Mykonos looks best from the water. I love the private catamaran feel and the unlimited Mykonos wine while you sail; the tradeoff is wind can make a cool day less fun for swimming.

You get a mix of scenery and actual time in the sea: you anchor off Rhenia Island for swimming and snorkeling, then head back with photo stops for the Mykonos windmills and town views.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are handled by an air-conditioned minivan, and you meet an English-speaking skipper and crew who keep things easy on board. Plan on about 5 hours total, and note that towels are not included.

Key things to know before you go

• Private sailing from Mykonos: you’re on your own catamaran with a crew focused on your group.
• Rhenia Island anchor time: swim and snorkel in clear water with included gear.
• Delos photo stop from the water: quick cultural context without Delos entry or a full guided walk.
• Onboard Greek meal plus drinks: lunch served while you’re anchored, with beer and wine around the stops.
• Transfers included: pickup and drop-off cut down on Mykonos logistics.

Mykonos catamaran to Rhenia: what the 5 hours really buys you

This is one of those Mykonos experiences where you trade shore crowds for water time. You’re not trying to cram in a bunch of stops on foot. Instead, you get a smooth ride out, real breathing room at anchor, and a meal served on the boat while you’re still in vacation mode.

The anchor time off Rhenia is the main event. You’re dropped into a small cove with very clear water, with enough time to swim, snorkel, and just float while the boat crew handles lunch. It’s also a good setup if you want sun without the constant hassle of finding a towel spot.

One more thing I appreciate: the pace is structured, but it’s not controlling. You’ll have photo stops and timed moments, but you also get free time on the island/cove stretch. That balance is part of why a private format matters here. You’re not waiting around for other groups to decide what they want to do.

Also, Mykonos wine is part of the sailing vibe. The experience includes unlimited traditional Mykonos wine as you sail, plus beer and wine during the Rhenia portion. Even if you don’t drink a lot, it’s a nice touch that keeps the mood relaxed.

Getting to the new port: the hidden value of the included transfer

Mykonos can make logistics annoying, especially if you’re staying outside the densest areas or you don’t want to play taxi roulette. This tour includes an easy round-trip transfer by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel.

You’ll usually be picked up and moved to the new port of Mykonos. It’s a short ride, and it means you can show up ready to go rather than spending your limited vacation time finding meeting points and negotiating transport.

Once you arrive at the port, you meet the skipper and crew and settle into a modern catamaran. That step matters more than people think. A smooth embarkation sets the tone for the day—especially if the sea is already choppy and you’d rather focus on views than figuring out where to stand.

A practical tip: wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you can. The boat day format means you’ll want quick access to sun and swim time once you’re out on the water.

Delos by sea: a quick photo stop with context (and no entry pressure)

You’ll pass by Delos and get a short stop in front of it for photos and sightseeing. The experience includes welcome refreshments during this phase, plus you’ll have a guide who can explain what you’re seeing from the boat.

Here’s the key tradeoff: Delos entrance fees are not included, and there’s no full guided tour of the island itself. So you’ll get a viewpoint and historical context, but you won’t be walking through the archaeological site as part of this tour.

That’s not a dealbreaker. It’s actually a good fit if you want the Delos story without committing to a longer, more complex land day. If you’re the type who wants to linger among ruins and read every sign, you’ll likely need a separate Delos visit with site entry. But if you want a meaningful stop you can fold into a half-day sea day, this works.

Also note the timeframe. This is a short photo stop—about 15 minutes—so you should aim to grab the best angles quickly. Delos looks great from the water, but light and boat position change fast.

Rhenia Island: the swim-and-snorkel portion that makes the day

After the Delos stretch, the boat heads to Rhenia Island and drops anchor in a small cove. This is where the experience earns its reputation as a true sea day.

You’ll have about two hours here, which is long enough to do something besides dip your feet. You can swim, snorkel, or just lounge in the sun. The water is described as crystal clear and turquoise, and that clarity matters because snorkel gear is included. You’re not bringing your own setup or paying extra for it.

The crew prepares lunch while you’re at anchor, which means less time waiting and more time using the good parts of the day: water first, then food.

A reality check I’d plan for: if weather is cold or windy, the snorkeling can feel less comfortable. One set of feedback specifically flagged that in May, conditions can be too chilly and windy to enjoy the attraction to the fullest. My advice is simple: check the forecast and bring a layer you can throw on if you start feeling cold after time in the water.

Snorkeling comfort tip: if you’re new to it, aim for calm water zones near the boat rather than chasing the far edge of the cove. You’ll spend less energy, and you’ll enjoy it more.

Greek lunch on board: what to expect and how to make it work

Lunch is part of the anchored Rhenia segment. The tour description is clear that a delicious Greek meal is cooked and served onboard. Drinks are included too, with beer and wine during this portion.

In practice, onboard meals work best when you treat them like a midday pause rather than a sit-down restaurant meal. You’ll likely eat while the boat is anchored, with the sea around you and the crew moving in and out.

One important caution from real-world experience: one review noted the food felt insufficient on that day. That kind of issue doesn’t sound universal, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re a big eater or you’re traveling with someone who gets hangry. If you know your appetite runs large, consider having a light snack before boarding so you’re not relying on lunch alone.

Also, plan to handle sun. The tour is built around outdoor time. Sunscreen and a hat help a lot, and you may want a light cover-up for when you’re moving around the boat.

Towels are not provided, so you’ll want to bring your own. It’s a small detail, but it’s the difference between drying off comfortably and improvising.

Sailing back with windmills and town views (plus sunset options)

On the return to Mykonos, you’ll see the island’s windmills and Mykonos town from the water. There’s also a photo stop, an aperitif moment, and more wine along the way.

This part is great because it slows down after the swimming and lunch. You’re not trying to do anything active. You can sit, take photos, and let the sea breeze do its job.

If you choose a sunset cruise timing, you’ll get the golden hour effect—sun lowering toward the horizon over the Aegean. Sunset views from the water are often better than from the streets because you get more sky and fewer obstructions. It’s also a good option if you want the “Mykonos postcard” atmosphere without needing to be on land at exactly the right time.

Just remember: sunset sailings can still come with wind. Even in warmer months, you might want a light layer for the ride back.

Price and value: is $883 per person worth it?

$883 per person is a serious price tag. The only way it makes sense is if you’re getting more than “a boat ride.” In this case, you are.

Here’s what your money is covering, based on what’s included:

• Private cruise (not shared with strangers)
• Crew on board
• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan
• Food and drinks (Greek lunch plus beer and wine; unlimited Mykonos wine while sailing)
• Snorkeling gear included
• Taxes and fees included

Now compare that to doing things separately. If you had to hire a private boat without food and drinks, you’d pay a lot more. If you cobble it together with taxis, beach rentals, and a separate lunch plan, you’ll spend time (and money) on the logistics. This package tries to remove those friction points so you can focus on water time.

Where the price can feel less worth it is if weather limits swimming. That May-cold-and-windy note is a real reminder: when conditions are rough, you don’t just lose comfort—you lose one of the main reasons to book a snorkeling-and-swim cruise.

So my value verdict:

• If you want private time on the water plus food and drinks included, it’s a strong deal.
• If your plan relies on snorkeling in perfect conditions every time, you’re taking a little risk—like all sea-based tours.

Rules, safety, and who should think twice

This cruise has a clear set of onboard rules. Fishing isn’t allowed. Feeding animals isn’t allowed. Boots aren’t allowed, and bright colors and fireworks are also listed as not allowed.

Some of these rules are about safety and gear handling more than anything else, but they matter. If you’re used to bringing heavy shoes or you pack for convenience, adjust your packing list before you arrive.

There are also safety-fit considerations. The tour is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with heart problems
• People with altitude sickness
• Babies under 1 year
• People over 95 years
• Children under 3 ft (90 cm)

Since this is a boat day with movement and time on the water, those restrictions are there for a reason. If any of these apply, don’t try to “push through.” Pick a different kind of Mykonos activity that matches your physical comfort level.

Should you book this Mykonos to Rhenia private catamaran cruise?

If you’re trying to get the best of Mykonos in one focused half-day, I think this is a smart booking. The biggest reasons are the simple ones: private sailing, anchored water time at Rhenia, and lunch plus drinks without extra planning.

Book it if you:

• Want a sea day with swimming and snorkeling
• Prefer convenience (pickup and drop-off included)
• Like the idea of Delos context from the water instead of a longer land tour
• Are traveling with a group that values privacy

Consider skipping or swapping to a different plan if:

• You’re very sensitive to wind and cold water days
• You’re expecting a full Delos archaeological walk (entrance and a guided land tour are not included)
• You need towels provided for you (you’ll have to bring them)

If your schedule is flexible, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now pay later option. That helps you book with less stress, especially during shoulder-weather moments.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos private catamaran cruise?

It lasts 5 hours total.

Is this a private cruise?

Yes. It’s described as a private cruise with a private group format.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transportation by air-conditioned minivan.

Does the cruise include Delos entrance tickets or a guided tour on land?

No. Delos entrance fees and a guided tour of Delos are not included. You’ll have a photo stop and pass by Delos, and the guide provides information from the vessel.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included.

What food and drinks are included?

Food and drinks are included, including a Greek meal onboard. The experience also includes unlimited traditional Mykonos wine as you sail, and beer and wine during the Rhenia Island portion.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, people with altitude sickness, babies under 1 year, people over 95 years, and children under 3 ft (90 cm).