A small yacht day in the Aegean feels like a cheat code. You get Delos (DIY at the archaeological site) and snorkeling time at Rhenia, plus a proper lunch on board.

I especially like that the tour keeps things simple and hands-on: you explore Delos at your own pace using the site signs, then you’re provided snorkeling gear for the water time. I also like the crew vibe and the sailing itself, which can be a lot of fun when conditions are windy enough for the return sail.

One thing to plan for: Delos entrance costs extra (€20 per person), and Delos is not guided, so you’ll want to read the on-site information at a steady pace.

What makes this tour work so well

I love a plan that balances ancient ruins with real time in the water, and this one actually does. The best part for you is the pacing: a morning start, a long enough window to enjoy each stop, and the rest of the six hours used for getting there and back.

The other strong point is value around the on-board meal. You’ll get a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch (including shrimp pasta and Greek salad) and unlimited wine, beers, and soft drinks, which saves you money you’d otherwise spend in Mykonos.

The only real drawback is that towels aren’t included, and since Delos is unguided you may feel less informed there unless you’re happy reading signs and figuring things out as you go.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group (max 12 travelers) keeps the day feeling calmer and easier to manage
• DIY Delos: no guide, but you can use the signs on the monuments to learn as you walk
• Snorkeling equipment included and the boat staff provide what you need
• On-board lunch with shrimp pasta and Greek salad, plus unlimited drinks
• Front-of-yacht fun on windy returns may be possible when the captain allows it

Sailing from Tourlos Marina on S/Y Aeolus

This is a classic Mykonos “get out on the water” day, and it starts the way you want: a 9:00 am pickup from your hotel via complimentary shuttle. You head to Tourlos marina, where the sailing yacht S/Y Aeolus is docked, and you’ll return to your hotel the same way after the tour.

The sailing itself is part of the experience. Even when you mainly came for Delos and snorkeling, being on a yacht means you feel the sea day in a more personal way than the big ferry model. You’re also not packing in hundreds of people, because the tour caps at 12 travelers. That smaller group size tends to make everything feel smoother, from boarding to moving around on deck.

Also worth noting: the tour uses a mobile ticket, which cuts down on paperwork stress. If you’ve ever wrestled with printed tickets in Greece, you’ll appreciate that.

Delos: Explore the ruins on your own (and plan for entrance fees)

Delos is the kind of place where walking slowly changes everything. The stop is centered on the archaeological site, and the tour approach is very straightforward: no guided tour. Instead, you’ll explore and use the information printed on the monuments’ signs to understand what you’re looking at.

Here’s the practical takeaway: Delos works best if you’re willing to do a bit of self-guided reading. If you like standing in front of a ruin and figuring it out from the signs, you’ll get a lot from it. If you want a lecturer-style explanation every 30 seconds, this part may feel less satisfying.

Timing is built around travel too. From Tourlos bay to Delos is about 1 hour by boat. Delos entrance is not included, so you should expect to budget €20 per person on top of the tour price. The good news is that once you pay, you can stay in your own rhythm—returning to the water portion when you’re ready rather than on someone else’s schedule.

What to watch for while you walk

Since you’re not getting a guide talk, your best strategy is to keep moving—but not rushing. Give yourself time at the most important signposted monuments. Look for areas that cluster into logical groups so your brain can connect dots: once you start seeing patterns, Delos feels much less like random stones and more like a coherent place.

One more tip: Delos gets hot, and you’ll be walking. If you can, wear comfortable shoes you’re happy to get dusty, and bring water (you’ll have bottled water on board, but you’ll still want to sip during the site time).

Rhenia Mykonos Hotel & Bungalows: Snorkeling time that feels simple

After Delos, the pace shifts to pure relaxation. The next leg from Delos to Rhenia is about 30 minutes, and you’ll spend the middle chunk of the day at Rhenia Mykonos Hotel & Bungalows with time for snorkeling and swimming.

What makes this stop feel well designed for you is that the crew provides snorkeling equipment. That matters more than it sounds. If you’ve ever spent time hunting for rental gear in a port, you know the stress it adds. Here, you’re handed the right equipment and you can focus on getting in the water and enjoying it.

The water is described as clear and calm-looking from the perspective of the experience, and on a good day it’s the kind of snorkeling where you can watch what’s nearby without needing advanced skills. If you’re newer to snorkeling, this setup is often more comfortable because you can go at your own pace and spend more time looking and less time adjusting gear.

The best way to use the water window

You don’t want to treat snorkeling like a checklist. Since your time is limited by the overall 6-hour schedule, use a simple rhythm:

• Gear up and do one easy pass to get comfortable
• Take a second turn focusing on whatever you notice first
• Then switch to swimming so you can warm up and enjoy the sea again

And if you’re the kind of person who likes a break on deck between swims, this yacht format helps. You’re not dragging your belongings across a long shoreline.

Lunch on board: shrimp pasta, Greek salad, and unlimited drinks

The lunch is one of the most practical reasons this tour gets strong ratings. Food is included, and it’s described as freshly cooked Mediterranean-style lunch on board.

You’ll get shrimp pasta and Greek salad, and you’ll also have unlimited wine, beers, and soft drinks. There’s also bottled water included, which is important on a day where you’re moving between sun and sea.

From a value standpoint, this matters because drinks in Mykonos can add up fast. If you’re planning to buy lunch and a few rounds anyway, the package starts to look more reasonable. It’s not just “included food.” It’s food plus the drinks people usually end up paying for separately.

A balanced note: unlimited alcohol can be tempting, especially after time on the water. If you want to enjoy the rest of the afternoon without feeling dragged down, go easy early. The day still has Delos walking, then snorkeling and swimming, so you’ll want your energy.

Getting the timing right in a 6-hour day

This is an approximately 6-hour tour. The schedule is very clear about travel time: roughly 1 hour from Tourlos to Delos, about 30 minutes Delos to Rhenia, and about 1 hour to get back to Tourlos from Rhenia. The remaining time is simply used for activities at each stop.

That matters because you don’t want a “6 hours” tour that eats most of the day in transit. Here, you get real experiences at both stops: Delos time for exploring and Rhenia time for snorkeling/swimming.

Another factor is group size. With a maximum of 12 travelers, boarding and movement around the yacht should be less chaotic than the bigger groups. One of the standout impressions from the experience is that it feels quieter, and a smaller headcount usually explains that feeling quickly.

And there’s a fun sailing detail to watch for. On a windy day, the crew may let you ride up front during the return sail, which turns the trip home into part of the entertainment. It’s one of those moments you remember because it’s different from sitting in a seat and waiting.

What to bring (so nothing ruins your day)

The tour includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and bottled water. But you still need to show up ready for a sun-and-sea day.

Bring:

• Towels (not included)
• Swimwear under your clothes, if you want an easy transition to snorkeling
• Sunscreen and a hat, since Delos is outdoors and Rhenia has water reflection
• Comfortable walking shoes for the Delos archaeological site
• A light layer or cover-up for the boat ride, especially if the sea breeze gets cool

If you’re planning to spend time reading the Delos signs, consider downloading an offline map or basics on Delos before you go. The tour doesn’t provide a guided explanation, so your own quick prep makes the signs land better.

Value: is €150.51 actually a good deal?

At $150.51 per person, you’re paying for a full sailing day with three big inclusions: Delos access arrangement (site exploration), snorkeling gear, and on-board lunch plus unlimited drinks.

But you should price it correctly in your head because Delos entrance is extra: €20 per person. Convert that into whatever your total spending feels like and decide if you’re comfortable adding it.

Here’s the value logic that usually matters most:

• If you’d otherwise pay for a separate snorkeling boat trip, gear, and drinks, the bundled meal and drinks on this one can feel like a win.
• If you’re the type who wants a guide at Delos, this might feel less valuable because the Delos portion is unguided.
• If you love small groups and don’t want to spend your day in a crowded boat, the max-12 cap makes the price easier to justify.

I’d call this best value for people who want a balanced day: ancient ruins without pressure to memorize facts, then clear-water time without the hassle of renting gear.

Who should book this Mykonos Delos and Rhenia sailing tour

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want Delos + snorkeling in one trip without changing plans
• Prefer a small-group sailing experience
• Enjoy self-guided walking when there are signs to help you
• Like the idea of a full lunch and unlimited drinks without hunting down a restaurant

It’s not ideal if:

• You strongly want a guided explanation at Delos
• You hate paying extra on-site fees (Delos entrance is separate)
• You don’t handle uneven weather well, since the experience requires good weather

Should you book it?

Yes, I’d book it if your ideal day in Mykonos includes both culture and water time, and you’re okay being your own guide at Delos. The combination of small group size, snorkeling gear included, and an on-board lunch with unlimited drinks makes the price feel more like a package than a gamble.

If you’re on the fence, make your decision based on two questions: do you want a guided Delos lecture, and will you remember to bring a towel? If your answers lean toward flexibility and you’re ready with the basics, this is the kind of day that tends to stick with you.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes. You’ll be picked up from your hotel by complimentary shuttle transportation, and you’ll return by the same shuttle after the tour.

Where does the tour depart and end?

The sailing yacht S/Y Aeolus is docked at Tourlos marina. After the tour, you go back to your hotel by complimentary shuttle.

How long is the trip in total?

The duration is approximately 6 hours.

Is Delos entrance included in the price?

No. Delos entrance costs €20 per person and is not included.

Is the Delos visit guided?

No. Delos is not a guided tour, but you can use information from the monuments’ signs while you explore.

What’s included with snorkeling at Rhenia?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat staff provide the snorkeling gear.

What lunch and drinks are included?

Lunch on board is included and includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad. Alcoholic beverages are unlimited, including wine and beers, plus soft drinks. Bottled water is also included.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need to share passport details?

Yes. Passport details are requested for port authorities, and you’ll need to provide the required information as part of the reservation.