From Mykonos: Cruise to Delos and Rhenia with Lunch

Delos and beach time in one sailing day. This cruise mixes sacred ruins with a relaxed swim stop, all run by a lively crew out of Mykonos Old Port, with Rhenia giving you that uninhabited-island feel.

I especially love the way the day keeps moving: you’re off the dock, then you’re in the water, and then you’re back on board before the sun gets too pushy.

The second thing I like is the onboard vibe. The lunch is real Greek comfort food, and the staff (many rave about Paola) keeps things upbeat without turning it into a circus.

One possible drawback to plan for: Delos entrance isn’t included, so you’ll likely need to budget extra if you want to walk the site and visit any on-site museum areas.

Key things to know before you go

• Rhenia private beach: swim or stroll on an uninhabited island setting
• BBQ lunch on board: chicken and pork skewers plus salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread
• Drinks included: wine, juice, and water during the cruise and lunch
• Delos exploration time: ancient houses like those linked to Dionysus and Cleopatra
• Fun return trip: music on the water and a dance party feel for the trip back
• Delos ticket cost: admission to the site (and any museum component) is extra

From Mykonos Old Port to the Aegean: the flow of the day

This is the kind of day trip that works because it’s simple. You meet at the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station. From there, you board and the cruise starts—no long transfers, no confusing maze of stops.

The total time is about 6.5 hours, so you’re not spending your day in transit. You sail, you swim, you eat, you see Delos, then you cruise back. It’s paced like a “do the best bits” sampler rather than a slow, linger-everywhere marathon.

One practical thing: you’ll want to arrive ready. With trips like this, the clock starts the moment you show up. If you’re hungry, sunscreen-less, or still hunting for your last drink of water, you’ll feel it later.

Rhenia’s private beach swim: the calm break from history

Rhenia is the reset button in the itinerary. After you sail out from Mykonos, you reach a secluded, uninhabited island where a private beach is waiting. This is where the day shifts from monuments to water.

You can swim in the clear Aegean water, or just hang on the shore. Even when the sea looks a little dramatic from the deck, many people find the actual swimming areas work out well, since the stops are usually in spots that feel calmer than open water.

If you’re the type who likes to get your steps in, Rhenia also gives you a simple walking option along the shoreline. That matters because you can’t do everything standing still on a beach and then suddenly expect to handle uneven stone later on at Delos. A little movement now helps you feel less stiff later.

What to bring for the swim day

You’re not told to bring snorkeling gear, and gear isn’t included. Still, if you like snorkel time, bring your own. You should also plan for sun and heat:

• sunglasses and sunscreen
• a hat or anything for shade
• water for after the beach (you’ll have drinks onboard, but you’ll appreciate extra water on Delos)

The BBQ lunch on board: wine, skewers, tzatziki, repeat value

Lunch is one of the smartest parts of this cruise. It’s not a sad sandwich moment. You get a BBQ lunch prepared on the boat with chicken and pork skewers, plus salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread.

What I like about that lineup is that it’s filling but not heavy. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you comfortable while you’re walking around Delos afterward. People also mention that the food is satisfying, and a few say they even got seconds—always a good sign.

Drinks are also built into the experience. You’ll have wine, juice, and water during the cruise and at lunch. That’s a big part of the price value, because “boat day + lunch + drinks” can get expensive fast if you pay each piece separately.

A small reality check

Boat lunches can be hit or miss on some tours, but this one consistently gets praise for being genuinely tasty. If you’re the sort of traveler who judges a tour by the quality of the meal, this is one of the rare day trips where you won’t feel like you’re eating just to survive the schedule.

Delos archaeological time: Apollo and Artemis plus an extra ticket cost

After lunch, you head to Delos, one of Greece’s most sacred islands. Delos is tied to the birthplace stories of Apollo and Artemis, and that myth-and-mythology connection is part of why people care so much about this place.

Delos also matters in a practical way: it’s where you see how trade, religion, and culture mixed in the ancient world. On this stop, you get time to explore the archaeological site on your own, including famous areas connected with the houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra. You’ll also spot decorative elements like mosaics and statues.

The Delos admission part you must plan for

Here’s the one snag: entrance to the site of Delos isn’t included. So, even though the cruise price covers the boat, crew, and lunch, you should expect to pay more if you want full access to the ruins and any museum options.

That doesn’t mean the tour is overpriced. It means the “$99” is for the boat day experience, not the archaeological ticket. If you’re budgeting tightly for your Greece trip, price-check Delos admission alongside this cruise so you don’t get surprised mid-day.

Heat and walking shoes

Delos is an outdoor site. On hot days, you’ll feel it. I’d treat this like an afternoon walk through exposed stone. Wear walking shoes, bring water (or keep drinking your onboard water and then top up if needed), and don’t plan to do it in flip-flops.

If you’re not into ruins

This cruise is built around Delos, but some people said there’s a choice: if you don’t want to go ashore for the ruins, the boat may take you to another swimming option. That can be a relief for anyone who wants the beach-and-sea day more than the archaeology.

The return to Mykonos: music, dancing, and how the boat day ends

The sail back is where the tour leans into fun. People describe music onboard and a dance party feel on the way back to port. It’s not just a quiet “all back to your seat” finish. The crew keeps the mood high, and it’s a nice contrast to the seriousness of the ruins.

You might also notice how the sea feels can vary by day. Some travelers mention bumpy water, and others say the boat feels stable. The takeaway: plan for some motion. If you know you get seasick, bring what helps you handle it.

The good news is that the best moments of the day are split between swim stops and onboard breaks. Even if the sea is a little rough, the itinerary is structured so you’re not trapped in one mood for hours.

Value check: is $99 a good deal for Delos + Rhenia?

Let’s talk value in real terms. At $99 per person, you’re paying for:

• a full cruise day out of Mykonos
• captain and crew services
• lunch onboard (BBQ with skewers, rice, tzatziki, salad, bread)
• drinks (wine, juice, water)

Then there’s the extra you should expect:

• Delos entrance (not included)
• transportation to and from the boat (not included)
• snorkeling gear (not included)

So, is it fair? For most people, yes—because you’re not just buying transportation. You’re buying the package: time on the water, a decent meal, and the best “Mykonos day-trip dream” combo of ruins plus a secluded beach.

Where the math might shift is if you’re highly focused on ruins and want to optimize every euro. Because Delos admission is extra, you should factor that into your total daily spend. Even then, the trade-off is that you still get the boat experience, the Rhenia swim, and a guided day structure that keeps you from doing all the planning yourself.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a strong fit if you want a day that’s part history, part sun, and part social energy. I’d especially recommend it for:

• people who want Delos but also want real beach time
• travelers who like a lively crew and an ending that doesn’t feel rushed
• anyone who values having lunch and drinks included rather than figuring it out at every stop

It’s less ideal if:

• you’re strongly against paying additional Delos entrance fees
• you need a fully accessible route. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• you dislike boat motion. Some days can feel bumpy, and you should plan accordingly

Should you book the Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you want an efficient, fun-packed day that hits the highlights: Rhenia’s swim stop, an onboard BBQ with wine and refreshments, and Delos ruins with time to explore. The cruise structure does a lot right for a day trip: it saves you logistics, feeds you well, and keeps the energy moving.

Skip it or reconsider if the extra Delos entrance cost would disappoint your budget, or if mobility needs make it tough to handle an archaeological shore visit. Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to sea motion, plan for that reality before committing.

If you’re traveling to Mykonos and want one outing that combines Aegean time with a major ancient site, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the cruise to Delos and Rhenia?

The duration is 6.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at the Old Port of Mykonos.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the cruise, captain and crew services, lunch, and wine and refreshments.

What is not included?

Transportation to and from the boat, snorkeling gear, and entrance to the site of Delos are not included.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

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