The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

Two islands, one salty day in Mykonos. This is a focused cruise built around Rhenia swimming and a boat lunch of Greek BBQ with wine—then it pivots to Delos for ancient-site wandering. The best parts are the turquoise swim stop and the simple, filling food onboard, but there’s one catch to plan for: the Delos archaeological entrance fee is extra and the ruins time is limited.

I like how the day feels balanced: you get real beach time first, then a short sprint at Delos, and you still finish back in Mykonos with a fun return sail. You’ll also appreciate that the boat includes basics like restroom access, safety gear, and complimentary drinks—so you’re not scrambling for essentials. The only real drawback is logistics and water access: the island beach is reached from the boat (often by ladder), and that can feel awkward if you don’t love climbing steps into open water.

If you’re the type who wants Mykonos beyond photos—saltwater, sunshine, and major ruins in one go—this itinerary fits. Just show up on time at the Old Port meeting point and pack smart for sun and water.

Key takeaways before you book

• Rhenia is the swim core: anchor by a deserted beach with time to swim, sunbathe, and stroll.
• Greek BBQ lunch is included: souvlaki, salad, tzatziki, rice, bread, fruit, plus complimentary wine and refreshments.
• Delos costs extra to enter: the UNESCO site entrance fee is 20€ per person.
• Delos time is short: you’ll have about 1 hour 45 minutes for self-guided exploring.
• Expect boat-to-water access: some stops involve a ladder into the sea.
• Return is fun: the trip back to Mykonos includes a Little Venice photo pass and music/dancing onboard.

Rhenia and Delos: why this cruise works for a single Mykonos day

Mykonos is great at doing things fast. This cruise gets you two very different experiences in one morning-to-afternoon block: cycladic beach time at Rhenia, then a UNESCO archaeological stop at Delos.

Rhenia is the calm part. You’re not headed to a crowded party beach or a managed beach club. Instead, you anchor near a deserted shoreline and get the freedom to do your own pace: swim, float, wander a little, or just lie in the sun and let the day slow down.

Delos is the big mental shift. It’s one of Greece’s most famous ancient sites, and the layout is unique enough that self-exploring can feel surprisingly rewarding—even without a guide. The tradeoff is time. This is not an all-day Delos deep dive; it’s a practical hit of ruins before you head home.

Price and value: what $106.42 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $106.42 per person, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re buying three things that are expensive or time-consuming to assemble on your own: a boat ride, a included lunch with drinks, and dedicated time at two destinations.

Here’s the part you should do the math on:

• Included: Greek BBQ lunch plus complimentary wine/refreshements/water, restroom onboard, safety equipment, and a Rhenia stop with about 3.5 hours on site.
• Not included: the Delos archaeological entrance ticket (20€ per person), plus extras like snorkel gear and towels if you want them.

If you’re the kind of traveler who would otherwise rent a boat or hire a day guide to cover both swim time and ruins, this tends to feel like good value. If you’re expecting everything to be included, make sure the Delos fee is on your budget list.

Also note: the cruise runs on a schedule and depends on weather. If conditions force changes, you may be offered a different date or a refund. That weather dependency is normal for this route, not a special trick.

Getting there matters: Old Port timing, meeting point, and the schedule reality

The tour departs from the Mykonos Old Port area at 10:30 a.m., with boarding time at 10:15 a.m. The meeting point is Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours at Mykonos Old Port.

This is where people sometimes lose the day, so take it seriously. The experience is shared (not private), and there’s a strict departure window. If you’re arriving from somewhere else on the island or from a cruise ship, give yourself buffer time and don’t rely on a last-minute scramble.

One practical tip: treat this as a “be early, relax” situation. You don’t want stress while you’re trying to enjoy your first hour offshore.

Stop 1: Rhenia island swim time, beach vibe, and water access

Rhenia is the reason most people book. The cruise heads out from Mykonos Old Port and reaches Rhenia in about 45 minutes. Then the boat anchors near a deserted beach and you get around 3 hours 30 minutes to enjoy it.

What you’re doing there is simple, but it’s exactly why it works:

• swim in crystal-clear water
• sunbathe on fine sand
• stroll around the area while the crew prepares lunch

Now, the honest part: the water access isn’t like stepping off a dock at a resort. One key review detail was that guests climb into the sea using a ladder. If you’re anxious about ladders or steps—or if you’d rather avoid anything strenuous—this is the moment to think carefully.

That said, the boat and crew are part of the safety story. One reviewer specifically liked that the staff made them feel safe and that the boat handled strong wind better than a smaller catamaran they’d tried earlier. So yes, it’s an open-water day, but the operation is built for it.

The included Greek BBQ on board: food you can actually plan around

Lunch is cooked onboard once you’re set at Rhenia. You’re looking at Greek BBQ-style meal service around the early afternoon range.

The included lunch menu is clear:

• Greek souvlaki (pork and chicken)
• Greek salad
• rice
• tzatziki sauce
• bread
• seasonal fruits

Complimentary drinks are part of the deal too: wine, plus refreshments and water. The tone from reviews is that the wine can be actively served and the vibe can get lively. At the same time, don’t assume it’s a sommelier moment. One review mentioned wine quality wasn’t their favorite, so keep expectations realistic: it’s included and meant to match the beach day.

One more food note: if you’re vegetarian, you should still plan to eat, but you’ll want to confirm onboard. A family reported they accommodated a vegetarian diet, which suggests you can ask and hope for the best.

Delos: UNESCO ruins with a self-guided pace (and a fee you must budget)

After lunch, the cruise sails to Delos, the UNESCO World Heritage site. Your time there is about 1 hour 45 minutes, and it’s listed as optional exploration time at your own pace.

The Delos entrance fee is 20€ per person, and it’s not included. So you’ll want to bring a payment method you can use without stress.

This is one of those places where a little time goes far, mainly because the site is so visually powerful and so spread out that you can focus on what you care about most. But it’s still a time-boxed visit. Several reviewers felt it was a bit rushed, and I’d agree with that idea: plan to move through key sections rather than trying to see everything.

There’s also an alternative if you’d rather not explore the ruins. For those not choosing the Delos visit, a near secluded beach option is available where you can swim and relax while others tour the archeological area.

One more scheduling reality: Delos can be closed on certain days. A review noted Delos was closed during Easter, but the day still worked out as a cruise-with-a-different-focus experience. So if your trip lands on a holiday, keep flexibility in mind.

Return to Mykonos: Little Venice photo pass and the onboard party mood

When the Delos time window ends, the boat brings visitors back together and heads to Mykonos Old Port.

On the way back, you pass Little Venice, and the tour includes a photo opportunity. This is the part where you get that classic Mykonos view while everyone’s fresh from either ruins or a swim.

Then comes the fun part: music and dancing onboard during the return sail. Reviews repeatedly mention it as a highlight—everything from a party energy to families dancing together. Even if you’re not the dancing type, it can still make the ride feel less like transit and more like part of the experience.

What to bring (so you don’t waste money onboard)

You’ll want to pack for sun and water even though food and basic amenities are covered. Here’s what matters most:

• Sun protection: sunscreen and maybe a hat
• Swimwear: this is a swim-first itinerary
• Light clothing: quick-dry layers are ideal
• Water shoes (optional): helpful if you’re cautious about uneven entry areas
• Goggles/snorkel gear: available for a small extra cost if you need them
• A towel: towels cost extra onboard

Snorkel gear pricing came up in reviews, including a correction that it’s 15€ (not 50€). If you don’t want to pay onboard, bring your own.

Also watch for the extra-cost mindset. One review mentioned additional drink options with a cash-only bar and higher prices, so if you care about cocktails or specialty drinks, bring budget awareness.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This cruise is a strong fit if:

• you want real beach time in clear water without planning a boat rental
• you want lunch and drinks included
• you’re excited about Delos but you don’t need a full-day guided experience
• you like a boat that can be social (music and dancing on the return)

It might not be your best choice if:

• ladder entry into the sea makes you nervous
• you need lots of time at Delos to feel satisfied
• you want a quiet, low-energy day (this one can get upbeat on the ride back)

It’s also a good family option. One review mentioned a cruise that worked for kids as young as 6 and 4, largely because staff stayed energetic and the day had multiple activity options.

Weather and boat comfort: how to think about the sea day

This is an island cruise, so wind and waves are part of the story. The good news is the operation is set up for it. One reviewer specifically praised that this boat was large enough to run even with strong winds after a smaller tour cancelled the day before.

That doesn’t mean the sea will be calm every time. It means you should expect movement and dress for it. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking something before you board, and bring a layer for breezy return air.

Final verdict: should you book the Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise?

If you’re trying to cover both swim time and Delos without over-planning, I think this is a smart booking. The value comes from the included lunch-with-drinks, the long Rhenia time block, and the fact that Delos is handled as a timed, self-guided visit rather than an exhausting logistics project.

I’d book it if you can handle ladder-style water entry and you’re okay with a shorter Delos visit. I’d pass—or at least hesitate—if your top priority is extended ruin time or if climbing into the sea would ruin your mood.

If you do book, go in with the right expectations: this is a beach-first day with a big cultural hit, followed by a fun return sail past Little Venice. Plan for the Delos entrance fee, bring sun and water essentials, and aim to arrive early at the Old Port meeting point. That’s how you turn this into an easy, memorable day in Mykonos.

FAQ

What’s included in the cruise lunch and drinks?

Lunch onboard includes Greek BBQ souvlaki (pork and chicken), Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruits. Complimentary wine, refreshments, and water are also included, along with a restroom and safety equipment onboard.

Do I need to pay the Delos archaeological entrance fee?

Yes. Delos entry is not included. The entrance fee is listed as 20€ per person, and you’ll need to pay it separately.

What time does the cruise start and when should I board?

The tour starts at 10:30 a.m. Boarding time is at 10:15 a.m.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours in Mykonos Old Port (Μύκονος 846 00, Greece). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

Most travelers can participate, and the tour allows service animals. The experience involves swimming time at Rhenia, and access to the water is by boat entry.

Can I cancel for free?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.