Mykonos 6hrs sailing cruise: Delos Rhenia with lunch & transfer

A big part of what makes this Mykonos cruise appealing is the mix of ancient Delos and swimming in clear water on Rhenia in the same half-day. You’ll get a small group feel (max 14), and you also get a proper onboard lunch plus wine and beer, not just a snack. The main trade-off to think about is that Delos time is short, and the Delos ticket is not included.

I also like that the crew runs it like a real sailing day, not a bus tour that happens to be on water. In particular, the first mate named Tina comes up in multiple accounts for keeping things friendly and helping everyone have what they need. Still, Delos is the star, and you should be prepared for a self-paced feel there since a separate tour guide is not included.

If you’re optimizing for value, this is one of the smarter ways to do the island highlights without spending your entire day commuting. You start at 9:00 am at Mathios Tavern, return to the same spot, and then you still have the rest of the day to roam Mykonos at your own pace.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group size (up to 14), so it doesn’t feel like sardines on a boat.
• Lunch plus wine and beer on board, which makes the 6-hour format feel like a full experience.
• Delos and Rhenia in one run, including a swim stop and gear such as snorkeling equipment and SUP.
• Sailing time is the point, with about 5 hours on the water, then free time after.
• Delos site ticket is extra (listed as €20 per person), and the stop is time-limited.
• Weather matters, because this is sailing and Delos can shift to a pass-by if the site is closed.

Why this Mykonos sailing day feels like a real escape

This is the kind of cruise that helps you slow down. Instead of bouncing around islands all day, you get a morning sailing focus, then you’re back in Mykonos early enough to keep enjoying the beaches, the windmills, and the late-afternoon vibe.

What makes it especially workable is the structure. You’re not stuck on the boat the whole time. You’ll stop at Delos, then head to Rhenia for swimming and water time, while the crew keeps things moving and comfortable.

And you’ll like the fact that the day is designed for social fun without turning into a chaotic crowd. Multiple people describe chatting with the other passengers because there’s enough room and it’s not packed.

Price and what you actually get for $181.02

At $181.02 per person, you’re paying for a lot of “included” that adds up fast in Mykonos. Here’s the practical value check, item by item.

You get onboard lunch, plus wine and beer. You also get snorkeling equipment and SUP. Fuel charges are included, and you have a fully licensed English-speaking skipper with a skipper’s assistant to help run the day.

On top of that, the option for a free transfer can help you avoid extra taxi bills, as long as you request it. When the boat costs are combined with food, drinks, and water gear, the price stops feeling like just a ticket and starts feeling like a packaged half-day activity.

Two things are worth planning for even before you pay. Beach towels are not included, and the Delos archaeological site ticket is listed as €20 per person. Also, there isn’t a separate tour guide, so you’ll rely on the skipper and assistant for context during the stops.

Getting there: Mathios Tavern, 9:00 am start, and pickup timing

Your meeting point is Mathios Tavern, Mathios TavernΕλλάδα, Μύκονος 846 00, Greece. The cruise starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered, and it’s something you need to arrange actively. You must specify your exact pickup location by 10:00 pm on the previous day of your booking. The tour notes that you can find the meeting spot easily, and it’s near public transportation, which is useful if you don’t want to depend on pickup.

If you prefer to go on your own, you can treat this as “show up, board, sail, done.” Just remember the schedule is fixed because sailing days depend on wind and sea conditions.

One more practical detail: the tour uses a mobile ticket. If you’re traveling with kids or older adults, it’s worth keeping that ticket easy to access on your phone before you leave.

The morning plan: sailing time, Delos stop, then Rhenia water time

This is a 6-hour cruise in total, and it’s built around one big theme: sailing. The schedule notes about 5 hours of sailing, then the rest of the day stays open for you after you return to Mykonos.

The best way to think about the flow is like this:

1) Move out on the water and enjoy the sea time.

2) Visit Delos for a focused burst of ancient sights.

3) Head to Rhenia for swimming and paddling.

4) Finish the sailing day and get back early enough to continue on land.

Stop 1: Delos for ancient sights in about 1 hour

Delos is the archaeological highlight. The stop is about 1 hour and includes time to see the ancient structures and take in the scale of the site.

The important practical note is cost and format. Delos archaeological site tickets are listed as not included, at €20 per person. Also, a tour guide is not included, so you should expect your understanding of what you’re seeing to come from the skipper’s explanations and your own reading while you’re there.

That short time can be a plus or a downside. If you want a quick, satisfying taste, it works. If you’re the type who likes lingering over details and reading every panel, you may feel rushed.

There’s also a contingency plan tied to site conditions. The operator notes that they aren’t liable for Delos closure. If that happens, you may still pass by Delos but without a drop-off.

Stop 2: Rhenia for swimming, snorkeling, and SUP in about 2 hours

Rhenia, right next to Mykonos, is described as a secret paradise with no inhabitants and crystal blue water. That matters because it sets expectations. This isn’t a town stop. It’s a water stop.

You’ll have about 2 hours there. That’s enough time to swim, snorkel, and do SUP without feeling like you’re constantly waiting on the group.

The included gear makes a difference. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and SUP is included too. Just note beach towels are not included, so plan on bringing one from your hotel or packing a light towel.

Also, water time is where you can really reset your day. One account calls the swimming refreshing, and another mentions a bright day at sea with clear water that feels almost unreal. If you’re coming in July or August, you’ll appreciate the chance to cool down that early in your trip.

On board: small group comfort plus real onboard hospitality

This cruise runs with a skipper and a skipper’s assistant, and it’s designed for a small group, up to 14 people. That size shows up in the experience. People mention that the boat had enough space for everyone and didn’t feel overly crowded.

That small-group comfort is also what helps with the social side. A common theme is that the crew manages everyone well, including families and mixed groups.

On food and drinks, you should expect a light, Greek-style lunch that’s prepared on board. Wine and beer are included, which is a big part of why the cruise feels like a treat and not just a sightseeing chore.

One of the best details is the way the crew handles little moments. One birthday story includes the captain actively snorkeling to retrieve a pair of sunglasses that had fallen overboard. It’s a small story, but it tells you something practical: the crew is attentive and not just going through motions.

If you’re celebrating something, this is a very reasonable choice. A few experiences describe it as a highlight or a perfect day for a birthday.

Delos orientation without a separate guide

Because there isn’t a separate tour guide included, you should know what you’re buying. You are not getting a full museum-style guide walking you step-by-step.

Instead, the structure relies on the skipper and assistant for history and key context. Many people report that the captain shared history and pointed out key sites. The first mate Tina also comes up as friendly and helpful, which likely helps the overall flow when you’re moving in and out of the boat and trying to understand what you’re looking at.

So here’s the balanced expectation to take with you:

• You’ll get enough context to enjoy Delos.
• You might still want to read up on Delos before you go, if you’re the type who likes to connect the dots.

If you’re a first-time Delos visitor, the 1-hour time window is often perfect for whetting your appetite. If you already know your way around the site and want a longer look, you may want a longer Delos tour instead.

Rhenia water time: snorkel gear, SUP, and how to plan your comfort

Rhenia is where the cruise becomes physical in the best way. It’s also where you’ll get the “Mykonos postcard” photos, mostly because the water color is a standout feature.

What you can plan for with the included items:

• Snorkeling equipment is part of the package.
• SUP is included.
• You’ll likely have time to do both, depending on how fast you move and how calm the water feels that day.

A practical note on comfort. Beach towels aren’t included, so bring one. Also, while the cruise supplies the water gear, it’s still smart to wear swim shoes if you’re the type to protect your feet. The tour doesn’t mention shoes, so you’ll have to supply that choice yourself.

And don’t over-plan your “swim schedule.” Two hours sounds like plenty, but sailing days include boarding, breaks, and getting everyone into the water safely. You’ll feel better if you go with a relaxed attitude and let the crew set the pace.

Weather and the Delos closure contingency

Because this is a sailing cruise, weather is not an afterthought. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There’s also a specific note about Delos archaeological site closure. If Delos is closed, the trip may include passing by Delos island but without a drop-off. That means you’re still out on the water, but you may not get the on-site hour you were planning around.

This is one reason I like the overall design. Even if the Delos piece changes, the Rhenia water stop and the sailing time still keep the day feeling like a full half-day trip.

Who should book this cruise, and who might want a different style

This cruise fits best if you want a mix of big highlights and low stress.

You’ll probably love it if:

• You’re traveling as a couple and want a memorable day without spending all day in transit.
• You like sailing and want real time on the water, not a quick boat ride.
• You want onboard food, drinks, and water gear included.
• You’re with family, including kids who still enjoy boats and swimming. One family described it as fun for teenagers and even a younger child.

You might choose something else if:

• You want a long, guided tour at Delos with a dedicated guide for every detail.
• You’re extremely sensitive to schedule changes caused by weather.
• You don’t like swimming or water activities, because the cruise’s value is tied closely to the Rhenia stop.

Practical value check: what to bring and what to skip

Based on the details you’re given, here’s what you should handle yourself.

Bring:

• Beach towel (not included)
• Your Delos €20 site ticket plan for your group size
• Sunscreen, because you’ll be outside for much of the morning
• A way to keep your phone safe while on a boat, since you’ll likely be moving between deck, swim time, and boarding

Skip or manage:

• Beach towels, since those aren’t included
• Expecting a separate tour guide, because the tour notes you won’t have one

Should you book? My decision guide

If your goal is a half-day that feels like Mykonos, with sailing time plus swimming plus food and drinks, I’d book this.

It looks like strong value on paper because you get a lot bundled: lunch, wine and beer, snorkeling equipment, SUP, and a small-group format. The overall rating is also hard to ignore, with a 4.9 out of 5 score and a 96% recommendation rate from 73 reviews.

One last thing I’d weigh is your interest in Delos depth. If you’re happy with a focused, high-impact stop that gives you a taste of the site, Delos works well in the schedule. If you want a slow, guided walkthrough, you may feel that an hour is too short.

If you’re standing at the crossroads, here’s my simple call: book it if you want a sailing day that includes real comfort and real water time. Pick a different Delos-focused tour only if Delos itself is your main obsession and you want maximum time on the ground.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and how long is it?

It starts at 9:00 am and runs for about 6 hours in total.

Where is the meeting point, and does the tour end there too?

You meet at Mathios Tavern, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. You need to specify your exact pickup location by 10:00 pm on the previous day.

Is the Delos archaeological site ticket included?

No. The Delos archaeological site ticket is listed as not included, at €20.00 per person.

What do you get for lunch and drinks?

Lunch on board is included, and alcoholic beverages including wine and beer are also included.

Is snorkeling and SUP included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and SUP are included as part of the cruise.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

What happens if Delos is closed or the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If Delos is closed, the trip may include passage by Delos without drop-off.