Mykonos looks better from a sailboat. I love the mix of ancient Delos plus real beach time at Rhenia, and the onboard crew keeps things smooth with safety in mind. One thing to consider: Delos archaeological site entry tickets cost extra and you won’t have an included guide on the grounds.

You start with a clear plan and a pretty quick pace. The cruise sets sail at 9:00am from Tourlos Marina, and you’ll meet the skipper inside Matthew Tavern about 15 minutes before departure. Expect a day that feels like half history field trip, half swim party—just on a proper sailing yacht.

Key points before you go

• Delos, but at your speed: about 75 minutes to walk the main archaeological areas of the Apollo and Artemis sanctuary
• Rhenia’s “no crowds” vibe: uninhabited island with protected coves and white sandy beaches you anchor right by
• Snorkeling gear is included: goggles/snorkel setup is provided, so you can get in the water without extra shopping
• Lunch and drinks are built in: a traditional Mykonian meal served onboard, plus wine, beer, and soft drinks
• SUP only if conditions allow: paddleboarding is included when the weather plays nice

From Matthew Tavern to a 6-hour sea day

This cruise is built for people who want Mykonos sights without spending the whole day on land. You meet inside Matthew Tavern (the skipper is there around 15 minutes before the trip) and then you’re moving out toward Tourlos Marina. If you picked an option with pick-up, you’ll need to specify your exact pickup location by the deadline the operator requests.

Once underway, you’re not stuck waiting around. The first sailing segment is about an hour, then you get right into the two “main chapters” of the day: Delos for the big ancient stop, and Rhenia for swimming and snorkeling.

The boat is a classic-style sailing yacht (one common model used is a Beneteau around 50.5 feet), which matters because the day feels more like a real voyage than a quick taxi boat ride. It’s also the kind of setup where you’ll want to pay attention to safety instructions and hold steady when moving around—especially if the wind or waves make the deck angle change.

Delos: Apollo and Artemis in about 75 minutes

Delos is the centerpiece. You’ll get there for a short but meaningful window to visit one of Greece’s most famous archaeological areas: the sanctuary tied to the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Think of it as an open-air site where the ruins are the attraction, not a museum you shuffle through.

Here’s how to frame the time: you’ll have roughly an hour exploring the grounds. That’s enough to see the highlights, but it’s not long enough for a slow, deep read of every corner. The good news is that you can steer your own pace—lingering where you care, moving on when you want photos and perspective.

Two practical notes that affect your planning:

• Delos entry tickets are not included. You’ll pay 20€ per person on top of the cruise price.
• A tour guide isn’t included for the archaeological site portion. If you love context, consider doing a little prep beforehand (even a quick guidebook skim can make the stones feel less random).

Also, don’t be surprised if the operator adjusts the plan due to conditions. The company notes that Delos archaeological site access could change, and if Delos can’t be dropped off, you may still sail by the island without landing.

Rhenia Island: white beaches and turquoise coves

After Delos, you shift from ruins to water. Rhenia is uninhabited and about four times the size of Delos, with a small channel separating them. What you care about here is simple: it’s quiet. It has several sandy beaches—Glyfada, Stena, Lia, and Ambelia—each tucked into protected coves.

When you arrive, you anchor in a secluded bay right near the beach. This is the part of the day where the cruise stops feeling like a schedule and starts feeling like time off. You’ll get a solid chunk of water time—around two hours—so you’re not constantly checking the clock.

On Rhenia, you can:

• Swim in the clear water directly from the anchored spot
• Use the provided snorkeling equipment and check out underwater life with no special training required
• Walk the island if you want a bit of exploring beyond beach lounging

If you’re the type who likes to alternate between “do something” and “do nothing,” this is that. Lay on sand with no crowds. Then pop in for a swim when the sun shifts.

Lunch and drinks onboard: a Mykonian meal with sea views

One of the best parts of this cruise is that lunch isn’t an afterthought. The operator serves a traditional Mykonian lunch onboard, and it’s paired with wine, beer, and soft drinks. Instead of packing a meal and eating it quickly, you get to slow down while the boat does the slow, scenic work for you.

The cruise format also makes lunch feel natural. You’re halfway between history and beach time, and food onboard gives your body a reset before the water hours.

One small reality check: you’re eating on a moving deck, so if you’re sensitive, take it easy on the first few bites and sip water. Seasickness isn’t guaranteed, but sailing always adds motion.

Snorkeling gear, goggles, and optional SUP

This isn’t a bare-minimum “dip your toe” stop. You get snorkeling equipment, and the setup is designed so most people can snorkel without special experience. You’ll also want goggles, because the water here is clear enough that you’ll actually want to look around rather than just swim fast.

SUP is included, but only weather permitting. That’s good planning on the operator’s side: paddleboarding depends heavily on wind and sea conditions. If it’s too breezy, expect the SUP to be skipped rather than forced.

If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t a strong swimmer, the good news is you can still have a great time on Rhenia by staying beachside. Rhenia’s main appeal is the sand-and-water combo, not an activity list.

Sailing comfort and safety: expect real boat motion

This cruise is on a sailing yacht, not a glassy luxury catamaran that glides like it’s on rails. That’s part of the charm, and it’s also why you should listen to the crew and move carefully.

From examples of how this trip runs, you can meet skippers and assistants such as Vangelis with Tina (and the day may also be led by other crew members, like Gerasimos and Giannis). What matters is the crew’s focus on safe handling and basic seamanship so passengers can enjoy the motion without feeling lost.

One consideration: sailing involves angles and changing deck positions. If you know that boat motion triggers anxiety (or if you get queasy easily), prepare for it. Bring sunglasses, keep a steady pace when you walk, and consider motion-sickness medication if that’s part of your usual travel toolkit.

Also, note a practical detail: on some days, sails might not be set as much as you expect. That doesn’t mean the trip is worse—it can just reflect wind conditions. You’ll still get the best view from being on the water.

Price and value: what you get for $176

At $176 per person for a 6-hour outing, you’re paying for more than transportation. What’s included is substantial:

• Sailing yacht charter
• Skipper’s assistant
• Lunch onboard
• Wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP (weather permitting)
• Fuel charges

What’s not included is equally important:

• Delos archaeological site entry tickets (20€ per person)
• Tour guide
• Beach towels

So the value equation is pretty clear. If you’d otherwise pay for boat time, a guided (or partly guided) day, snorkeling rentals, and a meal somewhere on Mykonos, this stacks up well. The only catch is that Delos time is self-guided on your schedule, so your enjoyment of the ruins depends partly on your interest level.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a water-first Mykonos day
• one major ancient stop (Delos) plus one major beach stop (Rhenia)
• lunch and drinks included so the day doesn’t become a snack scavenger hunt
• snorkeling without renting gear

It’s not a good match if mobility or health issues limit how you can board and move around on a boat. The operator lists it as not suitable for wheelchair users and also says people with pre-existing medical conditions should not book. If you’re pregnant, have mobility limits, or health considerations, you’re expected to advise before reservation so the crew can assess whether the plan is workable.

Practical tips: what to pack and how to plan

This is a summer sailing day. Pack like you’re going to the beach and then back to the boat—because that’s the loop.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing

A few smart habits for comfort:

• Wear water-friendly footwear if you have it. You’ll be stepping onto sand and moving near the shoreline.
• Bring a lightweight layer for wind on the water, even on hot days.
• Keep your expectations realistic about Delos time. The best strategy is to pick a few things you want to see, then let the rest be bonus.

Weather matters too. The operator notes that the route and even starting/ending points might change based on conditions. If you’re counting on a specific photo spot or want to be back at a precise time for dinner reservations, keep some flexibility.

Should you book this Delos & Rhenia cruise?

If your ideal Mykonos day mixes ancient sites with real swimming, I’d book it. The strongest reasons are the combo: Delos in a tight, doable window and Rhenia anchored at a quiet beach, plus a genuinely helpful inclusion of lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

Skip it only if:

• you need a wheelchair-accessible boat day
• you have health limitations that the operator warns about
• you want a full, guided deep dive of Delos (this is more self-paced walking than guided storytelling)

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia boat cruise?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

Where do I meet the skipper?

Meet inside Matthew Tavern, and the skipper will be waiting there about 15 minutes before the trip.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, you need to provide your exact pickup location by 10:00 PM the day before the tour.

Are Delos entry tickets included in the price?

No. Delos archaeological site entry tickets cost 20€ per person and are not included.

Is lunch included, and what’s served?

Yes. You’ll have lunch onboard, described as a traditional Mykonian lunch. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are also included.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is SUP included?

SUP is included weather permitting.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users or people with medical conditions?

No. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and people with pre-existing medical conditions should not book. The operator also asks that pregnancy, mobility, and health issues be advised before reservation.