Mykonos: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Transfer

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the long stop at Rhenia Island, where you can swim from the catamaran in clear turquoise water while lunch is prepared on board. The trip also passes Delos, giving you fine sea views without pretending you are getting a full archaeological visit.

I especially like the combination of small-group sailing and a proper meal, rather than a quick sandwich between stops. The crew, including guides such as Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Chris, and Nikos on different departures, is praised for warm service and good care. The main drawback is that Delos is only a photo stop, and the catamaran may use its engine more than its sails.

Key points to know

• Rhenia gets the most time: Plan on roughly two hours for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and lunch.
• Delos is viewed from the water: You do not go ashore or visit the archaeological site.
• Food is a real part of the experience: Expect seafood pasta, meat, vegetarian choices, salad, bread, seasonal fruit, and drinks.
• The small-group feel matters: Departures have commonly carried around 10 to 15 people, with some smaller groups.
• Wind can change the route: Rough conditions may send the boat along Mykonos’ south coast instead.
• Bring a towel: Towels are not supplied, though snorkeling equipment and a SUP are included.

A relaxed half-day on the Aegean

This is a five-hour boat outing built more around swimming, food, and easy social time than intensive sightseeing. You leave Mykonos, pass Delos, anchor near Rhenia, and return by sea with views of Mykonos Town, the windmills, and, on the sunset option, the sun dropping over the horizon.

The setting does much of the work. Once the boat leaves the harbor, Mykonos’ white buildings begin to look like a bright strip along the shore. The sea breeze, music from the Bluetooth speaker, and a glass of homemade rosé make this a pleasant break from the island’s crowded streets and beach clubs.

You should not book this as a substitute for a Delos archaeological tour. You will not step onto Delos, and the stop is mainly for photographs and sightseeing from the boat. If your priority is swimming in beautiful water, eating well, and spending time at sea, this cruise makes much more sense.

Pickup, departure, and the small-group setup

Hotel pickup is available if you choose that option. You are asked to wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup, and the driver will wait no longer than 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Without hotel transport, the stated meeting point is outside Mathios Tavern, where the base manager waits by 8:30 each day.

The transfer to the marina takes about 15 minutes, followed by a safety briefing and welcome refreshments. The return transfer takes about 20 minutes, with drop-off options listed for Mykonos, Mikonos, and Mathios Tavern. Check the exact pickup choice carefully when booking because the transport is optional.

Group size is one of the nicer features here. Departures have included around 10 to 15 people, and some outings have been smaller. That gives you more room to sit, talk, stretch out, and reach the swim platform without feeling packed onto a large excursion boat.

This is still a group activity, not a private charter. You share the music, food service, swimming stop, and schedule with other people. The good news is that the crew has shown flexibility, adjusting stops and timing to suit the conditions and the people on board.

Leaving Mykonos under the windmills

The catamaran offers several comfortable places to sit, including areas where you can enjoy the sun and sea air. After the safety talk, the crew serves welcome refreshments and explains the day.

The first stretch is mainly about the views. You pass the small white houses of Mykonos and see the island from a better angle than you can get from the roads. The boat’s position on the water gives you clean views back toward town, including the famous windmills on the return route.

Do not expect constant sailing under canvas. One departure described the catamaran as running under motor rather than using its sails, which is a fair point for anyone choosing this specifically for traditional sailing. It is best understood as a catamaran cruise with time on the water, not a silent, wind-powered sailing lesson.

The crew provides homemade rosé wine, along with beer, soft drinks, water, and other refreshments. The drink service is generous, but you should still pace yourself. The boat moves across open water, and a calm start can become a choppy ride if the wind rises.

Delos from the water, not from the ruins

The crossing toward Delos takes roughly an hour and a half as part of the wider sightseeing period. The boat passes by the island and pauses for photographs. You can take in the site from offshore, but there is no landing and no guided walk among the ancient remains.

That limitation is important. Delos is one of the Aegean’s major archaeological sites, so anyone interested in temples, statues, and ancient streets should plan a separate visit. This cruise gives you the broad view and the pleasure of approaching by sea, but it does not explain the ruins in the depth of a dedicated shore excursion.

The stop works well for photographs. From the water, the island has a stark, open feel, and the contrast between ancient Delos and the blue sea makes a memorable picture. Your guide may also share information about the area, Mykonos, and Rhenia. Several crew members, including Margarita, Chris, and Kostas, have been singled out for clear explanations and engaging stories.

If the wind is too strong, the captain can alter the route. A missed Delos pass is possible when sea conditions are poor. That can be disappointing if you planned the day around seeing the island, but it is the sensible choice for safety and comfort.

Rhenia’s calm cove and two hours in the water

Rhenia is the heart of the trip. The catamaran drops anchor in a small cove with clear turquoise water, often away from the busiest parts of Mykonos. You get about two hours here for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and eating.

You can step into the water directly from the boat, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or try the stand-up paddleboard. Pool noodles and other floating aids have also been available on departures. The water is the main attraction, with a bright blue color and good visibility close to shore.

Do not expect a major reef or a large number of fish. The appeal is the clean, open water and the chance to swim in a quiet cove. One practical detail matters: if you want to swim toward the beach, keep an eye on the time and the boat’s instructions. The stop is generous, but it is shared with lunch preparation and the return schedule.

Wind makes a real difference here. On rough days, the captain has moved the boat to a more sheltered cove, sometimes along the south coast of Mykonos. That may change the scenery, but it can give you a far better swim than forcing the original route in uncomfortable waves.

People prone to seasickness should prepare. The crew has reportedly kept Dramamine available, but you should bring any medication you normally use and take it according to your own needs. The boat can handle ordinary changes in weather, but no catamaran can make a windy day feel completely smooth.

Lunch served on board

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. While you swim, the crew prepares and serves a traditional lunch on the catamaran. The menu includes seafood pasta, meat, vegetarian options, seasonal fruit, and other Greek-style accompaniments.

Past meals have included shrimp pasta, lamb, salad, bread, and fruit. That gives you more variety than the usual excursion fare, especially if your group includes people with different diets or a few selective eaters. Tell the crew about your preference or restriction early, since the information specifically confirms meat and vegetarian choices but does not promise every possible allergy accommodation.

Lunch is served after the swimming stop or during the return portion, depending on the day’s flow. Eating on deck with the Rhenia cove nearby is part of the pleasure. You are not being rushed through a restaurant sitting, and the meal feels tied to the place.

The wine service is another big part of the value. Homemade rosé is included, along with beer, soft drinks, and water. The crew keeps the atmosphere informal, with music available through a Bluetooth speaker. You can connect your own music, though it is polite to check with the group before taking over the sound system.

Returning past Mykonos Town and Little Venice

The return leg takes about an hour and a half, though the exact timing depends on the route and conditions. This is a good time to dry off, take photographs, and watch the shoreline slide past.

The boat may pass the windmills and Mykonos Town, with especially attractive views toward the waterfront and Little Venice. If you choose a sunset departure, the final stretch can turn golden as the sun drops over the sea. Sunset timing changes through the season, so check the available start time rather than assuming every five-hour trip includes sunset.

The crew continues serving drinks during the ride back. That keeps the mood easy, but the cruise is not a formal guided sightseeing tour from start to finish. You will have stretches where the main activity is sitting, talking, listening to music, and watching the water.

That slower pace is precisely why some people like it. Others may find the sightseeing portion light, especially if they want constant commentary or several landings. Think of the return as a scenic boat ride, not a series of attractions.

What the $123 price includes

At $123 per person, the price is reasonable if you intend to use the full package. You are paying for about five hours on a catamaran, fuel, crew, snorkeling equipment, a SUP, drinks, lunch, and the Rhenia swim stop. Optional hotel transport adds convenience.

The food and beverage service make the comparison stronger. A basic boat ride may cost less, but you could then pay separately for lunch, drinks, water equipment, and transportation. Here, those costs are folded into one outing.

The value depends on your priorities. If you want a quiet sailing experience under full sail, this may not satisfy you. If you want a relaxed day with swimming, a proper meal, and attentive service, the price is easier to justify.

The 4.7 rating from 451 ratings also gives you a useful sense of consistency, though conditions and crew assignments can vary. The strongest praise goes to the food, the warm crew, the beautiful swimming water, and the way the captain adapts to wind and waves.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this for couples, families, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and small groups wanting one easy day away from Mykonos Town. Children can fit into the atmosphere, and a family outing with children aged 8 and 10 was described as comfortable and appropriate.

It also works well for people who want to make friends during an excursion. The smaller boat encourages conversation, and several departures have turned into friendly social afternoons without feeling like a party boat.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility. The experience involves getting into a catamaran, moving around the deck, and entering the water from the boat, and it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Towels are not included. Comfortable sun protection matters because much of the day is spent outdoors, and the Greek sun can feel strong even when the wind keeps you cool.

Weather changes are part of the plan

The captain has the final say on the route. Strong wind or rough seas may prevent the planned pass by Delos or make the Rhenia route impractical. In that case, the boat may follow the south coast of Mykonos, visit well-known beaches, and stop in a protected cove.

This is not a flaw in the operation. A fixed route would be less useful than a safe one. The alternate plan still gives you time on the water and a chance to swim, though it may not match the pictures you had in mind.

The boat crew has been praised for handling rough conditions carefully and finding calmer water. Still, book this on a day when you can accept some uncertainty. Sea conditions are part of any Aegean cruise.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Mykonos plans are still shifting, but you should confirm the exact start time and pickup choice before finalizing the day.

Should you book the Dolphin Navigation catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable sea day built around swimming, lunch, wine, and friendly service. The Rhenia stop is long enough to feel worthwhile, and the food is more substantial than you might expect from a half-day cruise.

Skip it if your main aim is to explore Delos ashore, sail quietly without an engine, or visit several islands in one day. You will see Delos from the water, not walk through its ruins.

For most visitors with five hours to spare, this is a strong Mykonos choice. Pick a departure that suits your energy, bring a towel, allow for wind changes, and treat the route as flexible. The best parts are simple: clear water, a plate of Greek food, a glass of rosé, and Mykonos glowing on the horizon.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about five hours, including the boat ride from Mykonos, the Delos photo stop, the Rhenia swimming break, lunch, and the return journey.

Does the cruise land on Delos Island?

No. The catamaran passes Delos and stops for photographs from the water. A hike or archaeological visit on Delos is not included.

How much time do I get at Rhenia Island?

The Rhenia stop lasts about two hours. You can swim, snorkel, use the SUP, relax, and eat lunch on board.

What food is served?

The included meal has seafood pasta, meat, vegetarian options, and seasonal fruit. Meals have also included salad and bread. Tell the crew about your preferences early.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Homemade rosé wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. The cruise also includes an aperitif service.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and a SUP are included. Towels are not provided, so bring your own.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup, and drivers wait no longer than 15 minutes after the scheduled time.

What happens if the sea is too windy?

The captain can change the route for safety. The boat may follow Mykonos’ south coast and stop at a protected cove instead of following the original plan.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Be prepared to move around the catamaran and enter the water from the boat.