The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

I’m reviewing the Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise out of Mykonos (Old Port), a 6-hour-30-minute day that mixes ocean time with a fast stop at Delos. You anchor by a quiet beach for a swim break, eat a Greek BBQ lunch onboard with complimentary wine, then sail to Delos for a self-paced look at the UNESCO site.

I especially like the clear structure: you get real beach time at Rhenia (where the water is crystal-clear), and the Greek meal + included beverages turn the trip into more than just “transport to ruins.” I also appreciate that the tour caps at up to 120 travelers, and the boat ride includes restroom access and safety equipment.

One thing to consider: the Delos entrance fee is extra (set at 20€ per person), and the Delos stop can feel short if you want a slower, more guided-style walkthrough.

Key Points

• Rhenia swimming first: anchor time for a swim, sunbathe, and an easy island wander while the crew cooks.
• BBQ lunch + wine included: souvlaki, salad, tzatziki, rice, bread, fruit, plus complimentary wine and refreshments.
• Delos is self-guided: you explore on your own, and you’ll pay the 20€ entrance fee.
• Good logistics, shared schedule: meet at Mykonos Old Port (embark 10:15, depart 10:30), then you’re on a tight day plan.
• Weather matters: the cruise runs on good conditions; cancellations are handled with a refund or alternate date.
• Bring swim gear if you can: snorkel/towel gear may cost extra, and towels/snorkels aren’t included.

From Mykonos Old Port to Two Islands in One Day

This is one of those Mykonos trips that makes practical sense if you want variety without juggling multiple bookings. You start at the Old Port of Mykonos, board in the morning, and head straight to Rhenia for the ocean part. Then you sail over to Delos, one of Greece’s big-name historical sites, and you finish back with a return sail that includes a photo stop passing Little Venice.

The timing is geared toward a full-feeling day. Around 45 minutes after leaving Mykonos, you reach Rhenia, then you’re anchored for about 3 hours 30 minutes. After lunch, you head to Delos for about 1 hour 45 minutes, and then you return with about 1 hour 15 minutes before getting back to the Old Port.

If you’re trying to see the famous highlights but you also want your vacation to include water time, this is a nice combo.

Price and what you actually get for it

At $106.42 per person, you’re paying for a day trip that combines boat time, a cooked onboard meal, and entry into the “experience package.” Here’s the key value point: the lunch is not a token snack. The included Greek BBQ menu includes souvlaki (pork & chicken), Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, seasonal fruits, plus complimentary wine and refreshments.

That matters because Delos (the ruins visit) is not included. You’ll need to budget the Delos entrance fee of 20€ per person on top of the tour price. So the real comparison isn’t just “what’s the cruise cost,” it’s “cruise + meal + wine vs. cruise + no-frills sightseeing.” Based on what’s included, you’re getting a lot of “spent value” in food and drink, not only transport.

Also, the cruise includes restroom on board and safety equipment, which is worth something on a sea day.

Meeting points: the part that trips up otherwise-perfect plans

You meet at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours, Mykonos Old Port. Embarkation starts around 10:15 a.m., and the cruise departs at 10:30 a.m..

Two practical notes:

• Shuttle transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan how you’ll get to the Old Port.
• You may need to show ID or passport to verify age, especially because alcohol service is only for guests 18+.

My advice: arrive early and don’t assume you can stroll in at departure time and be fine. This is a shared cruise with a fixed schedule.

The Rhenia stop: quiet beach time and a real swim

The first island stop is Rhenia. The cruise leaves Mykonos Old Port and arrives around 45 minutes later, then you anchor by a deserted beach. That’s where the day shifts into vacation mode.

You get about 3 hours 30 minutes here. This is the window for:

• Swimming in clear, turquoise water
• Sunbathing on the fine sandy beach (your exact landing spot can vary depending on conditions)
• A quick stroll around the area

A key detail: Rhenia is a small, deserted island, and access to the water is typically done from the boat (ladder entry is common for this type of stop). If you’re worried about steps or getting back up, consider that ahead of time. You can also bring comfort items if you have them: snorkeling gear and towels are available for extra cost.

If you want a day that feels more like swimming in a Greek postcard than checking boxes, this Rhenia portion is the main reason to book.

The onboard BBQ lunch: included, filling, and built for sea appetite

Lunch happens while the captain prepares the Greek-style BBQ after the Rhenia anchor stop. The included meal is one of the best parts of the deal:

• Greek souvlaki (pork & chicken)
• Greek salad
• Rice
• Tzatziki sauce
• Bread
• Seasonal fruits
• Complimentary wine
• Refreshed water and refreshments onboard

What I like about this setup is that it removes a big planning hassle. You’re not hunting lunch in Mykonos, and you don’t have to figure out where to eat while you also want to see Delos.

One more practical point: the tour includes wine, but if you’re not drinking, you can still enjoy the rest of the included refreshments. And if you do want more drinks later, note that extra beverages can be handled as a cash-only bar (prices vary, and it’s smart to know cash/card rules before you rely on them).

Delos: UNESCO ruins on your own time (and an extra fee)

After lunch, you sail to Delos (Dillos). Here you’ll have about 1 hour 45 minutes to explore on your own.

Delos is UNESCO-listed, and the important practical part is this: the archaeological site entrance fee is not included. The stated entry cost is 20€ per person, paid separately. So don’t forget to add that to your budget.

If you prefer a guided walk through ruins, keep expectations realistic. This cruise is self-guided at Delos, which can be ideal if you like wandering and reading at your own pace. For first-timers, it can still work well if you go with a bit of curiosity and don’t need every fact spoon-fed.

If you decide not to explore Delos, you’ll have time on a more secluded beach option recommended by the captain—good if your priority is water and relaxation over ruins.

If you skip Delos: relaxing beach time instead of ruins

Not everyone wants to spend their limited time at Delos walking among ancient stones. This cruise builds in an alternative: if you don’t choose the Delos visit, you’ll get time back on a secluded beach area for swimming and sunbathing.

That’s a solid option if:

• You’re less interested in archaeology
• You want fewer stairs and museums-in-the-middle-of-the-day moments
• You’d rather spend your energy floating than hiking

The tradeoff is obvious: you miss Delos’s big “time travel” payoff. But the backup plan is there, which makes the experience feel flexible.

The return sail and the Little Venice photo moment

On the way back, you collect visitors from Delos and sail back toward Mykonos Old Port. The tour includes a photo opportunity as you pass Little Venice.

This is a nice finishing touch because it connects the day-trip to Mykonos’s most recognizable shoreline views. You end where you started, so there’s no complicated transfer web.

And yes, the sea conditions matter. Even when you’re scheduled, a stronger wind can make the ride a bit bouncy—your crew will keep you informed and manage the day based on conditions.

What’s included on board (and what costs extra)

Here’s the practical “included vs not” list you should actually plan around:

Included

• Lunch BBQ: souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, seasonal fruits
• Alcoholic beverages: complimentary wine, plus refreshments and water
• All safety equipment
• Restroom on board

Not included

• Delos archaeological site entrance fee: 20€ per person
• Snorkeling equipment: available for extra cost (you may be offered it to buy onboard)
• Towels: available for a small extra cost
• Shuttle transportation to the meeting point
• Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)

What I recommend: if you already own a simple snorkel mask, bring it. If you don’t, you can still rent/buy on site, but it can add up. Also consider packing your own towel if you’re trying to keep costs under control.

Group size and comfort: up to 120 travelers

The cruise has a maximum of 120 travelers. That’s large enough to keep the boat lively, but not so huge that you can’t find your space when you’re anchored and swimming.

On board, you’ll be in a group setting, especially around lunch. When you’re off the boat at Rhenia or Delos, you’ll likely feel more “in control” of your own time because those parts are less like a guided bus and more like free roaming.

Who this cruise is best for

This trip works especially well if you want:

• Beach time plus a major sightseeing stop
• A boat day with included food and complimentary wine
• A less stressful approach than booking separate water and archaeology tours

It’s also a good family-friendly option for mixed ages if everyone can handle basic movement on and off the boat. If your mobility is limited, pay extra attention to how you’ll get into the water at Rhenia and how “ladder entry” might feel for you.

Weather and cancellations: how to think about risk

This experience requires good weather. If the cruise is canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered either a different date or a full refund.

You also have free cancellation, as long as you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time. Changes inside that window can’t be accepted, and cancellations after the cutoff won’t be refunded.

If you’re traveling on flexible dates in the shoulder season, this gives you a bit of cushion. If you’re on a tight itinerary, still book it, but keep your weather risk in mind and aim to keep an extra day buffer if you can.

Practical packing list for Rhenia + Delos

Based on what typically matters for this kind of day, I’d pack:

• Swimwear and light clothing you can wear on and off the boat
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Good sandals or water shoes for uneven island landings
• Your own snorkel mask if you have one
• Towel if you want to avoid extra costs
• ID/passport (especially because alcohol service is 18+)

Also bring a positive attitude about “boat day logistics.” You’re moving, anchoring, and switching environments all in one trip. That’s the point.

Should you book the Rhenia-Delos cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a balanced Mykonos day: swimming in a quiet spot at Rhenia, a filling Greek BBQ lunch with complimentary wine, and then a self-paced look at Delos without spending all day commuting.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You only want the Delos ruins and would rather have a longer, more guided visit
• You dislike paying extra fees for entry (Delos is 20€)
• You know you’ll struggle with ladder-style water access at Rhenia
• You want a fully guided archaeological experience

If you’re flexible, comfortable in the water, and you like your day trips to include actual food and drinks (not just “see things and go”), this cruise is strong value.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours at Mykonos Old Port and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour depart?

Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m. and the tour starts at 10:30 a.m.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

How much time do you get at Rhenia?

You get about 3 hours 30 minutes at Rhenia, including time to swim and relax while lunch is prepared.

How much time do you get at Delos?

You get about 1 hour 45 minutes at Delos.

Is the Delos archaeological site entrance fee included?

No. The Delos site fee is 20€ per person and you pay it extra.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a Greek BBQ lunch (souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, seasonal fruits) and complimentary wine, refreshments, and water.

Can I buy snorkeling gear or towels?

Yes, snorkeling equipment and towels are available for an extra cost.

Is alcohol included, and is there an age requirement?

Wine is complimentary, but alcohol service follows the rule that guests must be 18+. You may be asked for ID or passport to verify age.