Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks

This Mykonos sunset sail is interesting because it swaps the usual beach lineup for a boat-only stop at Rhenia, also called Big Delos. You get the feeling of getting out on the Aegean, then you land in one of those quiet, uninhabited spots that feels far from the crowds.

I especially like two things about it. First, I like the crew energy, with names like Costas and Joanna showing up in people’s accounts for friendly hosting. Second, I like the practical setup for the water, since you get free snorkeling gear right on board.

The main drawback to keep in mind: you are not docking at a big pier. Swim and shore time depend on conditions, and on rougher days it can feel like a more active outing than you planned for.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Rhenia is boat-only, so it feels more secluded than organized Mykonos beaches
• Free snorkel kit is included, plus floating noodles for an easier water break
• You sail past classic Mykonos coasts such as Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise
• A Greek buffet meal with drinks happens on board, timed around the late-afternoon sea mood
• Small-group cap (up to 35) helps the boat feel relaxed rather than crowded
• Weather matters, including possible changes to where you get off depending on conditions

Why this sunset sail feels like a Mykonos shortcut with payoff

If your time in Mykonos is tight, this kind of cruise does the heavy lifting. You’re not trying to stitch together beach visits, transit, and food stops. You meet the crew, get on the yacht, and the day is organized around two things you actually want in the Cyclades: sea time and time in water.

The big reason I think it’s worth considering is Rhenia itself. It’s described as uninhabited and accessible mainly by yacht, which is exactly what you want when Mykonos beach areas start to feel busy. Instead of standing in the same lineup of umbrellas, you get a quieter feel and a swim from the boat ladder. Then you spend unhurried time in the island area before heading back as the light changes.

Where you meet, and how the start of the trip stays simple

The meeting point is at Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis (C8F4+2QR), Mykonos. You meet directly at the sailing yacht, and the cruise representative is identifiable by a t-shirt or sign that says Sunfos Alessia Yachting.

If you’re coming from outside the port zone, pickup and drop-off shuttle service is optional. It’s arranged after booking, and it’s an additional charge. The important thing is to plan your timing around meeting the boat at the stated location, not around a big bus itinerary.

Also note two practical details:

• Disembarkation can change based on weather conditions. So keep your flexibility for your Rhenia time.
• You should have a moderate physical fitness level since the experience includes swim access from the yacht ladder and some movement tied to shore options.

The south-coast “beach safari” part: sailing views with built-in context

After you lift anchors and set sails, the cruise focuses on Mykonos’ southern coastline. The route is designed to take advantage of areas protected from the Meltemi, the north wind that can make the north side feel rougher.

On the water, you’ll get passes by some of the island’s best-known beach names, including Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise. Even if you do not hop off at every single one, this is still useful. From sea level, the beaches look different, and you understand why people choose specific stretches for swimming and sun.

One small “reality check” I like to give: this is a sailing route plus a water-focused stop pattern. It’s not a sightseeing bus tour where you pause at every location for photos. The value is in the sea time and the way the coast unfolds as you go.

Stop at Rhenia (Rhenia, Big Delos): the reason many people book

This is the heart of the outing. You sail for about an hour to reach the uninhabited islet of Rhenia, sometimes nicknamed Big Delos. Since it’s accessible only by yacht, it feels like a pocket of quiet compared to Mykonos’ more organized beach life.

Swim access and snorkeling setup

You swim using the yacht ladder. There are no pier facilities and no tendering ashore mentioned, which means plan on getting into the water as part of the experience. The snorkeling gear is included at no extra cost, and you also have floating noodles available.

If you’re someone who likes to swim but dislikes complicated gear logistics, this is a good match. You don’t need to rent anything or scramble for equipment once you’re already at the boat.

Time on the island and what you can do there

Once you’re at Rhenia, the stop lasts about two hours. That’s long enough for a real break, not just a quick drop-and-run photo stop.

Based on accounts from the field, people sometimes take a walk around the shoreline area and notice visible remnants from an ancient hospital building. Even if ruins aren’t the focus for you, walking a bit helps you stretch your legs after time on the water.

Best mindset for Rhenia

Go with the expectation that this is a quiet islet and not a manicured beach club. If you want calm water, put your day in early in your Mykonos trip, because weather can affect the final plan.

On-board meal: Greek buffet, coffee/tea, and what to expect from drinks

The cruise includes an on-board buffet meal served as an early-dinner style spread, and it’s also described by many as a late lunch. Either way, the key is this: you eat while you’re still in cruise mode, not after you’re back on land.

The buffet is Mediterranean-style Greek food, and commonly mentioned items include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, bread, tzatziki, and Greek salad. Coffee and tea are included too.

Drinks: included, but keep expectations realistic

Complimentary drinks include house wine in white and rosé, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, plus coffee/tea. There is also a farewell shot drink at the end.

One practical note from real-world experience: people say the booze is included, but it’s not always treated like a totally hands-off, never-ending free-for-all. The most reliable approach is simple: ask for refills instead of waiting. The crew is described as attentive, and when you speak up, service seems to keep flowing.

Timing tip

Some accounts say the meal is served around the mid to late afternoon, which can leave you hungry if you start the day on empty. If you want the trip to feel relaxed, eat a proper breakfast before you go.

The sailing back and the sunset payoff

After the Rhenia time, you sail back to Mykonos and watch the colors shift across the Aegean as the sun goes down. This is the part that many people remember most clearly, because it turns the ride into a slow drift.

Even if the plan changes slightly due to conditions, the overall structure keeps the sunset vibe as the goal. You get sailing time, then swimming time, then a return timed for the evening light.

When weather changes the day (and how to handle it)

This experience requires good weather. That matters because it affects two things:

1. Whether the cruise runs at all.
2. How easy it is to enjoy the swim and shore time.

You’ll also see a note that the disembarkation point can shift depending on weather. And at least one set of accounts warns that rough seas can make the return trip feel a bit intense. If you tend to get seasick or you do not like choppy water, choose your day carefully and keep a backup date if possible.

My practical advice: schedule this earlier in your Mykonos stay so you can switch dates if needed. That’s the simplest way to protect your plan when the sea decides.

Price and value: is $114.89 a fair deal?

At $114.89 per person, you’re paying for a sailing yacht experience (about 5 hours), plus crew, fuel charges, and taxes. You also get:

• the on-board buffet meal
• wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee/tea
• snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and floating noodles
• a farewell shot drink
• free Wi-Fi on board
• safety equipment included

When I look at value, I think about cost you avoid. A similar sea day where you buy lunch and drinks separately can inflate quickly. Here, food and drinks are part of the package. And snorkeling gear included is another money saver, especially if you’re traveling light.

Could you do a cheaper beach day by ferry and taxi? Sure. But you would likely miss the yacht sailing component, the protected-coast route pattern, and that secluded Rhenia feeling that only comes from going by boat.

So for most short-stay visitors, this price lands in a “yes, it makes sense” category.

Who should book, and who should think twice

This cruise is a strong fit if you want a single half-day that covers multiple priorities: coast views, swimming, snorkeling, and a Greek meal with drinks, all without juggling multiple tickets and transport steps.

It’s also appealing for families who like water activities. Some accounts include kids steering the boat briefly or enjoying the chance to swim and snorkel more than once.

You might think twice if:

• You are not comfortable with swimming access from the yacht ladder.
• You get very uneasy in choppy seas.
• You want a totally shore-based, step-off-and-walk experience. Since there are no pier facilities mentioned, the water element is part of the deal.

Quick practical checklist for your day on the water

A few things make the day smoother:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat. You’ll be outside most of the time.
• Wear swimwear you can handle getting on and off easily.
• If you rent a beach towel on board, factor that into your packing plan.
• If you want to eat well, plan a solid breakfast. The buffet can land later in the day.
• Keep your phone protected for free Wi-Fi, but also remember the sea and salt are hard on electronics.

And for the biggest quality-of-life thing: go in ready to swim. This tour works best when you treat the water stops as the main event.

Should you book this sunset sail to Rhenia?

I would book it if your goal is a memorable Mykonos half-day that includes real swimming, snorkeling gear without extra cost, and a Greek buffet plus drinks on a sailing yacht. The Rhenia stop is the reason, and the crew gets repeated credit for being friendly and attentive, with names like Costas and Joanna showing up in people’s stories and others crediting hosts such as Bobi and Foti for guiding a fun, calm experience on board.

I would skip it or switch dates if you know you struggle with rough seas or if you want a fully shore-and-walk itinerary. The experience is weather-dependent, and the swim ladder setup means the day is more active than a typical beach visit.

If you’re staying in Mykonos briefly, I like that this gives you multiple “things you came for” in one go, and it does it with a small-group size that keeps the mood relaxed.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The sailing experience lasts about 5 hours.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup and drop-off shuttle service is optional. It is available on additional charge after booking, and you must contact the cruise operator if you want transfers arranged.

Where do I meet the yacht?

You meet directly at the sailing yacht at the Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis area (C8F4+2QR, Mykonos). Representatives are identifiable by a t-shirt or sign that says Sunfos Alessia Yachting.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel and fins) and floating noodles are included at no extra cost.

What food and drinks are included?

An on-board early-dinner buffet is included, along with complimentary house wine (white and rosé), beers, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee/tea, and a farewell shot drink.

Is a beach towel included?

No. A beach towel is not included, but it is available on board for rental.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included.

Do I need to provide passport details?

Yes. Upon reservation, passport details are required for the passenger list before embarkation date, including full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, the disembarkation point can change based on weather conditions.