Your day in Mykonos needs fewer lines and more sea time. This cruise blends UNESCO Delos ruins with a swim stop at Rhenia, plus BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks on board.

I particularly like how the schedule gives you built-in downtime: a real chance to cool off on the water, then eat without hunting for a taverna. I also like that you get practical extras like snorkeling gear, towels, noodles, and life vests included.

One thing to consider: Delos timing can feel tight if you add the optional guided tour, especially if your group gets delayed or you want extra freedom after the ruins.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Snorkeling gear + noodles included so you can get in the water without packing or extra costs
• Unlimited drinks on board (beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water)
• Delos time that can be guided or self-paced depending on what you add in advance
• Rhenia is the swim-and-eat anchor with a BBQ meal served onboard
• Small-yacht feel: either a Gulet 72ft (max 30) or Gulet 89ft (max 40)
• Barefoot on board for safety and hygiene, even if you love your sandals

A Mykonos cruise that trades crowds for clean water and ruins

Mykonos has a way of turning a simple plan into a queue. This Delos and Rhenia cruise is the opposite vibe: you start on a yacht, you move with purpose, then you slow down where the views and water do the talking.

You’re not stuck on land. You’re not doing a museum shuffle. Instead, you get a day that mixes three of the best things in the Mykonos area: classic Aegean scenery, legendary ancient sites, and a proper swim stop with real food waiting afterward.

The yacht day: small groups, real attention, and the barefoot rule

This isn’t a giant party boat. The cruise runs on either a Gulet 89ft (up to 40 people) or a Gulet 72ft (up to 30 people), depending on the group size. That matters because you usually feel like the crew can actually spot you, not just shout from the next row.

On board, you’ll get the basics that make comfort easier: life vests, a safety video/instructions, and helpful staff who assist throughout. Reviews also point to attentive service, with crew members checking that you’re okay and keeping drinks flowing. That kind of constant hovering sounds annoying in theory, but on a boat day it’s actually useful.

Now for the rule you’ll want to plan around: you’re barefoot on board for safety and hygiene reasons. You’ll still want comfortable shoes for getting around at the pier and walking parts of Delos, but expect to step off your footwear when you board.

Drink and food setup: what’s included, what’s not

One of the strongest reasons people book this cruise is the food and the drink situation. You get an onboard BBQ lunch with meat and vegetables, and it’s served alongside unlimited drinks. Included drinks listed here are beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water.

What’s not included: spirits and cocktails. So if you’re the type who wants a vodka soda or a specific mixed drink, you’ll need to pay separately.

You also get practical extras that quietly improve the day:

• Towels
• Snorkeling gear
• Swimming noodles
• Sunscreen
• WiFi on board

If you’re traveling with people who hate packing beach gear, this is a nice way to travel lighter.

The morning rhythm: Agios Ioannis area and scenic cruising

Most departures are from the Agios Ioannis area. Your exact start point depends on your booking option (you may be picked up, or you may meet the yacht at the pier). Early on, you cruise past the Mykonos shoreline and surrounding islands while the crew handles the setup.

The itinerary includes a safety briefing and scenic time on the way to Delos. You’re looking at roughly 45 minutes of sailing/pass-by time in the early segment, so it’s not rushed. This is your chance to get settled, find a shady spot if you can, and remember you’re on a boat where the “best view” can change every few minutes.

Stop at Delos: UNESCO ruins with just the right chaos

Delos is the main event. This island is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to ancient times, with legends tied to Apollo and Artemis. Even if you’re not a hardcore history person, you’ll feel the scale of the place once you’re there.

Here’s how the day’s Delos component usually works:

• There’s a brief stop for photo/time-on-arrival, then
• You get time on the ruins, with options for exploring or taking a breather nearby.

In practice, people often describe the Delos visit as being around two hours when things run smoothly. If you add the optional professional Delos guide, that can change how much free time you actually feel you have.

The guided tour: helpful, but timing matters

A professional guide at Delos is available as an add-on. It costs €45 per adult and €40 per child, and there’s also an entrance fee of €20 per person that’s required in advance. (So yes, it adds cost on top of the cruise.)

The big practical note from real-world timing: delays can eat into the total on-Delos window. There was also feedback that some guide logistics weren’t crystal clear at booking, and that a guide can lead you into a larger group dynamic than you expected. One more thing to keep in your mind: Delos has a lot of pathways and signage, and if you’re relying on the guide to keep your bearings, you’ll want to stay close.

My advice for Delos

If you like walking at your own pace, consider keeping it self-guided and reading key plaques as you go. If you want the stories and context, add the guide—but treat the timing like a shared resource. If the plan changes because of the day’s schedule, you’ll feel it.

Rhenia Island: the swim-and-BBQ payoff

Rhenia is where the cruise turns into your vacation mode.

You’ll arrive for about two hours, with built-in time for:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling using the complimentary gear
• BBQ lunch onboard

Rhenia’s water is repeatedly described as stunning, with many people focusing on the chance to enjoy that bright Aegean clarity. This is also where the crew’s “make it easy” approach pays off. You don’t need to find a beach club or rent gear. The snorkeling kit and swimming noodles are already there, and the BBQ is staged so you’re fed without a scramble.

If you’re traveling with kids or mixed-age groups, this is often the best part because there’s something to do besides walking. Jump in, float, snack, repeat. Just remember that the boat schedule means you can’t linger forever.

Shade and timing reality

A boat day has sun management limits. Reviews mention that shade can be limited, so you’ll want sunscreen (you’ll get it, but still) and a plan for where you’ll sit when the sun moves. A hat or sunglasses help a lot, even though the info list calls out a jacket and beachwear.

Transfers and how to choose your meeting point

You’ve got two ways to do this day:

1. Optional hotel pickup/drop-off for €20 per person (roundtrip). Pre-reserve and pay on the spot.
2. Meet the yacht directly at Ioannis Diakoftis pier in the morning.

If your hotel is far from the port or you hate early-morning logistics, transfers are usually the smart move. If you’re already near a meeting point and can handle getting there on your own, meeting the boat directly simplifies the process.

Either way, you’ll want a working phone number. The tour notes that you should provide a valid phone number for communication related to cruise and transportation details.

What you actually get for the price

The listed price is $152 per person (with a 6-hour duration). On its face, it’s not the cheapest option in Mykonos. But this cruise bundles several things you’d otherwise piece together:

• Boat transportation for a day
• Unlimited onboard drinks (beer and wine included)
• BBQ lunch (meat and vegetables)
• Snorkeling gear, towels, noodles, and sunscreen
• Delos and Rhenia stops

If you tried to do Delos by yourself, you’d likely pay for transport and then still spend extra for food and a beach setup at Rhenia. The value here comes from the “no extra thinking” package: show up, get fed, drink, swim, and enjoy the islands.

Two optional add-ons can change the total cost:

• Delos guided tour: €45 adult / €40 child + €20 entrance fee per person
• Hotel transfer: €20 per person

If you stay flexible and keep those add-ons in mind, the cruise can feel like a fair deal for a low-effort day.

Who this cruise fits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A mix of ancient ruins plus a real swim stop
• A day that feels structured, not chaotic
• Included snorkeling gear so you don’t bring extra stuff
• A comfortable lunch setup with drinks

It’s especially nice for families and mixed groups because Rhenia provides the easy, active part of the day while Delos gives the wow factor.

If you’re the type who wants long, uninterrupted time at Delos, the optional guided tour timing is the main thing to watch. You can still have an amazing day, but you’ll want to manage your expectations about how much slack you have.

Practical tips for a smoother day on the water

Here are the small details that can make the difference between a good day and a smoother one.

• Bring ID or passport. The booking info says travel insurance requires details at booking.
• Wear beachwear, but pack a jacket. Even in summer, sea breeze can feel cooler than you expect once the yacht is moving.
• Bring comfortable shoes for pier and Delos walking. Expect shoes not allowed on board, so you’ll be barefoot onboard.
• Plan for heat. Delos is hot and walking-heavy, so it helps to bring water (the day can feel long under the sun).
• If you choose the guided Delos tour, stay close to your group. Delos is a maze of paths, and losing track can happen fast.
• Keep an eye on weather. The operator notes that if conditions aren’t appropriate, they’ll notify you the evening before about itinerary changes or cancellation.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia BBQ cruise?

If your goal is a satisfying Mykonos day without extra planning, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of Delos time, a swim/snorkel stop at Rhenia, and an included BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks is exactly what makes this type of cruise worth it.

I’d only hesitate if:

• You strongly prefer lots of unstructured time at Delos, or
• You expect the guided tour to function like a private, perfectly timed experience every time.

Otherwise, this cruise is a practical way to see the big highlights and still come back feeling relaxed, not drained.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

What is included with the cruise?

Included items are BBQ lunch (meat and vegetables), unlimited drinks (beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, water), snorkeling gear, swimming noodles, towels, sunscreen, WiFi on board, and life vests, plus a professional skipper and friendly crew. All taxes and port fees are included.

Is the Delos guided tour included?

No. A professional Delos guided tour is available as an add-on for €45 per adult and €40 per child, and you must also pay the entrance fee of €20 per person.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Roundtrip pickup/drop-off from accommodations in Mykonos is available for €20 per person, pre-reserve and pay on the spot.

Where do I meet the yacht?

If you choose pickup, the meeting/pickup location depends on the option booked. If you do not choose pickup, you meet the yacht directly at Ioannis Diakoftis pier in the morning.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

You don’t need to. Snorkeling gear is included with the cruise.

Are spirits and cocktails included?

No. Spirits and cocktails are not included, but beer and wine are part of the unlimited drinks.

Are shoes allowed onboard?

No. Shoes are listed as not allowed onboard. You’ll be barefoot on the yacht for safety and hygiene.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable clothes and beachwear, and comfortable shoes. A jacket is also listed, which can help for sea breeze.