All inclusive cruise-Mykonos Delos&Rhenia beaches(free transport)

The Aegean gets the starring role. This six-hour Mykonos cruise combines a stop at ancient Delos, swimming and snorkeling near Rhenia, and a generous Greek meal served on board. I especially like the small-boat setting and the chance to pair archaeology with clear-water swimming in one day. I also like that lunch, drinks, fuel fees, and hotel transport are included, although rough seas, changing boats, and uneven communication can affect the experience.

The advertised price is about $138.78 per person, which is fair if you use the transport, enjoy the meal, and want both Delos and Rhenia without arranging separate boats. The main concern is safety in strong winds. Mykonos is famous for its wind, and several accounts describe rough crossings, falls, seasickness, and injuries. This is not the right choice if you need a calm boat ride or are traveling with small children.

Key points before you book

• Delos and Rhenia in one trip: You visit one of the Aegean’s most important archaeological sites, then stop for swimming and snorkeling near the uninhabited island of Rhenia.
• Greek buffet included: Lunch is freshly prepared on board and includes traditional Greek vegetables, spreads, and other local dishes, with water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine.
• Groups can reach 25 people: Some departures feel intimate with eight to ten passengers, while others may use the full stated capacity.
• The boat may not match the photos: The experience is described as a sailing cruise, but the vessel supplied can differ from the boat shown in promotional images.
• Wind matters here: The return trip can be wet, bumpy, and uncomfortable, especially on the front or upper part of the boat.
• Pickup needs careful confirmation: Transport is included to and from hotels and ports, but not from every beach club or nightlife venue, and cruise ship passengers must provide docking details.

What this Mykonos cruise actually offers

This is a shared sailing experience operated by Mykonos Cruise and Zephyros Sailing. The standard description gives the trip about six hours, with a maximum of 25 passengers per boat. The crew may change the boat, route, port, or departure time if weather and safety conditions require it.

There is also a later schedule listed at 4:00 or 4:30 p.m., lasting until sunset and passing by Delos. That version includes a light dinner on the boat rather than a conventional midday lunch. Confirm the exact departure time and meal arrangement before paying, because the morning and late-day versions are not identical.

The cruise is available as a shared outing, which suits solo visitors, couples, and small groups who enjoy meeting other people. Private cruises are also offered, but the price given here applies to the shared experience.

You board at Mykonos Cruise, Zephyros Sailing, in Tourlos. Hotel and port pickup is included when requested and when the location qualifies. Extra charges apply for pickup or drop-off at places such as beach bars, clubs, and similar venues. If you are arriving by cruise ship, tell the operator whether your ship will dock or tender, then remain at your terminal for pickup instructions.

Seeing Mykonos from the water

The route includes views toward Little Venice and the Church of Paraportiani. These are not necessarily long sightseeing stops. They are part of the visual introduction to Mykonos, giving you a different angle on the island’s white buildings, waterfront, and famous church.

Little Venice is one of Mykonos Town’s best-known waterfront areas, with old buildings set close to the sea. From a boat, you get the broad postcard view rather than the crowded lanes and waterfront tables seen from land.

The Church of Paraportiani is another familiar Mykonos sight, known for its unusual whitewashed form near the sea. Seeing it from the water helps explain why the island’s architecture photographs so well: the simple white shapes are set against open blue water and sky.

Do not book this cruise expecting a dedicated guided tour of Mykonos Town. These sights are scenic waypoints, while the main stops are Delos and Rhenia.

Delos: the cultural heart of the day

Delos is the most important historical stop. The island is an archaeological site spread across open ground, with ancient remains that reward anyone interested in Greek mythology, religion, trade, and urban life.

Time on Delos can feel short. Some schedules allow roughly an hour, while the full site needs much longer if you want to see the museum and explore beyond the central ruins. If you care deeply about archaeology, consider a dedicated Delos excursion instead. This cruise gives you a worthwhile introduction, not a complete study visit.

An admission fee is not included. One account put the extra cost at about 20 euros per person, but you should confirm the current amount before departure. Children under 18 may enter free, but you may need proof of age, such as a photograph of an identity document.

Bring a hat, water, and shoes suitable for uneven archaeological ground. The site is exposed, and the combination of bright sun and pale stone can be tiring. The included bottled water helps, but it is still wise to arrive prepared.

The timing of your visit can change the feel of Delos. A morning departure may reach the island before larger boatloads arrive, giving you a quieter look at the ruins. That early start is one of the strongest reasons to choose the morning option if you are more interested in the archaeological site than sunset.

The cruise only passes by Delos on the later 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. departure, according to the supplied schedule. That means you should not assume the evening version includes a shore visit. Ask directly if stepping onto the island is important to you.

Rhenia for swimming and snorkeling

After Delos, the cruise heads toward Rhenia, an uninhabited island known for clear water and quiet coves. This is the relaxed half of the day. You can swim, use the provided snorkeling equipment, and spend time in the water rather than moving from one monument to another.

The water is repeatedly praised for its clarity and pleasant color. Snorkeling conditions, however, are not guaranteed to offer much marine life. The main reward is the refreshing swim and the setting, not a major underwater wildlife experience.

There may not be a convenient beach chair or broad area for spreading out a towel. Some accounts describe the swimming stop as a boat-based break, with people staying on board or swimming toward shore. Bring your own beach towel because one is not supplied.

Water temperature can vary. In early or cooler parts of the season, the sea may feel chilly, even in strong sun. If you are sensitive to cold water, think of the stop as optional rather than the main reason to book.

A Greek buffet on the boat

Food is one of the most praised parts of this outing. The crew serves a buffet of Greek dishes prepared on board, with local vegetables, spreads, and other traditional fare. The meal is described as fresh, generous, and suitable for a range of tastes.

This matters because food on a boat can be an afterthought. Here, it is part of the attraction. You get a meal while surrounded by the Aegean, without needing to find a restaurant between Delos and Rhenia.

Included drinks are bottled water, complimentary soft drinks, beer, and house white wine. Alcohol is available, but you should keep your intake sensible. Strong sun, wind, waves, and alcohol are a poor combination, particularly on a smaller vessel.

The late departure is described as including a light dinner until sunset. Do not assume it offers exactly the same buffet as the morning departure. Confirm what will be served if the meal is an important part of your decision.

Boat size, comfort, and the photo problem

The stated maximum is 25 passengers per boat, plus crew. That is not a tiny private sailing trip. A group of 25 can feel crowded, especially during lunch or when everyone wants a dry place to sit after swimming.

Actual group size can vary. Some outings have operated with about eight to ten passengers and felt comfortable. Other departures have had considerably more people, with complaints about limited seating. If space matters to you, ask for the expected passenger count and the exact vessel before departure.

The vessel shown in promotional photographs may not be the boat you receive. Several accounts describe an older or different boat, while others found the supplied vessel comfortable and spacious. This is an important value question: you are paying for the route, food, crew, and transport, not necessarily a particular yacht pictured online.

The experience is often described as an actual sailboat, but sails may not be used. The captain decides whether to sail based on wind, maintenance, and safety. When there is little wind, the boat may travel under power. If your dream is a silent, sail-powered crossing, keep expectations realistic.

The rough-sea warning you should not ignore

Mykonos is known for strong winds, and the Aegean can become rough quickly. The return crossing may involve large waves, spray, and a boat that moves sharply from side to side. Sitting at the front can mean getting wet. The upper or forward seating areas are especially exposed.

Some people enjoy this as part of the adventure. Others have reported serious falls, bruising, cuts, broken bones, and seasickness during rough conditions. These accounts raise a real concern about how clearly the crew explains the safest seating areas and how quickly help is offered if conditions worsen.

I would not book this outing if you are uncomfortable on boats, prone to motion sickness, or responsible for young children who may struggle with a rough ride. Take motion-sickness medicine only if it is suitable for you, and ask a medical professional if you are unsure. Keep both hands available for holding on, avoid walking around unnecessarily, and move to the safest area when the crew directs you.

The captain has full authority to change the route, boat, departure time, and ports because of weather and safety. That is sensible in principle, but a weather guarantee is impossible. If the forecast shows strong winds, contact the operator before departure and ask whether the trip is proceeding and what refund or rescheduling terms apply.

Pickup and meeting-point practicalities

Transport to and from hotels and ports is included when you provide the pickup location. You should send that information clearly and update all passenger details no later than 24 hours before departure. The port authority requires complete client information, and missing details can prevent boarding or push the reservation to another available date.

The meeting point is in Tourlos, not necessarily beside your hotel or cruise terminal. Pickup instructions need careful attention. Harbor areas can be confusing, and GPS may not lead you directly to the boat. Read the operator’s directions and allow extra time.

If you book the promotional option called Cruise Without Transportation, no transfers are included. Also check the fine print if you are staying at a beach club or nightlife property, since those locations may involve an additional charge.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. Cruise ship passengers should notify the operator about docking or tendering and remain at the terminal for the arranged pickup. This is especially important because a private excursion does not offer the same built-in protection as a cruise line excursion if your ship’s schedule changes.

Is the $138.78 price good value?

At about $138.78 per person, the price is not cheap, but it bundles several costs: boat transport, fuel, port fees, taxes, lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, beer, house wine, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and qualifying hotel or port transfers.

The value is strongest when you want a full day on the water and would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, a Delos visit, a meal, and a swimming outing. The Greek buffet and included drinks also make the price easier to justify.

The value falls if you mainly want to see Delos. The stop may be too brief for a serious archaeological visit, and the entrance fee is extra. It also falls if you dislike crowded boats or expect the exact yacht shown in the photographs.

A cheaper option without pickup may suit you if you can reach Tourlos easily. One person specifically chose that arrangement and drove to the meeting point. Just calculate transport and parking costs before assuming the discount saves money.

Who should book this sailing day?

I would recommend it to an active adult, couple, or small group that wants several Mykonos experiences packed into one outing. You should enjoy swimming, local food, open-water views, and a little uncertainty in the schedule.

It is a good fit if you want Delos without giving up a beach stop. It is also useful for solo visitors who prefer a shared boat rather than arranging a private charter.

I would be cautious with young children, anyone with mobility concerns, people who get seasick, and anyone expecting a polished luxury yacht. The boat may be older, group size may reach 25, and weather can change the comfort level dramatically.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund. If you are visiting on a cruise ship, consider booking through your cruise line if guaranteed return to the ship and weather-related refund protection matter more than saving money.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want Delos, Rhenia, swimming, and a Greek meal in one day, and you are comfortable with a genuine Aegean boat ride rather than a smooth luxury yacht. The food, scenery, crew hospitality, and combination of cultural and swimming stops can make this one of the most memorable days in Mykonos.

Skip it if calm conditions, a guaranteed vessel, extended time at Delos, or strict safety reassurance are essential. Before you commit, confirm the departure time, pickup point, expected passenger count, boat type, Delos entrance fee, and weather forecast. That short check can prevent the biggest disappointments.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours. A departure scheduled for 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. continues until sunset and passes by Delos.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return transport are included to and from qualifying hotels and ports. Extra charges may apply for locations such as beach bars, clubs, and similar venues. The promotional Cruise Without Transportation option excludes all transport.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared on board. Water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine are also included.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The Delos entrance fee is not included in the cruise price. The exact current fee should be confirmed before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Beach towels are not provided, so bring your own.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

This experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.