A day on a small sailing yacht beats most cruise-ship schedules. You get Delos for quick, history-on-the-water style photos, then Rhenia for beach time that feels private. Even better, the day is built around swimming and hanging out, not bus stops.

What I like most is how the trip balances structure and freedom. Delos is the planned highlight, and then Rhenia is yours for the rest of the time. A second thing I really appreciate is the all-in-one comfort: lunch plus drinks on board, and snorkeling gear included so you can just show up and go.

One thing to think about: this is a sailing experience, and sailing depends on weather. If winds pick up, the ride back can feel rough, and that is not something you can fully control. I’d take that seriously, especially if you get motion sickness or you’re traveling with kids.

Key highlights to know before you go

• UNESCO Delos stop on the way to Rhenia, with time that’s great for photos even if you’re not doing a full museum-style visit.
• Rhenia anchorage feeling: a secluded bay where you can enjoy white sand without the usual crowd energy.
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t have to pay extra or hunt for gear.
• Traditional Mykonian lunch served on board, plus soda, beer, house wine, and water included.
• Small group cap of 25, which usually means a calmer vibe on the boat.

Tourlos departure and small-boat pacing: how the day actually feels

This cruise runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes and starts either around 9:00 am or 10:30 am. You’ll sail out from Tourlos (Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing, Mykonos 846 00), and you come back to the same meeting point at the end. It’s one of those trips that stays in the sweet spot: long enough to matter, short enough that you’re not ruined for dinner afterward.

The boat holds up to 25 people, and that matters more than you’d think. On bigger boats, you spend your time finding space, waiting in lines, and listening to the loudest person. Here, the small-group size tends to make it easier to move between shaded seating, the rail for views, and the swim area when you reach Rhenia.

The pacing is also simple: sail to Delos, then continue to Rhenia, then return to Mykonos in the early afternoon. This matters because you’re not trying to do everything at once. You’ll get a single planned cultural stop, then you switch gears to water time and relaxation.

Delos stop on the water: photos, myths, and what the entrance fee changes

Delos is the “wow” factor you can see right away. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s famous for Greek mythology and history. On this kind of sailing day, you’re not turning it into a multi-hour deep archaeological tour. Instead, you’re getting a stop that works best for photo moments and for getting your bearings in a place that looks like it belongs in a movie.

Here’s the practical catch: Delos entrance fee is not included. That means you should plan for that cost if you want to step onto the site and wander around. If you’re mostly after scenic views from the water, that fee might not be your priority. But if you want to walk among the ruins, budget for it in advance so you’re not stuck deciding on the spot.

Also keep expectations realistic. A short stop is great for quick exploration and photos, but if you’re the type who likes to read every sign and take your time, you may find the time limit frustrating. For most people, though, the tradeoff is worth it because you’re also getting the much-needed beach break at Rhenia.

Rhenia beach time: private feeling anchorage, snorkeling gear, and water fun

Rhenia is where the day turns from sightseeing to pure enjoyment. The plan is to anchor in a secluded bay, and that’s the difference between feeling like you’re at a busy beach and feeling like you’ve rented your own slice of coastline. Once you’re there, you get time for swimming in clear water and relaxing on board or on the sand.

You’ll want to take advantage of the included snorkeling equipment. The whole point of Rhenia is the water experience, and snorkeling gear being part of the package makes the trip smoother. You don’t have to wonder what’s available, and you don’t have to add rental costs on top.

You’ll also hear about other water activities. The day plan encourages trying stand-up paddleboarding if that option is set up for your group. Even if you don’t paddle, you can still treat it as a “watch and soak in the views” kind of moment.

One more practical thought: bring sunscreen and a plan for drying off later. You’ll be switching between sun, water, and boat time. A lot of people underestimate how quickly they get sunburned during a sea day, especially when there’s wind around the deck.

Lunch and drinks on board: why this boat meal gets real praise

The included lunch is a big part of why this excursion has a strong reputation. You’ll get a traditional Mykonian lunch served on board as a buffet of Greek dishes that are prepared fresh. In the feedback I’m using, people kept calling the food the best part, and not in a polite way. The repeated theme is that the meal is genuinely good, with enough variety and freshness that it doesn’t feel like a filler add-on.

Drinks are included too: soft drinks (soda/pop), beer, house wine, and water. That doesn’t mean you should treat it like an all-night party. But it does mean your lunch break is actually taken care of. No hunting for a place to eat. No paying separately for every drink. You can just sit down, eat, and enjoy the fact that you’re still on the sea.

This is also one of those value wins. When a trip includes lunch and beverages, it stops being just a “sailing ticket” and becomes a full activity day. And for families especially, it reduces stress because food decisions are handled.

The return ride to Mykonos: handle wind with real caution

Sailing days come with an honest variable: the wind. This excursion requires good weather, but even with a good forecast, sea conditions can change.

One negative experience raised concerns about the return when winds got stronger, including how people were positioned on the boat and whether basic safety steps were clearly handled. That’s just one account, but it’s enough for me to recommend you take safety awareness seriously on any sailing excursion, especially one that involves open water and a group.

What you can do before you settle in:

• Pay attention during any safety talk or brief instructions you’re given.
• Ask where life jackets are stored if it isn’t obvious.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider a seasickness option before boarding and stay where you feel the most stable.

I’ll also add a simple comfort tip: even on a warm day, the wind on the water can cool you off fast. Bring a light layer you can use on the deck.

Price and value at $138.18: what’s included, what you must add

At $138.18 per person, this is not the cheapest thing on Mykonos. But it’s also not “pay extra for everything” pricing. You’re getting several cost items wrapped in:

• Fuel and port fees, plus all fees and taxes
• A Greek buffet lunch on board
• Soda/pop, beer, house wine, and water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water

What’s not included:

• Delos entrance fee
• Towels
• Private transportation to the meeting point

This is the math that matters for value. If you were paying separately for a catamaran or speedboat day, plus snorkeling gear, plus lunch, plus drinks, the total would usually climb quickly. Here, the included meal and water time do a lot of the heavy lifting for value.

The two add-on costs to plan for are Delos entrance and a towel (either bring your own or plan to get one nearby before you meet). If you forget those, it’s not the end of the world, but it can turn a smooth day into a rushed one.

Who should book this Delos and Rhenia sailing day

This trip fits best if you want a classic Aegean day that mixes culture and water time without turning it into an exhausting marathon.

You’ll probably love it if:

• You want a small-group sailing experience more than a large-tour scene
• You care about swimming and snorkeling
• You’re happy with a short Delos stop for photos and a quick walk, not a full guided ruin deep dive
• Your travel group values eating well on board, because the lunch is a standout

You might want a different option if:

• You strongly dislike any possibility of rougher sailing conditions
• You expect a long, guided archaeological experience at Delos
• You need everything fully covered, since Delos entrance and towels are not included

Families can work well here. One of the positive accounts specifically mentioned this being a top excursion for a teen, which is a nice sign that the day has enough fun to keep younger people interested while adults enjoy the views and food.

How to prepare so you’re not scrambling on the dock

This is a simple tour, but a few smart prep steps make it feel effortless.

Before you go:

• Pack your swimwear and a towel, since towels aren’t included.
• Bring sunscreen and something for sun protection (hat or sunglasses help a lot).
• Don’t forget you’ll need Delos entrance fee if you plan to visit the site.
• Keep your mobile ticket handy.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it early rather than waiting once the boat starts moving.

On the day:

• Arrive a bit early so check-in doesn’t feel like a sprint.
• If it’s windy, dress for wind chill too. A light layer can be the difference between comfortable and constantly fidgeting.

Should you book this sailing cruise to Delos and Rhenia?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels like Mykonos at its best: a UNESCO stop for big sight moments, then a calmer anchorage for swimming, snorkeling, and a genuinely good lunch. The small group size plus the included meal and water activities are the strongest reasons this is worth your time.

I would pause and think a little harder if rough sea conditions would ruin your comfort, or if you’re expecting Delos to be a slow, detailed archaeological walkthrough. In those cases, you might do better with a land-focused Delos plan and a separate beach day.

Bottom line: this is excellent value when you want sailing plus beach time, and it’s at its best when you treat it like a water day first, and a culture stop second.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart?

The sailing starts at either 9:00 am or 10:30 am, depending on the service time.

How long is the cruise?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes (approximately).

Where do we meet and where does it end?

You meet at the Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing location in Tourlos, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is Delos entrance included?

No. The Delos entrance fee is not included.

What’s included in the all-inclusive package?

Lunch on board (Greek buffet), soda/pop, beer, house wine, water, snorkeling equipment, and fuel/port fees and taxes are included.

Are snorkeling items provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Is there a group size limit?

Yes. The maximum group size is 25 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What happens 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.