Small group,pass by Delos,swim in Rhenia,snap LVenice, free trans

Mykonos feels calmer from a sailboat. This small-group cruise glides by Delos, anchors near Rhenia for a proper swim and lunch, then returns with classic views of Mykonos’ Little Venice.

I really like the tight headcount (up to 12) because it feels more personal, not cattle-car sightseeing. I also love that lunch on Rhenia comes with local wine and drinks, so you’re not hunting for food once you’re out on the water.

One thing to plan around: wind. The Aegean can turn choppy fast, and on rough days the operator may cancel for safety.

Key things that make this trip work

• Up to 12 passengers keeps the mood relaxed and the crew focused on you
• Delos passing by with real context (Apollo and Artemis connections) for a memorable UNESCO moment
• Rhenia island anchor time includes swimming plus a built-in lunch break
• Alcoholic drinks included alongside water and soft drinks, so the day stays easy
• Little Venice photo views on the way back without extra effort
• Crew energy matters, and this one has standout captains and deckhands like Captain Evangelos and Spiros

A small-group sail that beats the Mykonos crowd

Mykonos is fun, but it can also feel like you’re constantly dodging day-trippers. This is the kind of outing that gives you breathing room because you’re out on the water, not shuttling between lines and timed tickets.

The promise here is simple: you get a short sail, a focused swim-and-lunch break on Rhenia, plus time sailing past major sights. With a maximum of 12 travelers, the crew can actually remember names and help you get set for the water stop without turning it into a production line.

Pickup and timing: what your start time changes

The tour starts at 10:00am, and pickup is offered. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, you’ll provide the address so the driver can actually find you (worth doing carefully, especially in Mykonos where streets can be a puzzle).

There’s also a detail about Delos worth knowing. The operator notes that for tours starting at 10:30am, you’ll only pass by the Delos Archaeological Site. In plain terms: earlier departures are more likely to be the ones where you get a more meaningful Delos stop experience, while later ones lean more toward views from the boat.

Either way, you’re still on a boat for the best part of the day: the slow sail, the anchoring time, and the return with photo moments.

Delos from the water: Apollo and Artemis territory

Delos is one of those places that has layers—myth, religion, trade, power. This tour’s approach is not about rushing through a checklist. It’s about gliding past the sacred island of Delos and having the crew bring the ruins to life as you watch the coastline.

You’ll hear the story of Delos as the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Even if you’ve seen photos before, there’s something different about seeing the island’s shape from the sea. The water gives you a sense of scale that’s hard to get on land.

The practical side of Delos

Don’t expect this to replace a full-day guided Delos archaeology tour. Think of it as a guided highlight: a UNESCO stop woven into a sailing day. Depending on your departure time, you may get a more focused look at the site or a pass-by view instead.

Rhenia island: swim time and lunch that actually feels like lunch

Rhenia (Rineia) is where this tour turns into the kind of day you remember. The plan is a stop on the island with about 2 hours to swim and enjoy the water.

The water here is the real selling point: crystal-clear, calm in the anchor bay when conditions allow, and a setting that feels like you’ve escaped the Mykonos noise. This isn’t a quick splash. It’s a proper swim break where you can float, swim, and take your time.

What you’ll eat (and what makes it better)

You don’t bring food. A delicious lunch is prepared for you on board/for the stop, and it’s more satisfying than the usual “boat snack” setup. Reviews mention fresh, Greek-style flavor and a meal that’s clearly planned—not something tossed together at the last minute.

Lunch on Rhenia is paired with drinks, including local wine, water, and soft drinks. That combination matters. It means the stop doesn’t feel like a chore: you’re not trying to pack snacks, queue for overpriced drinks, or figure out where to eat while everyone else is already in swim mode.

Water comfort reality check

Even when the sun is strong, the sea can feel cold. Several people mention chilly water, but they still rank the swim stop as one of the best parts because it’s such a visual payoff. If you’re sensitive to cold water, consider it a “plan for cool temps” situation rather than a warm-water guarantee.

The all-inclusive feel: drinks, timing, and how the day stays relaxed

This tour is set up with an all-inclusive vibe, at least for what you’d usually spend money on during a day out. Local wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, along with water.

That matters on a day like this because it keeps you from thinking about the budget every time you want a refill. More importantly, it keeps you in the rhythm of the outing: sail, anchor, swim, lunch, sail.

The crew also runs the day with an eye toward comfort. You’re not left alone guessing when to return to the boat or when lunch is coming. The deckhand and captain roles show up in the way the schedule feels smooth, even when the sea conditions aren’t perfect.

Little Venice views: the classic Mykonos photo pass

On the way back, the boat sails past Little Venice. This is the Mykonos postcard zone with balconies and sea-facing buildings that look best when the light is right and you’re not trying to fight for space on the shore.

You’ll have a moving vantage point for photos. That’s a big deal in Mykonos, where the most famous viewpoints can get tight quickly. From the water, you also get a different sense of the coastline—less crowd pressure, more panorama.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants one or two “must-see” scenes without turning the whole day into standing in lines, this return segment fits your style.

Who runs the show: Captain Evangelos, Spiros, and more

One of the most consistent themes is crew hospitality. People single out the captain and deckhand by name, and that usually means you’ll get more than a generic speech.

Captain Evangelos and Spiros come up often in the feedback, with lots of praise for both fun and competence. In other experiences on the same operator, Captain Bob and Ernesto were also mentioned as welcoming and attentive.

What you should look for is how the crew handles two things at once:

• safety when wind picks up
• storytelling while you’re looking at landmarks

That blend is what turns a boat trip into an experience, not just transportation.

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

Here’s how to set yourself up for an easy outing.

What to bring

• Swimsuit and a towel you don’t mind getting wet
• Water-friendly footwear if you plan to step around near the waterline
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (even if the water is cool)
• A light layer for the ride back if wind kicks up

Water gear you might use

Several reviews mention masks provided for the water stop. Some also mention a small jump platform for getting in. If you see water gear on board, grab it early so you’re not rushing once you’re anchored.

If wind makes the ride bumpy

Mykonos is famous for wind, and one review described a very windy day with rough sailing. Strong winds can mean a less comfortable passage. The upside: even on a windy day, you still get the same sequence—sail by Delos, anchor near Rhenia, lunch, and the return photo pass.

If you know you get motion-sensitive, this is the one part to think about ahead of time. The itinerary is only about five hours, so it’s not a long exposure—but it can still feel lively.

Price and value: is $163.33 worth it?

At about $163.33 per person for roughly 5 hours, this sits in the “you’re paying for a day out at sea” category. The value comes from what’s included and how the small group changes the feel.

You’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re getting:

• a small group capped at 12
• lunch during the Rhenia stop
• local wine and drinks included
• admission ticket marked as free for the Rhenia stop
• Delos UNESCO context and a scenic return past Little Venice

For many people, the biggest value is emotional, not only financial. You leave Mykonos behind for a few hours, you swim in clearer water than the town, and you eat lunch without doing any planning once you’re out there.

Is it expensive compared to a ferry? Yes. Is it a good deal compared to paying separately for a similar day out plus food plus drinks? Often, it makes sense—especially when the group size is small and the meal is genuinely part of the experience.

Best match: who will love it, and who might not

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a calmer Mykonos day without long land hops
• swimming time with an actual schedule and included food
• a crew-led day with Delos and Mykonos sights

It’s also a good choice for families, because several reviews mention kids enjoying the sail and the water time.

Consider an alternative if…

If you’re extremely sensitive to choppy water, think carefully about wind days. The operator needs good weather, and while they may try to run when conditions are within safe limits, you should expect the sea to have personality in the Aegean.

Also, if you’re chasing a deep, full-on Delos archaeology lecture with lots of on-land time, this is more of a highlight. It’s built to blend Delos with sailing and swimming.

Should you book this Mykonos sail to Delos and Rhenia?

If your ideal day in Mykonos includes swimming, a real lunch, and a small-group vibe, I’d book it. The combination of Rhenia’s water time plus drinks plus an easy Delos story from the boat is a smart use of a half-day.

I’d only hesitate if you’re planning for a very motion-sensitive trip or you’re traveling on a schedule where a weather cancellation would be a major problem. Since the experience requires good weather, it’s wise to keep your day flexible when possible.

Bottom line: this is the kind of tour that makes Mykonos feel less crowded and more personal, with the added bonus that the food and drinks aren’t an afterthought.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00am.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. You’ll be asked for the address if you’re staying at an Airbnb.

Does the tour visit Delos or just pass by?

It depends on your start time. The operator notes that for tours starting at 10:30am, they will only pass by the Delos Archaeological Site.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at Rhenia island.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Local wine, refreshing water, and soft drinks are included, and alcoholic drinks are part of the all-inclusive setup.

How long is the Rhenia island stop?

The Rhenia island stop is listed as 2 hours.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

What if 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.