Mykonos by boat feels like cheating. This late-day cruise strings together postcard coastlines, the ancient site of Delos, and a swim/snorkel break on Rhenia—plus it runs on a small max-25 passenger sail.

I especially like the relaxed pace: you’re not just “passing through,” you’re doing real time on the water and then actually stopping.

Next up: the food. You get a fresh Greek buffet lunch on board, with soda/pop, beer, house wine, and bottled water included—so you’re not budgeting for meals while you’re enjoying the sea.

One big consideration: Mykonos can be windy, and the ride back can get choppy. If rough water instantly ruins your mood, this is the wrong kind of afternoon to gamble on.

Key highlights to look for

• Small boat, shared cruise feel: Maximum 25 passengers per boat, so the day feels personal rather than mass-market.
• Sunset timing: Starts around 16:00/16:30 and continues until sunset, with Delos passed by during the sail.
• Delos access is not automatic: The tour covers the visit time, but the Delos entrance fee is not included.
• Rhenia swim and snorkel break: Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time for water time on the uninhabited island.
• Food and drinks included: Greek buffet lunch on board plus soft drinks, beer, and house wine/white wine.
• Pickup to hotels/ports: Included for hotels and ports, but you may pay extra for other drop-off points—confirm your exact location.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $138.78 per person for about 6 hours, this cruise isn’t “cheap,” but it can be good value if you price it like this: boat time + Delos time + a real lunch on board + drinks + snorkeling gear.

The inclusion list matters. You’re covered for:

• Buffet lunch on board (Greek dishes prepared on board)
• Soda/pop, bottled water
• Beer and house wine (and white wine/beer are listed for alcohol)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fuel and port fees/taxes

The main thing not covered is the Delos entrance fee. So if you’re trying to budget accurately, plan for that extra cost at Delos before you go searching for an ATM on the island.

Where you meet and when you’re actually sailing

The meeting point is Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing at Tourlos 846 00. The cruise starts around 16:00 or 16:30, and it runs until sunset.

That timing is part of the charm. You’ll get the golden light for views around Mykonos, then carry that energy into the Delos sail-by and the on-water beach time. It’s also later in the day, so you may find the overall rhythm easier than the earliest morning departures.

A practical heads-up: the captain can adjust the route, ports, and even the starting time for safety and weather. You’re buying a sea day, not a museum ticket with guaranteed conditions.

Little Venice and Paraportiani: the “Mykonos classic” moments

You’ll pass by Little Venice and the Church of Paraportiani. From the water, these landmarks feel less like “check the box” and more like an actual scene. Mykonos is all about sharp lines, white buildings, and the way the sea frames everything—so seeing them from deck height is the right move.

These stops aren’t about walking around for an hour. They’re about getting the visuals with minimal hassle, then getting back to the main event: sailing out, eating well, and using your time where it counts.

If you care about photos, bring a bit of extra patience. On a small boat, you’ll be sharing space with everyone trying to get the same shot, especially when the light turns.

Delos and the entrance-fee reality

Delos is the anchor of this cruise. Even with limited time on the ground, it’s one of those places where the ruins do most of the storytelling. You’ll visit the Archaeological Site of Delos, and then the boat continues the experience from the water as Delos is passed by.

Two things to know so you don’t get surprised:

• Delos entrance fee is not included, so you’ll pay that separately.
• Your time on Delos can feel “short” if you’re the type who wants to linger slowly in every corner. If your idea of a perfect visit is reading every sign cover-to-cover, consider planning extra time on a separate day too.

One tip for families: entry rules on Delos can involve age proof. The tour notes that if you have kids under 18, you should bring or take an ID for the free entry requirement.

Rhenia beaches for swimming and snorkel time

This is the part that usually turns a good tour into a memorable one: Rhenia, the uninhabited island, where you get the swimming and snorkeling break.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not paying extra for gear. Still, don’t expect a “full reef safari.” Your goal here is simple: get in, float a bit, and enjoy the water color and the calm moments when the wind eases.

Bring the right expectations for your comfort level:

• You’re going to swim and you might get wet on the boat, too.
• A beach towel isn’t included, so bring your own or plan to dry off with what you have.

Also, Rhenia is uninhabited. That means no island convenience. You’re relying on what you brought and what the boat provides—another reason a good swim window matters.

The buffet lunch and included drinks: more than a snack

Lunch on board is a buffet of Greek delicacies prepared on the boat, and it’s actually one of the most praised parts of the experience. You’ll also get soft drinks, beer, house wine, and bottled water included.

This matters because it keeps the day flowing. You’re not trying to find a meal between ruins and water time. On a late-afternoon schedule, that makes the tour feel complete.

A small practical note: the included drinks are great for the mood, but keep an eye on how that affects how you feel on choppy water later. The boat ride back can be an “adventure,” and you want your head clear enough to sit safely and stay steady.

Boat size, seat choice, and the rough-seas factor

Here’s the truth about this kind of Mykonos sailing: even if the scenery is gorgeous, the ride can be windy. The tour is scheduled for good weather, and it’s designed as a shared cruise with a maximum of 25 passengers—so it’s not a huge catamaran that smooths out everything.

A few practical ways to stack the odds in your favor:

• If you get seasick, consider bringing motion-sickness help before you board.
• Pick your seat with the return ride in mind. People who sit in areas that get more spray can end up very wet when conditions stir up.
• Wear footwear you can move in if you need to shift for safety. The deck can be slick, and you don’t want to be balancing on the wrong shoes.

Most people seem to love the “real Greek sea” feeling of a sailboat. The trade-off is that you should treat it like an active water day, not a calm sightseeing cruise.

Pickup and getting back: make it match your exact location

Transportation is described as included to and from hotels and ports. If you want pickup/drop-off somewhere else—like a beach bar or club area—an additional charge applies. For cruise ship clients, you’re instructed to notify the operator of your docking/tender details and to remain at your terminal.

This is worth doing carefully. A tour can be technically “free” in the advertised zone, yet still cost you extra if your meeting or drop-off location doesn’t match the allowed pickup area. Before you go, confirm exactly where you’ll be picked up and where you’ll end the day.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Delos + a swimming break in one package
• A later-day schedule with sailing time into sunset
• On-board lunch and drinks included
• Snorkeling gear handled for you

Skip it if:

• You’re sensitive to choppy water and get seasick fast.
• You need a very calm, fully protected environment for kids or anyone who struggles with boat motion.
• You’re the type who needs long, slow time on ruins. Delos time here is functional and scenic, not exhaustive.

Should you book the Mykonos–Delos–Rhenia sailing?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for one great sea day with real extras: snorkeling included, Greek buffet lunch, and Delos time. For the price, the inclusion list does a lot of the heavy lifting, and the late-afternoon timing supports those classic Mykonos views.

I’d think twice if you’ve got a weak stomach for wind and waves. This trip can be genuinely rough depending on conditions, and the best way to avoid stress is to go in prepared—sea-sickness plan, good footwear, and the mindset that you’re sailing, not gliding.

If you want one simple decision rule: if you can handle a spirited boat ride and you’re excited about water time and ruins, this is a great match.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

It lasts about 6 hours, running from roughly 16:00/16:30 until sunset.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch on board (Greek buffet), soft drinks, beer/house wine/white wine, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and all fees/taxes are included. The Delos entrance fee is not included.

Do I need to pay extra for Delos?

Yes. The Delos entrance fee is not included in the tour price.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is included to and from hotels and ports. Other pickup/drop-off locations may cost extra.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.