Mykonos: Private Delos and Rhenia 6hrs Cruise with Lunch

Delos is the star of this cruise, but the best part may come afterward: anchoring off uninhabited Rhenia for a swim with no packed beach club in sight. You get about 75 minutes to walk through one of Greece’s most important ancient sites, then a quieter two hours for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and sun.

I like the balance between archaeology and open water, and I like that the boat is private for your group of up to 10. The crew may even let you help trim the sails. The main drawback is cost: at $1,767 per group, it makes the most sense for a larger party, and Delos admission costs another €20 per person.

• Delos with time to walk: Spend about 75 minutes at the ancient sanctuary linked with Apollo and Artemis.
• Rhenia without crowds: Anchor in a protected bay beside one of the island’s sandy beaches.
• Lunch and drinks aboard: Water, wine, beer, and a simple meal are included.
• Active water time: Use snorkeling gear and, weather permitting, a stand-up paddleboard.
• Private sailing: Your group has the yacht, skipper, and assistant to itself.
• Flexible pickup: Meet at Matthew Tavern, or request hotel pickup by the previous evening.

A Private Mykonos Cruise With Two Very Different Stops

This six-hour cruise gives you two sides of the Cyclades in one outing. Delos is exposed, historic, and crowded at times. Rhenia is quiet, sandy, and made for a long swim. That contrast gives the day its shape.

You leave at 9:00 a.m. from Tourlos Marina, the port area north of Mykonos Town. The boat takes roughly one hour to reach Delos. After time ashore, you sail the short distance across to Rhenia, spend about two hours there, and return to Mykonos at approximately 3:00 p.m.

This is not a large group excursion with a fixed script. It is a private yacht charter, with a skipper and assistant looking after your party. That matters if you are traveling with family or friends and want room to set the pace. You can swim, sit in the sun, help with the sailing, or simply enjoy the ride.

The private setup also explains the price. The listed rate is $1,767 for up to 10 people. Split evenly among 10, that works out to about $177 per person before Delos admission. A group of five pays about $353 per person, and a smaller party pays more. For a full private boat with lunch, drinks, equipment, and crew, the value improves sharply as your party gets larger.

Sailing From Tourlos at 9:00 a.m.

The morning begins at Matthew Tavern, where the skipper waits 15 minutes before departure. If you need hotel pickup, you can request it, but you must send the exact location by email or WhatsApp by 10:00 p.m. the night before.

The first hour is spent sailing toward Delos. You are welcome to enjoy the breeze and the sea views, and the crew may involve you in the sailing by showing you how to trim the sails. This is a nice touch for anyone who wants more than a boat ride, though you should not book the trip expecting a formal sailing lesson.

Bring a jacket even in summer. The boat can feel warm in the sun and cool when moving across open water. Sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and flip-flops are basic needs. Closed-toe shoes are also recommended, especially for walking around Delos.

The route can change with weather, as can the starting and ending points. That is normal for a sailing trip, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your day.

Walking Through Ancient Delos for 75 Minutes

Delos is one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. Ancient tradition connects the island with the birth of Apollo and Artemis, and the site served as a major religious center. Today, you walk among ruins spread across an open, dry island with little shade.

The boat gives you a chance to see Delos from the water before going ashore. Then you have about 75 minutes to explore. That is enough for a useful look at the main area, but not enough for a slow, detailed visit to every corner. You will want to move with purpose.

A guide is not included, so the archaeological site will make more sense if you read a little about Delos before you go or use the information available at the site. The crew can manage the boat and the schedule, but they are not presented as archaeological guides.

The timing can work in your favor. One departure reached Delos close to closing time, when the large tour groups had left. That created a much quieter visit. You cannot count on having the island to yourself, and the arrival time may vary, but the schedule can sometimes avoid the busiest part of the day.

Admission is extra at €20 per person. This is an important cost to add when comparing the cruise with other boat trips. The operator also notes that Delos may close because of conditions beyond its control. If that happens, the boat will pass by the island but will not drop you off.

Wear sensible shoes and bring water, even though water is supplied aboard the yacht. The site is exposed, and the combination of sun, stone, and limited shade can make a short walk feel intense.

Rhenia’s Quiet Bays and Clear Water

After Delos, the mood changes completely. Rhenia is four times larger than Delos but uninhabited, with secluded coves and sandy beaches. The boat anchors in a protected bay, often near one of the island’s beaches such as Glyfada, Stena, Lia, or Amelia.

This is the part of the day built around free time. You can swim from the boat, put on the supplied goggles and flippers, paddle on a stand-up paddleboard if conditions allow, or walk on shore. The water ranges from emerald green to turquoise, and the clear conditions are well suited to casual snorkeling.

You do not need special training for the snorkeling. The equipment is included, which saves you from packing fins and a mask. Still, this is a relaxed swim stop rather than a dedicated marine-life tour. You may see underwater life, but the focus is on clear water, privacy, and time outside.

The beach itself is simple. Rhenia is valued for its lack of development, not for facilities. You should not expect changing rooms, cafés, loungers, or shade arranged by a resort. Bring a towel, since beach towels are not supplied, and carry your sunscreen with you when you go ashore.

The two-hour stop is long enough to avoid feeling rushed. You can swim, eat, sit on the beach, and return to the water without trying to squeeze everything into 20 minutes. That generous pause is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a standard sightseeing cruise.

Lunch, Drinks, and Time to Slow Down

Lunch is served on the boat while you enjoy the Rhenia stop. Water, wine, and beer are included, and the meal is described as simple and home cooked. A meal served after swimming is exactly what this itinerary needs: casual, filling, and easy to eat beside the water.

Do not book this as a gourmet food tour. The appeal is the setting and the relaxed pace, not a long menu or formal service. A simple meal also leaves more time for swimming and enjoying the boat.

Drinks are available during the day, but pace yourself in the sun. You still have a return sail ahead, and Mykonos sunlight can be strong. Water is included, so make that your main drink between swims.

The boat is also a good place for photographs. The open water, Rhenia’s bare shoreline, and the view back toward the islands give you plenty of natural backdrops. The crew may help with photos, though photography is not a formal part of the package.

What the Private Format Adds

The private group format is the biggest practical difference between this trip and a standard shared cruise. Your party of up to 10 does not have to follow the preferences of dozens of strangers. If one person wants to snorkel while another wants to sit in the shade, the group can usually find a workable rhythm.

A family with three teenagers would find plenty to keep everyone busy: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, a beach, and a historic site. The trip also suits a group of friends who want drinks and music-free conversation on the water, although no entertainment program is listed.

Couples can book it too, but the price is harder to justify for only two people. The experience is most cost-effective for a full group or for a special occasion where privacy matters more than keeping the price low.

The crew is repeatedly described as friendly and helpful, and the relaxed atmosphere is part of the appeal. You are not handed a dense lecture or pushed from one stop to the next. The crew handles the practical work while giving you room to enjoy the day.

That said, the private format does not mean every detail is customizable. Delos is still governed by opening conditions, the route depends on weather, and the sailing schedule has to fit the six-hour window.

Price, Timing, and What to Pack

At $1,767 for up to 10 people, this is a premium outing. The value is strongest when you fill most of the available places. You are paying for a private yacht, skipper, assistant, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the ability to visit both Delos and Rhenia in one morning and afternoon.

Remember to add Delos admission at €20 per person. A tour guide is not included, and beach towels are not provided. These are small details, but they affect the final cost and comfort.

Pack the following:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Flip-flops and closed-toe shoes
• A light jacket for the sailing portions
• Dry clothing for the ride back
• Extra water if you prefer to carry your own bottle

Tell the local partner about pregnancy, mobility concerns, or health issues when you book. The route and boarding arrangements can depend on conditions, so this information matters.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your Mykonos plans are still shifting, but the weather remains the key factor on any sailing day.

Who Should Book This Delos and Rhenia Day

I would choose this cruise if you want ancient sites and swimming in the same outing. It gives you a real reason to leave Mykonos for the day without sacrificing time in the water.

It is especially suitable for:

• Families with older children or teenagers
• Groups of friends splitting the private boat cost
• Couples celebrating a special occasion
• Anyone who prefers a quiet beach to a developed beach club
• Visitors who want Delos without joining a large group boat

It is less suitable if your main goal is a long, detailed archaeological tour. The Delos stop lasts about 75 minutes, and no guide is included. It is also not ideal if you dislike sun, boat movement, or changing plans caused by weather.

The trip starts and ends near Mykonos, with drop-off listed at Matthew Tavern or Mykonos. The expected return is around 3:00 p.m., leaving the evening free for dinner or a walk through town.

Should You Book This Private Cruise?

Book it if your group can share the cost and you want a day that feels both active and unhurried. The strongest combination is the quieter Delos visit, the empty-feeling Rhenia bay, and enough time for swimming rather than a quick photo stop.

Skip it if your party is small and price is your main concern, or if you want a proper guided tour of Delos. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced private day on the Aegean, with the right mix of ruins, sailing, lunch, and clear water.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos, Delos, and Rhenia cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours. It is scheduled to leave at 9:00 a.m. and arrive back in Mykonos at approximately 3:00 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is Matthew Tavern. The skipper waits there 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup may be arranged if you provide the exact pickup location by 10:00 p.m. the previous day.

How much does the private cruise cost?

The price is $1,767 for a private group of up to 10 people. Delos archaeological site admission is not included and costs €20 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board during the Rhenia stop. Water, wine, and beer are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment. A stand-up paddleboard is also available when weather conditions permit.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. A tour guide is not included. You have approximately 75 minutes to visit the archaeological site.

What happens if Delos is closed?

If the Delos archaeological site is closed, the boat will pass by Delos but will not drop you off there. The route may also change because of weather.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Beach towels are not included, so bring your own towel along with swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.