Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Meal

You can do two Aegean icons in one day. This Delos and Rhenia sailing cruise blends ancient ruins with real time in the water, plus Greek buffet food on a yacht.

I especially love the way the schedule gives you a focused Delos stop and then swaps to swimming time on the uninhabited island of Rhenia. The second big plus: the onboard lunch and drinks feel like part of the day, not an afterthought.

One thing to consider is timing. The trip is described with a 9:00 departure in the plan, but it also notes departures around 16:00/16:30 that run to sunset, so check your exact slot before you go.

This is one of those Mykonos days where the boat does the work for you. You’ll sail from the harbor, get time at Delos, then head across to Rhenia’s coves for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and deck time.

I like that the crew encourages participation too, with a chance to help with steering or holding the ropes if you want hands-on sailing. I also appreciate the practical details like bringing swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, plus needing your ID/passport details in advance.

The main downside is weather reality: Mykonos can get windy, and a review flagged limited shade and wet spots if you sit in certain areas when conditions turn choppy.

Key highlights that matter

• Delos without fuss: archaeological site + museum time (admission not included) with a calm water stop nearby
• Rhenia’s water is the point: snorkeling, swimming, and lots of time in clear coves on an uninhabited island
• Greek lunch on board: a buffet prepared onboard, plus chilled Greek wine and other drinks
• Hands-on sailing option: you can help steer or hold the ropes if you feel like it
• Small-group feel: the yacht setup is designed so everyone can actually enjoy the day
• Included paddleboarding: stand-up paddleboarding is part of the Rhenia swim window

Setting Sail From Mykonos New Port: What the day feels like

This cruise is built for a classic Greek “day at sea” mood. You meet at Mykonos and board a sailing yacht with a professional English-speaking skipper and assistant. The plan is straightforward: you leave the harbor, head to Delos first, then go to Rhenia for the water time, and you return to Mykonos by early afternoon or sunset depending on the departure you booked.

The boat portion matters more than people expect. One review described padding along the sides so you can sit or lie down comfortably, and that detail changes the whole experience when the sea gets a little bumpy. Also, because the cruise includes time on deck with sun and drinks, you’re not constantly hustling between attractions.

One practical note: timing can vary. The overall schedule is described as about 6 to 6.5 hours, with a plan that suggests leaving at 9:00 and getting back around 3:00. But the operator info also mentions sailings that depart around 16:00/16:30 and run until sunset while passing Delos. Before you plan dinner or other connections, double-check your confirmation details.

If you’re the type who likes a full day with clear anchors (ruins, then swim, then food), this format is a good fit. It’s also a solid value play because your big costs are typically Delos admission (optional) plus your own drinks beyond what’s included.

Delos: Ancient ruins, plus a quieter approach than day-tripping

Delos is famous for a reason: it’s one of those places where the ground feels ancient before you even read a plaque. On this cruise, you get about 1 to 1.5 hours to visit Delos (archaeological site and museum time is available if you want to go in). That’s not enough time to do everything in slow motion, but it’s plenty to walk the highlights and get your bearings.

What makes Delos work on a sailing day is that you’re not just arriving and leaving in a rush. Your cruise also includes a tranquil water period near Delos (listed as about an hour in calm waters), and you can stay on board if you’d rather keep the day easy. If you do want to explore, you’ll handle Delos at your own pace, and that can be a good trade-off if you don’t want to rely on a structured walking tour.

Two cost realities you should plan for:

• Delos admission fee is not included.
• A tour guide at the archaeological site is not included.

So you’ll want to treat Delos as a self-guided visit. If that’s your style, you’ll be happy. If you want someone to explain every room, wall, and symbol, plan to use your own reading (or audio) before you arrive, because the cruise doesn’t provide a dedicated guide for the site.

Also, don’t overschedule the rest of your day once you’re off the boat. Even with a tight Delos window, it’s easy to lose track of time when the ruins start clicking in your head.

Rhenia Island: The uninhabited-cove day you actually came for

Rhenia is the “slow down” part of the day. After Delos, the boat sails across a narrow strait to the unspoiled island of Rhenia, and you’re given about three hours there. This is where the cruise delivers on the promise of clear water and beach time.

You can swim or snorkel in transparent water, hang out on deck, and use the provided time to cool off as many times as you want. One review specifically called out swimming and snorkel conditions as amazing, and another noted paddleboarding as part of the stop. That mix is smart because not everyone wants to snorkel the whole time, and you still get variety.

The Rhenia bay setup also helps if you’re traveling with different preferences. If someone wants to float and relax, they can. If someone wants to paddleboard, there’s time. If you want to snorkel, the cruise has a snorkeling stop and gear is mentioned in feedback, which means you’re not stuck improvising.

One practical consideration: shade might be limited on deck. I’d plan on sunscreen and sun habits for a full stretch of day-water time. If sitting in the front of the boat tends to get you wetter in rougher seas, choose your spot wisely once you feel how the yacht is moving.

This is also a great place to treat the day like a vacation, not a checklist. The goal is not to “see” Rhenia. The goal is to be in it.

Onboard sailing: Small-group comfort, and a chance to help

A big part of what you’re paying for here is the sailing experience itself. This is a sailing yacht setup rather than a big ferry, and the small-group vibe shows up in how the day is paced. You’re not squeezed into a line. You can move, find your spot, and actually enjoy the ride.

My favorite detail is that you’re not just watching the crew work. If you feel adventurous, you can hold the ropes and help with navigating and steering. That turns the boat trip into an activity, even if you’re not the type to plan hikes.

The trade-off is wind and sea conditions. Mykonos is known for being breezy, and at least one review described rough water and confirmed the crew handled it well. Expect that you might get wet heading back if you’re seated near areas where spray comes through. The captain staying in control is the important part; you just shouldn’t plan on a dry day no matter how calm it looks at check-in.

Also, check comfort expectations. The boat includes padding for sitting or lying, and that makes it easier to relax during sail segments. But “shade available on deck” came up as a small wish in feedback, so plan for sun as if it will be your primary shade source.

Greek lunch and drinks: Value that tastes like Greece

This is the kind of lunch that makes people remember the day. The cruise includes lunch on board: a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared on board. Included drinks are also a big part of the value: soft drinks, beer, house wine, and water.

In practice, this means you’re not stuck paying for food during the day when you’d rather be swimming. Reviews also describe the meal as more than just a simple plate, with examples like Greek salad, breads with spreads, beans, pasta, and bruschetta. One diner went as far as saying it was among the best food they had in Greece, which is high praise, even if you shouldn’t assume it’ll match every palate.

Two tips for getting the most out of lunch:

• Eat it as your anchor. Even if you love swimming, you’ll feel better for having a full meal before another water session.
• Pace your drinks. With sailing motion and sun, it’s easy to drink too fast. Keep water going alongside the wine.

The crew includes professional, English-speaking staff, and multiple feedback comments name crew members for food prep and attention. That matters because onboard service can be the difference between a “good” day and a smooth one where you don’t feel like you’re waiting.

Practical logistics that keep the day easy

The cruise offers multiple starting location options, listed as Grand Banks Yacht and Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing Mykonos, and meeting point can vary depending on what you booked. The good news is you’re dealing with a real departure from Mykonos harbor, not a long bus transfer.

Pick-up and drop-off service isn’t included, so plan to get to the meeting point on your own.

One important admin step: you’ll be asked to send booking details in advance, including full names, date of birth, nationalities, and ID/passport numbers. The operator also requests sending either a photo of the passport/ID or the details via email/WhatsApp. Bring your passport or ID card on the day as well, and note that a copy is accepted.

What to bring is simple and obvious, but don’t ignore it:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• jacket
• passport or ID card (and copy)

Also, pack a light layer. Even on a sunny day, sea wind can cool you down, especially while sailing between stops.

Price and value: Why this is a good deal at $123

At about $123 per person for a 6 to 6.5 hour yacht day, you’re paying for a bundle: sailing, skipper/crew, time at Delos, swimming and snorkeling time at Rhenia, and included lunch plus drinks.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• Delos admission isn’t included, so your final total depends on whether you go into the archaeological site and museum.
• You aren’t paying separately for a meal during the day, which on Mykonos can add up fast.
• The drinks included (soft drinks, beer, house wine, water) reduce “oops” spending while you’re out on the water.

If your ideal Mykonos day is part history, part swim, part food, this format is hard to beat. If you only care about ruins and want a structured guided tour of Delos, you might feel the Delos time is short and self-guided. But if you want a flexible day where the boat carries you between two different worlds, the price matches the experience well.

Who should book this cruise, and who might prefer something else

This sailing day is a strong match if you:

• want Delos + Rhenia without juggling ferries and separate tour companies
• like a mix of walking and water time
• enjoy small-group sailing with a friendly crew
• care about food quality and included drinks while you’re on vacation mode

It may be less ideal if you:

• want a dedicated guide inside Delos
• expect lots of shade onboard during peak sun hours
• get motion-sick easily (the sea can get rough around windy Mykonos days, even with a good captain)

If you’re traveling as a family or a mixed-age group, the flexible split between onboard relaxation and optional exploring works well. You’re not forced to do the same activities at the same time.

Also, if you like helping out, steering or holding the ropes can be a fun way to make the sailing feel personal.

Should you book it or skip it

I’d book this cruise if you want a day that checks three boxes at once: Delos history, Rhenia swimming and snorkeling, and an included Greek feast on a yacht. The best part is that it’s paced for real enjoyment, not just photo stops.

I’d pause and double-check before booking if your dates or plans depend on a very specific departure time. Since the schedule can run either a morning-style window or a mid-afternoon-to-sunset version, confirm your exact departure in your confirmation so you don’t end up timing dinner around the wrong return.

FAQ

What islands does this sailing cruise visit?

You visit Delos Island and Rhenia Island, plus you depart and return to Mykonos.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 6 to 6.5 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on board is included and described as a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared on the yacht.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Complimentary soft drinks, beer, house wine, and water are included.

Do I need to pay for Delos admission?

Delos archaeological site admission fee is not included, and you can also visit the museum if you want.

Is a guide included for the Delos archaeological site?

No. A tour guide at Delos is not included.

Is there time to swim and snorkel at Rhenia?

Yes. You have about three hours at Rhenia for swimming and snorkeling, plus deck time.

Is snorkeling or paddleboarding gear provided?

Snorkeling gear is mentioned in feedback, and stand-up paddleboarding is included during the Rhenia stop.

Do I need passport details before the cruise?

Yes. You’re asked to send full booking information including passport or ID details such as full names, date of birth, nationalities, and ID/passport numbers.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket, and your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).