Delos in one day, plus beach time. This cruise from Mykonos pairs Delos ruins with a relaxed swim stop on Rhenia’s private beach, so you get mythology and downtime in the same 6.5-hour block.

I love two things most: the BBQ lunch on board (chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, bread) and the way the crew keeps the day fun with music, encouragement in the water, and even a dance party on the way back. If you get Paola, she’s a big part of that energy.

One drawback to plan for: Delos entrance isn’t included, so budget extra if you want to fully explore the archaeological site beyond the parts you can see from the outside.

Key highlights worth paying attention to

• Rhenia’s private beach on an uninhabited island with time to swim and stroll
• On-board lunch with drinks: BBQ food plus wine, juice, and water
• Delos archaeology time with houses linked to Dionysus and Cleopatra
• Choices if you’d rather not do every step at Delos (some time can shift to another swim spot)
• Crew-led fun: music on board and a return dance party
• Delos fee not included, so your true cost may be a bit higher

A 6.5-hour Delos-and-Rhenia day trip that mixes myths and swim time

This is the kind of Mykonos cruise that makes sense if you want both sides of the Greek-island experience: ancient stone and salty water. You start at the Old Port, sail on the Aegean, get a proper lunch on board, and then spend time at Delos before returning to Mykonos.

The day moves at a comfortable pace. You’re not stuck on a bus for hours. You’re on the water, and the itinerary is built around two memorable anchors: Rhenia for calm, fun swimming time and Delos for a dose of real archaeology.

Getting on board: Old Port check-in and what to expect before you sail

You meet at the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station. That’s useful because it means you’re not hunting around the island for a random pickup point. The activity runs about 6.5 hours, so you can plan the rest of your day without stress.

Bring a passport or ID card—a copy is accepted. Also note the rules: no oversize luggage, and the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to be thoughtful since you’ll be sailing during the day; some people noted the boat can feel bumpy at times.

Rhenia’s private beach: uninhabited-island calm you can actually enjoy

Rhenia is the easy win in this itinerary. You head to a secluded, uninhabited island and get private beach time, with a chance to swim in clear water or walk the shoreline at your own pace. This is the stop where the day stops feeling like sightseeing and starts feeling like vacation.

In practice, Rhenia is also where you’ll feel the most control. You’re not rushing through a timed ticket line. You can just choose your rhythm—sit in the sun, get in the water, or take a slow walk and enjoy the view from the shore.

Also keep in mind: snorkeling gear isn’t included. If you want it, plan to bring your own (or borrow from wherever you’re staying). If you’re not snorkeling, you’ll still get plenty of value from the swimming time.

Lunch on the water: BBQ skewers, tzatziki, and steady access to drinks

Lunch happens on board, and that matters more than you might think. You’re not breaking your day with a search for a restaurant, and you’re not spending time standing in heat with your stomach empty between tour segments.

The meal is a BBQ lunch with chicken and pork skewers, salad, rice, tzatziki, and bread. Drinks are included too: wine, juice, and water throughout the cruise.

This is one of those “small” inclusions that makes the day feel complete. You can focus on Delos afterward without the usual scramble to find food. And since drinks are provided, the mood on board tends to stay relaxed instead of turning into a stressed scramble halfway through.

Delos archaeology: sacred myths, the houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra, and real ruins

After lunch, you head to Delos, one of the most sacred sites in ancient Greece. Delos is famous for Apollo and Artemis, and in antiquity it became a major multicultural trade center. The result is a place that’s more than a postcard: it’s full of layered meaning, plus a lot of visible, walkable ruins.

You’ll have time to explore the site on your own, with a chance to see highlights like the houses of Dionysus and Cleopatra and beautiful mosaics and statues. People specifically call out big visual moments such as the marble lions, which makes sense—Delos rewards you for slowing down and looking at details.

A practical note: Delos entrance costs extra. One couple mentioned paying about €20 each for the visit. Your tour doesn’t include that ticket, and you may also want to budget extra for what you choose to do inside (museum areas can add value if you like interpreting what you’re seeing). If you’re not that interested in museums, plan your time around the parts you most want to see.

A smart option if you’d rather not do every step at Delos

There’s also a consideration that can help if the heat, walking, or ruins aren’t your thing. Some people noted that the boat can offer an alternative plan: if you’d rather not spend the full time on shore, there may be a chance to go to another swimming spot instead of going all the way through Delos.

I like this flexibility because it protects your day from becoming an obligation. You can still enjoy the cruise experience even if Delos isn’t your top priority.

Sea time on the Aegean: music, bumpy moments, and a crew that keeps it lively

The sailing itself is part of the experience. You’re cruising the Aegean between stops, with music on board and a lively but not chaotic atmosphere. Several people praised how stable the boat felt even when conditions were rough, which matters because the Aegean can switch from calm to choppy.

What makes this cruise feel different is the human factor: the crew doesn’t just hand you a timetable. They actively shape the vibe. One highlight that shows up repeatedly is encouragement to get into the water, plus a party energy on the return trip.

That means by the time you’re back, you’re not just tired—you’re having fun. People mentioned a dance party and even specifics like ABBA songs during the celebration. If that sounds like your kind of thing, you’ll probably leave with a smile that lasts longer than the sunburn.

Value check: how $99 adds up once you count Delos and what you get included

At $99 per person, this cruise can be good value because it bundles multiple categories of cost into one price: the boat trip, lunch, and drinks, plus the big-ticket experiences of Rhenia and Delos.

Here’s the practical breakdown of what’s included:

• Cruise with captain and crew services
• Lunch (BBQ meal on board)
• Wine and refreshments (wine, juice, water)

Here’s what’s not included:

• Transportation to and from the boat
• Snorkeling gear
• Entrance to the site of Delos

So your total day cost depends on how you do Delos. If you buy a Delos ticket, your price goes up—but you’re still getting a full day at sea with food and drinks, and you’re not doing this as separate day trips.

If you’re the type who likes to see major sights without stitching together multiple bookings, this is a strong setup. If you already hate extra fees and you only want free viewing from shore, you might find the Delos ticket less satisfying.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This fits best if you:

• Want a two-island day—ruins plus beach—without planning a complicated route
• Like day trips that include food and drinks
• Enjoy a social atmosphere where the crew keeps energy up (music, dancing, a party at the end)
• Are comfortable with walking on uneven ground and spending time on-site at Delos

It’s not a match if you:

• Need accessibility support, since the trip is not suitable for mobility impairments
• Don’t want to pay separate costs at Delos
• Prefer quiet, no-music trips where the only goal is soaking in views (this one leans fun)

Should you book the Cruise to Delos and Rhenia with Lunch?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels like a mix of culture and play, with included lunch and drinks doing most of the heavy lifting. The Rhenia beach stop is exactly what you hope for on a Mykonos day: unhurried, swimmable, and a nice break from the ruins.

I’d think twice if you’re primarily after the Delos experience and you hate add-on site fees, because Delos entrance isn’t included. Still, even with that extra cost, the cruise format means you get the best of both worlds—archaeology time plus a real beach reset.

If you like being part of the day, not just watching it, this one has strong momentum from start to finish.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Mykonos?

It lasts about 6.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise, captain and crew services, lunch, and wine and refreshments are included.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Entrance to the site of Delos is not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You start at the Old Port of Mykonos, at the kiosk next to the bus station. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What ID do I need to bring?

Bring a passport or ID card. A copy is accepted.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.