A half-day on the water, minus the Mykonos crush. This is a smooth outing that pairs a quick look at the UNESCO-linked ruins of Delos with downtime on the quiet, uninhabited island of Rhenia. I like that it keeps things simple: you get the headline sight and then you’re back on a boat headed for swim time instead of another long bus ride.

My other big win is the vibe. The boat runs with summer music, and you can lean into the water fun with a water slide and a paddle-surf board, plus an onboard crowd energy that stays friendly. On at least some sailings, the onboard host (including Martin) is the kind of person who keeps games going and the group from turning into a silent lineup.

One drawback to plan for: the sea. If it’s windy or choppy, you may feel it, and one sailing had strong wind and big waves—so if you’re prone to seasickness, bring what you need.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Delos archaeology in a short, usable stop that doesn’t eat your whole day
• Rhenia’s swim time on sandy beaches with very clear water
• Onboard water toys like a water slide and paddle-surf board
• Lunch + open bar with beer, juices, and cocktails like mojitos and margaritas
• A lively host-led atmosphere, including kid-friendly water games

Delos in 60 Minutes: What You Actually See

Delos is the kind of place where you want more time. Still, this trip gives you a practical dose: a quick visit plus about an hour of free time to wander and take photos without feeling rushed into a lecture.

You’re not going just for pretty ruins—you’re there because Delos matters historically and geographically in a way that earned UNESCO status. In real life, that means you’ll be looking at stone remains that still show the scale of ancient life, from public spaces to religious areas, all set on a small island that’s now mostly bare and open.

The key thing for your expectations: you won’t be doing a deep, all-day archaeology tour. You’ll be doing a short orientation to the place, then you’ll have time to roam and decide what grabs you most. If you’re the type who loves reading every sign, plan on spending your hour carefully. If you’re more “show me the highlights and let me breathe,” the timing works well.

Also note this detail: Delos entrance fees are not included, so you’ll want to factor that into your total budget.

Rhenia’s Beaches and the Kind of Swim You Remember

Rhenia is the payoff island. It’s uninhabited, with sandy beaches and water that looks clear enough to make you double-check your eyes. The trip gives you a long block—about two hours—so you can do more than just dip your toes.

This is the time you should aim to get your sunscreen on and your swim loop set. Go early in the window if you want calm water and space on the beach. Then settle in for a proper swim, relax, and keep an eye out for when the boat starts pulling people back toward lunch and the next activity.

Two practical tips for Rhenia time:

• Bring a towel and a hat, because you’ll be out in the sun.
• If you want to use water activities, try not to leave them until the last 15 minutes. Two hours can feel long, but the clock catches you fast once music and games kick in.

The overall feeling here is simple: you leave Mykonos energy behind and swap it for a more laid-back day—no streets, no crowds, just swim-and-sun.

The Boat Vibe: Music, Games, and Martin’s Energy

This is not a quiet, sit-in-your-seat ferry day. The boat is set up like a floating beach club: music on the deck, an animated atmosphere, and a crew that keeps the group moving.

The onboard host can make a real difference. On some sailings, the host Martin has been highlighted for being organized and genuinely good at keeping everyone engaged—especially families and kids. If you’re traveling with children, that matters more than you might think, because you want them happy without turning your day into a constant referee job.

Then there’s the gear. You’ll have access to a paddle-surf board and a water slide, which turns the afternoon from just swimming into an actual activity loop. The best part of this setup is that it works for different energy levels: you can be active for a while, then switch to lounging when your body says enough.

One more realistic note: the water can get choppy. If the wind kicks up, you’ll feel it in your stomach before you see it in the horizon. That’s why this trip is best if you’re comfortable with boats and moving water.

Lunch and Drinks: A Real Midday Reset (With Diet Options)

Food on boats can be hit or miss. Here, lunch is included, served onboard, and it comes alongside soft drinks so you don’t have to scramble for something to eat. The drinks list is a standout for value: unlimited open bar including beer, water, refreshments, juices, plus mojitos and margaritas.

You’ll want to use that responsibly—hydration matters in the sun—but it does make the day feel complete. You’re not paying extra at every stop just to keep the day rolling.

On diet: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you tell the team when you book. If you have allergies, it’s worth being direct and clear ahead of time. The boat staff needs that info to adjust the meal.

One practical thought: with open bar and midday sun, pace yourself. Plan for a slower start on the deck, then save your full energy for after you’ve cooled off with swimming.

Price and Value: Is $93 a Good Deal?

At $93 per person, this trip competes with other half-day Mykonos excursions—but the value comes from what’s folded in.

You’re paying for:

• A round-trip boat day from Mykonos (with sailing breaks along the way)
• A quick stop connected to Delos’ archaeological highlights
• A longer Rhenia swim window
• Lunch onboard
• Unlimited drinks (including beer, juices, and cocktails)
• Water toys like a paddle-surf board and water slide

If you were trying to recreate that yourself—boat + guide time + lunch + drinks + water gear—you’d usually end up spending more and spending more time planning. The strongest value here is the “no extra decisions” factor: you buy the ticket and then show up for the day.

What’s not included is also important: Delos entrance fees and snorkeling equipment are not included. If snorkeling is a must-do for you, either bring your own setup or confirm what’s available on board before you go.

Bottom line: it’s a fair price for a fun, water-focused day that avoids full-day travel grind.

How the Timing Works: When You’ll Be On Deck

The day is built like a half-day loop. You check in around late morning in Mykonos, then you head out early enough to enjoy Delos before the day heats up too much.

A quick timeline feel:

• You meet and check in first.
• You sail toward Delos, then stop there for roughly an hour of free time.
• Next comes Rhenia, with about two hours for swimming and relaxing.
• You return to Mykonos in mid-afternoon so you still have evening free.

This pacing matters. Delos gets enough time to see the major highlights and take photos. Then Rhenia gets the long block for swimming—so the day doesn’t flip into another “look but don’t swim” schedule.

Also, expect short sailing stretches between islands. Those transit blocks help you reset and enjoy the ride, but they also mean you’ll want to bring sun protection even when you’re not on the beach.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

Pack like you’re going to the beach, not like you’re going to a museum.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel

Skip or limit:

• Oversize luggage (it’s not allowed on board)

And a small but real “boat rule” mindset:

• Anything you bring onboard is your responsibility.
• Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

If you’re sensitive to motion, consider a motion-sickness option before departure. The sea can be fine, but you have enough time on the water that it’s worth being prepared.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This is best for people who want a mix of culture and water time without turning it into a full-day marathon.

I’d especially recommend it if you:

• Want a quick Delos stop but also want a real beach day
• Like active fun with a water slide and paddle-surf board
• Are traveling with a family and want energy that’s easy to manage
• Prefer an organized half-day plan from Mykonos

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, since you’ll be moving between deck and beach areas during the stops.

If you’re hoping for a calm, silent photography expedition, this trip may not match that style. If you want a social, sun-and-water day with a meaningful stop at Delos, it fits nicely.

Should You Book This Delos & Rhenia Boat Trip?

Yes—if you want a half-day that balances a top archaeological stop with real swimming time on a quiet island. The included lunch and the unlimited open bar make it feel like a complete day, not a “just get you to the island” transfer.

I’d only hesitate if you:

• Get seasick easily (wind and waves can happen)
• Need snorkeling equipment provided (snorkeling gear isn’t listed as included)
• Are counting on Delos entrance fees being covered (those fees are not included)

If you can handle a boat ride and you like water activities, this is a smart way to see more of the Cyclades in less time.

FAQ

Is lunch included on the Delos & Rhenia boat trip?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, and there are soft drinks provided as well.

Do I pay extra for Delos archaeological site entry?

Yes. Entrance fees to the archaeological site of Delos are not included.

How long do we spend at Delos and at Rhenia?

Delos includes a quick visit plus about 1 hour of free time. Rhenia includes about 2 hours for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the sun.

Is there an open bar or drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes an unlimited open bar with beer, water, refreshments, juices, mojitos, and margaritas.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available. The pickup time depends on your hotel location, and you’ll be contacted by email with details. (If you choose no pickup, you’ll still meet at the port check-in point.)

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.