REVIEW · MYKONOS
Mykonos Catamaran Delos Rhenia Cruise with Lunch and Transfer
Book on Viator →Operated by Set Sail Mykonos · Bookable on Viator
A catamaran day with two very different legends. This 6-hour Mykonos cruise pairs a focused visit to the Delos archaeological zone (Apollo and Artemis) with real swim time at Rhenia’s empty beaches. I especially like that lunch is included with wine, beer, and soft drinks, so you are not hunting for food mid-ride. The main trade-off: Delos entry costs extra and there is no tour guide included, so your experience at the ruins is mostly self-paced.
You also get a small-group feel, with a maximum of 18 travelers, plus skipper support from the skipper and the assistant sailor. You’ll start at 9:00am at Mathios Tavern in Mykonos, and the cruise runs on good weather. If you are sensitive to sun and wind, plan for it, because time at sea is a big part of the day.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why this Delos and Rhenia catamaran feels like a smart Mykonos day
- The 9:00am start at Mathios Tavern and how the transfer works
- Stop 1: Delos in about one hour, and why you should plan for self-guided ruins
- Stop 2: Rhenia’s empty beaches for snorkel, shade, and colored-water time
- Lunch onboard: what’s included and why it changes the value
- Price and value: where the money goes (and what costs extra)
- Who this cruise suits best in Mykonos
- Weather, timing, and what to expect onboard
- Should you book this Mykonos Delos and Rhenia cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Mykonos Catamaran Delos Rhenia Cruise?
- Where does the cruise start and what time does it begin?
- Is pickup included?
- Do I need to pay for Delos entrance?
- Is lunch included?
- What water activities are included?
- Are towels provided?
- Is there a tour guide?
- How big is the group?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things to know before you go

- Small group (max 18): easier to hear instructions and keep the day moving.
- Delos Apollo-Artemis stop: one hour on one of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites.
- Rhenia is uninhabited: four sandy beaches in protected coves, famous for clear water colors.
- Snorkeling gear is included: you are not renting equipment to enjoy the swim break.
- SUP only if weather permits: your water plan stays flexible.
Why this Delos and Rhenia catamaran feels like a smart Mykonos day

Mykonos can tempt you into doing one beach after another. This cruise gives you variety without requiring a complicated schedule. You get one major cultural anchor (Delos) and one major water payoff (Rhenia) in the same day, with lunch and drinks handled onboard.
What makes it work for many people is the balance of time. Delos is limited to about an hour, which means you see the highlights without turning the day into a long, tiring archaeology marathon. Then you get a solid two hours at Rhenia, which is long enough to swim, snorkel, and relax without feeling rushed.
There’s also a value angle. You are paying for a boat outing with fuel included, plus food and drinks, plus snorkeling equipment. When those pieces are bundled, the math usually favors you versus booking transport, meals, and gear separately.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mykonos
The 9:00am start at Mathios Tavern and how the transfer works

The meeting point is Mathios Tavern, Mathios TavernΕλλάδα, Μύκονος 846 00, Greece. Start time is 9:00am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.
Pickup is available, but it is “available upon request.” If you want hotel pickup and drop-off, you need to specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the day before the cruise. That detail matters because the tour does not operate as a generic area pickup. If you are staying outside the easiest pickup zone, double-check the exact address wording you send.
Plan to arrive early enough to settle in. Even though the meeting point is near public transportation, you still do not want to be the person sprinting across town before boarding. Also, remember the total duration is about 6 hours including travel time. So even if you are physically on the water for less, you are still committing most of the morning into the afternoon.
Stop 1: Delos in about one hour, and why you should plan for self-guided ruins
Your first stop is Delos, about an hour from the departure point by boat. You will have approximately one hour to explore the Archaeological Site of Delos, which is described as the birthplace of the Olympian God Apollo and the Olympian Goddess Artemis. Admission is not included, and the entrance fee is €20.00 per person.
This is the big “consideration” moment in the pricing. Your cruise price covers the boat day and onboard inclusions, but Delos entry is an add-on. If you forget that, you might be surprised at the counter. If you budget for it now, the day feels smoother.
Also, there is no tour guide included. That does not make the site less impressive, but it does change how you should experience it. Go in with a plan. If you have even a basic idea of what Apollo and Artemis mean in the Delos story, your hour will feel more rewarding. If you do not, it still works, but you’ll enjoy it most if you read a bit beforehand or focus on how the site is laid out as you walk.
Practical tips for Delos
- Wear shoes that handle stone paths. Some areas can be uneven.
- Sun can be intense in midday. Bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring water. You can refuel your energy, but you’ll want to stay comfortable during that one-hour window.
- Bring something to protect your phone. Wind and salt air are real on the water.
One more subtle point: since you only have an hour, your best strategy is not to see everything. Aim to walk the main areas that catch your interest and then stop before you feel rushed. One hour at Delos is short on paper, but it is exactly the right length for pairing with Rhenia later.
Stop 2: Rhenia’s empty beaches for snorkel, shade, and colored-water time
After Delos, the cruise heads to Rineia (spelled Rhenia in the description). Rhenia is uninhabited, with four solitary sandy beaches tucked into protected coves. It’s also a popular meeting point for yachts cruising the area, mostly because the water colors range from emerald green to turquoise blue.
You get about two hours here, and that time is where the cruise earns its “relax and play” reputation. You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, so you can explore without booking rentals. The tour also includes SUP only if weather permits, which is a smart setup because conditions around small islands can change fast.
Because Rhenia is uninhabited, you should expect fewer amenities. That is normal. The value is the setting: quiet coves and clear water. You’re not going for a beach club. You’re going for water time.
How to make the most of the Rhenia block
- Use the included snorkeling gear right away. Water clarity tends to be best earlier in your swim window.
- Bring swimwear that dries quickly. You will likely transition between boat and beach.
- Pack a small towel alternative. Towels are not included, so plan on a personal towel or a way to handle damp gear.
- If SUP is offered that day, try it early. If wind picks up, you may lose the option later.
This is also a good stop for people who want a break from Mykonos crowds. You are not stuck in town lines, and you are not stuck in a single beach chair for the whole day. Instead, you have a natural island rhythm: boat to cove, water time, then back aboard.
Lunch onboard: what’s included and why it changes the value
Lunch is included on the cruise, along with wine, beer, and soft drinks. For a day trip that mixes sea travel and two stops, that is a big deal. You do not need to build your plan around meal timing, and you avoid the classic tourist trap of paying a lot for a mediocre snack right when you’re hungry.
This setup also makes the day feel more “vacation mode.” Once lunch is handled, you can focus on the sights at Delos and the water at Rhenia. You also do not have to carry as much food or worry about finding an open place near the meeting point.
A practical note: you should still eat like someone who is going to be outside. Delos is sunny, and Rhenia involves swimming. Aim for a lunch that does not sit heavy, and drink water alongside whatever you choose from the included drinks.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mykonos
Price and value: where the money goes (and what costs extra)

The price is listed at $216.53 per person for the cruise, with hotel pickup & drop-off available upon request, plus a host and onboard crew roles (skipper and skipper’s assistant/sailor). Fuel charges are included, as are snorkeling equipment and lunch.
Then there’s the add-on: the Archaeological Site of Delos entrance fee of €20.00 per person. That is not included, and it is easy to overlook if you only scan the headline price.
So how is it good value? Here’s the logic:
- You are paying for the boat experience, not just transport.
- Lunch and drinks are included, which can be a meaningful portion of what you’d otherwise spend on a Mykonos day.
- Snorkeling equipment is included, so you are not adding rental costs.
- Small group size (max 18) generally improves the flow of a day trip.
What could make it feel less worth it for you? If you already dislike boat days or you were hoping for a guided, in-depth tour of Delos with narration. The tour does not include a tour guide, so you will likely prefer the structure if you enjoy self-guided exploring.
Who this cruise suits best in Mykonos
This is ideal if you want a single-day plan that hits both culture and water without complicated logistics. It fits well for:
- People who want a quick, high-impact look at Delos without spending a full day on a bus
- Snorkel fans who do not want to rent equipment
- Couples or small groups who like a smaller group size (max 18)
- Travelers who value having lunch handled and not thinking about meals
It may be less ideal if:
- You want a guided lecture style of tour at Delos (no tour guide is included)
- You dislike outdoor time in sun and sea wind
- You are not comfortable with weather-dependent plans (the cruise requires good weather, and SUP depends on conditions)
Weather, timing, and what to expect onboard
This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because the whole schedule is built around sailing between islands and doing two activity blocks.
In terms of timing, it’s a 6-hour day including travel time, starting at 9:00am. That means you’ll feel the day’s pace from the moment you meet. The good news is the structure is straightforward: boat to Delos, one-hour site visit, boat to Rhenia for two hours of water time, then return to the meeting point.
Onboard, you should expect clear roles: the skipper drives the sailing plan, the skipper’s assistant helps manage operations, and there is a host included. Since snorkeling gear is provided, you won’t need to figure out rental logistics during the most time-sensitive part of the day.
And because towels are not included, make sure you plan your “wet transition” before you board. That tiny detail can make or break comfort, especially after snorkeling.
Should you book this Mykonos Delos and Rhenia cruise?
If you want a day that blends Delos’ famous ruins with real beach-and-snorkel time at an uninhabited island, this cruise is an easy yes. It’s also strong value because lunch and drinks are included, fuel is covered, and snorkeling equipment is provided, all inside a single, manageable 6-hour schedule.
I’d lean toward booking if you enjoy self-guided exploring and you like spending time on the water. I’d think twice if you’re expecting a fully guided Delos experience or if you know you get uncomfortable with boat days in wind and sun. If that sounds like you, you might prefer a different style of Mykonos outing.
FAQ
How long is the Mykonos Catamaran Delos Rhenia Cruise?
The duration is approximately 6 hours, and that total includes travel time.
Where does the cruise start and what time does it begin?
It starts at Mathios Tavern in Mykonos (Mathios TavernΕλλάδα, Μύκονος 846 00, Greece) and begins at 9:00am. It also ends back at the meeting point.
Is pickup included?
Hotel pick up and drop off are available upon request. If you want pickup, you must specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the day before the cruise.
Do I need to pay for Delos entrance?
Yes. The Archaeological Site of Delos entrance fee is €20.00 per person and is not included. The Rhenia stop is listed as free.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, along with wine, beer, and soft drinks.
What water activities are included?
Snorkelling equipment is included. SUP is included only if weather permits.
Are towels provided?
No. Towels are not included, so you should plan to bring one.
Is there a tour guide?
A tour guide is not included. You’ll still explore the Delos site during the allotted time, but it is not described as a guided walkthrough.
How big is the group?
The cruise has a maximum of 18 travelers.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

































