REVIEW · MYKONOS
Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks
Book on Viator →Operated by Sunfos Alessia Yachting · Bookable on Viator
That first sunset sky hits differently.
This Mykonos cruise mixes Mediterranean sailing, a swim stop at the remote island of Rhenia, and an on-board Greek buffet with unlimited drinks. You’ll cruise past famous southern-coast beaches like Ornos and Psarou, then head to Rhenia (often called Big Delos) where the vibe is quiet and secluded compared with Mykonos’ crowded spots.
What I like most is how the day stays hands-on: you get provided snorkeling gear and you swim from the yacht ladder, not off a busy shore. I also really appreciate that the meal is set up to match the day on the water, with an early-dinner-style Greek buffet and drinks topped up throughout. The one thing to consider is that the cruise is weather-dependent, and rougher sea days can make the return feel less relaxing.
In This Review
- Key Reasons to Choose This Mykonos Sunset Sail
- From Mykonos’ South Coast to a Yacht-Only Swim at Rhenia
- Meeting Point and Timing: What You Need to Know Before You Go
- The Sail Before the Swim: Beating the Wind on Mykonos’ Wind-Sheltered Side
- Rhenia Island: Big Delos Feeling Without the Crowds
- The Sea, the Light, and the Snorkeling Reality
- On-Board Greek Buffet and Drinks: When Food Actually Feels Part of the Day
- The Sunset Return: Sailing Back Through Yellow, Orange, and Red
- Crew and Service: The Difference Between a Trip and a Smooth Experience
- Value for Money: Why This Price Can Make Sense
- Who This Cruise Fits Best
- A Few Smart Tips Before You Sail
- Should You Book This Mykonos Sunset Sail to Rhenia?
- FAQ
- How long is the cruise?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is pickup available from my hotel?
- Can I get ashore at Rhenia?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
- What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Key Reasons to Choose This Mykonos Sunset Sail

- Rhenia is yacht-only: an uninhabited islet that feels peaceful compared with organized beaches
- Snorkel gear included: mask, snorkel, fins plus floating noodles
- Drinks + Greek buffet: house wine, beers, soft drinks, water, coffee/tea, and a farewell shot drink
- Beach safari from the sea: you’ll pass Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise
- Small-group feel: a maximum of 35 travelers, with crew focused on keeping things smooth
From Mykonos’ South Coast to a Yacht-Only Swim at Rhenia
This is a smart pick if your time in Mykonos is short and you want the water version of the highlights. Instead of hopping between beach clubs for hours, you sail along the southern coastline, then spend actual time in the sea at Rhenia. The rhythm is simple: cruise, swim/snorkel, eat, then watch the colors shift back toward Mykonos.
The boat setup matters for comfort. You meet the crew directly at the sailing yacht, and the tone is relaxed right from the start. There’s also free Wi-Fi on board, which is handy if you want to post quickly before your phone battery takes a vacation.
One practical detail: the disembarkation point can change due to weather. That’s not unusual on the water, but it’s good to know ahead of time so you don’t panic if the final dock differs slightly.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mykonos
Meeting Point and Timing: What You Need to Know Before You Go

The tour runs about 5 hours. You’ll meet at C8F4+2QR, Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis, 846 00, Greece. The crew uses visible identification, with Sunfos Alessia Yachting t-shirts or a sign at the embarkation spot.
Pickup is optional. If you want shuttle help, it’s an added charge and you need to request it after booking. If you’re staying near the meeting area, you’ll likely find it easier to just get yourself there. Either way, the tour is near public transportation, so you’re not stuck if you don’t arrange a transfer.
A small but important administrative note: you’ll need passport details for each participant (full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth) for the passenger list before embarkation. If your travel group includes non-U.S. or non-EU passports, it’s worth double-checking the names match your passport exactly.
For comfort, plan for a moderate physical fitness level. The big activity is swimming in and out from the boat area, plus getting your gear ready quickly when you’re in the water.
The Sail Before the Swim: Beating the Wind on Mykonos’ Wind-Sheltered Side

You’ll start by lifting anchors and sailing along the Mykonos southern coastline. This part of the itinerary is built around wind protection. Mykonos is known for the Meltemi winds, so the routing aims to use beaches and stretches that are more sheltered. That matters because you’re on open water for the cruising and beach-safari portion.
As you sail, you’ll pass several of the south-coast favorites from the sea. Expect scenery that’s very “postcard Mykonos,” but with the benefit of movement. Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise are all on the route, so you’re not only viewing them on a map—you’re getting the real angles that boat travel gives you.
This is also where the cruise earns its value. From the water, you get to see the coast as a whole. Mykonos’ layout can be confusing from land, but from the yacht you start to understand where everything sits relative to everything else.
Rhenia Island: Big Delos Feeling Without the Crowds

Rhenia is the star of the show. It’s an uninhabited islet, and yacht access is what keeps it feeling tucked away. It’s sometimes compared to Big Delos, but the key point for you is simple: it feels quieter, and it feels less managed.
Reaching it is part of the experience. You’ll set sail for about an hour to get there, then spend time at the islet. The on-water time is long enough to matter: about two hours at Rhenia, plus sailing time to and from Mykonos.
Here’s what makes the stop unique: there’s no pier or tendering ashore. You swim from the yacht swimming ladder. That means no time spent walking around, no crowds moving in a line, and no searching for a spot to claim your towel. It’s more “water experience” than “island visit.”
Snorkeling is easy to use because the gear is on board and ready. You’ll have masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles. It’s a great option if you want to try snorkeling without bringing your own setup. If you’re new to it, the boat staff can help you get oriented quickly so you’re not wasting time fiddling with equipment.
The Sea, the Light, and the Snorkeling Reality

The Aegean around Mykonos can look unreal, and Rhenia’s water is where you feel that difference most. The swim is direct from the yacht into clear blue water, and the time window gives you a real chance to enjoy it rather than a rushed dip.
Your experience will depend on conditions. On calmer days, snorkeling feels effortless and peaceful. On windier days, the boat movement can make everyone more coordinated—great for the adventurous, less great if you hate feeling tossed around.
One pattern I’d watch for: this cruise is designed for good weather. That’s why it’s best to schedule early in your Mykonos stay. If you’re counting on a specific date and the sea gets rough, you’ll want backup options.
A few more Mykonos tours and experiences worth a look
On-Board Greek Buffet and Drinks: When Food Actually Feels Part of the Day

Food on a boat can go two ways: either it’s an afterthought, or it fits the pace. This one fits. You get an early-dinner buffet-style meal served on board after you’ve settled into the cruise rhythm.
The menu is firmly Greek and practical for sea time. You can expect dishes like moussaka, chicken, potatoes, tzatziki, bread, and Greek salad. Coffee/tea are included too, and the whole thing is designed to be eaten without fuss while you’re still riding the sunset vibe.
Drinks are part of the deal. You’ll have complimentary white and rosé house wine, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee/tea. There’s also a farewell shot drink at the end of the experience. If you’re the sort who wants a glass in hand without constantly asking staff for refills, this is the kind of cruise where that flow usually works.
Two small timing notes that help you enjoy it:
- If you eat breakfast later than usual, you’ll arrive hungry when dinner is served.
- If you’re a snacker, consider bringing a light one or two non-messy snacks just in case you want something between the swim and the meal.
The Sunset Return: Sailing Back Through Yellow, Orange, and Red

After Rhenia time, you sail back toward Mykonos and you watch the sky change as the sun drops into the Aegean. This part is more than scenery. Being on the water during golden hour makes Mykonos feel less like a destination of photos and more like a living coastline.
Also, the return is where the sea conditions really show themselves. If the wind is strong, you’ll feel more motion. If it’s calm, this is when the cruise becomes pure relaxing.
Either way, it’s the perfect time to slow down, look around, and stop thinking about your next beach reservation.
Crew and Service: The Difference Between a Trip and a Smooth Experience

What sets this cruise apart is the crew style. Names that come up in the day-to-day experience include Costas, Joanna, Sofia, Costas again in different bookings, plus captains and hosts like Bobby/Bobbi and Foti/Fotes, and hosts such as Tarsos. People also mention hosts who make kids comfortable and help them learn the basics of steering.
In plain terms: the crew keeps the energy friendly without letting things get chaotic. Drinks tend to stay in motion, and the staff are hands-on about making sure you get what you need for swimming and snorkeling.
On a boat, that matters. The ocean is the main attraction, but logistics are what can ruin a good day—finding the right time to eat, staying organized around swim stops, and keeping everyone safe. Here, the day runs like a well-practiced routine.
Value for Money: Why This Price Can Make Sense
At about $114.89 per person for a 5-hour sailing experience, you’re not paying for a basic sightseeing ride. You’re paying for several concrete things that add up fast in Mykonos:
- yacht time for a real sailing day
- snorkeling gear included (mask, snorkel, fins, floating noodles)
- a Greek buffet meal served on board
- a large drinks spread (wine, beer, soft drinks, water)
- small-group limits (up to 35 travelers)
If you’ve already paid for sun loungers, beach club drinks, and a separate meal, the cruise stops being expensive quickly. It’s basically a packaged day where you pay once and then enjoy the water, the food, and the drinks without doing math every hour.
The key value test for you is this: do you want a swim and snorkeling stop plus a meal, all on a schedule that doesn’t drain your energy? If yes, this is good value.
If you only want a quick look and you hate boats, then it’s probably not your best match.
Who This Cruise Fits Best
This tour is a great fit if you:
- want a short-stay Mykonos plan that still feels like more than a day of beach hopping
- want a quieter swim stop at Rhenia without crowded shore scenes
- enjoy snorkeling and want gear provided
- like the idea of a sunset return without hunting for dinner reservations
It’s also family-friendly in the sense that crews often work with children and keep everyone engaged, but you should still expect water activity and boat movement.
If you’re very sensitive to rough water, pick your day carefully. On windy days, the return can feel intense, even when the crew handles it well.
A Few Smart Tips Before You Sail
These are simple but they make a difference:
- Bring swim essentials you feel comfortable with, but remember snorkeling gear is provided.
- Plan your breakfast so you’re ready for the early-dinner meal when it lands on board.
- If you’re prone to motion discomfort, consider that the sea state can change and this is a sailing experience, not a flat canal cruise.
- Because the disembarkation point can shift due to weather, keep your next plan flexible.
Should You Book This Mykonos Sunset Sail to Rhenia?
Book it if your ideal day is: sailing + a real swim + snorkeling + Greek food + drinks + sunset. This is one of those tours where the “included” parts are actually the main event, not filler.
Hold off or choose a calm weather window if you hate boat motion. Also, schedule it early in your Mykonos stay so you have time to adjust if conditions aren’t right.
If you want Mykonos from the water without spending your day hauling towels, this cruise is a strong bet.
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
The experience runs about 5 hours.
What’s included in the price?
You get a sailing yacht cruise with crew, an onboard early-dinner buffet, complimentary house wine, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee/tea, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) plus floating noodles, a farewell shot drink, free Wi-Fi, and safety equipment. Fuel charges and taxes are also included.
Is pickup available from my hotel?
Pickup and drop-off shuttle service is optional. It’s available for an additional charge and you need to request it after booking.
Can I get ashore at Rhenia?
No. Rhenia stop time is for swimming from the yacht swimming ladder. Pier facilities or tendering ashore are not available.
Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
No. Snorkeling gear is provided for free on board, including mask, snorkel, and fins, plus floating noodles.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.



























