From Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

This half-day boat trip from Mykonos feels special because it blends two very different stops into one 6.5-hour loop, Delos UNESCO ruins and Rhenia’s swim beaches. I love how quickly you go from Cycladic scenery to ancient ground that shaped the Greek world. I also like that you get a proper BBQ meal built around the swim break. One thing to watch: Delos has an entrance fee of about €20, and the walking there can be hot with limited shade.

You sail out from the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos, then the day has a clear rhythm. Rhenia first, about 3 hours for swimming and BBQ, then Delos for a self-guided visit with a typical 2-hour window. If you prefer more sea time over ruins, you may be able to stay onboard and enjoy an extra swim stop while others visit Delos.

The crew tends to keep the mood upbeat, with music and a dance party on the return. Still, the boat ride can be bouncy when conditions turn, so bring a seasickness plan if you get motion sick easily.

Key things I’d clock before you go

• Delos UNESCO access plus self-guided time, so you can move at your pace
• Long swim block on Rhenia, including a jump-off from the boat and time for snorkel if you want it
• BBQ lunch with fruit, usually paired with plenty of drinks onboard
• A fun, family-style crew vibe, often with music and dancing on the way back
• Crystal water at Rhenia, but snorkeling quality depends on the exact swim spot
• Bring water and sunscreen, Delos can feel unforgiving in peak sun

From Mykonos to two islands in one smooth day

This is the kind of tour that works when you want big sights without a full travel day. You’re on a boat for most of the experience, which means you get sea views while the boat handles the hopping between islands.

The pacing is simple. After meeting at the Old Port bus station, you head out to Rhenia first. Then you pivot to Delos for ruins. Finally, you return to Mykonos with enough time to enjoy the boat atmosphere rather than feeling like you’re sprinting through everything.

Meeting at the Old Port bus station and getting settled fast

Your meeting point is the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. That matters because Mykonos can be confusing at first, and the calmer you are at the start, the better your day feels.

Once you’re aboard, you settle in for the first leg of sailing, about 45 minutes. From there, the tour quickly becomes about water. You’re not stuck in a long briefing. You’re more or less ready to enjoy the day right away.

Practical tip: have your swimwear accessible. You’ll likely want it on quickly once you arrive at the water stop.

Rhenia Island: the swim-and-BBQ block that makes the trip worth it

Rhenia is the star for sea time. The island is uninhabited, and the water is the main event: clear, bright, and the kind of swimming that makes you stop taking photos and just stare for a second.

You get about 3 hours here, which is long enough to do more than one thing. You can swim around from the boat, snorkel if you bring your own or purchase equipment onboard, and then relax on the shore. One review mentioned using a pool noodle to help float, and that’s a nice detail if you want a stress-free way to enjoy the water even if you’re not a confident swimmer.

How you get to the beach depends on conditions, and it can be a practical factor. One traveler noted the boat stops roughly 50 yards offshore, and you exit into the water to reach the beach. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t assume it will be easy to step out and wade in comfortably.

BBQ lunch is part of this stop. Expect BBQ and fruit, and you’ll usually also find drinks available onboard during the meal period. Reviews describe the food as well prepared, with common items including meat skewers and Greek salad, plus rice and watermelon. If you’re picky about seasoning, it’s worth knowing that one person found the rice unseasoned, but salt and pepper were available.

Water shoes help. At Rhenia, some shore areas can be rocky, and reviews specifically recommend them if your plan includes walking on the beach.

Snorkeling and swimming in Rhenia’s clear water, without overpromising

The water clarity is consistently praised, and that’s what you should bet on. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, being able to see the bottom while you swim is a big part of the appeal.

At the same time, you should not expect every spot to be equally good for snorkeling. One guests said snorkeling wasn’t great at one beach area, so think of snorkel time as a bonus, not a guarantee of fish-heavy action.

If you do snorkel, keep it simple:

• Go when the boat drops you at the best-looking waterline.
• Keep your expectations flexible and focus on the scenery.
• Bring or buy snorkeling equipment onboard, if offered when you’re there.

Delos: UNESCO ruins with a self-guided 2-hour window

Delos is the ancient counterweight to the beach portion of the day. The ruins are spread out, and the site can feel bigger than you expect. That’s why the self-guided 2-hour window works well. You’re not forced into a rapid checklist. You can aim for the areas you care about most.

The big catch with Delos is heat and sun. Multiple travelers warned that in summer there’s little shade and walking can feel intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable mindset about water. If you like ruins, you’ll likely feel rewarded, but you need to treat it like a warm walking day, not like a quick stop.

Because there’s no guide included for Delos, how you explore matters. Look for plaques and the site information signs. One traveler suggested taking a smart route: go toward the higher temple area first for the best views, then work your way down through the rest. That’s good advice because once you’ve climbed into the hottest part of the day, it helps to have your must-sees done.

Also note the entrance fee. Delos entrance is not included and is listed at approximately €20. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a real add-on, and you’ll want to be ready for it so you don’t start Delos annoyed.

Staying onboard during the Delos stop, if you’d rather swim

A big plus of this style of tour is flexibility. Some people prefer staying on the boat while others go ashore for Delos. That means you can turn the day into a longer water-focused outing, with the ruins as optional rather than mandatory.

Even if you do go to Delos, consider that you’ll still have plenty of swimming time around Rhenia. So if you’re torn, ask yourself what would make your day feel most satisfying: ancient walking, or relaxed sea time.

The return ride: music, dancing, and the “ship’s atmosphere” factor

The ride back to Mykonos is often described as lively. Several reviews talk about music and singing, with a dance party vibe at the end. That matters more than you might think. On a boat, the scenery is great, but the social energy can make the trip feel like a complete experience rather than just transportation.

Crew members highlighted by name in reviews include Mola, Mohamed, Michael, and Poala. You may or may not meet the exact same people, but it’s a sign the operator tends to rely on a family-run, personable approach.

One practical note: the boat can be bumpy on the return. A traveler warned it can be rocky and suggested bringing motion sickness medication if you need it. If you’re sensitive to seasickness, this is your moment to plan ahead.

Value for $101: what’s included, what costs extra, and what you’re really paying for

At $101 per person for about 6.5 hours, the value is in how much you pack into one day. You’re paying for:

• a boat trip between islands
• BBQ and fruit
• fuel and crew

You’re also paying for not having to coordinate separate transport to Delos. Delos is famous, but getting there and organizing the day can become complicated fast. Here, the boat does the work for you.

The main extra cost is Delos entrance, about €20. Snorkeling equipment is also not included, though you can purchase it onboard. Those two points are the cost bump you should mentally account for.

What you’re getting, beyond the sightseeing list, is a day that feels like both a history stop and a beach day. If that’s your Mykonos mood, this price is easier to justify.

What to bring and how to set yourself up for comfort

This is a sea day. Dress like you plan to get wet and warm.

Here’s what will help most based on the on-the-water realities:

• Passport or ID card (required)
• Sunscreen and a hat (Delos can be hot with little shade)
• Water shoes for rocky shore areas at Rhenia
• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel or layer
• If you get motion sick, consider medication, because the boat ride can be choppy

Also consider that the water can feel cool at first, even when it’s not freezing. One review described it as cool but bearable after a minute. So expect a shock moment, then settle in.

Who this half-day cruise is best for

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• Delos ruins without the stress of organizing your own ship
• a meaningful swim break on an uninhabited island
• a friendly, energetic boat atmosphere, including music and dancing on the return

It’s especially good for couples and groups who can handle a self-guided ruins stop. Since Delos is self-guided, you’ll get the most out of it if you enjoy wandering and reading plaques at your own pace.

It may be less ideal if you hate boats, can’t handle uneven steps from a shore stop, or you want shade and minimal walking. Delos can be tough in full sun, and Rhenia access can involve entering the water depending on conditions.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia boat trip?

If your ideal Mykonos day includes both ancient ruins and serious swimming, I’d book this. The balance is the hook, Delos gives you the big UNESCO punch, and Rhenia gives you the kind of clear water time that makes the whole outing feel like more than a sightseeing chore.

Choose it with your expectations tuned in these ways:

• Bring sunscreen and water for Delos, and plan to walk.
• Pack water shoes for Rhenia.
• If you’re sensitive to choppy rides, plan for seasickness.

For most people, the combination of BBQ + uninhabited island swimming + Delos ruins at a single set price makes the day feel efficient. If that mix sounds like your style, it’s a very easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Delos and Rhenia half-day boat trip?

It lasts about 6.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ and fruit are included.

Is the Delos entrance fee included in the price?

No. The entrance fee to Delos is not included and is listed as approximately €20.

Is there a guide for the Delos ruins?

No. Delos is a self-guided tour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be purchased on board.

How much time do you spend at Rhenia and at Delos?

You get about 3 hours at Rhenia and about 2 hours for sightseeing at Delos.

What documents do I need to bring?

Bring a passport or an ID card.

Is pickup and drop-off from your hotel included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.