Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands

A day sail from Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia is interesting because you get two very different experiences in one half-day rhythm: ancient ruins on dry land, then salty water time from the yacht. I like that the day is structured with real breaks, not just “look and rush.” I also like that you can choose your Delos plan, guided tour or self-walk, and then pivot straight back to swimming. One drawback to think about is motion, especially on the way back if the sea is choppy, plus getting on and off the boat can be tricky in certain conditions.

What makes this cruise feel good is the mix of comfort and control. You’re on a yacht with space to relax, you’ll get a proper onboard lunch, and the crew is set up for swim time at Rhenia. The main trade-off is you are working on a schedule, so you should show up ready for sun, walking at Delos, and the possibility of changing conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• Delos timing is short on purpose, about 1.5 hours, so plan what you want to see before you land.
• You can swap Delos walking for a swim, if you’d rather enjoy the water near the harbor instead of ruins.
• Rhenia is the swimming payoff, with snorkeling gear included and optional float support for non-confident swimmers.
• BBQ lunch is served onboard, with grilled meats and Greek sides, then you eat and sail on.
• Yacht setup is barefoot, so pack accordingly and bring your day bag without thinking about shoes.
• Options cost extra, including the Delos entrance fee and the optional professional guided tour.

Mykonos To Delos and Rhenia, why this sail day works

This isn’t just a “boat ride with a stop.” It’s a compact archaeology-and-swimming day, and that combo is exactly why it sells so well. Delos brings the big famous name, Apollo territory, UNESCO ruins, and a place you can walk through on foot. Rhenia gives you what Mykonos is best at when the sun is bright, clear water, snorkel gear, and a relaxed onboard BBQ break.

What you’re really buying is time design. The crew gets you from Mykonos to Delos, gives you a manageable amount of time on the island, then uses the yacht for the most enjoyable part of the day: water. The best part is you don’t have to choose between history and comfort, the day is built to flow between both.

Crew attention shows up in the details. People describe the staff as attentive and helpful, including keeping an eye on everyone and offering assistance when needed, especially around the boarding steps. If you like a day that feels organized without feeling stiff, this format tends to click.

The 6-hour pace: how the day is timed

The cruise runs about 6 hours total, starting at 9:30 am. The rhythm is simple: boarding, Delos, Rhenia swimming and lunch, then return.

A couple practical notes on timing:

• Delos is about 1 hour 30 minutes on the ground, and the museum-style part is optional and costs extra.
• Rhenia is about 2 hours 30 minutes, which is long enough to swim, snorkel, and actually eat without feeling rushed.

If you get seasick easily, plan for the possibility that the water can be bumpy on the return. One review described feeling sick when sailing back because the sea turned choppy after eating. If you’re sensitive, consider taking your motion sickness strategy seriously, and keep your stomach in mind.

Agios Ioannis Diakoftis: boarding at the start point

You meet at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis (846 00), Mykonos. When you arrive, you’ll board right away. A crew member handles basic safety instructions and explains the day’s plan, using a QR code if you want the details on your phone. Life vests are available if needed or requested.

Even before you head out, there’s one “small but important” rule: you’ll be barefoot on board for safety and comfort. That means you should bring a simple approach to your footwear choices before you board, and be ready for your sandals or shoes to stay off once you’re inside the yacht.

If you bought pickup, the transfer timing is typically 30 to 60 minutes before departure. The driver will contact you the evening before to coordinate. This matters because some people were surprised by the need to schedule their ride, so if you want pickup, confirm it early.

Delos stop: 1.5 hours on UNESCO ruins, guided or self-guided

Delos is the headliner. You’re visiting an ancient UNESCO site tied to Apollo’s birthplace tradition. But you only have about 1 hour 30 minutes on the island, so your success depends on how you approach that time.

Your two Delos options

You can go one of two ways:

• Take a professional guided tour, if you pre-reserve it, for 45 euros per person.
• Walk on your own for the allotted time.

If you don’t want to do the walking, there’s an option to stay on board during the Delos time and enjoy swimming and sunbathing at a nearby bay. This is a real alternative, not a last-minute promise.

The Delos cost reality

Delos entrance is not included in the base price. The entrance ticket listed is 20 euros per person. If you want the guided tour too, that’s another 45 euros per person.

That can make Delos feel expensive if you treat it like a museum visit. The value is that this is a day sail, so the entrance cost is only one chunk of your total day, and you still get your yacht time plus Rhenia water time and onboard lunch.

What to do if you go ashore

When you have limited time, the best move is to pick a few structures you care about and focus. Don’t try to see everything. Delos is meaningful, but the day is built around a short window, so you’ll get more satisfaction by targeting the highlights and moving at a steady pace.

Also remember it can be hot. One person noted Delos felt exhausting due to the heat. Come prepared with sun protection, and pace yourself.

Rhenia Island: the natural swimming pause that makes the trip

Rhenia is where this cruise turns into a beach day without the beach hassle. You get about 2 hours 30 minutes here, and the plan centers on water.

Snorkeling and swim support

Snorkeling gear is included, and the waters are described as offering a natural-pool feel, with the chance to observe the undersea world. If you’re not a strong swimmer, the crew can provide swimming noodles or life vests. This is a comfort upgrade for people who want to try snorkeling without feeling exposed.

One practical detail from the onboard routine: people mention face masks and snorkels being available. You still should bring your own comfort gear if you’re picky about fit, but you’re not starting from zero.

BBQ lunch served onboard

Rhenia is also where you eat. Lunch is a fresh BBQ plus sides, served onboard while you’re stopped for swimming. The menu includes grilled meats like pork skewers, and also beef and lamb kebabs, along with grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and more. You’ll also get Greek salad, tzatziki spread, mixed rice with veggies, and seasonal fruit for dessert.

This setup is smart. You don’t lose your whole lunch hour walking somewhere. You eat, you recharge, then you get back in the water.

Food, drinks, and the real meaning of what is included

The onboard meal is one of the most consistently praised parts of the day. People described the lunch as excellent and plentiful, and the crew as cooking and serving with care.

Here’s what’s included:

• Lunch buffet (BBQ and vegetables)
• Coffee, tea, refreshments
• White and red wine, beer, and water
• WiFi on board
• Basic tour escort/host

What’s not included:

• Alcoholic and cocktail drinks you purchase separately

So you should think of the included drinks as “a real bar-lite setup,” not a bare minimum. If you want cocktails beyond beer and wine, you’ll need to pay extra.

Also, the yacht has a relaxed vibe rather than party energy. Reviews mention it tends to be families and mixed ages, which usually means less chaos and more easy conversation on deck.

Comfort on deck, space to relax, and the seasickness check

The yachts used may vary by group size. You might sail on a 89-foot gulet for up to 40 people or a 72-foot gulet for up to 30 people. Either way, the key is that you should have room to lay back and relax. People specifically noted there’s enough space for everyone at the maximum group size, and that it doesn’t feel like a squeeze.

A few comfort notes that are actually useful:

• You’re barefoot on board, so think about comfort under that rule.
• Deck time is a big part of the experience, so bring sunscreen and a hat even if you plan to swim.

Now, the honest part: motion can happen. One review described choppy water on the return and feeling sick after eating. That doesn’t mean your cruise will be rough, but it does mean you should be ready.

If you know you’re sensitive to motion, do a small prep:

• Eat lightly before the return sail if possible.
• Skip heavy alcohol.
• Consider motion sickness meds early, following the label directions.

Price and value: what $151.16 really buys, plus the add-ons

The listed price is $151.16 per person for the sail day, about 6 hours, with lunch and onboard time. That base price already includes the big value items: lunch, coffee/tea and refreshments, plus beer and wine, snorkeling equipment, tour escort/host, WiFi, and personal insurance.

Then there are the usual extras:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off: 20 euros per person roundtrip, paid on the spot after purchase
• Delos entrance fee: 20 euros per person, not included
• Professional guided tour at Delos: 45 euros per person, optional

If you want the full “Delos with guidance plus easiest logistics” experience, you should budget for all three add-ons. If you’re okay with a self-guided Delos walk and you can get yourself to Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, you can keep costs down.

The value equation usually works for people who want:

• A memorable water day without arranging separate transport to a beach
• Lunch included in the middle of the trip
• Snorkeling gear handed to you rather than rented separately
• A structured itinerary that gets you to Delos without waiting around for ferry schedules

Who this Mykonos sail cruise fits best

This cruise is a great match if you want a day that mixes iconic ruins with real swimming time. It’s especially good for people who:

• Like structured time but still want choice at Delos
• Want an included meal served onboard
• Plan to snorkel at Rhenia or at least swim and relax from the yacht
• Prefer a calmer vibe over loud party boating

It might be a less good fit if you have mobility concerns. A review specifically warned that getting on and off the boat can be challenging because there is no fixed gangplank, and weather can affect the boarding steps. The crew can help, but you should think hard if steps and uneven boarding would be stressful for you.

Should you book this Mykonos cruise to Delos and Rhenia?

I’d book it if you want a single day that checks off Delos, swimming, snorkeling, and a decent onboard lunch, all with a crew that stays attentive. The repeated praise for the food, plus the fact that you’re not locked into one single activity, makes it a strong pick for a well-rounded Mykonos itinerary.

Skip it or choose carefully if you’re very motion-sensitive or you have mobility limits that make boarding difficult. Also, if Delos entrance fees and optional guided touring would stretch your budget, decide in advance which Delos style you want, self-guided or guided.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and where do we meet?

The start time is 9:30 am, and the meeting point is Agios Ioannis Diakoftis 846 00, Greece.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 6 hours (approximately).

Is lunch included, and what does it look like?

Yes. A lunch buffet is included onboard, with BBQ and vegetables, plus Greek salad, tzatziki spread, mixed rice, and seasonal fruit. Coffee, tea, refreshments, and wine/beer are also included.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee for Delos?

Yes. The Delos archaeological entrance fee is 20 euros per person and is not included in the base price.

Can I choose a guided tour at Delos?

Yes. A professional guided tour at ancient Delos is available for 45 euros per person, and you must pre-reserve it.

Can I go into the water or snorkel at Rhenia?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time for swimming at Rhenia. If you are not a confident swimmer, the crew can provide swimming noodles or life vests.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off available?

Pickup and drop-off are available to purchase roundtrip for 20 euros per person, and the transfer is usually arranged about 30 to 60 minutes before departure. The driver contacts you the evening before.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes. WiFi on board is included.

What happens if the weather is not good?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.