The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

This is an interesting Mykonos combo because you get real swim time in calm-looking Cycladic water, then you trade sand for Delos ruins on a UNESCO site. I also like that the rhythm is simple: arrive, anchor, eat, sail, explore, return, and the boat ride finishes with upbeat music. The onboard team I met during this kind of trip can be high-energy, and I’ve heard names like Paula come up for that extra personal push.

Two things I especially like: the Greek barbecue lunch (with wine and fruit included) and the freedom to explore Delos at your own pace. One possible drawback to consider is that the water access at Rhenia may involve a ladder and a rocky swim, so it is not a laid-back, feet-first beach situation for everyone.

Key Points Before You Go

Rhenia swim stop at anchor, with crystal-clear water and time to relax or stroll

BBQ lunch on board with souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, rice, bread, and seasonal fruit

Delos option at your pace plus a near-by beach alternative if you skip the ruins

Included wine and refreshments with a legal 18+ serving rule

Music and dancing on the return when the boat comes back toward Mykonos

A Half-Day Boat Escape to Rhenia and Delos

If you want a Mykonos day that feels more like Greece and less like a checklist, this cruise hits a nice balance. You start in Mykonos Old Port, move to a small island for swimming and lunch, then end at Delos for archaeology time, and you finish with a photo pass by Little Venice. It is the kind of outing that works even if you are only in town for a day or two.

The headline here is not a fancy ship. It is the combination of water time and history time in one shot. That saves you from choosing between beaches and ruins, which is what many people end up doing.

The other thing I like is the clarity of the day. You get set anchors and set windows. You are not stuck waiting all morning for a “later” plan to become real.

Price and Group Size: What Your Money Really Buys

At about $106.42 per person for roughly 6.5 hours, you are paying for a shared boat day with food and drinks included, plus access to Delos time even though the Delos entrance fee is extra. On paper, that can sound like you are mostly buying the transportation and the lunch.

In practice, that is exactly what you are buying, and it is good value if your goal is an efficient, fun day at sea. The boat also has a restroom on board, and you get safety equipment without having to hunt for it yourself. That matters in a day where you are moving between water and sites.

Group size is listed at a maximum of 120 travelers, which is not tiny, but it’s not chaotic either for a cruise format. I also like that this tour uses a shared format, which keeps the price down compared with private island boats.

The main “watch this” is not the ticket cost. It is what costs extra once you are already out on the water, especially Delos entry and optional gear like towels or snorkeling equipment.

From Mykonos Old Port to Rhenia: Swim in Quiet Water

Your day starts at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours in Mykonos Old Port, with embarkation at 10:15 a.m. and departure at 10:30 a.m. From there, the boat heads to Rhenia. You’re looking at about 45 minutes to reach the anchoring area.

Rhenia is the star for the water part. You anchor near a deserted stretch, then you get free time for swimming, sunbathing, and even a short stroll on the island. The reviews and trip descriptions consistently point to clear, bright water and that “I can just relax here” feeling.

But do read the fine print the right way. One key consideration is access. You may need to climb a ladder into the sea to swim. That can be totally fine if you’re comfortable in the water, but it can feel strenuous or anxiety-provoking for some people. The captain chooses the best daily beach based on weather, so the exact landing can vary.

If you are traveling with kids or you just want a stress-free swim, I’d aim to be honest with yourself about ladder steps and rocky swim areas. Bring calm confidence, not bravado.

Greek BBQ Lunch on the Boat: What’s Included and What You Should Expect

About midday, the boat does lunch right where you are. The BBQ is served onboard and it is listed with a full set of basics that keep this from feeling like a token meal.

Included lunch typically includes:

• Greek souvlaki (pork and chicken)
• Greek salad
• Rice, tzatziki sauce, and bread
• Seasonal fruits

And you get complimentary wine, plus refreshments and water.

This is also one reason people like this cruise. You are not hungry again five minutes after getting on the boat. You can plan your swim time, then eat without hunting a restaurant later.

Now, let’s balance it. Food gets described as decent to good, sometimes basic. Wine quality seems to divide people. Some say the wine was fine, and others have complained it was not great. Either way, wine is included, so you are not paying extra for a drink during lunch.

Also note the serving rule: alcohol is 18+. If you are traveling as a family, or you have teens with you, it’s smart to bring ID since age verification is mentioned.

Delos Without a Guide: Ruins, Timing, and the Beach Alternative

After lunch, you sail to Delos, your archaeology stop. Delos is UNESCO-listed, and you explore it at your own pace.

Delos time is listed around 1 hour 45 minutes. In real life, that can be either perfect or a little rushed, depending on how fast you walk and how long you linger by details. Some visitors end up wanting more time on the ruins, while others feel the balance is right because you also came for swimming.

Here’s another smart part: you have a choice. If you do not want to go to Delos, you can hang out at a near secluded beach area recommended by the captain for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying the sun. That gives you a “make this day fit me” option.

One more cost you should plan for: the Delos archaeological site entrance fee is not included. It is listed as 20€ per person. So do not count on that being free just because the cruise ticket includes most of the day.

The Little Venice Photo Pass: An Easy Win on the Way Back

On the return, the boat sails back toward Mykonos Old Port and passes by Little Venice. You get a built-in photo opportunity for this iconic waterfront view.

This part is not long and it is not a long stop. But it works as a “nice finish” because it happens when you are already on the water and relaxed.

If you want photos, bring your phone strap or a small crossbody. You will likely be leaning and aiming in a moving boat setup.

On Board Experience: Safety, Energy, and the Return Party

The vibe on board seems to land in a fun middle zone: people say it’s upbeat, and in particular the return trip can turn into a music-and-dancing scene. If you like that social energy, this cruise is a good fit.

Safety gets mentioned as well. One review emphasized that the boat was big enough to operate even with stronger winds, and the crew made people feel safe even when the ride got bumpy. Another point that came up is that you should not be scared of the waves, because the team runs a steady operation and keeps the day moving.

Also, the crew can be accommodating. I’ve seen mention of vegetarian needs being handled, and the team being friendly and responsive. On a day with swimming, food, and a ruins stop, that kind of flexibility counts more than you might think.

Just remember: this is not a quiet, library-style cruise. The energy is part of the package.

What Costs Extra: Delos Entry, Gear, Towels, and a Cash Bar

The cruise price covers a lot, but there are a few add-ons you should anticipate.

Not included costs to plan for:

• Delos archaeological site entrance fee: 20€ per person
• Snorkeling equipment is available for a small extra cost
• Towels are available for a small extra cost
• Gratuities are at your discretion

One helpful detail from a clarification in the information: snorkeling equipment is listed as 15€ (not a higher number). Prices can vary by moment, but budgeting for that category is smart.

If you can travel light, consider bringing your own snorkel gear and towel. Multiple comments point to extra costs once you are on the boat.

Also, there is mention of a cash-only bar for additional drinks, with pricing that some found steep. The included wine and refreshments may cover you during lunch and the main swim-to-Delos rhythm, but if you want specialty drinks, plan to carry cash.

Logistics That Can Make or Break Your Day

This is a shared tour, and the schedule matters. The meeting point is in Mykonos Old Port, and you should arrive early enough that you are not rushing at the last minute.

One negative experience in the information highlights a lesson: if you choose to walk between nearby ports, you can run into time trouble. Do not assume you can arrive late and still be okay. The staff is running a tight departure window, and you lose out if the boat leaves.

So if you are coming from a cruise ship area, double-check the distance and pick the easiest route you can. You want your brain on vacation, not on navigation.

Another small but important point: bring your ID or passport since age verification is mentioned for alcohol serving.

Should You Book This Cruise?

I think this one is a strong yes if you want a full Mykonos experience in one half-day block, especially if your priorities are:

• Swimming and sun time at Rhenia
• A proper onboard lunch with Greek flavors
• Delos ruins without the hassle of arranging ferry and tickets on your own
• A little fun energy on the return ride

I’d think twice or prepare differently if:

• You are not comfortable climbing down a ladder into the water
• You want a long, slow, guided archaeological experience rather than time at your own pace
• You are sensitive to budget add-ons like Delos entry and optional gear rentals

If you match the first list, this cruise is likely one of the better value ways to connect Mykonos with both sea time and ancient sites.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours in Mykonos Old Port (Μύκονος 846 00, Greece).

What time does the cruise depart?

Departure is at 10:30 a.m., with embarkation at 10:15 a.m.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a Greek BBQ including souvlaki (pork and chicken), Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruits.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get complimentary wine, plus refreshments and water. Alcohol serving follows the 18+ legal rule.

Is the Delos archaeological site entrance fee included?

No. Delos admission is not included, and the fee is listed as 20€ per person.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment or towels?

Snorkeling equipment and towels are available for an extra cost. You may prefer to bring your own if you want to skip the rental.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate, but swimming access may involve a ladder at Rhenia depending on conditions.