A private sail beats Mykonos crowds. This 6-hour cruise pairs a fast, focused visit to Delos with a calmer, swim-first stop at Rhenia, where you can anchor away from the busiest shoreline scenes. You’ll sail on a proper charter yacht, enjoy lunch onboard, and spend real time in Aegean water instead of just passing it.

Two things I really like: you get a guided-by-the-moment style day with a skipper and assistant (including chances to help trim the sails), and the Rhenia stop is built for water time—swimming, snorkeling with provided gear, and even SUP when conditions allow. The possible drawback is practical: Delos archaeological tickets cost extra and there’s no included tour guide, so you’ll want to come ready to explore at your own pace.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private yacht feel for up to 10 people, with a skipper plus assistant onboard
• Delos visit included, with about 75 minutes on the ground to walk and look
• Rhenia anchors in quiet coves, with time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water
• Lunch and drinks onboard (water, wine, and beer), plus snorkeling equipment included
• SUP is weather dependent, so the water plan can shift with conditions

Private Yacht Time in Mykonos: What $1,767 Buys

This cruise is priced per group, up to 10 people, so it’s not the cheap, bus-and-boats version of Delos. At $1,767 per group, you’re paying for two things that matter in the Aegean: time on the water and space on board.

You’re basically buying a day structured around three priorities:

1) a short, well-timed Delos stop (instead of losing hours to logistics),

2) a Rhenia swim break where you’re likely to be away from the densest crowds,

3) an onboard setup that keeps the day easy: lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.

Is it “good value”? For many groups, yes—because the cruise bundles the yacht charter, skipper, assistant, and basics like snorkeling equipment. The two things that are not included (Delos tickets and a guide) are straightforward extras, not surprise costs.

Just be honest about your expectations: this is a sailing day with two islands. If you want a long, guided archaeology deep dive or multiple land stops, you may feel rushed.

From Tourlos Marina to Delos: The Archaeology Stop with Breathing Room

The day starts at 09:00 with sailing out of Tourlos Marina. There’s a first sailing stretch of about an hour before you reach Delos, which gives you time to settle in, get sun protection on, and check out the crew and setup.

One practical advantage here is pacing. You’re not spending the whole morning trapped on a crowded shoreline. You’re on the water early, then you get to Delos, then you’re back out again—keeping this from feeling like a full-day museum visit.

And timing can matter more than people think. One of the best outcomes with Delos trips is when the tour boat crowds thin out later in the day, and the site feels quieter. This itinerary is built to give you the chance for exactly that kind of calmer experience, especially since you’re on the island for a defined window rather than all-day milling.

A small note to keep you flexible: weather can affect routing, and Delos site operations aren’t something the operator controls. If Delos closes, the plan may shift to include sailing past Delos without landing.

Meeting Apollo and Artemis at Delos: What to Do in 75 Minutes

You’ll spend about 75 minutes on Delos for sightseeing and walking. Delos is famous for being a major ancient cult center—specifically linked with the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis—so even a short visit can feel meaningful if you plan what to look for.

With only around an hour and change, I suggest you use this stop like you would a great city walk:

• Pick a direction when you step off the boat and follow it for the first 20 minutes.
• Then slow down and focus on the “big layout” areas rather than trying to cover everything.
• Don’t get stuck reading every plaque. Use what you can see, feel, and connect.

Because tickets for the archaeological site are not included, you’ll also want to budget for that extra cost. The good news is you’re not relying on a group guide to interpret the site—you’ll be free to move at your own tempo within that 75-minute window.

If you’re traveling with teens, this time window often works better than the classic “we’ll be there for hours” approach. You get enough time to make it real, then you’re out enjoying the water again.

Rhenia’s Sandy Coves: Swim, Snorkel, and Hang in a Quiet Bay

Rhenia is the second island stop, and it’s where the cruise really turns into a relaxation story.

Rhenia is uninhabited and about four times the size of Delos, separated by a small strait. It’s known for multiple solitary beaches inside protected coves—Glyfada, Stena, Lia, and Amelia. In the right light, the water can shift from emerald green to turquoise blue, and the whole place tends to feel like a yacht playground more than a tourist town.

You’ll anchor in a secluded bay and spend about two hours at Rhenia. This is the part you’re going to remember: the privacy, the water clarity, and how easy it is to get into the sea.

What you can do here:

• Swim directly from the boat/anchorage
• Snorkel with provided equipment
• Lay back on the sand and do nothing
• For the more active, walk ashore if you feel like exploring on foot
• Try SUP if conditions allow

Here’s a key point that makes this stop accessible: snorkeling doesn’t require special training or special equipment beyond what’s provided. You’ll use goggles and flippers, and you can keep it as simple as floating, watching, and enjoying the water.

The “no crowds” part matters. Even in peak season, anchoring in a protected cove can feel like you’ve escaped the Mykonos surface world. That privacy is the difference between a fun boat outing and a truly relaxing one.

Sailing Like a Sailor: Trimming the Sails and Crew-Run Comfort

One of the most enjoyable details is how the crew treats sailing like a shared activity. The skipper and assistant will happily involve you in the sailing process—specifically trimming the sails—if you want to participate.

You don’t have to be a sailor. You can also stay relaxed and enjoy the movement, the wind, and the views while the crew handles the work. But I love that this option exists, because it turns the day from passive sightseeing into something hands-on and memorable.

You’ll also get a private-group setup, which typically means less waiting and more “do what you want” freedom on board. It’s the kind of day where your biggest decision is basically: which swim stop wins, and do you want to snorkel first or lunch first.

Lunch on Board and the Small Stuff That Makes It Feel Easy

Lunch is served onboard while you’re at Rhenia, paired with a drink of your choice. Included with the meal are water, wine, and beer.

Based on past experiences with this specific cruise format, the food can be the kind of home-style meal that feels more thoughtful than typical boat catering—one group enjoyed a home cooked green feast. Even if your lunch is different day to day, the big practical win is the same: you’re not hunting for a taverna when you’d rather be in the water.

Also included:

• Skipper and assistant (so you’re not dealing with unclear logistics on board)
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP (weather permitting)

Not included:

• Beach towels
• Delos site tickets
• Tour guide inside Delos

That last bullet is the one to plan around. If you want a narrative guide through ancient structures, you’ll likely need to add that elsewhere or rely on your own curiosity while walking.

Practical Tips: What to Pack and How the Day Flows

Here’s what helps you have a smooth day, based on the cruise’s day structure.

Timing you can plan around

• Departure: 09:00 from Tourlos Marina
• Delos landing time: about 75 minutes
• Rhenia water time: about two hours
• Expected arrival back: around 15:00

You’ll also meet the skipper at Matthew Tavern, where the skipper will be waiting 15 minutes before the trip. Pickup can be optional if you request it, but you’ll need to confirm your exact pickup location by 10pm the previous day.

Because routes can change with weather, don’t lock in a super-tight plan after 15:00. Build a little buffer for getting back to where you’re staying.

What to bring

You’ll want the essentials for both land and sea:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Jacket (yes, even in summer the boat breeze can chill you)
• Flip-flops
• Closed-toe shoes

If you forget a towel, that’s on you—beach towels aren’t included.

Delos tickets and closures

Delos archaeological tickets cost about 20€ per person, and a tour guide isn’t included. Also note the site can close; if it does, your cruise may only pass by Delos without landing.

If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, keep a flexible mindset: the Rhenia swim portion is still the heart of the day.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This is a good match if you want a private-group sailing day that blends culture with water time.

It works especially well for:

• Couples or small groups who want quiet instead of a crowded day tour
• Families with teens who can handle a short Delos walk but would rather spend time in the sea
• People who like guided-by-the-crew vibes, not rigid schedules
• Anyone who wants included snorkeling gear and real beach time without extra rentals

If your priority is a long guided tour of Delos with deep interpretation, you might feel under-supported since Delos tickets are separate and there’s no included guide.

Should You Book This 6-Hour Delos and Rhenia Cruise?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a “Mykonos, but smarter” day: sailing early, seeing Delos without turning it into a marathon, and spending the bulk of your time at Rhenia where the water plan is the point.

It’s a particularly strong choice if you care about privacy and want that feeling of arriving at a site (or anchoring in a cove) after the busiest energy has moved on. And if you like hands-on moments, trimming the sails with the crew can add a fun extra layer to the day.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You want a paid guide walking you through Delos in detail
• You’re trying to avoid any extra costs beyond the cruise price (Delos tickets are extra, and beach towels are not included)
• You can’t tolerate possible itinerary changes due to weather or potential Delos closure

If you like sailing, swimming, and a well-paced mix of sea + ancient sites, this is the kind of cruise that makes your Mykonos week feel bigger than the town itself.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It sets sail from Tourlos Marina at 09:00.

Where do we meet the skipper?

Meet your guide at Matthew Tavern. The skipper will be waiting there 15 minutes before the trip.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional and available upon request. You need to send your exact pickup location by 10pm the previous day.

How long do we spend at Delos?

You’ll have about 75 minutes for sightseeing and walking on Delos.

Are Delos archaeological site tickets included?

No. Delos archaeological site tickets are not included and cost 20€ per person.

What’s included for swimming and snorkeling?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment included. The Rhenia stop includes time for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling does not require special training or equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard during the Rhenia stop, along with water, wine, and beer.

Is there SUP on the cruise?

SUP is included only if weather permits.

What if Delos is closed?

The operator isn’t liable for Delos closure. If it’s closed, the trip may include passage by Delos but not a landing/drop-off.