The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

The best Mykonos days happen offshore. This six-and-a-half-hour cruise pairs a swim stop at quiet Rhenia with a visit to ancient Delos, then adds a Greek barbecue, complimentary drinks, and music on the way home. I especially like the clear water and the chance to see Delos in the same outing, without paying for a luxury yacht. The main drawback is the short Delos visit, which can feel rushed if you want to study the ruins properly.

You make your own way to Mykonos Old Port for a 10:15 a.m. boarding time and a 10:30 departure. I also like that the boat is large enough to operate in windier conditions than some smaller catamarans, though a maximum capacity of 120 people means this is a shared cruise, not a quiet private sail. If you arrive by cruise ship at the newer port, allow extra time and arrange transport to the Old Port.

Key things to know before you book

• Rhenia is the day’s best swim stop: Expect crystal-clear water, a deserted beach setting, and several hours built around swimming, sunbathing, and lunch.
• Delos costs extra: The archaeological site entrance fee is €20 per person, paid separately at the current Ministry of Culture rate.
• Lunch is included: You get pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, seasonal fruit, water, soft refreshments, and complimentary wine.
• The return sail gets lively: Music and dancing often turn the last leg into a cheerful boat party, though the atmosphere may not suit anyone seeking a hushed cruise.
• Bring your own swim gear: Snorkeling equipment and towels are available for an extra charge, but bringing your own is the better value.
• The boat can carry up to 120 people: This helps with stability in changing wind, but it also limits personal space and quiet.

Leaving Mykonos Old Port at 10:30 a.m.

The cruise begins at Aegean Ventures in Mykonos Old Port. You need to be at the boat by 10:15 a.m., not simply wandering toward the harbor at departure time. This matters because the boat follows a fixed schedule and cannot wait long for late arrivals.

The Old Port is separate from the cruise-ship port. If you arrive on a large ship, the distance between the two ports is about 1.5 kilometers, and walking can take enough time to put your departure at risk. A bus, taxi, shuttle boat, or other local transport is a wiser choice than setting off on foot with luggage or beach gear.

Once aboard, you have access to a restroom and safety equipment. The boat’s size is useful in the Aegean, where wind and waves can change quickly. One family had previously lost a smaller catamaran trip to bad weather and found this boat a more dependable alternative. That does not make the cruise immune to rough seas, but it does give you a sturdier platform than a tiny open boat.

The group limit is 120 people. That is worth considering before you book. Some people will enjoy the social energy, music, and easy conversation. If you want a private-feeling sail with plenty of empty deck space, this is not that kind of outing.

Rhenia after 45 minutes: a quiet place to swim

The boat reaches Rhenia after roughly 45 minutes. Rhenia is a largely undeveloped Cycladic island, and its appeal is simple: clear water, open sky, and a beach without the usual Mykonos crowds.

The captain chooses the anchorage based on the day’s wind and sea conditions. You may step onto a fine sandy beach, or you may need to enter the water from a boat ladder and swim toward a rocky shore. This difference is important. The phrase quiet beach can suggest an easy walk ashore, but that is not guaranteed.

One passenger found the ladder and swim to shore strenuous and unsettling. If you are not a confident swimmer, have limited mobility, or feel uneasy climbing a wet ladder, ask the crew for help and think carefully about whether this stop suits you. Noodles are available to help people stay afloat, but they do not turn an open-water landing into a walk-up beach.

For most people who enjoy swimming, the stop is the highlight. You get about three and a half hours for the Rhenia portion, including time at anchor, lunch, and free time. You can swim in transparent water, sunbathe, stroll along the shore where conditions allow, or simply sit back while the captain prepares lunch.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cover-up. There is little shade in a setting like this. Wear a swimsuit under light clothes so you do not waste time changing, and pack a dry bag or other protection for phones and cameras.

A Greek barbecue served on the boat

Lunch is a practical part of the experience rather than a formal meal. The menu includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit. Water, soft refreshments, and complimentary wine are also provided.

The food has received generally warm praise, with several people calling it good or tasty. It is basic barbecue fare, so you should not expect a restaurant meal with multiple courses. Still, eating freshly prepared Greek food after a swim, with Rhenia around you, is one of the cruise’s strongest value points.

Vegetarian guests have also been accommodated. You should notify the operator in advance rather than rely on a last-minute request. The supplied details do not specify a standard vegetarian menu, but the crew has shown flexibility with dietary needs.

Wine is included, but other drinks may be sold at a cash-only bar. Bring cash if you want something beyond the included refreshments. Alcohol is served only to people aged 18 or older, and you may need to show an ID or passport to verify your age.

The drink service can add a festive touch, especially on the ride home. It can also make the boat feel more like a social party than a sightseeing vessel. You get to choose how much you participate.

Delos in 1 hour and 45 minutes

After lunch, the boat sails to Delos. The island is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In ancient times, Delos was a major religious and commercial center, and the remains give you a rare chance to walk among temples, streets, houses, and public buildings in an island setting.

The archaeological entrance fee is not included. It is €20 per person, paid separately. You explore on your own, without a guide included in this cruise. That can be freeing if you like to set your own pace, but it also means you should arrive with at least a little background or a plan for what you want to see.

The stop lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. That is enough to get a strong first impression and see important areas, but it is not enough for a slow, detailed examination of the entire site. Several people wished for more time at Delos, while others felt the balance between ancient ruins and swimming worked well.

I would make Delos your priority if you are interested in archaeology. Go ashore promptly, keep track of the meeting time, and avoid spending the entire stop near the first ruins you reach. The site is larger than a quick photo stop, and walking through it without a guide can feel like stepping into an open-air history book. You will get more from it if you read about Delos before the cruise.

If ancient sites are not your main interest, you can remain aboard or use the nearby secluded swimming area chosen by the captain. That option keeps the day flexible for families and mixed groups. One person can explore Delos while another swims and relaxes.

Remember that Delos is not simply another beach stop. The ground can be uneven, sun exposure is strong, and the site requires walking. Comfortable shoes, light clothing, and sun protection will make this part much easier.

The return sail passes Little Venice

After collecting the Delos group, the boat returns to Mykonos Old Port. The final leg takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and includes a photo opportunity as you pass Little Venice.

This is often when the mood shifts. Music comes on, the crew encourages dancing, and the ride back can become a cheerful party on the water. The energy has been a major highlight for many people, including families with young children. Paula, a crew member praised for her kindness and energy, helped make the day especially enjoyable for several groups.

You should know what kind of ending you are booking. This is not a quiet sunset sail with soft conversation. It is more likely to feel upbeat and communal, with people dancing on a moving boat. That can be wonderfully silly after a day of sun and swimming, but it may be less appealing if you want to read or nap.

The Aegean can also be rough on the return. The crew has been praised for keeping people reassured and maintaining a good attitude when the water became choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable, watch the horizon, and avoid drinking too much wine.

What the $106.42 price really covers

At $106.42 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Mykonos. It is also more than a simple ferry ride to Delos. The price includes the boat, safety equipment, restroom, barbecue lunch, water, soft drinks, and wine, along with the Rhenia swim stop and the sailing time between islands.

That package gives you two very different experiences in one day. Rhenia offers sea and sun. Delos offers archaeology and ancient stonework. You also avoid arranging separate boat transport, lunch, and return travel.

The extra €20 Delos admission raises the real cost if you want to visit the ruins. Add possible charges for towels, snorkeling gear, and drinks from the cash bar. Snorkeling equipment has been listed by the operator at €15, though one passenger reported being quoted a much higher amount. To avoid confusion, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim, eat aboard, and visit Delos. If you only want to see the archaeological site, a dedicated Delos trip may give you more time. If you only want a beach day, a simpler swimming cruise may cost less and feel less structured.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a full Mykonos day with several elements rather than a single focused activity. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families who enjoy swimming, casual food, ancient sites, and music.

Children can have a good time, especially during the swim and return music. Parents should still consider the ladder entry, open-water swimming, strong sun, and uneven ground at Delos. The cruise is not ideal for anyone who needs an easy, paved route directly from the boat onto a beach.

The boat’s size also makes it a reasonable choice when wind is a concern. But a larger boat does not guarantee calm seas. If the weather turns poor, the operator may cancel and offer another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, so keep your plans firm once the deadline passes.

Practical packing advice for this exact day

Pack as if you are combining a beach trip with an archaeological walk:

• Swimsuit and a light change of clothes
• Towel, unless you plan to rent one
• Mask and snorkel, if you own them
• Comfortable walking shoes for Delos
• Hat, sunglasses, and strong sun protection
• Cash for the onboard bar or extra equipment
• Waterproof protection for your phone and valuables
• Passport or ID if alcohol-age verification is required

Wear light clothing and avoid bringing anything you cannot keep secure on a boat. You will move between the deck, ladder, beach, and archaeological site, so simple gear is best.

Should you book the Rhenia-Delos Cruise?

Book it if you want Rhenia swimming, a filling Greek barbecue, and a first look at Delos in one well-organized day. The crew’s friendly energy, solid boat, included food, and lively return sail give it more personality than a basic island transfer.

Think twice if your main goal is an in-depth visit to Delos, a private atmosphere, or an easy beach landing. The archaeological stop is brief, Rhenia may require a ladder and swim to shore, and the boat can carry as many as 120 people.

For most active visitors, the combination is worth the price. You get a real taste of the Cyclades by sea, time in unusually clear water, and a memorable walk through one of Greece’s great ancient sites. Bring your own gear, arrive early at the Old Port, and treat Delos as a carefully chosen first visit rather than a complete archaeological tour.

FAQ

Where does the Rhenia-Delos cruise start?

The cruise starts at Aegean Ventures in Mykonos Old Port, Mykonos 846 00, Greece.

What time should I arrive?

Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m., and the cruise departs at 10:30 a.m. You should be at the meeting point before departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes and ends back at Mykonos Old Port.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki sauce, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Water, refreshments, and complimentary wine are included. Other drinks may be available for purchase at a cash-only bar.

How much does it cost to enter Delos?

The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is €20 per person and is paid separately.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available for an extra charge, listed by the operator at €15. Towels also cost extra.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins.