This day trip turns two very different places into one smooth plan. I like the combo of Delos archaeology (with time at the Apollo and Artemis site) and Rhenia beach time for snorkeling and possibly SUP. The lunch and drinks are included too, which keeps the day from feeling like a nonstop pay-to-play exercise. One thing to consider: you get about one hour at Delos, and the €20 Delos entrance fee is not included.

I also really appreciate that the trip is set up for comfort and ease: a catamaran ride with a skipper and assistant, fuel covered, plus hotel pickup/drop-off if you request it. The group size is capped at 18 travelers, so you are not fighting for space at the beaches or during the day’s transitions. The main drawback is that there is no tour guide provided, so you’ll want to be ready to explore Delos on your own during that short window.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• One-hour Delos visit to the Apollo and Artemis birthplace site (Delos ticket costs €20 per person)
• Rhenia is uninhabited with four sandy beaches in protected coves and famous color-changing water
• Snorkeling equipment is included, plus SUP only if weather permits
• Lunch, wine/beer, and soft drinks are included, so you can eat without hunting down a place
• Hotel pickup/drop-off is optional but you must specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the day before

A 6-Hour Mykonos Day: The Pace and Why It Works

At about 6 hours total, this cruise is a classic Mykonos day format: not too short to feel like a tease, not so long that you lose the whole day to transit. The timing matters because you have two different goals packed in—culture at Delos, then water time at Rhenia.

Here’s how the day breaks down: you start at 9:00 am near Mathios Tavern, then you head toward Delos first. You’ll have about one hour for Delos exploration, followed by about two hours on Rhenia’s beaches and coves. That rhythm is usually what makes this kind of cruise feel good: you get a focused hit of history, then you switch gears to the sea.

Meeting Point and Transfer Setup (Mathios Tavern)

The meeting point is Mathios Tavern, 846 00, Mykonos and the day ends back there. If you prefer a smoother door-to-door plan, hotel pickup and drop-off is available upon request.

To make pickup work, you need to specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the day before. That detail is important because it affects whether the transfer feels effortless or ends up being a last-minute scramble. If you are staying near public transport, this also helps you plan as a backup—since the activity is marked as near public transportation, you are not trapped if pickup is tight.

Practically, bring your mobile ticket on your phone. It’s marked as mobile ticket, and having it ready reduces friction at check-in time.

Delos First: Seeing Apollo and Artemis in a One-Hour Window

Your first stop is the Archaeological Site of Delos on Big Delos island. This is the part of the trip with the biggest “wow” factor for history lovers, because Delos is tied directly to the birthplace of the Olympian God Apollo and the Olympian Goddess Artemis.

You get approximately one hour on the grounds. That hour is short by museum standards, but it is realistic for a day cruise. You’ll be walking, taking photos, and moving between points—so the value of the hour is in choosing a few things to prioritize rather than trying to do everything.

One key point: entrance fees for Delos are not included, and you should expect €20 per person for that site. I like knowing this upfront because it keeps you from doing the math later while standing at the gate. Bring a plan for payment and be ready that the ticket is an extra cost even though so much else is included.

Also, since there is no tour guide included, this stop is best if you either:

• already know what you want to look for, or
• enjoy reading signs and figuring it out as you go

If you tend to prefer a structured explanation, you might feel rushed here. But if you like to wander with your own pace, one hour can actually be satisfying.

Rhenia Uninhabited: Four Beaches and Color-Changing Water

After Delos, the cruise shifts to Rineia (Rhenia), an uninhabited island with four solitary sandy beaches in protected coves. This stop is what makes the day feel like a proper Mykonos escape rather than a land-only history trip.

You’ll have about two hours here, and it’s built for hanging around the water. Rhenia is known as a popular meeting point for yachts, and the water is described as shifting in color—from emerald green to turquoise blue. That detail matters because you’ll likely want to swim where the water looks best at that moment, which can vary by light and wind.

The included gear helps you make the most of the stop:

• Snorkelling equipment is provided
• SUP is included only if weather permits

So what should you expect in real life? You’ll probably have time to swim, put on snorkel gear, and then choose a calmer cove if you’re not into open-water conditions. With snorkeling equipment included, you can travel lighter in terms of gear.

A small practical note: towels are not included. If you forget one, you’ll end up figuring it out at the end of your swim, and that’s rarely fun. If you can, bring a compact towel or a quick-dry option.

Lunch, Wine, Beer, and Soft Drinks: Better Than a Token Meal

The lunch situation is one of the biggest quality signals in this cruise. You get lunch plus wine, beer, and soft drinks included, and there’s no mention of you needing to buy drinks separately once you’re onboard.

In a day like this, it’s not just about eating. It’s about keeping your energy steady so you can enjoy both stops. Delos walking can take more out of you than expected, and then you still have swimming time at Rhenia. A included meal helps you avoid the common day-trip problem: getting hungry, then losing time searching for something quick.

The reviews also strongly point to food and service quality—especially the sense that the lunch was a highlight and that the overall service was excellent. I’d treat that as a good sign that this cruise is run with real attention to how the day feels, not just the route on paper.

Onboard Team: Skipper, Assistant, and a Host

This cruise includes:

• a skipper
• a skipper’s assistant (sailor)
• a host
• fuel charges covered

That matters because it’s a full operating crew, not a barebones setup. A skipper and assistant help with safe navigation and managing the day’s flow, especially when you’re doing a land stop at Delos and then moving to beach coves at Rhenia.

The presence of a host also usually means someone is responsible for keeping things organized—timing, check-ins, and answering the basic questions that pop up during a half-day on the water. Even without a tour guide for Delos, this kind of onboard support can make your experience feel smooth.

What You Should Bring (So Delos and Rhenia Feel Easy)

Because towels are not included, and because you’ll be switching between archaeology walking and sea time, pack with that in mind.

A practical kit for this kind of day:

• swimsuit under your clothes, if you like to move fast
• sunscreen and a hat
• a towel (not provided)
• snorkel-friendly items if you’re picky (though equipment is included)
• water and snacks only if you know you need them (lunch is included, but personal habits vary)

Also, since Delos entrance is an extra €20 per person, plan how you’ll handle that without stress. If you tend to travel with multiple people, it’s smart to keep your group’s payment ready.

Best Fit: Who This Cruise Works For

This is a strong choice if you want a balanced Mykonos day: history plus real water time. The time allocation is fair—short enough that you avoid fatigue, long enough that you do not feel like you missed the point of either stop.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• like archaeology but do not need a full guided tour
• want to snorkel without packing gear
• want a lunch-and-drinks day rather than a strict sightseeing schedule
• appreciate smaller-group experiences (max 18 travelers)

If you are the type who wants deep explanations at Delos, the lack of a tour guide could feel limiting. But if you’re happy using signage, and you like self-paced wandering, the short Delos visit can feel just right.

It’s also a practical pick if you’re working around a vacation schedule. Being mobile-ticket friendly and having pickup available upon request helps keep the day from turning into a puzzle.

Value for $216.53: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $216.53 per person, which sounds like real money until you look at what’s included. This cruise covers:

• skipper and assistant
• fuel charges
• lunch
• wine, beer, soft drinks
• snorkelling equipment
• SUP if weather permits
• hotel pickup/drop-off if requested
• a host
• capped group size (max 18 travelers)

Then you account for the only clearly listed extra cost: Delos entrance fee (€20 per person). That fee is the main add-on, and it’s good that it’s clearly stated.

So the value angle here is that you are paying for a full, managed day at sea—including the meal and gear—rather than just transportation. If you were to recreate this on your own, you’d likely spend time and money stitching together tickets, a boat, lunch, and equipment.

One last thought: the experience is marked as requiring good weather. That means you are buying a plan that is weather-dependent, which is normal for the sea. The good news is you are not paying blind; the operation is set up to handle bad-weather situations by offering a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Delos and Rhenia Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a day that mixes Apollo and Artemis at Delos with serious beach time at uninhabited Rhenia, and you want lunch plus drinks without hunting for anything. The included snorkel gear and the capped size make it feel more comfortable than the big-boat approach.

The main reason to pause is the short one-hour Delos window plus the fact that you won’t have a tour guide. If you want a deep, guided explanation at every stop, you may feel you want more time at Delos. But if you’re happy exploring independently and then rewarding yourself with swim time, this cruise is built for exactly that.

If your dates are flexible and you can handle an extra €20 Delos entrance fee, this is one of those Mykonos experiences that gives you variety—without turning your day into logistics.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and how long is it?

The cruise starts at 9:00 am and lasts about 6 hours total, including travel time.

Where do I meet the group?

The meeting point is Mathios Tavern, Mykonos 846 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pick up and drop off are available upon request. You need to specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the day before the cruise.

What is included in the price?

Included are the skipper and skipper’s assistant, fuel charges, lunch, wine/beer/soft drinks, snorkelling equipment, SUP (weather permitting), and host. Pickup/drop-off is included if you request it.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Entrance fee for the Archaeological Site of Delos is €20.00 per person.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.