A Friendly Look at the Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Meal
Thinking about a day out on the water in the Cyclades? This full-day sailing cruise from Mykonos to both the ancient island of Delos and the uninhabited Rhenia offers a relaxed yet enriching experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of sun and sea, or simply after a memorable getaway, this tour packs a lot into roughly six and a half hours.
What really attracts us are the small-group vibe—it’s intimate enough to feel special—and the combination of sailing, swimming, and exploring. Plus, the Greek-style buffet with local delicacies, complemented by plenty of drinks, makes it a proper treat. That said, a potential consideration is the timing—the cruise departs around late afternoon and runs until sunset, so it’s more of an evening adventure than a morning trip.
If you’re comfortable with a moderate boat ride and enjoy a mix of history, nature, and good food, this cruise could be a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and want to avoid the crowds on land, thanks to the small-group atmosphere and less commercialized stops.
Key Points
- Intimate Small Group: The tour maintains a friendly, small-group environment, making it easier to connect and relax.
- Varied Activities: Combines sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and exploration of Delos’ archaeological site.
- Excellent Value: For $146, you get a comprehensive experience—boat ride, guided visit, buffet lunch, drinks, and gear.
- Flexible Experience: You can help steer the boat if you want or just lounge and soak up the sun.
- Historic and Scenic: Highlights include the legendary island of Delos and pristine beaches of Rhenia.
- Well-Reviewed Crew: Guests consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the delicious onboard meal.
The Experience in Detail
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Delos
The Starting Point and Departure
Your day begins at either Mykonos Cruise or Zephyros Sailing, with meeting points that vary depending on your booking. The departure time hovers around 9:00 am from Mykonos New Port, with the cruise itself scheduled to leave around 4:00 or 4:30 pm and last until sunset. This timing means you’ll be out on the water during the golden hours, when the views are at their best.
While the start is relatively late compared to some tours, it allows for a leisurely morning and a sunset cruise back, which some travelers find more romantic and less rushed. Keep in mind, the exact start times can vary, so it’s worth checking your booking details.
The Sailing Itinerary and Stops
The cruise makes a couple of notable stops, each contributing something special:
Stop 1: Voyage to Delos
The first leg is about an hour of sailing to Delos, an island famous for its mythic significance and archaeological sites. The boat’s crew are quite approachable—they invite you to help steer or just relax on deck, soaking in the views of the Aegean’s shimmering waters. As some reviews mention, the crew is friendly and eager to share their knowledge, making the experience more engaging.
Stop 2: Exploring Delos
Once at Delos, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore the ruins and the museum. The site is fascinating, offering a glimpse into ancient Greek civilization with temples, sculptures, and historical relics scattered about. Visitors who enjoy archaeology or history will find this stop particularly rewarding. For those who prefer not to visit the site, the boat remains anchored nearby, allowing for a relaxing break onboard with cold drinks and swimming opportunities.
One traveler told us, “Delos is fascinating,” which echoes how many guests feel about this legendary island. The early arrival time reportedly gives visitors a peaceful, uncrowded experience, away from the bustling cruise groups.
Stop 3: Rhenia Island
After Delos, the boat crosses a narrow strait to Rhenia, an uninhabited island known for its secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here you’ll spend about two hours swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just laying out on the pristine sands. The reviews consistently highlight how beautiful and untouched this island is, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and water fun.
Guests rave about the transparency of the water, describing it as “astounding,” and many mention how the food on board exceeded expectations. The onboard lunch features local Greek delicacies—a buffet of salads, bread, pasta, and bruschetta—paired with chilled Greek wine and soft drinks. Multiple reviews praise the deliciousness and generous portions of the meal, emphasizing that it’s more than just a simple lunch.
The Return Voyage
After time on Rhenia, the boat sets sail back to Mykonos, passing along scenic spots like Little Venice and the iconic windmills. The return trip is about 50 minutes, giving everyone a chance to relax, share stories, or even help with sailing if they’re feeling adventurous. The cruise ends back at the starting point around 3:00 pm, just in time for some evening plans or to relax after a full day.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat You Can Expect Onboard
Comfort and Atmosphere: The yacht is described as a professional vessel with a friendly crew. Most reviews mention the crew’s helpfulness and the captain’s skill, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. The small group size keeps it intimate, and guests often mention feeling like part of a family.
Food and Drinks: The onboard buffet is a highlight—think fresh Greek dishes, with plenty of wine and drinks to go around. Reviewers often note that the meal is a generous and authentic meal, adding to the overall value.
Activities: Snorkeling gear is provided, and paddleboarding is available, giving you options to stay active or simply float and take in the scenery. Swimmers will love the crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off and exploring marine life.
Helping Hands: If you’re feeling hands-on, you can help with steering or navigation—an experience that adds a bit of adventure. But if you prefer to just relax, there’s no pressure.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This cruise is best suited for those looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water with a mix of history and beach time. It appeals strongly to travelers who value small-group intimacy and authentic Greek food. Since it runs until sunset, it’s ideal for those wanting a sunset experience rather than a full daytime trip.
People who enjoy snorkeling and water activities will find this particularly appealing, thanks to the provided gear and pristine waters. It’s also a good option for those wanting to skip the crowds and explore at their own pace, thanks to the quieter early-hour start and small-group setup.
Practical Details and Considerations
- Price: At $146, you’re paying for a full-day experience that includes sailing, guided visits, meals, drinks, and water gear. Compared to other tours, the value is quite good, especially considering the personalized feel.
- Duration: Expect around 6 to 6.5 hours, including sailing, swimming, and exploring. The timing allows for a leisurely pace, but it’s a long enough day to feel like a proper getaway.
- Group Size: Small groups mean more personalized attention, which many guests appreciate. It also helps keep the experience relaxed and less crowded.
- What to Bring: Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a light jacket for the evening. Remember your ID or passport for the archaeological site—some reviews note that you’ll need to send your details ahead of time.
- No Extra Costs for Fuel or Taxes: The price includes fuel, port fees, and taxes, so there are no surprises.
- Optional Extras: The archaeological site admission fee and guide are not included, so if you want a guided tour of Delos, plan for an additional cost.
Authentic Guest Feedback
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable crew, describing them as friendly, helpful, and engaging. One review notes, “The crew was very nice and friendly,” and many mention feeling welcomed and cared for throughout the day.
The food is another standout, with one reviewer stating, “The lunch was delicious and more than we could eat,” emphasizing the quality and quantity. The scenery and water clarity are often described as incredible, with “the blue waters of Rhenia” being a highlight.
Several reviews highlight the flexibility and personal touch—from helping steer the boat to customizing music playlists—making it feel less like a tour and more like a day with friends.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day combining sailing, history, and beach bliss, this Mykonos cruise hits the mark. It’s especially worth considering if you enjoy small-group experiences, want to avoid the hustle of larger tours, and love the idea of swimming in clear waters with a delicious Greek meal onboard.
The combination of knowledgeable staff, beautiful scenery, and good value makes this cruise stand out. It’s a wonderful way to see Delos’ archaeological treasures without the crowds and to get a taste of authentic Greek hospitality on the water.
Mykonos: Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise with Meal
“Absolutely fabulous day! Dimitri is such a great character and Evianea is lovely, caring and helpful. Wonderful lunch, great sail back. Delos is fa…”
FAQs
How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately 6 to 6.5 hours, including sailing, swimming, and visiting Delos.
What time does the tour start?
Start times vary based on your booking, but the cruise typically departs around 9:00 am from Mykonos New Port and sails until sunset.
Is food included?
Yes, a buffet of Greek delicacies is served on board, with generous portions and local flavors, paired with house wine and drinks.
Can I visit the archaeological site of Delos?
Yes, you can choose to visit the site and museum during your stop at Delos, but the admission fee and guide are not included in the tour price.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a light jacket for the evening, and your passport or ID for the archaeological site.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is supplied, and paddleboarding is available during the Rhenia stop.
Are there options for help with navigation or steering?
Absolutely—if you want to get involved, you’re welcome to help steer or navigate, but you can also just relax on deck.
Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed pace and water activities make it suitable for travelers with children, provided they are comfortable on boats.
How much does it cost?
The tour costs $146 per person, which includes boat ride, meals, drinks, and gear—an excellent value given the experience.
In essence, this cruise offers a laid-back yet immersive taste of the Cyclades—combining sailing, history, and stunning scenery in a way that’s manageable and memorable. Perfect for travelers who want to experience Greece from the water without feeling rushed or crowded.
You can check availability for your dates here: