The best part of Mykonos is the day trip you can do without stress. This full-day boat outing stacks Delos and Rhenia into one around-7-hour outing with lunch, plus a couple of choose-your-own-adventure moments on the water. I like the value here because it’s a shared option that keeps costs lower than a private charter. I also like that you can tailor Delos time—ruins, or swim-from-the-boat instead. One big caution: if wind picks up, the ride back can get rough, and sea sickness is a real possibility.

This is also one of those trips that feels relaxed on purpose. You’ll get time to look at one of Greece’s most important archaeological areas, then shift gears to swimming and hanging out on Rhenia. The group stays fairly small (maximum 15), so you avoid the worst of the crowding—but it’s still shared, so don’t expect a totally private pace.

Quick hits on Delos + Rhenia (what matters most)

• Two islands, one day: Delos ruins or swim, then Rhenia beach time, with lunch included
• Small group size: capped at 15 travelers, so it stays manageable
• Flex time on Delos: you can spend your two hours on land or in the water
• Rhenia is for relaxing: swim and unwind after the ruins stop
• Wind can change everything: rougher seas in the afternoon are possible
• Optional convenience: return hotel transfers can be added for extra comfort

Why this cruise is such a smart value for a Mykonos day

A private boat to Delos and Rhenia can get pricey fast. This shared cruise keeps the idea of “island hopping by sea” while cutting the cost to something most travelers can actually stomach. At $116.36 per person, the pricing feels more like a “doable splurge” than a luxury-only plan—especially because lunch and beverages are built in.

The best value isn’t just the price tag; it’s the whole flow of the day. You don’t spend half your time figuring out how to get from point A to point B, then another chunk paying for separate activities. Instead, Delos and Rhenia are handled in one continuous outing, and you just decide how you want to use your time at Delos.

That shared setup does come with tradeoffs. You can’t control sea conditions, and you can’t control other people’s pace. Still, with a maximum of 15 on board, it’s far from the kind of large-group chaos that makes small ports feel stressful.

Delos stop: two hours of ruins, or a break in the water

Delos is the cultural “must-see” anchor of the day. You’ll reach the Archaeological Site of Delos and get about two hours there. In that time window, you have two real choices:

1) Explore the classical ruins (land option).

If you choose to do the walking and ruins viewing, plan on bringing comfortable footwear and water. Two hours is enough to see the main highlights at a steady pace, but it’s not a “wandering forever” kind of time slot.

2) Swim from the boat (water option).

If you’d rather save your legs, you can skip land and do a swim break instead. This can feel like the more relaxed way to experience the day, especially if you’re sensitive to walking in the heat.

One detail to double-check before you go: Delos admission. The day’s schedule notes an admission ticket as free, but the list of what’s not included says the Delos archaeological site and museum entrance fee isn’t included. In plain terms: verify whether you’ll need cash/card for the site/museum part once you’re there (or ask ahead of time).

Also, a professional guide at Delos is not included. That’s not necessarily bad—it can keep costs down—but it means you’ll want to bring something to help you make sense of what you’re seeing (like a self-guided audio app or a printed map).

Rhenia island: swim time, then actually relax

After Delos, the day shifts gears to Rhenia. This is where you stop “touring” and start recovering. The cruise includes time for swimming and relaxing around the island, and this is the part people tend to remember for the simple reason that water-based time on a clear day feels good in your body.

One review note that really helps set expectations: the water can be cold. If you’re the kind of person who gets annoyed by chilly swims, you’ll want to plan how you’ll handle that first dip. If you’re game for it, the payoff is that Rhenia beach time feels like a real break, not a rushed photo stop.

If you’re trying to build a day that balances culture and fun, this is the balance point. Delos gives you the big landmark. Rhenia lets you decompress before the return.

The boat day itself: lunch onboard, small group vibe, and sea reality

This is a full-day cruise (about 7 hours, including transfers). On board, you’ll get a light lunch plus beverages. “Light lunch” matters—don’t expect a feast, and don’t rely on it to replace dinner later. Think of it as an easy fuel stop so you’re not hunting food mid-cruise.

Service seems to be one of the strong points. The crew comes across as friendly and attentive, and on at least one choppier day, the crew made sure people could safely get back on track—waiting for everyone in the water so nobody got left behind.

Now for the part that can ruin a day if you’re not prepared: wind. Multiple notes point out that the afternoon can get choppy. One person described the return ride as extremely rough after wind picked up, with lots of sea sickness. Another day included a choppy period but still felt manageable for most. That range is exactly why you should plan for sea conditions, not assume smooth sailing.

Practical takeaway: if you’re prone to motion sickness, take steps before you board (timing your medication can matter). And pick your seat wisely once you’re on board if there’s a choice—mid-boat often helps.

Price and what you truly get for $116.36

Let’s talk value in a concrete way. You’re paying for:

• Transportation by sea between Mykonos, Delos, and Rhenia
• Lunch and beverages
• A day that blends ruins time plus water time
• A relatively small group (max 15)
• Optional return hotel transfers if you upgrade

The key value driver is this: you avoid the big cost of private boating, while still getting a “real day at sea” experience. You also avoid paying for lunch separately. In Mykonos, those little extras add up fast, so having lunch and drinks handled is more useful than it sounds.

On the other hand, you need to budget for whatever costs show up at Delos. The missing pieces include a professional guide and the Delos entrance fee as listed, even if the schedule says admission ticket free. So your real cost depends on whether entry is free for you or whether something gets paid on-site.

Pickup, meeting point, and how to not lose time

This cruise starts at Olia Hotel Mykonos Paralia, Mikonos 846 00, Greece, with a 10:30 am start. It ends back at the meeting point.

If you select the pickup option, transfers are offered, but you’ll need to coordinate your preferred pickup location. The operation requires travelers to send their preferred meeting point and location by 3:00 pm the previous day. If you don’t, they’ll try to locate you using the hotel name or your details, but you’ll be taking on extra uncertainty.

They also state they’ll wait up to 15 minutes for you. After that, missed time generally affects the day and there’s no refund. That doesn’t mean you need to panic. It just means you should plan to arrive early with your head clear—no last-minute cab hunts.

If you’re not doing transfers, expect to get yourself to the port/meeting point on time. The tour is built around a set departure schedule, and delays on your end disrupt everything.

What to bring so Delos and Rhenia feel like fun

You don’t need luxury gear for this day, but you do need practical stuff. The experience includes walking at Delos (if you choose it) and swimming at Rhenia (and possibly at Delos).

Pack smart:

• Swimwear (and a towel if you have one you like)
• Water shoes or grippy sandals if you’re planning to swim and walk on rougher surfaces
• Sun protection for Delos time
• A light layer for the boat ride—windy days can feel cooler
• Motion sickness support if you’re sensitive to choppy water
• Cash/card for any Delos site costs (since what’s included can be unclear)

One useful heads-up from how the day is described: you can swim at Delos from the boat, but you might still choose to explore ruins. If you don’t bring swim gear, you’ll lose that flexible option.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should rethink it)

This works well if you want a balanced day: culture first, then beach time. It’s also a good choice if you’d like a shared cruise experience without massive crowds, thanks to the 15-person maximum.

You should reconsider if:

• You know you get badly sea sick, especially on windy days.
• You need a guided experience at Delos. A professional guide isn’t included, so self-exploration matters here.
• You want a private boat pace. This is shared, even if the group is small.

It’s also a solid option for couples and small groups who want a “one day do it all” plan from Mykonos, without stacking multiple tickets and logistics.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia cruise?

I’d book it if you want the Delos experience but don’t want to pay private-boat prices, and if you’re comfortable with the idea that sea conditions can change. The blend of two islands in one day, plus lunch and beverages, makes it a straightforward value play—especially with the small group limit.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re highly sensitive to rough water or you’re counting on calm sailing. Choppy seas can turn the second half of the day into a misery test for some people. If you’re unsure, plan for that reality: bring motion sickness support, and treat the water time as the highlight rather than something you must force.

If you do book, confirm how Delos entry fees will be handled for your ticket situation, and pack for both sun and wind.

FAQ

How long is the Delos and Rhenia cruise from Mykonos?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.), and that total includes transfers to and from the hotel or port.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point starts at Olia Hotel Mykonos Paralia (Mikonos 846 00, Greece) and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a light lunch plus beverages included.

Will I need to pay an entrance fee at Delos?

The details are mixed: the schedule notes admission ticket free, but the list of not-included items says the Delos archaeological site and museum entrance fee isn’t included. You should confirm before you go.

Do I get a guide at Delos?

No. A professional guide at the Delos archaeological site is not included.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are only included if you select the pickup/upgrade option. There’s also an upgrade option for return hotel transfers for extra convenience.

What happens if the weather is rough or canceled?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If the provider cancels because of bad weather (high winds over 6 degrees Beaufort), you’re entitled to an 80% refund.

How many people are on the boat?

There’s a maximum of 15 travelers on this cruise.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Children can take part only if they’re accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate.