Delos and Mykonos One Day Cruise from Naxos

Exploring the Delos and Mykonos One Day Cruise from Naxos

If you’re planning a trip to the Cyclades and want a way to see a couple of iconic islands in one day, this Delos and Mykonos cruise might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve gone through the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What I really like about this kind of experience is the chance to see Delos, the “Floating Museum,”—a site packed with history and unique archaeological treasures—plus a taste of Mykonos’ lively vibe. The scenery along the way, with views of the Aegean Sea, adds a special touch to the journey. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the trip involves multiple stops and some extra costs, like attractions’ entrance fees, that aren’t included in the base price.

This tour is especially suited for travelers looking to maximize a single day with a mix of historical exploration and relaxed island strolling. It’s great if you want an overview without the hassle of planning each detail yourself, but if you’re after a leisurely, in-depth experience of either island, you might want to consider spending more time on each.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Quick access to two iconic islands: Delos and Mykonos are both highlights of the Cyclades, and this tour offers a swift but comprehensive visit.
• Cost-effective opportunity: At $85 per person, it provides a good value, considering the ferry ticket and guided escort.
• Time-efficient itinerary: With around 45 minutes to get to Delos, 3 hours on the island, and 4 hours in Mykonos, it balances sightseeing and travel well.
• Additional expenses: Entrance fees for Delos are not included, and you’ll need to budget for food, drinks, and personal expenses.
• Comfort and logistics: The boat trip includes indoor and outdoor seating, with a refreshment bar, but it’s not a fast boat, and some reviews mention diesel smells.
• Flexible booking options: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and there’s the “reserve & pay later” option, which offers some peace of mind.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This cruise kicks off from the port of Naxos, with a rough 45-minute ride across the Aegean to reach the archaeological site of Delos. This island is famed as a “Floating Museum”—a treasure trove of ancient ruins and mythological significance. Visitors get about three hours on Delos, which is enough time to wander around the ruins, admire the detailed artifacts, and take plenty of photos.

One thing to note: the entrance fee of 12 euros isn’t included—so you’ll want to bring some cash or a card. The reviews suggest that the guided commentary is not included, so you’ll be exploring largely on your own or with your group, which can be fine if you’re comfortable with self-guided touring. The site is quite expansive, with ruins spread across the island, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Afterward, the boat departs for Mykonos, about half an hour away. Once there, you’ll have roughly four hours to explore the cosmopolitan vibe of this famous island. Highlights typically include walking through beautiful narrow streets, visiting Little Venice, and shopping along the lively lanes. The time is enough for a leisurely stroll, some shopping, or grabbing a meal—though you’ll have to buy your own food and drinks, as these aren’t included.

According to one review, Mykonos was a pleasant surprise. The island offers a mix of scenic streets and vibrant cafes. But it’s also worth noting that prices—especially for dining and shopping—can be about 50% higher than on other islands, so plan your budget accordingly.

The Ship and Comfort

The boat used for this cruise features both inside seats with comfortable armchairs and outdoor seating options, which is nice for enjoying the breeze and sea views. Some reviewers noted that the boat smells strongly of diesel, which might not be ideal if you’re sensitive to fumes, but it doesn’t seem to affect the overall trip. The vessel isn’t described as particularly fast, but it does the job and sticks to schedules, which is reassuring for those anxious about timings.

A refreshment bar onboard adds a bit of convenience—ideal for grabbing a drink during the trip if you want to stay refreshed. However, there’s no mention of food being included, so bringing snacks or packing a light lunch might be worth considering.

The Reviews: What Travelers Say

Among the eight reviews, the majority are positive but with some caveats. One user mentions that Delos is “absolutely worth the trip”, emphasizing its unique archaeological value. However, they found that Mykonos was less impressive, mainly because of the higher prices and perhaps the shorter time allocated.

Another review points out that the boat is slow and has a diesel smell, but highlights the punctual schedules and the simple, straightforward nature of the trip. They also mention that there’s no guided commentary during the voyage, so it’s more of a self-guided exploration.

A common theme is that travelers appreciated the value for money—$85 for a full-day cruise, including ferry tickets and escort, is generally seen as fair. The guided escort helps keep the trip organized so you don’t have to stress about logistics.

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Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience suits travelers who want to see both Delos and Mykonos in one day without the hassle of arranging separate transport or tours. It’s a practical option for those with limited time or for first-timers wanting a taste of the Cyclades. If you enjoy historical sites and island strolling, this cruise covers both bases.

However, if you’re after a detailed archaeological visit or a relaxing, unhurried stay on each island, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. The extra costs for entrance fees and food could also add up, so budgeting accordingly is wise.

In short, this tour offers a balanced, straightforward experience—good for those who want an overview rather than in-depth exploration. The views, the chance to walk around famous sites, and the ease of organized transport make it a travel-friendly option.

FAQ

Is the ferry ticket included?
Yes, the ferry ticket is included in the price, along with an escort.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride from Naxos to Delos is approximately 45 minutes, with additional travel time between islands.

Are entrance fees for Delos included?
No, the 12 euro entrance fee for Delos is not included; you’ll need to pay that separately.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there food or drinks onboard?
Food and drinks are not included, but there is a refreshment bar available on the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, some cash or card for entrance fees and personal expenses, and wear comfortable shoes for walking around Delos.

How much time do I get on each island?
You’ll have about 3 hours on Delos and 4 hours in Mykonos, which is enough for walking, shopping, and sightseeing.

Is the trip suitable for families?
The tour is mainly a sightseeing cruise, so it could work for families with older children who enjoy history and island strolling, but it’s not specifically tailored for young kids.

Are guided tours available on Delos?
Guidance on-site is not included, so you’ll explore independently or with your group.

What’s the best way to get the most out of this tour?
Plan ahead—think about what you want to see on Mykonos, and consider bringing snacks or a camera with extra batteries. Be prepared for some walking and check the weather forecast.

Overall, this cruise offers a practical, value-packed way to experience some of the Cyclades’ most famous sights in one day. It’s a solid choice if you’re comfortable with a bit of self-guided exploring and want a hassle-free trip that balances history, views, and island charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: