REVIEW · MYKONOS
Semi Private Cruise with luxury Catamaran in Delos and Rhenia islands
Book on Viator →Operated by Mykonos Cruises, Yacht Sailing Tours, Mykonos Catamaran, Dolphin Navigation · Bookable on Viator
A catamaran day trip can feel like a cheat code. This semi-private cruise uses a luxury catamaran to take you from Mykonos toward remote islands, with a quieter vibe than the big-ship crowd. You get classic Aegean scenery, plus time to swim and snorkel at Rhenia Island while passing the famous archaeological site of Delos from the water.
Two things I really like: the small-group cap (up to 15 people) and the meal-and-drinks setup. I also like that the day includes hotel transfers (pickup offered) so you’re not trying to piece together buses or taxis after a long swim.
One drawback to weigh: Delos is described as a pass-by experience, not a land visit with time to wander ruins. If what you want is a proper on-shore Delos stop, double-check the landing expectations with the operator before you book.
In This Review
- Key Points You’ll Care About
- Why This Semi-Private Catamaran Cruise Feels Better in Mykonos
- The 5-Hour Route: Mykonos, Baos, Delos Pass-By, and the Rhenia Swim
- Baos Island: Remote Views and Pirate-Island Lore
- Delos From the Water: Big Name, Limited On-Island Time
- Rhenia Island Swim Stop: Virgin Feel and Real Water Time
- Onboard Lunch, Wine, and Raki: What’s Included and Why It Matters
- Catamaran Comfort, Crew Help, and the Small-Group Advantage
- What to Bring: The Towels Detail That Can Ruin Your Day
- Mykonos Views You Don’t See From Street Level
- Who This Cruise Is Best For (And Who Should Rethink It)
- Price and Value: What $208.16 Buys You on This Catamaran Day
- Should You Book This Delos and Rhenia Catamaran Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Delos and Rhenia catamaran cruise from Mykonos?
- Is hotel pickup or transfers included?
- What’s included in the price besides the cruise?
- Do I need to bring towels for swimming?
- Will the cruise stop on Delos or just pass by?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key Points You’ll Care About

- Small-group size (max 15) keeps this from feeling like mass tourism.
- Rhenia Island swim-and-snorkel is the main water time of the day.
- Delos is a pass-by rather than an on-island visit in the route description.
- Lunch plus wine and raki are included, so you can budget less onboard.
- Towels are not provided, so bring your own if you want to relax comfortably.
Why This Semi-Private Catamaran Cruise Feels Better in Mykonos

Mykonos can be loud, crowded, and expensive fast. This is the kind of tour that helps you reset—get out onto the water, slow down, and let the day run on island time.
The biggest reason to consider it is the format: semi-private with a maximum of 15 travelers. That smaller number changes the feel. You still get the fun of being out with other people, but you’re not elbow-to-elbow, and crew attention tends to feel more personal. It’s also long enough to feel like a real outing, not a quick photo stop and back.
The second reason I’m interested is the onboard setup. You’ll be fed and watered—lunch plus wine and raki—so you don’t spend your day hunting for snacks between swims. And because pickup is offered and you return to the same meeting point, the logistics stay simple.
One thing to remember: a catamaran is a shared space. If you’re picky about sunbathing comfort or shade, plan to arrive with a towel (you’ll need one) and be ready to choose your spot once onboard.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mykonos
The 5-Hour Route: Mykonos, Baos, Delos Pass-By, and the Rhenia Swim

This is roughly a 5-hour cruise, starting and ending back at the meeting point near Mathios Tavern in Mykonos. The schedule is designed for a classic rhythm: sailing time for views, then one focused stop where you can get in the water.
After departure from Mykonos, the route goes toward Baos Island first. You’ll also pass the archaeological site of Delos, which is one of Greece’s most important names from the ancient world. The day closes with an approach to Rhenia Island, where you’ll have your swim stop before sailing back past areas like Little Venice as you head toward Mykonos again.
Here’s how that matters for your expectations:
- If you want one main swim moment, this route is built for that.
- If you want multiple stops for repeated snorkeling sessions, the description points more toward one key water break at Rhenia.
- If you want time on land at Delos, the route reads more like viewing from the water, not a full on-island visit.
In other words, it’s a sailing-and-swimming day with strong scenery, not a museum tour.
Baos Island: Remote Views and Pirate-Island Lore
Baos Island is part of the draw because it feels far enough away from Mykonos to change the mood. The island is described as remote and isolated, with pirate folklore attached to it. Even if you take the legend with a grain of salt, that kind of story makes the sailing portion more fun.
Practically, what you’re likely to enjoy here is the change in coastline and the sense of space. From a catamaran, you typically get wide-angle views of water color, small coves, and the coastline shapes that you never see properly from the Mykonos streets.
The route doesn’t promise a long Baos stay. So if you’re hoping for a full on-foot exploration, you might feel different. But as a “sail out, see something less touristy, then move on” stop, it fits the tone.
If you like taking photos, this is the kind of stretch where you’ll want to be ready with your phone or camera before the boat transitions to the next section. The best shots often happen when you can see the coast clearly and you’re not busy cooking up a swim plan.
Delos From the Water: Big Name, Limited On-Island Time
Delos is one of those places people talk about like a must-see. In this cruise, you get Delos by passing the archaeological site, not a land excursion described in the route.
That’s an important distinction. From the water, you can appreciate the scale and significance of the area, and it can be a great “I’m close to something historic” moment. But if your goal is to walk among ruins, read plaques, and spend hours getting your own bearings on foot, you’ll likely want a dedicated Delos visit instead.
So I’d frame Delos on this cruise as:
- A dramatic sighting from the catamaran
- A way to connect your day with Greek mythology and archaeology without turning the trip into a strict schedule
This also explains why some people feel satisfied and others feel shortchanged. If you’re booking for the feel of sailing and the chance to see Delos from a new angle, it works. If you’re booking for a land stop, it may not match your idea of the day.
Rhenia Island Swim Stop: Virgin Feel and Real Water Time
Rhenia Island is presented as a quiet, virgin location—exactly the sort of place you want when you’re done with the Mykonos rush. This is where the day turns practical and physical, because the itinerary includes a swim and snorkel stop.
Why this is usually the highlight: Rhenia-style stops are made for getting off the boat and letting your body take over. If you enjoy snorkeling, you’ll want to time your water entry for when conditions are good and you can float comfortably.
You should also know that the cruise plan centers on this one swim window. In other words, it’s best for people who like a single longer water break—jump in, snorkel if you can, relax, then regroup onboard for lunch and drinks.
The included meal matters here too. You’re told that a delicious fresh meal is served onboard during the water-and-sail rhythm, so you’re not stuck starving after you’ve worked up an appetite.
One more practical note: you’re expected to bring your own towels. Without one, the “relax and sunbathe” part gets annoying fast.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Mykonos
Onboard Lunch, Wine, and Raki: What’s Included and Why It Matters

Food is often an afterthought on tours. Here, it’s built into the experience as part of the comfort level of the catamaran day.
Lunch is included with a menu that includes:
- spaghetti with red sauce
- grilled shrimps
- tzatziki
- mixed green salad
- vine leaves stuffed with rice
- bread and fruits
Then the drinks: wine plus raki, a traditional Greek spirit. That combo is a classic Aegean match—light enough for being out on the water, and celebratory enough to feel like a real holiday.
Value-wise, this is the part that makes the price easier to swallow. At Mykonos prices, buying lunch and drinks for a whole afternoon can quickly spiral. Here, your onboard plan is already covered, so you can spend your mental energy on enjoying the sea rather than counting euros every time you want a sip.
Is the drink situation a party scene? Not necessarily. It’s more like “enjoy your day” than “nightlife on a boat.” Still, it’s alcohol, so pace yourself and bring a bit of water discipline—especially if you’re planning to snorkel.
Catamaran Comfort, Crew Help, and the Small-Group Advantage

The crew is part of why people tend to rate these trips well. When a catamaran day goes smoothly, it’s usually because the skipper and crew keep timing tight and help you settle in quickly.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’re also more likely to feel like a person instead of a number. That matters most during the transition moments: boarding, finding your seat, and getting sorted for the swim stop.
A small-group day also tends to feel calmer. It’s less about competing for space and more about letting the boat rhythm carry you. You’ll still get the fun of group energy, but without the noise and bustle that larger cruises can bring.
One practical caution: people sometimes expect music and extra onboard “party energy.” The information you have here doesn’t promise that vibe, so set your expectations for relaxation rather than a themed entertainment show.
What to Bring: The Towels Detail That Can Ruin Your Day
Some tour operators provide towels. This one doesn’t. Bring your own towels so you can dry off after the swim and spread out for sun time.
Beyond that, think like you’re spending hours on a boat in bright sun:
- swimwear you can wear again
- sunscreen and sunglasses
- a light layer for wind on deck
- a water bottle if you like having one handy
You might also want a dry bag or a waterproof phone pouch so you don’t spend your whole day checking if your phone is safe. A catamaran means spray can happen.
And yes, it helps to arrive ready to go. The faster you get settled onboard, the sooner you can shift into holiday mode.
Mykonos Views You Don’t See From Street Level
A lot of people come to Mykonos for the photos. The water adds a different angle, and it’s not just about pretty postcards.
As you return, the route includes passing Little Venice, a name that signals exactly what you should expect: the waterfront feel and the dramatic coastlines that look best from just offshore. Even if you’ve already seen Little Venice on a previous day, seeing it from a moving catamaran changes how it lands.
You’ll also get long coastline sightlines as the catamaran cuts through the Aegean. That means more chances to watch light change and to catch the color contrast between white buildings and the sea.
If you want the best photos, keep your eyes on where the boat is turning. That’s when you usually get the cleanest lines and the easiest framing without too many passengers standing in your shot.
Who This Cruise Is Best For (And Who Should Rethink It)
I’d point this cruise toward a specific kind of traveler: you want a smooth Mykonos sailing day, you like swimming and snorkeling, and you don’t want to fight a big-ship crowd.
It can be a great fit if:
- you want included lunch and drinks
- you prefer a smaller group with more manageable timing
- you care about seeing Delos’s area from the sea
- you want one meaningful swim stop instead of constant rushing
You might want to rethink it if:
- your top priority is a land visit at Delos (this route describes passing it)
- you’re expecting multiple stops and lots of different landing options
- you’re sensitive to the fact that it’s still a shared boat experience, not private yacht space
Also consider who travels well with catamarans. If you enjoy being active in the water, great. If you mostly want scenic sailing, you can still enjoy it—you’ll just spend most of your time onboard rather than in the sea.
Price and Value: What $208.16 Buys You on This Catamaran Day
At $208.16 per person, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re paying for a package: sailing time plus a controlled group size plus a swim stop plus lunch and alcoholic drinks.
On Mykonos, that matters. If you were trying to build the day yourself, the costs of boat rental, guidance, and food and drinks would likely add up quickly. Here, those pieces are bundled in, which is why the price can feel reasonable when you factor in what’s actually included.
Another value angle: you’re not doing a stressful schedule. Hotel transfers are included, you’re back where you started, and you get a clear day flow. For many visitors, that reduces friction so you can enjoy the day you paid for.
The main value risk is expectation mismatch around Delos. If you think you’re getting a land visit at Delos, the price may feel less fair. If you’re happy with a pass-by view and you came for the sea time at Rhenia, the package reads like solid value.
Should You Book This Delos and Rhenia Catamaran Cruise?
I’d book it if your ideal day is: Mykonos sailing, one good swim/snorkel stop, and a relaxed onboard meal with wine and raki. The small-group size (up to 15), the included lunch and drinks, and the focus on Rhenia’s swim time are the reasons this cruise tends to please people.
I’d hesitate if your top goal is walking on Delos ruins. The route description points to passing Delos rather than stopping there, so you may need a separate Delos-focused plan to get the land-time you want.
If you do book, plan for the simple things that make the day smoother: bring a towel, be ready for one main water stop, and enjoy Delos as a dramatic sighting from the boat rather than a full on-island visit.
FAQ
How long is the Delos and Rhenia catamaran cruise from Mykonos?
The duration is about 5 hours.
Is hotel pickup or transfers included?
Yes. The tour offers pickup, and hotel transfers are included. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
What’s included in the price besides the cruise?
Lunch is included, along with alcoholic drinks: wine and raki.
Do I need to bring towels for swimming?
Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.
Will the cruise stop on Delos or just pass by?
The route describes sailing past the archaeological site of Delos. It does not describe a Delos landing or on-island time.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
































