Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands

REVIEW · MYKONOS

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands

  • 5.0705 reviews
  • 6 hours (approx.)
  • From $151.16
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Operated by Greece sailing by Chios Yachting team · Bookable on Viator

Sailing to Delos feels like time travel. I love the mix of ancient Delos ruins and Rhenia swim spots, and the day is built around real downtime on deck, not just check-in/check-out. The one thing to consider is getting on and off the boat can be tricky if you have mobility issues, because there’s no fixed gangplank.

You’ll start at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, get a quick safety rundown (with itinerary details on a QR code), and then head to Delos for either a self-guided wander or a professional guided tour add-on. After Delos, the vibe shifts to water time at Rhenia, where snorkeling gear is provided and a BBQ lunch is served onboard.

This cruise is priced like a budget-friendly day, but the key costs to watch are the Delos entrance fee and (if you want it) the guided tour. At $151.16 per person for about 6 hours, it’s a strong value if you’re happy to do some of Delos on your own and spend the rest of the day in the sun.

Key Points You’ll Care About

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - Key Points You’ll Care About

  • Two real stops, not just one long transfer: Delos for ruins, then Rhenia for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Lunch is included onboard: BBQ, Greek salad, tzatziki, veggie sides, and fruit.
  • Snorkeling support for comfort level: gear is provided, and the crew can add swim noodles or life vests if you’re not a confident swimmer.
  • Choose your Delos style: self-walk or add a guided tour for an extra fee.
  • Yacht comfort matters here: the boats are described as wide and extra comfortable for relaxing and lying back.
  • Crew names that pop up in feedback: Dimitri, Thomas, and Marissa are mentioned for attentive service.

What You Actually Do on This Shared Yacht Day

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - What You Actually Do on This Shared Yacht Day
This is a shared sailing cruise that turns Mykonos into a day of two very different memories: ancient ruins, then clear water and a casual beach-club-feel lunch. You’re not racing around with tight city timings. The structure is simple: sail, see Delos, swim and snorkel at Rhenia, then sail back.

The shared format also matters. Depending on group size, you’ll sail on one of two gulet-style yachts (either Andreas for up to 40 people or Atlantis for up to 30). Either way, the plan is designed so you still have space to stretch out.

Other Delos and Rhenia cruises we've reviewed in Mykonos

Agios Ioannis Diakoftis: The Easy Start and Safety Brief

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - Agios Ioannis Diakoftis: The Easy Start and Safety Brief
Your morning begins at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis. From there, a crew member hosts you onboard with basic safety instructions and the day’s itinerary, either verbally or via the QR code system.

Life vests are available if you need them. If you’re a nervous swimmer, tell the crew early—on this day the staff clearly tries to match the water setup to your comfort level. One practical note: you’ll be barefoot on board for safety and comfort, so plan your shoes accordingly.

Delos Archaeological Site: Choose Your Own Pace

Delos is the headline stop. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes at the Archaeological Site of Delos, which is a UNESCO monument tied to major Greek mythology (the birthplace of Apollo is part of the common framing). Admission is not included in the base price, so you should be ready for that extra cost unless you upgrade.

You have two ways to handle Delos:

  • Self-walk: roam the ruins on your own for the time window you have.
  • Professional guided tour add-on: available for an extra fee, which tends to make the ruins easier to connect to what you’re seeing.

My practical advice for Delos timing

Delos can feel hot and tiring because you’re walking in exposed areas. If you self-walk, I’d move with purpose: pick a route that hits the most recognizable clusters, take quick breaks, and don’t get stuck lingering in the same shade spot. One small tip from experience on similar sites: if you want drinks, plan ahead so you’re not scrambling when you’re already tired.

Also, you’re not forced to stay on land the whole time. After Delos, you have the option to return to the yacht and enjoy swimming/sun time in a nearby bay instead of taking every minute on the island.

Rhenia Island Swimming, Snorkeling, and the BBQ Lunch

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - Rhenia Island Swimming, Snorkeling, and the BBQ Lunch
Rhenia is your payoff. You’ll sail onward to the island for around 2 hours 30 minutes, and the plan is built around water time: swimming plus snorkeling, with a lunch served onboard.

The “natural pool” feel is the idea here. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and if you’re not feeling fully confident in the water, the day can include swimming noodles or life vests. I like this setup because it doesn’t treat swimming as a yes-or-no skill. It treats it like something you can build confidence for with the right gear.

What snorkeling feels like here

You’ll likely get masks/goggles and snorkels, plus float options. One detail that matters: based on feedback, you may not get fins, so you should come ready to move with fins-from-the-water logic only if you brought them yourself. Most people can still enjoy it, but if you’re used to fin-style snorkeling, adjust your expectations.

And yes, the lunch is part of the rhythm. After the water time comes BBQ lunch onboard, not a separate restaurant stop that kills your momentum.

The Yacht Experience: Deck Time, Wi‑Fi, and Barefoot Policy

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - The Yacht Experience: Deck Time, Wi‑Fi, and Barefoot Policy
This is the calm part of your day, and it’s not just marketing. The boats are described as extra comfortable and wide, and the way the day is timed usually gives you a chance to lie back and watch Mykonos-to-Delos island views without hauling luggage or switching transport modes.

You’ll also have Wi‑Fi onboard, plus coffee/tea/refreshments. The day includes access to white and red wine and beer (alcoholic drinks are included as part of the included drinks list), along with water.

One quirky-but-real detail: you’ll be barefoot onboard for safety and comfort. That means bring sandals/shoes you can slip on and off quickly when you’re transitioning between boat and stops.

Food and Drinks on Board: BBQ, Greek Salad, and Included Drinks

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - Food and Drinks on Board: BBQ, Greek Salad, and Included Drinks
Lunch is a real win here, and it’s one of the most praised parts of the experience. The buffet-style menu includes:

  • BBQ mains like grilled pork skewers, beef, and lamb kebabs
  • Grilled veggies such as eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms
  • Greek salad as a starter
  • Tzatziki spread
  • Mixed rice with veggies and seasonings
  • Seasonal fruit salad for dessert

If you care about value, this matters. At a typical day cruise, the food is often an afterthought. Here it’s treated as part of the experience, and it’s served after you’ve had your swim or snorkel time so you’re actually hungry.

A smart caution for choppy seas

One negative theme that came up was motion sickness on the sail back, especially if people ate right before the return. You can’t control sea conditions, but you can control timing. If you’re sensitive to motion, take it easy with lunch timing and consider bringing motion-sickness meds just in case.

Price and Upgrades: What’s Included vs What Costs Extra

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - Price and Upgrades: What’s Included vs What Costs Extra
The base price is $151.16 per person and includes lunch, drinks, and the onboard setup. What makes or breaks value is how you handle Delos.

Included in the base

  • Lunch buffet onboard
  • Tour host/escort
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Coffee, tea, refreshments
  • Wine, beer, and water
  • Wi‑Fi onboard
  • Personal insurance

Not included (you may pay extra)

  • Delos entrance fee: listed at 20 euros per person
  • Professional guided tour at Delos: 45 euros per person

Optional upgrades

You can upgrade to include hotel pickup/drop-off or include the Delos entrance fee and/or guided tour. Hotel pickup/drop-off is listed as available for 20 euros per person paid on the spot. If you’re already paying for entry anyway, it can be worth bundling to avoid scrambling on the day.

Timing, Sea Conditions, and When You Should Choose Another Plan

Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands - Timing, Sea Conditions, and When You Should Choose Another Plan
This cruise runs about 6 hours and starts at 9:30 am. The day is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be told the evening before about itinerary changes or cancellation.

That weather note is important for two reasons:

  1. The crew has to get you on and off safely.
  2. Sea motion can turn a relaxed sail into a rougher ride.

One practical move: pack light and plan for salt air. Bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen (seriously). Add a light jacket if you’re visiting in shoulder or winter seasons, because early and late can feel chilly.

Who This Sail Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This cruise is a great fit if you want:

  • A single organized day with minimal logistics
  • Real time at Delos without paying for a private guide
  • A dedicated swimming/snorkeling block at Rhenia
  • A solid lunch onboard so you’re not hungry or rushed

It’s also a strong match for families and mixed ages because the structure is flexible and the crew can adjust swim support.

Who should think twice

If you have mobility limitations, be careful. Getting on and off the boat can be challenging since there isn’t a fixed gangplank. Once onboard, people often report that the crew is attentive and helpful, but the transition itself is the risk point.

If you’re very prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions since the return ride can get choppy.

Should You Book This Mykonos Delos and Rhenia Sail Cruise?

Book it if you want a day that blends two top experiences—Delos ruins and Rhenia water time—without turning your vacation into a checklist. The included BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are real value, and the crew attention (names like Dimitri, Thomas, and Marissa show up in feedback) is exactly what you want when boat days can be weather-sensitive.

Skip it or reconsider if you have serious mobility challenges for boarding and exiting the yacht, or if you know you handle sea motion poorly. In that case, a different kind of day trip on stable ground may save you a miserable afternoon.

FAQ

Is lunch included on the sail cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes a lunch buffet onboard with BBQ items, grilled vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki, mixed rice, and fruit.

Do I have to pay the Delos entrance fee?

Yes. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is not included in the base price and is listed as 20 euros per person, unless you upgrade to include it.

Is there a guided tour option for Delos?

Yes. You can choose a professional guided tour add-on at Delos for 45 euros per person. If you prefer to go on your own, self-walk time is also available.

Is snorkeling gear provided at Rhenia?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. If you’re not a confident swimmer, the crew can provide swimming noodles or life vests for your comfort.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on for 20 euros per person paid on the spot. Pickup, if booked, is about 30 to 60 minutes before the start time.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen. Wear comfortable clothes, and consider a light jacket for early and late season. You should also have a valid phone number since the provider contacts you for timing details.

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