Private sailing turns Mykonos into your backyard. On this private catamaran day cruise, you get a half-day on Aegean water with swims, snorkeling gear, and a freshly cooked Greek meal served right on board.

I love the chef-prepared lunch (8 flavors, including fresh seafood) and the included open bar with beer, white wine, sodas, and water. I also like the way the crew keeps the schedule simple: sailing first, water stop(s) next, then lunch.

The main thing to factor in is weather. If it’s windy, the route can shift away from the Delos/Rhenia plan toward the sheltered south coast, and the water can feel cool in shoulder season.

Key things I’d plan around

• Ornos Bay meet-up with tender transfer: you board after a quick dock welcome and tender ride out to the catamaran.
• Rhenia-style cove time: expect time anchored in quiet water for swimming and snorkeling gear-on ease.
• 8-flavor Greek lunch cooked on board: the meal is the centerpiece, not an afterthought, and comes freshly prepared.
• Included open bar: beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water are part of the deal.
• Wind-proof alternative routing: if conditions change, your skipper adapts with a safer, more sheltered itinerary.
• No beach towels provided: you’ll want to pack or rent them locally.

Private Catamaran From Ornos Bay: Why This One Feels Different

Mykonos is famous for its crowds, but a private catamaran flips the script fast. You start at Ornos Bay, hop over by tender to your boat, and then you’re living on the water for about five hours without the constant stop-and-go feeling of big-group tours.

What makes this outing especially appealing is how much is built into the boat time. You’re not just “sailing for photos.” You’re sailing, stopping in quiet coves for swimming and snorkeling, and then eating a proper lunch that’s cooked on board. Several reviews also point to the same theme: the crew treats the day like a real experience, not just a checklist.

Value-wise, the price is steep at $796.48 per person, but it’s trying to be a turnkey private day: sailing + equipment + meal + drinks. For families and groups celebrating something, that “everything in one package” feeling can be worth it.

The 5-Hour Schedule: How the Time Actually Gets Used

This is a half-day cruise (about 5 hours), and the pace is built around the reality of the Aegean. The flow goes like this: welcome at Ornos Bay, tender transfer, safety briefing, then sails up for about an hour of sailing.

After that initial sailing stretch, you get a first anchored stop in a cove area for swimming and snorkeling. The tour then moves to another beautiful cove where the lunch happens on board. After the meal, there’s usually time for a last swim before sailing back toward Mykonos.

You should expect the day to feel like three blocks:

• Sailing time to set the mood and move away from the harbor
• Water time for snorkel gear and swims
• Lunch time that becomes a social centerpiece, then more swimming, then return

One reason this works well is that the boat time is productive. You’re not waiting around for the “one big moment.” You get a sequence of moments.

Rhenia-Style Swim Stop: Quiet Water, Snorkel Gear, and Real Breathing Room

The stop that comes up most clearly in the plan is time anchored around Rhenia—a quieter island feel compared with the main Mykonos scene. You’ll typically get a relaxing swim and a snorkeling break here in an unspoiled cove.

In practical terms, that means:

• You’re not trying to time a beach landing.
• You can enjoy short swims without coordinating with a crowded shore.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t have to hunt for gear when you arrive.

A few reviews highlight that the coves can feel deserted and peaceful. That matters because Mykonos is often noisy and busy even on “beach days.” Here, you’re picking the kind of stop where the water and the sky do most of the work.

Weather note: if it’s windy, don’t panic. The crew may adjust the route to keep things comfortable and safer, often spending more time in sheltered water.

Wind Changes the Plan: Delos/Rhenia vs. Mykonos South Coast

The tour is described as including time for Delos and Rhenia, but the on-water itinerary has a built-in backup plan. If wind conditions aren’t ideal, you’ll sail along the south coast of Mykonos and visit beaches and coves that are more sheltered and away from the crowds.

This is actually a smart approach for a day like this. On catamarans, wind isn’t just uncomfortable. It can affect how the crew positions the boat and how enjoyable (or choppy) the water stops feel. An alternate route can improve the whole day, even if it shifts where you spend your time.

Here’s the trade-off to understand before you go: the day can move from “island exploring” to “coast and coves” depending on conditions. Also, one review suggested they weren’t able to disembark on certain options. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it’s worth keeping in mind if your main expectation is stepping onto land at each stop.

If your priority is swimming and relaxing, you’ll likely be happy either way. If your priority is hitting specific historical landing points on schedule, be prepared for wind to influence the exact day shape.

Lunch on Board: The 8-Flavor Greek Meal Plus Open Bar

This is where the reviews get loud in the best way. The lunch is served on board, freshly prepared by the chef/sailor, and described as an 8-flavor lunch that includes fresh seafood. In real-world terms, that tends to mean a proper spread with multiple dishes rather than one “sit down and eat” plate.

The included open bar is also part of the enjoyment. You get:

• Unlimited beer
• Unlimited white wine
• Sodas and bottled water

Plus there’s a welcome prosecco drink at the start, and snorkeling equipment is included so you’re not scrambling right before lunch.

Why this matters for you: boat meals done right change the tone of the day. Instead of eating quickly between activities, you get a longer food moment that fits the slower pace of sailing. Several reviews call it the best meal they had on their Mykonos trip, and a few mention specific favorites like Greek salad and feta-focused dishes.

One small “heads up” from feedback: there was an isolated complaint about drink service and staff texting rather than refilling drinks. That’s not the dominant theme, but if you’re the type who wants staff constantly topping you up, you might want to treat the bar as “included self-management with staff support,” not a silver-service restaurant.

Boat Comfort and Extras You’ll Actually Use

This catamaran experience includes practical comforts that make the day feel smoother. You’ll have:

• WiFi
• A Bluetooth speaker setup
• Snorkeling equipment
• Shade and open-air time (depending on how the crew positions the boat)

A lot of people don’t realize how much a good boat matters until they’re out there. Reviews mention the boat being clean, well maintained, and spacious enough for groups that range from small friend groups to larger multi-generational families.

Two important notes for packing:

• Beach towels are not included.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and transfer to Ornos Bay isn’t included either.

The easy fix is simple: plan to get yourself to Ornos Bay on time, and bring a towel so you’re not drying off with a shirt you want to keep.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Should Re-think It)

This is built for people who want a private, low-effort day that still feels special. It’s a great fit if you’re traveling as:

• A group of friends
• A family with teens who don’t want a walking-heavy day
• Travelers celebrating birthdays or milestones (several reviews mention 60th birthdays and a 15th birthday)

It also works well for couples who want a “Mykonos away from Mykonos” vibe. Instead of chasing beach clubs, you’re anchored in calmer water and doing your own routine.

Who might not love it: if your top priority is strict sightseeing on land, wind-driven routing could shift the exact day plan. Also, if you dislike being in open water when it’s breezy, the sea temperature can feel cool in early October or similar shoulder-season weather. One review specifically mentioned that the water was chilly due to wind.

If your idea of a perfect day includes swimming, snorkeling, good food, and not having to manage the day’s logistics, this cruise is a strong match.

Price and Value: Is $796.48 Per Person Fair Here?

At $796.48 per person, this isn’t a budget outing. But it’s not priced like a simple boat ride either. You’re paying for private use of the experience and for multiple included components that add up fast when bought separately.

In the “value math,” you’re getting:

• A private catamaran day (about five hours)
• Lunch onboard prepared fresh (8 flavors, including fresh seafood)
• Unlimited beer and wine, plus sodas and bottled water
• Welcome prosecco
• Snorkeling equipment
• WiFi and a Bluetooth speaker
• A crew that manages safety, sailing, and water stops

When reviews repeatedly call the meal one of the best on their entire Greece trip, that’s not a small thing. A boat lunch can be ordinary on some charters. Here, the pattern is that the food is a major reason people remember the day.

So is it worth it? For large groups and celebrations, it often becomes easier to justify. For solo travelers or couples who might prefer cheaper tours and more flexible schedules, the cost might feel heavy. This is a “pay once for a polished, memorable day” kind of purchase.

Should You Book This Mykonos Catamaran Day Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a private Mykonos day focused on sailing plus swims, with a meal that’s actually worth dressing up a little for. The standout ingredients are consistent: the on-board Greek lunch, the included drinks, and the way the crew builds a relaxed day around coves rather than a strict land itinerary.

I’d hesitate if your main goal is Delos land time on a tight schedule, because wind can shift the day toward the south coast and sheltered coves. And bring a towel, because the boat doesn’t include that.

If you’re flexible about where the boat anchors and you treat this like a water day first (with history-time as a bonus), you’re likely to love it.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the cruise?

You meet at Ornos Bay at Unnamed Road, Ornos 846 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the Mykonos catamaran day cruise?

The duration is listed as about 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the lunch and drinks?

The tour includes a welcome prosecco sparkling drink, an 8-flavor lunch freshly prepared on board (including fresh seafood), and unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water. Beach towels are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport details for booking, and pack beach towels since they’re not provided. Also plan to get yourself to Ornos Bay since transfers from hotels aren’t included.

What happens if it’s windy or weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If it’s too windy during the day, the itinerary may switch to the south coast of Mykonos to avoid rougher conditions.

Do I need to provide passport information when booking?

Yes. A passport number, full name, year of birth, and country are required at booking for all participants.