This private sailing day mixes ancient ruins and swim time. You start in Mykonos and head to Delos, the storied birthplace linked to Apollo and Artemis, then continue to Rhenia, an uninhabited island known for protected coves and sandy beaches.

Two things I especially like: the pacing gives you real time at both stops, and you get practical onboard comfort with lunch plus beer and wine. The other big win is that swimming gear is ready to go, with snorkeling equipment included (and SUP if conditions allow).

One thing to plan around: you’ll pay extra for Delos entry (€20 per person), and Delos can close—if that happens, the trip may include passing the island without getting off.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private group up to 14: only your party sails, so the day feels less crowded and more flexible.
• Delos stop is time-boxed: 1 hour at the site means you’ll want good footwear and a simple plan for what you see.
• Rhenia is built for swimming: 2 hours on an uninhabited island with multiple sandy beaches in sheltered spots.
• Included snorkeling gear: you can keep the day moving without renting equipment.
• Lunch + beer and wine onboard: food and drinks are part of the experience, not an add-on.
• Crew-led facts during the sailing: the ship’s team shares context as you pass islands and beaches (no separate tour guide included).

Private Boat Day From Mykonos: What the 6 Hours Really Feels Like

Plan for a 6-hour day that runs on a single rhythm: boat, sights, swim, food, then back to base. The start time is 9:00 am, and the cruise ends back at the same meeting point. That means you’re not stretching your day with transfers across multiple ports—great if you want Mykonos time back for dinner.

Because this is private for groups of up to 14, it doesn’t feel like you’re trapped in a big shuffle. You’re on your own boat itinerary, and that matters on days when the wind and sea state are changing. The sailing portion can also bring some motion; one review noted the boat leaned often with the wind and waves. If you’re sensitive to that, plan accordingly.

I also like that the cruise is designed around comfort and convenience: you can request hotel pickup and drop-off, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket. It’s the kind of setup that reduces stress when you’re juggling swim gear and sun protection.

Entering Delos Archaeological Site: How to Use Your 1-Hour Window

Delos is the anchor stop, and it’s famous for being tied to Greek myth—commonly linked to Apollo and Artemis. The key detail for your day: you only get 1 hour at the Archaeological Site of Delos, and admission is not included. The cost is €20 per person.

With just an hour, treat it like a fast, focused museum visit outdoors. You’ll enjoy it most if you arrive with two or three “must-see” targets. Otherwise, Delos can overwhelm you just by sheer scale and stone details.

Here’s the practical catch: if Delos is closed, the operator isn’t at fault. The trip may include sailing by Delos without dropping you off. That’s a real possibility on some days, so it’s smart to treat Delos as “included sailing, plus site entry if conditions allow.”

What to expect at Delos

• A short walk-and-look experience rather than a guided marathon.
• Plenty of time spent on photos, viewpoints, and main ruins—less time for side paths.
• You should bring shoes that can handle uneven ground, because Delos is archaeological and weathered.

If you want a deeper run-through, keep your expectations realistic: this isn’t a long guided tour, and there is no formal tour guide included. Instead, you’ll get context from the crew during the cruise, then make the most of your hour on-site.

Rhenia’s Four Sandy Beaches: 2 Hours of Real Swim Time

After Delos, you sail to Rhenia (sometimes spelled Rineia in travel materials). This island is uninhabited, and it’s known for four solitary sandy beaches: Glyfada, Stena, Lia, and Ambelia. They sit in protected coves, which is exactly what you want if you’re going for a swim that feels calm rather than chaotic.

Your time at Rhenia is 2 hours, and the best part is simple: you’re not sightseeing for the whole stop. You’re actually using the sea as part of the day. One review summed it up well: history first, then sailing to Rhenia for a swim in beautiful water, with snorkeling and relaxing breaks.

How to make the most of the Rhenia stop

• Start with snorkeling right away so you’re not rushed later.
• Take a moment to pick which beach you’ll spend most of your time on; the “protected cove” setup usually makes one spot feel more sheltered.
• Bring sunscreen you’re comfortable reapplying—saltwater days chew through it.

And because admission is included for the Rhenia stop, you can focus on the water portion without adding another bill on the spot.

Lunch, Beer, and Wine on Deck: Food That Doesn’t Feel Like an Afterthought

On a day that mixes ruins and swimming, I love when lunch is genuinely part of the plan. Here it is: you’ll get lunch onboard, plus alcoholic beverages (beer and wine).

This is one of those details that makes a private cruise feel worth it. You’re not racing to find a taverna, and you’re not eating something quick between transitions. Instead, you can sit down, cool off, and then decide how much time you want in the water before heading back.

A review called the onboard meal a delicious Greek lunch, and that lines up with the overall design: the cruise is built as a full experience, not a long boat ride with a snack.

Practical note

• Drinks are included, but you’ll still be in the sun. If you’re drinking beer or wine, pace yourself so you can enjoy the swim and the rest of the day.

Snorkeling Equipment and SUP (Weather Permitting): What’s Included

This cruise includes snorkeling equipment and an SUP (stand-up paddleboard) if the weather works out. That matters because the best days for water time are the ones where gear is ready the moment you’re at the cove.

What’s not included: beach towels. I’d plan to bring your own towel or something you don’t mind getting sandy and damp.

Bring these so the water portion stays easy

• Towel (not provided)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Swimwear you can re-wear after lunch
• Basic sea-sickness comfort if you know you need it (the boat can lean with wind and waves)

If you’re someone who loves to snorkel, this is a strong match because you don’t have to arrange rentals. If you’re more of a casual swimmer, the same gear still helps: you can do a quick look around without turning the stop into a fitness session.

Price and Value: Why This Private Cruise Can Make Sense

The price is $2,335.98 per group, up to 14 people, for about 6 hours. That’s a big number until you translate it into group math.

If you split the group evenly at the maximum size (14 people), you’re looking at roughly $167 per person before Delos entry. That’s without even counting that Rhenia admission is included, and that lunch plus beer and wine are part of the package. On top of that, you’re getting a private sailing day rather than piecemeal tickets and rentals.

Also included:

• fuel charges
• snorkeling equipment
• lunch
• beer and wine
• hotel pickup/drop-off available upon request
• SUP weather permitting

Not included:

• Delos entrance fees (€20 per person)
• beach towels
• tour guide

The value shows up if you’re going as a small group who wants a low-stress day: get picked up, sail, swim, eat, and return without negotiating multiple services.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and can’t spread the cost, it may feel pricey. But if you can gather friends or family, it becomes far more reasonable.

Practical Logistics: Where You Meet and How Pickup Works

You meet at Mathios Tavern, Mykonos 846 00, Greece. The tour starts at 9:00 am and returns to the same meeting point.

Pickup details are the most important logistics piece you should not miss: you need to specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the previous day. That’s what lets the team coordinate your pick-up on time.

The activity uses mobile tickets and is described as being near public transportation. Translation: even if you don’t request pickup, you should have options to get yourself to the meeting area.

Finally, this experience is weather dependent. Good weather is required. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Should Reconsider)

This one fits best if you want a mix of:

• ancient sights but not a long, exhausting walkathon
• real water time for snorkeling and casual swimming
• a private setup that feels personal, not busy

It’s also a good choice for families or mixed groups who want a single day that includes food and included gear. The pace isn’t slow, but it’s designed to be manageable: 1 hour at Delos and 2 hours at Rhenia.

You might reconsider if:

• you strongly dislike boat motion (the sailing can lean with wind and waves)
• you’re hoping for a long deep-dive guided experience at Delos (a tour guide is not included, and your on-site time is 1 hour)
• you want everything fully included without any extra site fees (Delos entry is extra)

Should You Book This Delos & Rhenia Private Cruise?

My take: book it if you’re craving a day that feels like Mykonos at its best—sun, sea, and a major archaeological stop—wrapped into one private sailing schedule. The combination of Rhenia swim time, included snorkeling gear, and lunch with beer and wine makes it practical, not just scenic.

Before you book, decide if you’re okay with two realities: Delos entry costs extra, and Delos might not always allow a drop-off if it’s closed. If you’re fine with that trade-off, this is the kind of day you’ll remember: ruins in the morning, then coves and sandy beaches while the crew keeps the pace fun.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing cruise to Delos & Rhenia?

It runs for about 6 hours.

Is the Delos archaeological site admission included?

No. Delos entry costs €20 per person and is not included.

Is Rhenia admission included?

Yes. Rhenia admission is included in the experience.

What swimming and water equipment comes with the tour?

Snorkeling equipment is included. An SUP is also included if weather permits.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included?

Lunch is included, and beer and wine are included as well.

Do I need to pay for a tour guide?

A tour guide is not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Mathios Tavern, Mykonos 846 00, Greece.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request. You must specify your exact pickup location by 10pm the previous day.

What happens if Delos is closed?

The operator is not liable for closure. If Delos is closed, the trip may include passage by Delos island but not a drop-off.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.