Reviewed · CATAMARAN CRUISES
Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise, Full Lunch & Open-bar
This is interesting because it is a private catamaran half-day where you spend real time on the Aegean, not just posing near it. I really like the onboard Greek lunch (freshly cooked, multiple courses) and the fact that the open bar runs with your swim breaks. The main thing to think about is the price, plus the fact that there is no hotel pickup included in the rate, so you will need to get to Ornos Bay.
If you like being treated like you are not sharing a boat with strangers, this fits. I also like how many small details are covered onboard, from snorkeling gear to a Bluetooth speaker so you can control the vibe while you sail. One possible drawback: in wind, the plan can shift to a more sheltered south-coast route, so you should be ready for a less fixed itinerary.
Key takeaways before you sail

- Private boat, private feel, with only your group onboard
- 8-flavor chef lunch + open bar, served right where you are swimming
- Rhenia snorkeling time in clear-water coves
- WiFi and Bluetooth speaker included for a more relaxed day
- Wind backup plan that keeps things safe and comfortable
Ornos Bay to your own boat: how the day actually starts

This cruise begins at Ornos Bay, with you meeting the host on the dock at the start point in Ornos 846 00. From there, you transfer by tender to the catamaran after a standard safety briefing. If you are coming from Mykonos Town or closer resorts, factor in travel time because transfer to Ornos Bay is not included.
The “private” part matters more than you might think. You are not listening to the same loud safety talk repeated for 40 people. The crew can work at your pace, which shows up in how smoothly meal service and swim stops happen. In the real world of Mykonos, that kind of calm is a luxury.
One more practical note. You will need a passport number and other details at booking for all participants. It is quick, but do it early so your day does not get held up.
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The sailing part: what you get in about 5 hours
The tour runs for roughly 5 hours total, and it ends back at the meeting point at Ornos Bay. In that time, the goal is not to hit a long list of places. It is to give you sailing time, at least one snorkeling or swim stop, a full meal, then enough water time to make the whole thing feel worth the cost.
You should expect a classic catamaran rhythm:
1) get moving on the water
2) anchor or slow down for swimming
3) eat while the boat is still in “vacation mode”
4) finish with more sailing back toward Mykonos
That pacing is a big reason this works so well for groups. People can swim or snorkel without the day turning into a strict schedule sprint.
Rhenia and the Delos area: your swim-and-snorkel payoff

The cruise is built around the Delos and Rhenia region, with the described highlight being a snorkeling stop near Rhenia and time in unspoiled coves. Practically, what you are paying for here is access to smaller, quieter water spots where the sea looks clear enough to make snorkeling feel fun instead of just decorative.
When conditions cooperate, you get:
- a smooth sailing stretch on the Aegean
- a stop in an unspoiled cove on Rhenia
- another cove for swimming, where lunch is served on board
In the onboard experience, the snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not have to rent gear after you arrive. That sounds basic, but it saves time, and it avoids the common vacation problem where half the group ends up not snorkeling because something is missing.
Also, pay attention to how the crew manages water time. Many people end up spending more time than planned in the coves, then realize they have barely used their phones. That is the right kind of trade on a short half-day.
Lunch on a moving boat: why the meal is the star
This is not a sad boxed lunch. The cruise includes a welcome Prosecco sparkling drink, then a full lunch freshly prepared on board by the chef/sailor. The program describes it as an 8-flavor lunch, and the pattern is Mediterranean Greek style.
Here is what that looks like in plain terms:
- food is cooked fresh during the day
- seafood is part of the meal
- multiple courses or flavors are served rather than one quick plate
- lunch happens in the sheltered-cove or anchored stretch, so you eat without rushing
People repeatedly single out the taste level. Names like tzatziki, feta, Greek salad, calamari, shrimp, and chicken show up again and again in the details. There is also a note about the chef sharing family-style touches, like a tzatziki recipe linked to the chef’s background. You do not need to care where a recipe came from for it to taste great, but it does add that human, not-canned feeling.
Drinks are included too. The open bar covers sodas and bottled water, unlimited beer, and white wine. This is the part that turns the day into something you remember, because you are not counting sips or hunting for a bar after your swim.
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Open bar, WiFi, and music: the small comforts that change your mood
It is easy to fixate on the water and forget the “in-between” comfort. On this cruise, those details are actually included:
- WiFi onboard
- a Bluetooth speaker so you can play your playlist
- snacks and drinks built into the meal experience
WiFi will not replace your phone service back on land, but it helps you do a quick post, check messages, or upload a photo when you want to. The Bluetooth speaker can make the boat feel more like your private hangout and less like a transport.
Bring a little common sense here. In wind or sun, your phone battery drains fast. If you plan on taking lots of photos while swimming or snorkeling, bring a backup battery in your day bag.
When it is windy: the alternative south-coast plan
Mykonos weather can swing. This matters because the cruise explicitly mentions an alternative itinerary if it is too windy. Instead of the plan focused on Rhenia in open-water conditions, you may sail along the south coast of Mykonos, visiting famous beaches and a beautiful cove away from the crowds.
Why this is valuable:
- it keeps the ride safer and more comfortable
- it still delivers anchor-and-swim time
- it often avoids the “everyone is seasick” day scenario that can ruin shorter tours
A fair caution though. If your dream is specifically Delos and Rhenia time in a certain order, the weather-driven swap means you should expect your day to be shaped by conditions on the water. This is not a dealbreaker for most people, because the main payoff is the swimming coves and the food at sea. But if you are the kind of traveler who needs a fixed plan, read that as your heads-up.
Price and value: what you are really buying
At $796.48 per person, this is not a budget move. So what justifies the cost?
You are paying for a private catamaran experience for a half-day with several high-ticket inclusions:
- a chef-prepared multi-flavor lunch with seafood
- an open bar (beer, white wine, sodas, water)
- snorkeling equipment
- WiFi and a Bluetooth speaker
- real time on the water, not a quick in-and-out
Here is the honest way to think about it: if you would otherwise spend money on a private boat charter, pay for food onboard, buy drinks separately, and pay for snorkeling gear or rentals, this starts to make more sense. If you just want a cheap sail around the island, this is probably not the right fit.
Also remember something practical: you may still have extra costs like crew gratuities and the transfer to Ornos Bay. Beach towels are also not included. None of that changes the core value, but it does affect the final total.
Who this suits best, and what to watch for
This cruise shines for groups who want the boat to feel like a party with rules removed. It shows up well for:
- families (including teens who want swimming time)
- friend groups who want a shared “best day”
- couples who want a romantic, low-stress day with great food
- people celebrating birthdays and other milestones, since the crew can help make it feel special
You should also like the style if you want a day that is hands-on. The experience is built around swimming and snorkeling stops, plus sailing time that feels relaxed rather than rushed.
What to watch for:
- In wind, expect the route to change. That is part of how the day stays safe.
- If you are sensitive to service style, note that onboard service can vary. Some people love the attentive refills and focus. Others have pointed out slower drink attention on some days. If drinks are your number one priority, plan to be proactive during service moments.
- One detail you might want to confirm in advance is any special equipment you are expecting beyond the listed snorkeling gear. The provided info clearly guarantees snorkeling equipment, but extra items are not stated as guaranteed.
Overall, this is a “food plus water” cruise, and the crew quality seems to be the main driver of satisfaction. When the crew clicks with your group, the whole day feels smoother.
Should you book the Mykonos catamaran with lunch and open bar?
If you want a private catamaran day in Mykonos that feels like your own floating villa, this is a strong choice. The combination of fresh onboard lunch, open bar, and snorkeling stops in clear coves is a very specific kind of value, and it tends to hit the sweet spot for groups and celebrations.
I would book it if:
- you are happy to meet at Ornos Bay and handle getting there
- you care about great food, not just sightseeing from the deck
- you want swimming and snorkeling time more than a long checklist of land stops
- you can handle a wind-driven route adjustment
I would think twice if:
- you need a fully fixed itinerary with no weather changes
- you are looking for the lowest-cost way to be on a boat
- you do not want to pay for a private experience and instead prefer a shared cruise
If that sounds like you, go for it. Just bring sunscreen, plan for beach towels not being included, and treat the day like a half-day at sea with a real meal attached.
FAQ
How long is the Mykonos Catamaran private day cruise?
The duration is approximately 5 hours.
Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?
You meet at Ornos Bay at the listed start point in Ornos 846 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It is private, and only your group participates.
What is included for food and drinks?
You get a welcome Prosecco sparkling drink and a full lunch freshly prepared on board. The open bar includes unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The transfer to Ornos Bay is also not included.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What should I bring since beach towels are not included?
Bring your own beach towels. The tour info lists beach towels as not included.
What details do I need to book?
You need passport number, full name, year of birth, and country for all participants.
What happens if it is windy or if poor weather cancels the experience?
If it is too windy, the crew uses an alternative itinerary. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is admission included in the price?
Yes. An admission ticket is included.
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