Two islands, one unforgettable sail. Delos ruins spark real wonder, and Rhenia’s swim time feels like pure escape.

I like the way this half-day format mixes big ancient sights with water time you actually look forward to. You get a onboard BBQ lunch plus fruit, and the crew keeps the energy up with music and a lively dance moment on the way back.

The main thing to plan around is Delos on a hot day, plus the fact that the Delos entrance fee is not included. It’s a self-guided walk with limited shade, so bring water and sunscreen or you’ll feel it.

Key things I’d prioritize

• Rhenia swim time at a quiet, uninhabited island with clear water and multiple moments to get in
• Delos UNESCO ruins with a self-guided 2-hour window that’s long enough to feel the place
• BBQ on board and plenty of onboard food while you’re out on the water
• A fun return cruise with music, singing, and dancing that turns the ride home into part of the day
• Easy, simple pacing: sailing out, swim and lunch, ruins, then back before dinner plans get complicated

Finding the Boat at Mykonos Old Port and Getting Settled

This trip meets at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. Go early enough that you’re not rushing in the heat or trying to spot the right boat at the last minute. You’ll need a passport or ID card.

Once you’re on board, the day becomes straightforward: you’re not juggling transfers or timing multiple tour groups. The crew runs the flow—get settled, then get moving when it’s time. In practice, that’s what makes a half-day trip feel relaxing instead of chaotic.

If you’re prone to feeling seasick, consider bringing motion-sickness meds. The boat ride can be choppy on some sailing days, and you’ll want to feel comfortable from the start.

A 6.5-Hour Itinerary That Actually Has Time for Both Islands

The pacing is the big reason to choose this option. You spend about 45 minutes sailing to Rhenia, then you get roughly 3 hours there for swimming and BBQ. After that, it’s 2 hours on Delos, followed by about 30 minutes of cruising back toward Mykonos.

That order matters. Rhenia first means you’re already warmed up for the day by the time you reach Delos. Then Delos feels like a switch from beach mode into history mode. And because you’re back in Mykonos before the evening stretches out, you can still plan dinner without guessing how late you’ll get.

You also get flexibility. At Delos, you can either stay on the boat or go ashore for the UNESCO site time. That choice is useful if you’re tired from walking in the sun, or if you simply want more sea time.

Rhenia Island: Crystal Water, BBQ Lunch, and Beach Time Without the Crowds

Rhenia is uninhabited, and it shows in the feel of the day. You’re there for the water. Think sandy coves, an uncrowded vibe, and a clear-blue swimming environment that makes it easy to lose track of time.

You have a few ways to enjoy it:

• Swim right from the boat and relax in the water
• Use snorkeling time if you brought equipment or buy it onboard
• Spend your free time near the beaches while the crew handles lunch

A practical note: some areas can be rocky. A few visitors recommend water shoes, especially if you plan to go from boat to shore. If you’re not a strong swimmer, you may still be able to enjoy the area with support (some people note using pool noodles). You’re not expected to be an Olympic athlete—just pay attention to how the crew gets people in and out.

BBQ and Drinks: The Simple Meal That Makes the Sea Day Work

The onboard BBQ and fruit are included. The food is meant to keep you fueled while you’re out on the water, not to serve as a gourmet destination. Still, people consistently describe the lunch as genuinely good, with Greek-style favorites like meat skewers, salad, bread, and rice.

One of the nicer extras is the drinks atmosphere. Many guests talk about unlimited wine along with water and soft drinks. If that’s your style, it’s part of what turns the boat into a full day experience instead of just transportation between stops.

Tip: eat first, then swim. It’s tempting to jump in right away, but you’ll feel better if lunch sits for a little bit before you go back into the water.

Delos UNESCO Ruins in 2 Hours: Self-Guided, Hot, and Worth It

Delos is the reason people call this trip a history-and-hits combo. You’ll spend about 2 hours sightseeing on the island at the UNESCO archaeological site.

Important cost detail: the entrance fee to Delos is not included and is listed as approximately €20. Add that to your budget, especially if you’re comparing this to other boat days that claim a single all-in price.

This is also self-guided. You’re not getting a dedicated guide leading you through every stop. Instead, you navigate at your own pace with plaques, a map, and the layout of the ruins. That can be a benefit: you move faster when something catches your eye and slow down when you want to read.

Bring water. Delos can get extremely hot, and there’s little shade in many areas. Some visitors specifically suggest starting toward the higher viewpoint and then working your way through the site. Even if you don’t follow that exact path, the general advice holds: plan for sun, and don’t underestimate how much walking those stone streets and steps can involve.

Choosing Between Delos Ruins and Staying on Board

The trip gives you a real decision point at Delos. You can disembark for the ruins time, or you can stay on the boat and use the added sea time.

This works well because people vary. Some want the UNESCO experience no matter what. Others prefer the water and relaxation, especially if they’re not in the mood to sit through a hot walk.

It also makes sense practically. If you’re traveling with mixed interests—one person loves ancient sites, the other wants beaches and swimming—you’re not forcing a single plan on everyone. You can match your day to your energy level.

The Return Cruise Party: Music, Singing, and Dancing Without Feeling Forced

On the way back, the atmosphere shifts in the best way. Guests describe music and a dance party vibe, with singing and dancing as the boat heads toward Mykonos.

The crew energy matters here. Several people mention upbeat hosts by name, including Mola and Mohamed, and they also talk about a captain/host named Michael and crew member Poala. Even if you don’t recognize the exact names for your sailing, the pattern is clear: the crew tries to keep the mood playful while still managing safety and timing.

If you don’t want to dance, you can still enjoy the music and the upbeat crowd. But if you do like that kind of group fun, this return ride is a big reason the rating stays so high.

One more practical detail: the return may feel bumpy too, depending on wind and sea conditions. Bring something you can do to stay comfortable—motion-sickness meds if you need them, and just plan to hold on if the boat pitches.

What to Pack: ID, Swim Gear, Sun Protection, and Snorkel Setup

You already know the trip includes swimming, but what you bring can change the whole experience. At minimum:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimsuit and towel plan (you’ll want to dry off later)
• Sunscreen and water for Delos walking time

If you plan to snorkel, snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be purchased onboard. That’s helpful if you forgot gear back in town.

If you’re sensitive to sun or you want comfort on steps, consider a hat and something you can use to reapply protection quickly. Delos is exposed. Rhenia is too, and the sea can trick you into thinking you’re not getting burned.

For footwear, water shoes can help if you want to step onto rocky sections of shoreline. Some guests also note the water can feel cool at first, but it tends to be bearable once you’re in.

Price and Value: What $101 Covers and What You’ll Add

At about $101 per person for a 6.5-hour day, this is a strong value if you want both islands without spending extra time and money on separate tours.

What’s included:

• Boat trip
• BBQ and fruit
• Fuel and crew

What typically costs extra:

• Delos entrance fee (about €20)
• Snorkeling equipment (available to buy onboard)

Now the real value question: are you paying for transport only, or for a full day? In this case, you’re paying for transport plus lunch plus the key experiences—Rhenia swimming and Delos ruins time. Many guests also mention a strong onboard social vibe with drinks, which adds to the “day out” feeling.

Also remember that you’re not getting a dedicated Delos guide included here. If you want a deep, narrated historical walkthrough, you might prefer a tour that explicitly includes a guide for the site. But if you’re happy with self-paced ruins reading and walking, this format is efficient.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a short, well-paced trip that includes both swimming and UNESCO ruins
• Like onboard energy and don’t mind a lively music-and-dance atmosphere
• Travel with mixed interests and want flexibility at Delos
• Care about value and prefer meals included instead of piecing meals together in port

It may be less ideal if you:

• Can’t handle hot, exposed walking on Delos (you’ll feel it without shade)
• Are very sensitive to rougher boat rides and don’t want to plan for motion-sickness support
• Need a guided, narrated experience at Delos and get frustrated with self-guided ruins

For couples, it can be a strong honeymoon-style day: lots of sea time, a memorable history stop, and a fun atmosphere on the return.

Should You Book This Delos and Rhenia Boat Trip?

If your ideal Mykonos day includes both ancient ruins and serious swim time, I’d book this. The structure makes sense: Rhenia gets you into vacation mode early with clear water and a real swim window, then Delos gives you a UNESCO site experience that’s long enough to feel meaningful without dragging into an all-day grind.

My only pushback is to respect Delos heat and self-guided walking. If you’re prepared with sunscreen, water, and comfortable expectations, this tour hits the sweet spot of value and variety.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re worried about sea sickness. I can help you decide if this format will feel easy or stressful for your specific timing.

FAQ

How long is the Delos and Rhenia half-day boat trip?

The total duration is 6.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Mykonos?

Meet at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Entrance fee to Delos is not included and is listed as approximately €20.

How much time do you get on Delos?

You can get about 2 hours on Delos for sightseeing (self-guided).

Can I swim or snorkel at Rhenia?

Yes. Rhenia includes time for swimming, and snorkeling is an option during the sea time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be purchased onboard.

What food is included?

BBQ and fruit are included.

Are drinks included?

The activity includes BBQ and fruit; some guests also mention unlimited wine and soft drinks during the trip.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a passport or ID card. It also helps to bring sun protection and water for Delos since it can be hot.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.