The best part of this six-hour cruise is the sharp change of mood: you begin among the sacred ruins of ancient Delos, then sail to quiet Rhenia for swimming, snorkeling, and a Greek lunch prepared by the crew. It gives you both a major archaeological site and a peaceful day at sea without joining a large shared boat.

I like the private format for up to 14 people, since your group controls the social rhythm, and I like that fuel, lunch, beer, wine, snorkeling equipment, and possibly a SUP are already covered. The main catch is that the €20 Delos admission fee per person is extra, and there is no tour guide included.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different islands: See Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, then spend two hours around uninhabited Rhenia.
• Private boat for your group: The price covers up to 14 people, making the cost more sensible for a family or group of friends.
• Swimming and snorkeling time: Rhenia has four sandy beaches in protected coves: Glyfada, Stena, Lia, and Ambelia.
• Lunch and drinks included: The crew serves lunch and provides beer and wine during the cruise.
• SUP depends on the weather: Stand-up paddleboard use is included when conditions allow.
• Delos entry costs extra: Budget €20 per person for the archaeological site, and remember that no guide is provided.

Ancient Delos gives the cruise its real purpose

From the meeting point at Mathios Tavern, the boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. The day’s first stop is Delos, a small island with an outsized place in Greek mythology and archaeology. It is traditionally known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, which explains why the island became such an important sacred center in the ancient Greek world.

You get about one hour at the archaeological site. That is enough to see a meaningful portion of Delos, but it is not a leisurely museum day. I would treat this as a focused introduction rather than a full archaeological study. Wear shoes suited to uneven ground, carry water, and keep your expectations realistic: a one-hour stop gives you a taste of the site, not time to examine every ruin.

The €20 entrance fee is not part of the cruise price. For a couple, that adds €40. For a full group of 14, it adds €280, so include it when comparing the total cost with other private sailing options.

A guide is also not included. The crew may share facts about Delos and the islands along the route, but you should not book this expecting a formal archaeological tour. If detailed interpretation matters to you, read about Delos before departure or arrange your own guide separately. The experience works best for people who want to see the site and then enjoy the sea, rather than spend several hours on ancient monuments.

There is one practical uncertainty. Delos can close, and Set Sail Mykonos is not responsible for an unexpected closure. If that happens, the boat passes by Delos but does not drop you off. This is worth checking before you book, especially if Delos is the main reason you want the cruise.

Rhenia offers a quieter second act

After Delos, the boat heads to Rhenia, an uninhabited island close to Mykonos. The atmosphere changes quickly. Instead of ruins and stone paths, you get open water, small coves, and a slower stretch of the day built around swimming.

The cruise allows about two hours at Rhenia. Its four named sandy beaches, Glyfada, Stena, Lia, and Ambelia, sit in protected coves. The exact anchorage can depend on conditions, but the point is clear: this is the part of the outing for getting into the water, drying off in the sun, and enjoying a less developed setting than Mykonos.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. A stand-up paddleboard is also available when weather permits. The SUP is a welcome extra, but do not plan your entire day around it. Wind and sea conditions decide whether it can be used.

Beach towels are not included. Bring one from your accommodation or pack your own. This is a small detail, but it is the sort of detail that matters after a swim. You will also want sun protection and a dry change of clothes, though those items are not listed as supplied equipment.

Rhenia is the strongest part of the cruise for anyone who wants time in the water. It is also where the six-hour schedule feels most relaxed. You get a proper pause after Delos instead of moving from one sight to another all day.

Sailing adds movement, not just transport

This is a sailing cruise, not simply a motorboat transfer between islands. Wind and waves can make the boat lean, and that movement is part of the experience. Some people will find it exciting. If you prefer a completely steady ride, sailing may feel less comfortable than a standard excursion boat.

The crew has been praised for being friendly, fun, and able to share interesting facts about the places along the route. That matters on a private trip. The crew shapes the tone of the day, especially when your group is swimming, eating, and sailing together for several hours.

Still, the available information does not provide crew names, so I cannot tell you to expect a particular captain or guide. What you can expect is a crew-led day rather than a formal guided tour. You will receive help with the boat and activities, but Delos interpretation is not included as a dedicated service.

Because the cruise requires good weather, the schedule is not completely fixed in practice. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The sailing itself may also feel different from one day to the next, with more or less wind affecting comfort and the SUP.

Lunch makes the day easier

Lunch is included, along with beer and wine. That gives the middle of the cruise a social focus and means you do not need to arrange a separate meal between Delos and Rhenia. The food is described as a delicious Greek lunch, and the meal is prepared by the crew.

I would still ask about allergies or dietary needs when booking, since no special menu information is provided. Do not assume every preference can be handled unless the operator confirms it.

The inclusion of drinks is useful for the value calculation, especially for a group. A private boat, fuel, lunch, and alcoholic drinks can add up quickly if purchased separately. The package keeps the main cost simple, though the extra Delos entry fee remains outside the package.

Alcohol and swimming require common sense. The cruise includes beer and wine, but you should pace yourself if you plan to snorkel, paddleboard, or spend time in the water. The most enjoyable version of this day is one that leaves you comfortable for the full return sail.

What the $2,335.98 group price really means

The listed price is $2,335.98 for a private group of up to 14 people. At the full group size, that works out to about $167 per person before Delos admission. Add the €20 archaeological entry fee per person, plus any currency exchange difference, and the total rises slightly.

That is a reasonable structure for a large family or group of friends who want their own boat. At 14 people, you are paying for private use rather than buying 14 separate seats on a shared trip. The included fuel is important because fuel surcharges can turn a seemingly attractive boat price into a higher final bill.

The value becomes less clear for a very small group. Two or three people would still pay the full group rate, so the cost per person would be much higher. If your party is small, compare this with a shared sailing cruise or a smaller private charter before committing.

The price makes the most sense if you value privacy, want a full day combining culture and swimming, and plan to use the included lunch, drinks, and water equipment. It makes less sense if you only want a short swim or if Delos is your sole priority, since the site visit is limited to about an hour and entry costs extra.

Timing, pickup, and the six-hour rhythm

The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. at Mathios Tavern in Mykonos and ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request, but you need to provide your exact pickup location by 10:00 p.m. on the day before the trip.

That cutoff is easy to miss. If you want pickup, send the precise location before the deadline rather than assuming the operator will find you from a hotel name alone. The tour is also near public transportation if you prefer to reach the starting point yourself.

Six hours is a useful length for this combination. A shorter trip would force you to choose between Delos and Rhenia. A much longer trip could feel tiring, particularly in strong sun or choppy water. The schedule gives Delos a compact cultural stop, then leaves two hours for the more restful part of the day.

Since this is a private activity, only your group participates. That suits families, couples traveling with friends, and groups that want to decide how much time to spend talking, swimming, or relaxing. It also means the price is not based on individual seats, so group size matters.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to a group that wants more than a beach outing but less than a full archaeological expedition. You get a major ancient site, island scenery, swimming, snorkeling, food, and a private boat in one morning-to-afternoon plan.

It is especially suitable for:

• Groups of roughly 8 to 14 people who can share the fixed private rate
• Families or friends who want their own schedule
• People who enjoy swimming and snorkeling
• Visitors who want to combine Delos with a quieter island stop
• Anyone who prefers a social boat day with lunch and wine included

I would think twice if you dislike wind and boat movement, need a formal guide at Delos, or are booking alone. I would also reconsider if your visit depends entirely on stepping ashore at Delos, since the site may close and the cruise will then pass by without a drop-off.

The tour has a perfect 5 rating from 11 posted ratings, with 100 percent recommendation. The strongest praise centers on the same features that define the day: the friendly crew, the mix of history and swimming, the good lunch, and the fun movement of the sailing boat. That pattern gives me confidence in the overall shape of the experience, while the small number of ratings means you should still weigh the weather and private-group price carefully.

Booking details worth noting before you pay

Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate. The activity requires good weather, so the operator may move or cancel the cruise when conditions are poor.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local Mykonos time.

Pack a towel, plan for sun, and budget for the Delos entrance fee. Those three steps prevent the most obvious surprises. Also decide in advance if you need hotel pickup, then send the exact location before 10:00 p.m. the night before.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you have a medium or large group and want a private blend of archaeology, sailing, swimming, and lunch. The combination is the real selling point. Delos gives the day substance, while Rhenia gives you time to relax instead of spending the entire outing among ruins.

For a small group, the fixed $2,335.98 price needs closer thought. For a full group of 14, the cost is easier to justify because fuel, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and private use are included. Just add €20 per person for Delos, bring your own towel, and remember that a guide is not part of the deal.

If those terms fit your group and your ideal Mykonos day includes both ancient stones and a swim in a quiet cove, this is a strong choice. If you want a detailed history lesson, guaranteed Delos access, or the lowest possible price, choose a different plan.

FAQ

How much does the private cruise cost?

The price is $2,335.98 per private group of up to 14 people. Delos admission costs an additional €20 per person.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Mathios Tavern in Mykonos and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request. You must provide your exact pickup location by 10:00 p.m. the day before the trip.

Is admission to Delos included?

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

Is a tour guide included?

No. A tour guide is not included in the price.

What is included in the cruise?

Fuel charges, snorkeling equipment, lunch, beer, and wine are included. A SUP is included when weather conditions permit.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.