Two islands, one smooth catamaran day. I love the crowd-free feeling of seeing Delos and Rhenia from the water, and I also love that the cruise includes an open bar plus snorkeling gear. It’s a simple way to get the Greek-island “wow” without fighting for space on land.

The one thing to keep in mind: your time on Delos is brief, and the Delos archaeological site fee is not included, so plan for extra costs if you want to go beyond the shore views.

Key things to know before you go

• Private for up to 9 people means the boat feels like your own little floating living room.
• Delos from the sea first lets you get oriented fast, with monuments visible from the approach.
• Rhenia’s Skinos Blue Lacuna is built for swimming and sunbathing on clear water.
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks keep the vibe easy from start to finish.
• Snorkeling equipment and towels included so you can actually use them without extra hassle.
• Fast boat pace can mean a bit of spray, so it’s not the slow-and-cozy style for everyone.

Ornos to the Catamaran: the feel of a true private cruise

This is a private 3-hour cruise out of Ornos in Mykonos. With up to 9 people on board, you’re not playing the “who found the last towel” game. The boat setup is built for relaxing: you’re out on the water quickly, and the day feels flexible instead of boxed into a rushed checklist.

One detail I really like: the cruise is designed around comfort and small comforts. Towels are included, snorkeling equipment is included, and you get unlimited drinks through the trip. That matters because it turns “tour day” into “time on a boat,” which is exactly what you want for this kind of route.

The meeting point is Ornos dock, and the tour ends back at the same spot. If you’re coming from somewhere along the Mykonos town area, you’ll want to budget a little time to get to Ornos and settle in before boarding.

Delos from the water: monuments, myth, and a short shore stop

Delos is one of those places where you can feel the weight of Greek mythology and ancient history even before you step anywhere. The cruise approach makes a lot of sense: you get a view of the ancient monuments from the sea, so you’re not arriving cold.

Delos is tied to the myth of Apollo and Artemis. According to the legend, Poseidon revealed the island for Leto, who had been persecuted by Hera, as she came to give birth to Apollo and Artemis. Even if you’re not a hardcore mythology person, it gives context to what you’re looking at.

What you’ll do here:

• You’ll leave Ornos on a short, enjoyable boat ride.
• You’ll reach Delos and have a brief stop on the port/area from which you can see the main monuments.
• There’s also the option to arrange guided tours by professional guides if you want deeper on-the-ground context.

The practical catch is time. Your Delos stop is about 20 minutes. If you want to spend that time getting oriented, taking photos, and maybe stepping in depending on what’s open and how you plan your route, 20 minutes can feel right. But if you’re hoping for a long, slow walk through the archaeological site, you’ll likely want to book more time separately.

And don’t forget the cost reality: the entrance fee for the archaeological site of Delos is not included. Plan on about €12 per adult for the site entrance.

Rhenia and Skinos Blue Lacuna: where the day turns into swim time

After Delos, you head to Rhenia, a nearby island that has a past that’s darker than the scenery. In ancient times, it was shaped by restrictions involving Delos, and it served as a necropolis. It also functioned like a kind of sanatorium for people who were no longer allowed to stay on Delos.

Then time does its thing, and what you get today is beach time and water time.

Rhenia is known for its beaches with crystal-blue aquamarine water, and the best-known spot is Skinos, often described as the Blue Lacuna. This is where the cruise earns its reputation: you get time to swim in clear water, sunbathe, stroll the shoreline, and enjoy the boat experience while you’re still surrounded by the island’s scenery.

What I think you should do during your Rhenia stop:

• Swim early if you can. Water is usually at its most inviting before you spend time debating where to place your towel.
• Use the snorkeling gear if you’re comfortable with it. The water clarity here is the main reason people choose this stop.
• Bring a bit of sunscreen strategy. Even on a short, 3-hour outing, the sun can be strong.

The cruise notes about Rhenia are simple: it’s a beach-and-swim island day, not an “explain-every-statue” day. You’ll also return toward Mykonos with sea views from the water, which helps the whole trip feel like a loop rather than a straight out-and-back.

Open bar and snorkeling gear: what’s actually included

This is where the value shows up. You’re not buying a ticket and then paying for the basics once you’re out on the water.

Included for your ride:

• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks (open bar)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Towels
• Fuel surcharge (baked into the price)
• A captain on board

That open bar part matters because it changes the mood. You’re not trying to time the first drink order with how soon the captain stops. You can focus on swimming, photo time, and just chilling without that constant “what’s extra?” question.

Also, pay attention to how the trip feels physically. One of the notes from the experience is that it can be a fast boat ride and you may get a bit wet. If you’re the kind of person who hates motion or spray, plan for that. If you don’t mind getting splashed a little, you’ll probably find the speed part of the fun, especially on the hop between stops.

Price and value: $901.05 per group can make sense

The price is $901.05 per group for up to 9 people, for about 3 hours. That sounds high until you remember two things: it’s private, and you’re paying for a boat day that includes drinks and snorkeling gear.

Here’s the simple value math:

• If you fill all 9 spots, you’re roughly around the $100-per-person range (before the Delos site entrance fee).
• If you have fewer people, the per-person cost rises fast, but you still get the payoff of privacy and flexibility.

In plain terms, this is best for groups who want:

• A private boat feel
• Fewer crowd frustrations
• Time to swim at Rhenia without bargaining for space

If you’re traveling as a solo or couple and don’t care about privacy, you might compare prices with shared options. But if you want your own schedule and a smooth “boat-first” day, this price can feel fair.

Timing, comfort, and weather: how to have a smooth day at sea

This experience is about 3 hours, and it runs based on good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may offer a different date or a full refund. That matters because short cruises like this live and die by sea conditions.

A few practical prep tips:

• Bring swimwear you can get into quickly. You’ll be at Rhenia for swimming time.
• Pack sun protection. Delos and Rhenia are bright, and you’re on open water.
• If you’re prone to getting seasick, consider whether a faster catamaran-style ride is your thing. The ride style can include some spray and motion.

Also check your clothing plan. Because you might get wet, it helps to have a towel plan and something dry to change into once you’re back at Ornos.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should think twice)

This cruise fits especially well if you:

• Want to escape Mykonos crowds
• Like the idea of customizing your day within a compact route
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling more than long museum-style pacing
• Travel with friends or family where privacy really matters

It’s also a good option if you want history context without spending your entire day on land. Delos gets you the myth-and-ruins connection. Rhenia gives you the water-and-beach payoff. The mix is the point.

The main “think twice” category:

• Anyone expecting a long, deep archaeological visit on Delos. Your on-site time is brief, and the Delos archaeological entrance fee isn’t included.
• Very young kids. It’s not recommended for children aged 3 and under.
• Anyone who hates getting a bit wet or doesn’t like faster boat movement.

On the plus side, most people can participate, service animals are allowed, and it’s private to your group only. If you want a calm, tailored outing, this setup supports that.

The people factor: captain care makes the day

What makes a private cruise feel genuinely good isn’t just the boat. It’s the captain and how the crew handles little needs.

The experience highlights include captains who were described as accommodating and sweet, with fast communication ahead of the ride. One captain named Vasilis/Vassillis comes up in the feedback as attentive and focused on your comfort. Another note mentioned staff named Aries bringing snacks, plus wine during the Blue Lacuna time after Delos. Those details matter because they turn a standard itinerary into a “this is ours” feeling on the water.

Should you book Delos and Rhenia on a private catamaran?

If you want a practical, high-reward Mykonos day, I think this is a strong choice. You get two famous islands in one short outing, and you don’t spend the whole time standing in lines or squeezing into crowded viewpoints. The included open bar, snorkeling gear, and towels turn it into a real boat day, not just transport.

Book it if your priority is:

• Swimming time at Rhenia (Skinos Blue Lacuna)
• Seeing Delos without the crush of land-based sightseeing
• Private comfort for up to 9 people

I’d hesitate if:

• You need lots of time inside the Delos archaeological site, since your Delos stop is short and the site fee is extra
• You’re very sensitive to motion or spray from a faster ride

If you’re aiming for a balanced day—myth and ruins from the sea, then clear-water swimming—this route is hard to beat.

FAQ

How many people are on this private cruise?

It’s a private tour for your group only, and the group size is up to 9 people.

Where does the cruise depart from in Mykonos?

You meet at Ornos dock (Ornos, 846 00, Greece). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Is the Delos archaeological site entrance fee included?

No. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is excluded. It’s listed as €12 per adult.

What’s included for drinks and snorkeling?

You get an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Snorkeling equipment and towels are included.

What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.