The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

If you’re thinking about taking a boat trip around Mykonos, the Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise offers a relaxing escape from the island’s busy streets. This tour promises a day of swimming, tasty Greek food, and exploring ancient ruins, with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy breathtaking views. From what we’ve seen in reviews and the itinerary details, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a well-rounded day on the water without the fuss of overly commercialized trips.

What we really like about this cruise is how it balances activities—giving you time to swim at Rhenia’s peaceful beaches, savor a traditional Greek barbecue, and visit the UNESCO-listed archaeological site at Delos, all within a manageable 6.5-hour window. Also, the crew’s friendly attitude and the overall value for money seem to be recurring highlights. The only potential downside? The experience isn’t a guided tour of Delos, so history buffs might want to consider supplementing with your own research or guide.

This cruise feels best suited for those who want a laid-back day with scenic beauty, good food, and a touch of history. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to enjoy a relaxing, scenic escape while still having the chance to explore some noteworthy sites.

Key Points

• Balancing relaxation and exploration: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and visiting archaeological sites.
• Great value for money: The price includes lunch, drinks, and all safety equipment.
• Flexible options: You can choose to explore Delos independently or relax on the beaches.
• Friendly crew and positive reviews: Many travelers highlight the welcoming staff and good overall experience.
• Timing and group size: 6.5 hours with a maximum of 100 travelers makes it intimate yet lively.
• Consider weather and physical activity: Be prepared for some swimming and potential rocky beaches.

What to Expect from the Rhenia-Delos Cruise

This excursion is designed to give you a taste of the Greek island life, combining scenic sailing with opportunities to swim, explore, and indulge in local flavors. Starting at the Mykonos Old Port, you’ll board a boat around 10:30 a.m., ready for a day that promises both relaxation and adventure.

The Journey Begins: From Mykonos to Rhenia

Your day kicks off with a roughly 45-minute sail from the Old Port, heading toward Rhenia Island. Once you arrive, the boat anchors near a deserted beach, providing a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Here, you’ll have about three and a half hours of free time—enough to swim in the turquoise sea, lounge on the sandy shores, or take a quick walk around the area while the crew prepares your Greek barbecue.

The reviews repeatedly mention how peaceful and beautiful Rhenia’s beaches are. One traveler described the experience as “idyllic,” noting the clear waters and quiet surroundings. Many loved the opportunity to swim without the noise of busy beaches, which makes the whole experience feel more personal and unhurried.

The Tasty Greek Barbecue

While you’re soaking up the sun or swimming, the crew is busy with the Greek barbecue lunch. The menu includes grilled pork and chicken souvlaki, rice, Greek salad, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruits—plus, your drinks are complimentary, including wine and refreshments. Reviewers consistently mention how tasty the food is—making this not just a sightseeing trip but also a culinary delight.

A few travelers pointed out that the “food was decent” or “tasty,” which suits those seeking simple, authentic Greek flavors. It’s a straightforward, well-executed meal that adds value to the overall experience, especially considering it’s included in the price.

Exploring Delos: Mythical and Historic

Post-lunch, the boat sails to Delos, the legendary island and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes here, with the option to explore the archaeological ruins at your own pace (entry fee at your own expense). This part of the trip is often cited as the highlight— travelers mention feeling the “surroundings of history” and being awestruck by the ancient ruins and artifacts.

One reviewer called it “an extraordinary experience,” emphasizing the feeling of being in a place so rich in history. If you’re into ancient sites, this is a fantastic chance to see Delos’s temples, artifacts, and panoramic views from the mountain hike, although you should be ready for some walking and uneven terrain.

For those less interested in archaeology, the alternative is to relax on Delos’s beaches—some reviewers found this peaceful and enjoyable, especially in calm weather.

Return and Photo Opportunities

On the way back to Mykonos, the boat passes Little Venice, offering a perfect photo stop. The return sail, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, is often described as the lively, party atmosphere moment—many reviews highlight the music, dancing, and camaraderie onboard. One traveler called it “a party until you dock,” noting the festive vibe and friendly crew.

The tour ends back at the Old Port of Mykonos, around 4:30 p.m., leaving you with plenty of time to explore more of the island or relax after your day at sea.

The Practical Details

This tour costs about $101.95 per person, which includes the boat ride, lunch, drinks, safety gear, and onboard restroom. Many reviews mention this as good value, especially considering the quality of food and the scenic stops.

It departs at 10:30 a.m., with embarkation at 10:15 a.m., from the Aegean Ventures meeting point at Mykonos Old Port. It’s a mobile ticket, making check-in smooth if you arrive on time. The maximum group size is around 100 people, which strikes a balance between intimacy and lively socializing.

Additional costs include the entrance fee for the Delos archaeological site (€12, free for children under 6 and some EU youth), snorkeling gear, towels, and optional shuttle transportation.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes, swimwear, sun protection, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses are recommended. Remember, the beaches on Rhenia can be rocky, so water shoes might make your swim more comfortable. Be prepared for some physical activity—swimming, walking on uneven terrain, and possibly climbing stairs at Delos.

Weather and Cancellation

This trip is weather-dependent. If poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s wise to check the forecast and book in advance, as it’s popular—average bookings are made about 24 days ahead.

Authentic Reviews: What Travelers Are Saying

Most reviews are glowing, with an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 443 reviews. Many travelers rave about the friendly crew, the good food, and the stunning scenery. For example, one guest said, “The crew was fabulous, the water and views are phenomenal, and the music and dancing on the way back made it a day to remember.”

Several reviewers mention how well the staff engaged with guests, making the experience memorable whether they swam, explored Delos, or partied onboard. Notably, one review highlights the positive energy of the family-run operation, which makes the trip feel more personal and authentic.

On the flip side, a couple of reviews point out logistical issues—like arriving late or not understanding the meeting point, which can be frustrating. One even called out the difficulty for those with limited mobility or if you’re not comfortable with strenuous swimming or rocky beaches.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic sailing, and a mix of cultural and beach activities. If you’re not expecting a guided tour of Delos but want to see the ruins at your own pace, you’ll be happy. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or friends looking for a fun day out, especially if they enjoy socializing, swimming, and good food.

However, if you’re seeking a more rigorous, guided archaeological experience or are concerned about physical activity (climbing ladders, rocky beaches), you might want to explore other options or prepare accordingly.

FAQs

Is there a specific meeting point for this tour?
Yes, you’ll meet at Aegean Ventures in the Mykonos Old Port, and the tour departs at 10:30 a.m. Embarkation begins at 10:15 a.m., so arriving a little early helps avoid missing the boat.

Do I need to pay the Delos archaeological site fee separately?
Yes, the entrance fee (€12) is paid on-site at Delos and is not included in the tour price. Children under 6 and some EU citizens under 25 may be eligible for free or discounted entry with valid ID.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, comfortable clothing, and possibly water shoes due to rocky beaches. Towels and snorkeling gear are available at a small extra cost if you want to snorkel.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While there’s no specific mention of children, the relaxed pace and shallow beaches suggest it could suit families with kids comfortable with swimming and walking. Just keep in mind the physical nature of some activities.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, with around 3.5 hours at Rhenia, 1 hour and 45 minutes at Delos, and the return trip.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 100 travelers, which allows for a lively but not overcrowded atmosphere.

Can I cancel?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the trip. The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, complimentary wine, beverages, and water are provided onboard.

What if I arrive late or get lost?
Lateness can mean missing the boat, as the crew maintains a strict schedule. Arriving early and knowing the exact meeting point helps ensure you don’t miss out.

Final Thoughts

The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise offers a well-balanced day of sun, sea, and history, with friendly service and good value. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic outing that combines swimming, tasty food, and a peek into ancient Greek culture without a rigid schedule. The overall positive reviews suggest most travelers leave happy, especially those who enjoy socializing and scenic relaxation.

While it might not satisfy those craving a guided archaeological tour or seeking top-tier snorkeling, it’s a reliable choice for a fun, scenic day that captures the essence of the Greek islands—beautiful waters, delicious food, and a touch of history.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this cruise is likely to be a memorable addition to your Mykonos experience—just remember to book ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the ride.