Mykonos’ sea day hits different when it includes real time to swim and a UNESCO stop you can choose how fast to see. What I like most is the Rhenia beach break with the Greek BBQ lunch onboard, plus the option to spend real effort on Delos instead of just passing by. One thing to factor in: the swimming setup depends on the captain’s chosen beach, and some entries are via ladders and rougher conditions at the waterline.

You’ll meet at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours in Mykonos Old Port for a 10:30 departure (embarkation starts 10:15). This is a shared cruise (max 120 people) built for a mix of relaxation and sightseeing, and the price is all about getting you to two islands without the hassle of arranging ferries and tours.

Key perks at a glance

• Rhenia stop (about 3.5 hours): swim, sunbathe, stroll, and enjoy lunch while the captain cooks.
• Greek BBQ lunch + wine: pork & chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, seasonal fruit, plus complimentary drinks.
• Delos optional ruins time: UNESCO site with an entrance fee you pay if you want to go in.
• Return sail photo moment: passing Little Venice on the way back.
• Onboard energy: many people remember the music and dancing on the cruise back.

Meeting in Mykonos Old Port: Timing Matters

This tour is scheduled for a daytime cruise that starts at 10:30 am, with embarkation at 10:15 am at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours in Mykonos Old Port. You’ll need to get yourself there on your own—no shuttle is included—and that’s worth planning carefully, especially if you’re coming from a cruise ship port or another part of town.

My advice is simple: arrive early enough that you’re not sprinting across Mykonos with salty hair and a sun hat that’s trying to escape. The cruise runs on a tight window, and because this is shared with a larger group, they can’t pause for late arrivals. If you’re unsure where to find the office, check your map before you go and take a screenshot of the exact location.

Also bring your ID or passport. They require it to verify age for alcohol service (the legal age is 18). Even if you’re not drinking, it’s smart to have everything ready so you’re not stuck at check-in.

Rhenia First: Quiet Swimming and a Greek BBQ Lunch

The cruise leaves Mykonos Old Port and reaches Rhenia (Rineia) in about 45 minutes. Then comes the star attraction: a deserted beach anchored near the island’s calm, turquoise water.

You’re there for about 3 hours 30 minutes, and you get to choose how to spend it:

• swim in the clear water
• sunbathe on fine sand
• take a stroll around the area while the boat crew prepares your Greek-style BBQ lunch

What makes Rhenia work for real life

Rhenia’s value isn’t just pretty water—it’s unrushed time. A lot of island tours in the Cyclades rush you from photo spot to photo spot. Here, the schedule is designed for a proper beach break, and that’s what makes it feel like a true day trip rather than a moving museum.

The one drawback to plan for

How you actually get into the water can vary. In some cases, you may be climbing down a ladder, and you might need to swim to reach the shore in a rocky section rather than stepping onto sand. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or miserable, but it does mean you should be comfortable with uneven entry and a bit of effort at water level.

If you’re traveling with kids, older adults, or anyone who gets nervous about ladders, it’s smart to manage expectations early. Pack swimwear you trust, and consider water shoes if you tend to get scraped easily.

Delos Time: UNESCO Ruins at Your Own Pace

After lunch (around 14:30), the boat sails onward to Delos for about 1 hour 45 minutes. Here’s the key: you can explore the UNESCO archaeological site on your own at your own expense.

Delos is the name most people know when they think of sacred ruins in the Aegean, and this stop gives you the best kind of freedom. You’re not stuck on a long guided loop where every turn is timed for someone else’s pace. You can step into the major areas that interest you most, pause for photos, and keep moving when you’re ready.

The tradeoff: Delos is not a long visit

You only get around two hours (give or take, depending on how the day runs). That’s usually enough to see the main parts and get a sense of the scale, but it’s not enough if you want a deep, slow, everything-in-detail visit.

So plan your priorities:

• If you love archaeology and want to read everything, you’ll likely wish you had more time.
• If you want a satisfying overview plus a few standout photo angles, this timing works well.

When Delos changes plans

Delos entrance is not included, and the entrance fee is listed as 20€ per person. Also note that opening status can vary due to special circumstances (for example, major holidays). If access is limited, you may have more beach time instead—so keep your day flexible in spirit even if your itinerary looks clear on paper.

The Return Sail: Little Venice Photo Moment and Onboard Fun

Once the Delos visit wraps, the cruise collects remaining Delos visitors and starts heading back to Mykonos Old Port. You’ll pass Little Venice during the return sail, which creates a nice photo opportunity without you having to chase the views yourself.

The boat ride back takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. This is when the mood on board tends to shift. Many people remember the music and dancing during the return cruise, and it can turn a simple trip into a memorable, social last chapter of your Mykonos day.

If you prefer quiet, you can still find it—just know that the vibe on the deck can get playful. Bring sunglasses, keep an eye on the sea conditions, and enjoy the fact that you’re heading home with a beach day behind you and ruins on the checklist.

Lunch, Wine, and What’s Actually Included

The included meal is a strong point of this cruise. You’ll get a Greek BBQ lunch with:

• Greek souvlaki (pork & chicken)
• Greek salad, rice, tzatziki sauce, bread
• seasonal fruits

And it comes with complimentary wine, plus refreshments and water.

How to judge the food realistically

This is a boat lunch, not a Michelin kitchen, and that’s fine. The best way to think about it is: you’re paying for convenience + destination time, and the lunch is there to keep the day comfortable so you don’t spend your beach hours searching for food.

If you have dietary needs, you should plan ahead, but there’s also evidence from past experiences that the crew can be accommodating for at least some preferences (one family noted vegetarian care).

Alcohol note that actually matters

Wine is included, but the legal serving age is 18. If someone in your group is under that age, they’ll still have water and other refreshments available.

Also, if you want additional drinks beyond what’s included, plan for extra cost. Some people reported a cash-only bar on board, so it helps to bring a card or some euros if you think you’ll want more than the included beverages.

Snorkel Gear, Towels, and Small Extras

You don’t need to bring much to enjoy the cruise, but a few add-ons can make your experience smoother.

Not included:

• snorkeling equipment (available for a small extra cost)
• towels (available for a small extra cost)

From posted pricing experiences, snorkel gear has been sold at about 15€. Since costs can change, I suggest you treat those as approximate and verify on the day if you’re buying.

If you already own snorkel gear or your preferred towel, bring your own to avoid paying onboard prices and to keep your stuff clean and familiar.

Boat Comfort and Sea Conditions: What to Expect

Cruises in the Aegean can feel easy on calm days and more of a workout on choppier ones. The good news here is that people have praised the boat as stable enough to operate even when conditions are rougher than expected.

Still, it’s a real sea ride:

• wear light, comfortable clothing
• bring sun protection
• consider seasickness support if you’re sensitive

A practical tip

If the water is rough, the Rhenia swimming may still happen, but the “how” may change. That can include ladder entry and reaching the most comfortable waterline by swimming a short distance. If that sounds like a stress point, plan to stay relaxed and ready—this is vacation time, not an obstacle course.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a good match if you want a mix:

• beach time that’s more than a token dip
• lunch plus drinks without extra planning
• a UNESCO stop that you can pace yourself

It’s also a solid choice for families because the schedule isn’t all hiking and it leaves room for kids to burn energy at Rhenia.

Consider it carefully if:

• you’re uncomfortable with ladder-style water entry
• you want a long, slow Delos ruin tour with lots of guided interpretation (this is time-limited)
• you’re very price-sensitive, because the Delos entrance fee adds 20€ per person, and optional extras like towels and snorkels cost more onboard

Value Check: Is the Price Reasonable?

At $106.42 per person, the big question is value: you’re paying for transportation by boat to both islands, a Greek BBQ lunch, and complimentary wine plus refreshments and water.

You also save time and hassle. Instead of coordinating ferries, then finding tickets, and then building in time to get from one place to another, this bundle hands you the schedule in one stroke. The only major add-on is Delos entrance (20€), which is a known cost rather than a surprise.

If you’ll actually swim at Rhenia and you’ll visit Delos (and pay the fee), this price can feel fair. If you only care about one stop, you might compare it against a simpler half-day option—because you can’t “opt out” of the overall day structure.

Quick Practical Checklist Before You Go

Bring:

• light clothing and/or swimwear
• sun protection
• a plan for water access comfort (since beaches can differ)
• your ID/passport
• cash or euros in case you want extra drinks or paid gear on board

Optional-but-smart:

• your own snorkel mask if you already use one
• swim shoes if you don’t love rocky shorelines
• a towel if you want to skip the onboard towel fee

Try to wear comfortable clothes you can move in. This isn’t a “dress up for port photos” kind of day.

Should You Book This Rhenia-Delos Cruise?

If your ideal Mykonos day includes both swimming in clear Aegean water and a genuine UNESCO ruins visit you can tailor to your pace, I’d say yes. The strongest parts are the Rhenia beach block (with real time) and the included BBQ lunch with wine, which makes the day feel complete.

Hold off or choose a different option if you know you hate ladder entries or if Delos is your only priority and you want a longer, more detailed visit than what fits into roughly two hours.

If you do book, book with the mindset that this is an active sea day: sun, water, food on schedule, and a fun return sail. That’s exactly what it’s built to deliver.

FAQ

Do I need to pay extra for Delos ruins?

Yes. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is 20€ per person and is not included. You pay it if you choose to explore the UNESCO site.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch is a Greek BBQ with souvlaki (pork and chicken), Greek salad, rice, tzatziki sauce, bread, and seasonal fruits.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Complimentary wine is included, along with refreshments and water. Alcohol serving follows the 18+ legal age rule.

How long is the cruise and what time does it start?

It lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes. The tour starts at 10:30 am, and you can embark from 10:15 am.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours, Mykonos Old Port. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment or towels provided?

No, they are not included. Snorkeling equipment and towels are available for a small extra cost.

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Wear comfortable light clothing or swimwear and bring sun protection. If you’re sensitive about water entry, plan for ladders and variable beach access.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.