling or swimming without following a long guided program. It is less suitable if you want constant narration or detailed archaeological commentary at Delos.

A previous booking described the service, lunch, and transfer as excellent, and the overall experience received a 4.9 rating from 14 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it. Those are strong signs for the areas that matter most here: organization, food, and transport. Still, the small review count means I would treat the score as encouraging rather than final proof that every departure will be identical.

The crew names are not provided, so you cannot select a particular skipper or host. The operator is Set Sail Mykonos.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This outing suits you if you want variety. You get a famous archaeological site, a catamaran ride, a beach stop, lunch, drinks, and water gear in one day. It is a good fit for couples, friends, and families who can manage a full six-hour activity and want more than a standard beach afternoon.

It also suits independent sightseers. You are given time at Delos, but no guide is included, so you can explore at your own speed. The small group limit is useful if you prefer a shared outing that does not feel like a major coach-style excursion.

You may want another option if Delos is your main reason for booking and you want detailed interpretation. One hour is brief, and you will be on your own at the site unless you arrange separate guidance.

This may also disappoint you if you expect guaranteed paddleboarding, supplied towels, or a fully specified lunch menu. The SUP depends on weather, towels are excluded, and no menu details are given.

Cancellation, weather, and the final decision

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. Local time controls the cutoff.

Weather is a real factor, not a footnote. The activity requires good conditions, and bad weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. Keep some flexibility in your Mykonos schedule if this cruise is important to you.

I would book this cruise if you want one well-filled day that blends Delos with swimming and a quiet island stop. The strongest reasons are the small group cap, included lunch and drinks, and the chance to see two very different sides of the Cyclades.

I would skip it if you want a long, detailed Delos visit, a private boat, or a low-cost trip focused only on swimming. For everyone else, the combination is appealing, provided you add the €20 Delos ticket, bring a towel, and accept that the sea and weather set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts approximately six hours, including travel time.

Where does the cruise start?

The listed meeting point is Mathios Tavern in Mykonos, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 9 a.m.

Does the cruise return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request. You must provide the exact pickup location by 10 p.m. the day before the cruise.

Is admission to Delos included?

No. The archaeological site entrance fee is €20 per person and is not included.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the skipper, assistant sailor, fuel, lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a host. SUP use is included when weather permits.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 18 people.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.