Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Boat Cruise with Lunch & Transfer

Ancient Delos and uninhabited Rhenia make a fine pair: one gives you Greek archaeology, the other gives you clear water and a quiet beach. The cruise runs aboard a classic 50.5-foot Beneteau sailing yacht, with lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a sailor assisting the skipper.

I like the balance between a cultural stop and a swim stop. I also like that lunch is cooked and served aboard, rather than sending you back to Mykonos hungry after a morning on the water. The main consideration is the sailing itself. The boat can tilt when the wind fills the sails, and that may unsettle anyone who is not comfortable with normal yacht movement.

Key points at a glance

• Delos in about one hour: Visit the sacred island linked with Apollo and Artemis, with roughly 75 minutes for walking and sightseeing.
• Rhenia without crowds: Anchor near one of four sandy coves on an uninhabited island, subject to weather and sea conditions.
• A real sailing yacht: The Beneteau may sail under wind power, so expect movement and an occasional inclined deck.
• Lunch and drinks included: Eat a traditional Greek meal aboard, with wine, beer, soft drinks, and a drink of your choice.
• Good water time: Swim, snorkel, use the SUP when conditions allow, or walk along the beach.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not provided, and Delos admission costs an additional €20 per person.

From Tourlos Marina to the sacred island of Delos

The day begins at 9:00 am from Tourlos Marina, with optional pickup depending on the booking choice. If you are meeting the boat independently, the stated meeting point is inside Matthew Tavern, where the skipper waits 15 minutes before departure.

The first sailing leg takes about an hour. That time matters because this is not a quick motorboat transfer. You get a proper stretch of open water, summer air, and views back toward the Mykonos area. The boat may sail with the wind, or it may use the engine if conditions require it.

The yacht is a classical 50.5-foot Beneteau with the equipment needed for a day at sea. Vangelis and Tina are named as crew members, while Gerasimos and Giannis have also been praised for their friendly care and attention. The crew’s role is practical: helping with safety, serving food and drinks, and making the day run smoothly.

You should be comfortable with a boat that moves. One account describes a passenger becoming distressed when the yacht leaned under sail. That angle is safe and normal for a sailing boat, but it can feel dramatic if you expect a flat ride. If you are prone to seasickness or nervous about heeling, consider taking suitable medication before departure and mention any health concerns before booking.

One hour on Delos, Apollo’s sacred island

Delos is not a beach stop. It is an archaeological site spread across an open, sun-exposed island, and your time ashore is limited. Plan on about 75 minutes for walking and sightseeing, although the supplied schedule also describes roughly one hour to explore.

The island is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, two major Olympian gods. In ancient Greece, Delos became an important religious center, and its remains make this more than a pleasant photo stop. You are walking through the remains of a place that once drew worshippers and visitors from across the Greek world.

You will need to pay the archaeological site entrance fee separately, listed as €20 per person. A tour guide is not included, so you should not expect a structured archaeological explanation from the crew. If Delos is a major reason for booking, read a little beforehand or bring a guidebook so the scattered remains have more meaning.

The one-hour window is both useful and limiting. It is long enough to see the main area and get a feel for the site, but not long enough for a slow, detailed archaeological visit. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and use sunscreen. The ground can be uneven, and the sun can be strong even when the boat ride feels cool.

I like the order of the day. You visit Delos before the swim, when you are still fresh and alert. Afterward, Rhenia provides exactly the kind of slower setting that suits lunch and an afternoon in the water.

Rhenia’s four sandy coves and clear water

Delos and Rhenia are separated by a short channel, but they offer completely different experiences. Rhenia is about four times larger than Delos and uninhabited. Its four named sandy beaches are Glyfada, Stena, Lia, and Ambelia, each set in a protected cove.

The boat anchors in a secluded bay, with the exact location shaped by weather, sea conditions, and local judgment. You may step onto a white beach, swim directly from the yacht, or spend time near the shore. The water is described as changing from emerald green to turquoise blue, which explains why yachts gather in this area.

This is the tour’s best chance to escape the busy feel of Mykonos for a few hours. Do not expect facilities or a developed beach resort. The appeal is the lack of buildings and the simple choice between swimming, snorkeling, sitting on the sand, and taking a short walk.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and no special training is needed. The available gear lets you look at underwater life without bringing your own mask and fins. The activity is still dependent on conditions, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed long snorkeling session every day.

A stand-up paddleboard is also available when weather permits. That phrase is important. Wind and waves can make the SUP unsuitable, and the route or swimming stop can change in rough weather. The boat operator may also alter the starting or ending point for safety.

Bring a towel. Beach towels are not included, and you will want one after swimming. Sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and a secure bag for personal items are also sensible choices. A light layer can help during the first sailing leg, while a hat and sun protection are useful once the yacht anchors.

Greek lunch cooked aboard the yacht

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the day because it keeps the experience tied to the boat. After swimming and beach time, you return aboard for a traditional Mykonian lunch prepared and served by the crew.

The food has earned particular praise, with specific comments describing it as unexpectedly good and served with care. That is worth noting because boat lunches can sometimes feel like an afterthought. Here, the meal is treated as part of the experience, not simply something placed on a plate between activities.

Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, along with a drink of your choice. This adds real value to the $176 price, especially since the cruise lasts six hours and includes fuel, sailing yacht charter, crew assistance, lunch, and snorkeling gear.

The precise menu is not provided, so do not book based on a particular dish. If you have dietary restrictions, health concerns, or other needs, advise the company before reservation. The crew members named for these trips include Vangelis, Tina, Gerasimos, and Giannis, and the experience places a clear emphasis on friendly service.

Lunch is served aboard rather than at a beach taverna. That means you keep the view, avoid another transfer, and have drinks close at hand. It also means you should be comfortable eating on a moving boat. If the sea is choppy, the meal may feel less relaxed than it would on land.

What $176 buys you, and what it does not

At $176 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get from Mykonos to a beach. You are paying for a full sailing day, not just transport. The price includes the yacht, skipper’s assistant, fuel, lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and possible SUP use.

The package becomes more convincing if you planned to visit both Delos and a quiet swimming area separately. You get the boat time, the archaeological stop, a meal, and organized access to Rhenia in one six-hour outing. You also avoid arranging your own transport between several activities.

Two extra costs matter. Delos entry is €20 per person, and there is no guide included. Add both to your budget before comparing this with other Mykonos boat trips.

The lack of a guide is not a problem if you mainly want a look at Delos and a pleasant day at sea. It matters more if you want detailed explanations of temples, statues, homes, and religious practices. The crew can help with the day’s logistics, but they are not presented as archaeological guides.

The cruise received a 4.9 rating from 31 reviews, and transport was given a perfect score by 94 percent of customers. Those figures suggest a strong record, but they do not remove the practical limits of sailing, weather changes, or the short Delos visit.

The sailing style is part of the experience

This is best understood as a sailing day with sightseeing, not a sightseeing boat with a few minutes under sail. The yacht may move with the wind, and the deck may sit at an angle. Some people find this the most memorable part of the outing, especially when the boat is gliding through Mykonos waters.

Others may prefer a stable ride. If you know you dislike boat movement, this is an important point to weigh before paying. The crew takes safety seriously, but no crew can make a sailing yacht behave like a flat ferry.

The yacht did not set its sails on one reported trip, which can happen when conditions or timing do not support it. That may disappoint you if sailing is your main goal. The route still includes the water journey, but the experience can vary with the wind.

Weather also affects the route, swimming stop, start point, and end point. Delos archaeological site closure is another stated possibility. If the site closes, the boat may pass by Delos without dropping you off, so you should not treat entry as guaranteed.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos cruise most

I would recommend this outing to someone who wants three different Mykonos experiences in one day: ancient Greece, open water, and a quiet beach. It suits couples, friends, and active adults who are happy to swim, walk on uneven ground, and spend several hours around a boat.

It is also a good choice if you want a more personal day than a large sightseeing vessel can offer. The yacht setting, crew-served lunch, and uninhabited beach stop give the day a relaxed character, though the exact atmosphere depends on the people aboard.

It is less suitable for wheelchair users, who are specifically excluded. People with pre-existing medical conditions should advise the company before booking. Pregnancy, mobility issues, and other health concerns should be discussed in advance.

Families need to judge their own children’s comfort with sailing, swimming, and a beach without developed facilities. The information provided does not set a minimum age, so ask the operator directly if age is important for your group.

Practical advice before you book

Set aside time to read about Delos before departure. Since no guide is included, even a short explanation of Apollo, Artemis, and the island’s role in ancient Greece will make the visit more rewarding.

Arrive at the stated meeting point 15 minutes early if you are using the Matthew Tavern pickup point. If you need pickup, provide your exact location by 10:00 pm the night before.

Pack a towel, sunscreen, and clothing that works for both a cool sailing leg and a hot archaeological site. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, and keep your belongings secure around the beach and boat.

The cruise allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check availability for the start time, since the activity runs for six hours but the exact departure details can vary.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you want a full day on the water with a meaningful archaeological stop, a quiet swim, and a proper Greek meal. The combination is its greatest strength. You are not forced to choose between culture and the beach.

Skip it if you want a detailed guided tour of Delos, guaranteed sailing under wind power, or a completely stable boat ride. Also reconsider if you cannot manage uneven archaeological paths, swimming access, or the movement of a sailing yacht.

For most active visitors who see Mykonos from the water, the $176 price is reasonable because it covers far more than transport. Just budget the extra €20 for Delos, bring a towel, and treat the route as weather-dependent rather than fixed.

FAQ

Where does the Mykonos boat cruise depart?

The cruise sets sail at 9:00 am from Tourlos Marina. The stated meeting point is inside Matthew Tavern, where the skipper waits 15 minutes before departure. Pickup may be available depending on the selected option.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours. The planned route includes about one hour of sailing to Delos, roughly 75 minutes of sightseeing and walking, and about two hours at Rhenia for lunch and swimming.

Is Delos admission included?

No. The Delos Archaeological Site entry ticket costs €20 per person and is paid separately.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. A tour guide is not included. The crew assists with the sailing day, but you should arrange your own reading or guide material if you want detailed archaeological explanations.

What food and drinks are included?

A traditional Mykonian lunch is cooked and served aboard the yacht. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, along with a drink of your choice.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and no special training is required. A SUP may also be available when weather conditions permit.

Should I bring a beach towel?

Yes. Beach towels are not included, so bring your own towel along with sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. Weather conditions can change the route, starting point, ending point, and availability of activities such as sailing or SUP use. Delos may also be visited only by passage if the archaeological site is closed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users or people with health concerns?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Pregnancy, mobility issues, and health conditions should be advised before reservation, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are advised not to book without discussing their situation with the provider.