Five hours of sailing, then freedom.

This Mykonos sailing cruise (Delos Rhenia with lunch and transfer) is a smart mix: you get time on a UNESCO-level site, then you’re back on the water for a swim in clear bays. I like that it’s small-group (max 14) with a licensed, English-speaking skipper and an assistant on board, so the day stays relaxed instead of chaotic.

Two other things I really like: the lunch and drinks are part of the deal, and the Rhenia stop includes snorkeling gear plus SUP. One consideration: the Delos archaeological ticket isn’t included (budget for the separate fee), and there’s no official tour guide for Delos, so you’ll want to be comfortable exploring at your own pace.

Key takeaways before you sail

• Small-group feel (max 14) makes it easier to chat, move around, and get real boat-time without elbow wars
• Lunch + wine and beer included means fewer decisions and less spending once you’re on the water
• Snorkeling equipment and SUP are included, so you can switch between hanging out and getting active
• Delos is a short stop (about 1 hour), which is great for seeing the highlights, but not for deep study
• Rhenia is all about water time with a long swim window and crystal-clear views right next to Mykonos

A 9:00 a.m. sailing day that starts easy in Mykonos

This cruise is built around a morning start, with departure at 9:00 am from the meeting point at Mathios Tavern in Mykonos. The meetup spot is simple to find, and the “back to the same place” ending keeps your day from turning into a logistics puzzle. If you want the transfer, you can request it ahead of time, and the team will confirm the pickup details after you book.

The day runs about 6 hours total, but the boat time matters more than the clock. You’re sailing for around 5 hours, then the rest of the time is yours to spend on Mykonos. That pattern is ideal when you don’t want your entire vacation day fenced in by a tour schedule.

Group size is another practical win. This isn’t a massive party boat. With up to 14 passengers, you’re more likely to feel like you’re on a friend’s charter than a cattle lineup. One review even described being one of just a few groups on board, which is the sweet spot for comfort.

Price that makes sense when you count what’s included

At $181.02 per person, the value is mostly about what gets folded in. You’re not just buying a seat on a boat. You’re also getting lunch on board, wine and beer, and snorkeling equipment. The fee also covers things like fuel charges, and you have a licensed skipper plus an assistant sailor working the whole day.

Here’s the part many people miss: you’ll also have to plan for Delos costs and bring essentials. Delos archaeological site admission is not included in the price (there’s a separate ticket fee of €20 per person). Also, beach towels aren’t provided, so bring one you don’t mind getting wet.

So the real question is whether you’d pay separately for a lunch + drinks + snorkeling gear + boat time. If the answer is yes, then the price starts to look fair fast. If you only want one swim and zero extras, you might find a cheaper sailing option. But if you want a full sea-day with built-in comforts, this one is priced like it knows what you’ll actually spend.

Delos Archaeological Site: a highlight hit in about an hour

Delos is the big name. Think ancient ruins, dramatic sightlines, and a place that feels like it belongs on a map inside your brain. On this cruise, you’ll have about 1 hour at Delos. That’s enough time to see major structures and get your bearings, especially if you’re not trying to read every inscription.

The tradeoff is also clear: tickets for Delos are not included, and there isn’t a dedicated tour guide for Delos as part of the package. You’ll be able to walk, look, and explore, but you’ll rely on the skipper/crew for general context and your own curiosity for the rest.

There’s also a real-world note you should take seriously: Delos closures can happen. If the archaeological site is closed, the operator may still include sailing by Delos but won’t guarantee a drop-off. In other words, you should book this knowing there’s a weather-and-operations element.

If you want the best experience at Delos, wear shoes that can handle uneven ground and bring water habits you can manage quickly. One hour goes fast once you start walking between ruins.

Rhenia (Rineia): two hours of swimming, snorkeling, and SUP

Rhenia is the payoff stop. This small island sits right next to Mykonos, and the vibe is simple: no inhabitants, calm water time, and the kind of bright-blue views you’ll keep looking at even after your phone is done “working.”

You get about 2 hours here, which is long enough for a real rhythm: swim, snorkel, climb onto SUP if you want it, then rinse and repeat. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment and SUP, so you’re not searching for rentals or paying extra on arrival. That inclusion matters because it turns the stop from “maybe I’ll swim” into “I can actually do it.”

A practical tip: snorkel gear is included, but you still need your own sense of comfort in open water. If you’re new to snorkeling, go slow and let the crew help set you up. If you’re an experienced swimmer, you’ll likely want to spend time finding the clearest water spots rather than trying to sprint through.

The best part of Rhenia is that it’s not a structured “look at this, now look at that” stop. It’s your time to enjoy the sea.

Lunch on board with wine and beer included

Food at sea trips can be hit-or-miss. This one aims to be solid. Lunch is included on board, and you’ll also have wine and beer available. From the way the day is paced, lunch usually functions like the mid-trip reset: you eat, you cool down, and then you’re ready for the swim stretch.

What I like most is that lunch is positioned to support the day, not compete with it. You’re not scrambling for a meal after a stop. You’re not hunting for a restaurant before you’re tired. You’re fed, then you can focus on enjoying Delos and Rhenia without turning your schedule into a hungry chore.

One more bonus: the boat setup is described as comfortable even when full. With a smaller passenger count, there’s enough space for people to move and settle without feeling packed in.

If you’re sensitive to the sun, plan to eat smart. Use whatever shade you can find, and drink water alongside the wine/beer. (It’s still a sea day, even when it feels like a relaxed vacation.)

Sailing time that feels personal, not scripted

The cruise includes a fully licensed English-speaking skipper and a skipper’s assistant. The difference shows up in how the day flows. A good captain keeps the boat moving and the schedule steady, but the assistant helps keep everything calm and organized so you aren’t asking the same questions repeatedly.

In particular, one review named Tina as the first mate and described her as friendly and knowledgeable. That matters because the “soft skills” are what make sailing fun. It’s not only about technical sailing. It’s also about knowing where to look, when to head where, and how to make stops feel worthwhile.

There’s also a small but telling detail: the captain is described as capable even when things go sideways. One story involved someone losing sunglasses overboard, and the crew handled it quickly. That’s the kind of competence you want on the water.

And because the group stays small, the sailing itself doesn’t feel like a background activity. You actually get time to enjoy the movement, the views, and the feeling of being on a real sailboat rather than just sitting on a boat.

How the rest of your day works in Mykonos

After Delos and Rhenia, you’re back in Mykonos with time left in the day. The cruise ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t need a complicated end plan. The “then the rest is free” format is great because it lets you choose how to finish your Mykonos time.

You can use the remaining hours for a slow stroll, shopping, beach time, or just grabbing food on your own. Since lunch is included, you’re not locked into a heavy second meal right away. It’s a flexible close that works well for couples, friend groups, and families who don’t want another scheduled stop.

This timing is also useful if you’re doing other Mykonos plans that require evenings free. A cruise that swallows your whole day can limit you. This one doesn’t.

Who should book this cruise, and who might hesitate

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A small-group sailing experience with a personal feel
• Water time that’s actually built in (snorkeling + SUP are included)
• A straightforward day plan: Delos highlight, then Rhenia swim, then free Mykonos time

It also works for families. One review specifically mentioned traveling with kids (including ages 9, 13, and 16) and called it a fun sailing experience. That’s a good sign that the pace is manageable for a wider age range.

You might hesitate if:

• You don’t want to pay extra for the Delos ticket (€20 per person)
• You prefer guided historical explanations at Delos, since a Delos tour guide isn’t included
• You’re only interested in a short outing and want to stay on shore for most of the day

Finally, remember the simple rule of sailing: good weather matters. The experience depends on conditions, and the operator notes that the day may be adjusted if Delos access is impacted.

Should you book? My quick decision guide

Book it if you’re aiming for a “one good boat day” in Mykonos that balances sightseeing and actual swim time, without making you plan every extra detail. The value is strongest when you’ll use the included features: lunch, wine/beer, snorkeling gear, and SUP.

Consider another option if Delos is your only goal and you want a full guided museum-style experience, because Delos admission and a dedicated guide aren’t part of this package.

If you do book, come prepared with a beach towel, comfortable walking shoes for Delos, and a mindset for a short-but-impressive stop. Then let the Rhenia water time do what it does best: reset your whole day.

FAQ

What time does the sailing cruise start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am in Mykonos and runs for about 6 hours total.

Is pickup available from my Mykonos location?

Yes, free transfer is available upon request. You’ll need to specify your exact pickup location by 10 pm the previous day.

Do I need to buy tickets for Delos?

Yes. Delos archaeological site admission is not included, and the separate ticket fee is €20 per person.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is included on board, along with wine and beer.

Are snorkeling and SUP included?

Yes. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment and SUP.

How large is the group?

This activity has a maximum of 14 travelers.

What happens if Delos is closed or weather changes?

The operator notes that Delos access can be affected by closure. If that happens, the day may still include sailing by Delos but not a drop-off. The experience also requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.