Delos by sail beats buses every time. This cruise is a small-group day out of Mykonos with a licensed, English-speaking crew, plus lunch and drinks on board. You’ll also get real water time at Rhenia with snorkeling gear and SUP. One thing to plan for: Delos archaeological admission costs €20 per person, and there isn’t a separate on-site guide included.
The payoff is that you trade ticket lines and constant logistics for a relaxed boat rhythm. You sail for about 5 hours, then you’re done early enough to keep the rest of your day in Mykonos.
Price-wise, at $181.02 per person, it feels fair because the basics are handled: skipper, fuel, lunch, alcohol (wine/beer), and the water toys. The only “extra” that can add cost is Delos admission.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- Why this sailing day is a great fit for Mykonos
- Meeting at Mathios Tavern and getting where you need to be
- What the “about 5 hours sailing” really feels like
- Delos: one hour that’s enough if you keep your priorities straight
- If Delos is closed
- Rhenia: swimming paradise next to Mykonos
- Lunch on board: simple, filling, and timed for the water
- Snorkeling gear and SUP: the included water time is the deal
- Crew and boat vibe: why the small group feels personal
- Price and value: what $181.02 buys you (and what it doesn’t)
- Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it
- Should you book Set Sail Mykonos’s Delos and Rhenia cruise?
- FAQ
- Is lunch included on this cruise?
- What does the tour include for the water activities?
- Do I need to pay for Delos admission?
- Is pickup available from my hotel?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What happens if Delos is closed?
- What if weather is bad?
Key points before you go
- Max 14 people makes it feel like a real boat day, not a cattle-call cruise
- Lunch + wine/beer on board keeps you satisfied during the sailing hours
- Delos for 1 hour is enough time to see the highlights without turning the day into a slog
- Rhenia swim time comes with snorkeling equipment and SUP
- Free transfer available if you request it, while the meeting point is easy to find
- Weather-dependent schedule means the company may reschedule if conditions aren’t right
Why this sailing day is a great fit for Mykonos
Mykonos is fun, but it can also be exhausting. This cruise is built for a different pace: you start in the morning, get moving on the water quickly, then you’re back with energy left for beaches, dinner, and a stroll.
What makes it especially appealing is the mix of viewpoints and experiences. You get an archaeological stop on Delos, then a “no-stops-made-for-you” feel at Rhenia with time to swim and snorkel, all while the boat does the heavy lifting.
Also, the small cap (up to 14 people) matters more than it sounds. On crowded boats, you spend time managing your space. Here, the vibe is easier—plus you’re more likely to actually talk with people on board.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mykonos
Meeting at Mathios Tavern and getting where you need to be
The cruise meets at Mathios Tavern in Mykonos (846 00), and it runs from a 9:00 am start. The meeting spot is near public transportation, which helps if you’re already moving around town without a car.
Pickup is offered, but you have to be organized. You’ll need to specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the previous day, using whatever details the booking asks for.
After the cruise, it ends back at the meeting point, so plan your Mykonos plans around that. Since the day ends early, you’ll likely have time to head to a beach or back into town for lunch or shopping.
What the “about 5 hours sailing” really feels like
This is not a slow sightseeing raft. The sailing portion is designed to get you out past the usual shoreline and into open-water views.
On days like this, the value is in what you’re not doing. You’re not changing buses, not waiting for long ferry connections, and not standing in the sun trying to find the next stop. You’re on the boat, with drinks and lunch handled, and you can relax while the coastline turns into island scenery.
The pace also helps with energy. You’ll still have a big chunk of your afternoon free, which is smart in Mykonos because you’ll want flexibility once you see weather and decide where the beach mood takes you.
Delos: one hour that’s enough if you keep your priorities straight
Delos is the star-name port on this itinerary. You’ll have about 1 hour at the archaeological site, so treat it like a curated sprint rather than a full-day museum visit.
Delos admission is listed as €20 per person, which means you should budget for it even if a schedule summary suggests otherwise. If you want to avoid surprises, just assume you’ll pay for your Delos entry on the day.
One more practical note: there isn’t a tour guide included. The crew can share context and help point you toward key areas, but you should be ready to explore on your own during that hour. If you like facts and photos, that’s perfect. If you prefer a guided lecture every minute, you might find the hour slightly short.
If Delos is closed
Delos can close, and the operator notes that they aren’t liable for closures. If that happens, you’ll still travel past Delos, but you won’t get the on-site drop-off. That’s the kind of heads-up that prevents disappointment later.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mykonos
Rhenia: swimming paradise next to Mykonos
Rhenia is the reason this cruise feels like a “real escape.” It’s described as a spot next to Mykonos with crystal-clear water and no inhabitants, which is exactly the vibe you want when you’re trying to get away from town.
You’ll get around 2 hours here. That time is long enough to do the full loop: swim, snorkel, take a break, then do it again when the water calms and you feel like exploring.
What’s included makes a difference:
- Snorkeling equipment is on board
- SUP is included
- The crew provides the structure so you don’t spend your time figuring out gear
A small but meaningful detail: beach towels aren’t included. If you don’t want to bring your own, pack something thin you’re okay getting wet, or be ready to dry quickly after the swim.
If you’re hoping for wildlife, keep your eyes open. One review mentioned dolphins appearing near the boat. Dolphins aren’t guaranteed, but they’re exactly the kind of thing that can make this stop feel memorable beyond photos.
Lunch on board: simple, filling, and timed for the water
Lunch is included, served on the boat, and it’s consistently described as delicious and plentiful. The best part is the timing: you’re eating while the day is moving, not stuck in a midday routine.
Food on boats is usually either a nice bonus or a letdown. Here it’s clearly treated as part of the experience, not an afterthought. You’ll also have wine and beer included, which makes the “boat day” feel complete.
If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this kind of all-in-one meal setup often works better than trying to hunt down food between stops. There’s less waiting, less decision fatigue, and more time for the fun parts: the sea and the sail.
Snorkeling gear and SUP: the included water time is the deal
The included snorkeling equipment is one of the strongest value signals. You’re not paying extra to gear up, and you’re more likely to actually use the swim time because everything is ready when you arrive at Rhenia.
SUP being included is also a big plus. Stand-up paddleboarding can be a highlight because it feels different from swimming. It also gives you something to do even if you’re not feeling like snorkeling at the moment.
One small “bring your own comfort” tip: wear swimwear you’re happy to keep on after lunch, and consider water-friendly footwear if you prefer a little extra grip when you’re getting in and out. (The data doesn’t specify footwear rules, but water days always reward practical choices.)
Crew and boat vibe: why the small group feels personal
The cruise runs with a fully licensed English-speaking skipper and a skipper’s assistant. Reviews also mention how attentive and friendly the crew can be, including one first mate named Tina who was taking care of a full boat of 13 passengers and still stayed upbeat and helpful.
The boat itself is described as clean with enough space that it doesn’t feel overly crowded. That matters because Mykonos days can be packed with people and noise, and you want your sailing time to feel like you can breathe.
The crew is also part of the “learning,” especially around Delos. Even without a separate guide, you’ll get narration and key site context as you go. If you care about where things are and what they mean, this setup usually hits the sweet spot.
Price and value: what $181.02 buys you (and what it doesn’t)
At $181.02 per person, you’re paying for a lot of the day being handled for you. Included items cover:
- lunch on board
- wine and beer
- snorkeling equipment
- SUP
- fuel charges
- the licensed English-speaking skipper and assistant
- free transfer if you request it
What’s not included:
- Delos archaeological admission (€20 per person)
- beach towels
- a dedicated tour guide
That’s why the value feels solid. Many “cheap” Mykonos boat options start charging you for basics once you’re on the water. Here, your biggest add-on is Delos admission, and the rest of the day—food, drinks, and equipment—is already in the package.
Also, you’re getting an early return. A lot of Mykonos cruises consume a full day. This one aims for a morning start and a free afternoon, which can save you money later because you’re not stuck paying for an extra day of entertainment and meals.
Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it
This is a strong match if you want:
- a relaxed boat day with real time in the water
- an archaeological stop that doesn’t overrun your whole day
- a small-group atmosphere (up to 14 people)
- lunch and drinks handled so you can focus on the experience
It may not be ideal if you’re the type who wants a long, deeply guided museum-style experience at Delos. One hour works best for people who enjoy scanning highlights, taking photos, and reading as they go.
If you’re traveling with family, it can work well too. One review mentioned teens and a younger child, and the timing and setup were described as a fun, well-paced experience for different ages.
Should you book Set Sail Mykonos’s Delos and Rhenia cruise?
I’d book it if you want a straightforward Mykonos “best of both” day: sail time + a major sight + swim time, with included food and water gear. The small-group cap and the included drinks make it feel like a genuine value play, not just a transportation service.
Before you commit, budget for Delos admission (€20) and bring (or plan) for beach towels. If you’re expecting a fully guided Delos walkthrough, adjust your expectations since there isn’t a separate guide included.
If the forecast looks good, this is the kind of day that turns into a highlight fast—because you’ll feel it in the water, not just in photos.
FAQ
Is lunch included on this cruise?
Yes. Lunch is included on board, along with wine and beer.
What does the tour include for the water activities?
Snorkeling equipment is included, and SUP is also included for Rhenia.
Do I need to pay for Delos admission?
Yes. Delos archaeological site tickets are listed as not included and cost €20 per person.
Is pickup available from my hotel?
Pickup is offered, and free transfer is available upon request. You must specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the previous day.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers.
What happens if Delos is closed?
In the case of closure, the trip may include passage by Delos island but not a drop-off.
What if weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
