Turquoise water meets ancient ruins on one boat day. I like how the day is built around Rhenia’s quiet, sandy swimming stop, with enough time to actually enjoy the water while the crew gets ready. You’ll also feel the upbeat welcome from the team (Paula is a name that comes up), which matters when you’re on a shared boat with a schedule.

My other favorite part is the Greek BBQ lunch with complimentary wine and soft drinks, so you’re not spending your whole day hunting for food. One thing to consider: Delos entrance is not included, so you’ll need to pay the site fee separately before you walk the ruins.

Key things to know before you go

• Rhenia is the swim centerpiece: a 3.5-hour beach and water break right after anchoring.
• Lunch is on board: Greek souvlaki BBQ, salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, fruit, plus complimentary wine and refreshments.
• Delos is optional on the boat’s terms: you choose ruins time, and the UNESCO ticket is extra (20€ per person).
• Return includes Little Venice photos: you pass by on the way back to Mykonos Old Port.
• The vibe can run upbeat: music and dancing are part of the return sail.
• Boat size and safety matter: the crew runs a proper safety setup and keeps things calm even when conditions aren’t perfect.

A Rhenia and Delos Day Built for Real Time in the Water

This cruise works because it splits your day into two clear moods: swim and reset, then ruins and wander. You get away from the Mykonos crowds for the Rhenia stop, and then you get to connect Mykonos to one of Greece’s most famous archaeological places.

From a practical point of view, the rhythm is smart. You’re not rushing through Delos first while everyone’s hungry and tired. Instead, the plan gives you a long enough break at Rhenia to actually feel like you did something in the Aegean, not just “took photos near water.”

The boat day is also set up to keep you fed. Lunch is served on board after the Rhenia swim time, and the included drinks help you settle in rather than scrambling for cash-only purchases. If you’re traveling with kids or you want a mixed day (active + scenic), this format fits.

The one caveat is how shared tours work: you’re on a timeline. You’ll want to arrive at the meeting point early, because there’s no private waiting room for late buses or slow walks.

Boarding at Mykonos Old Port: Time Sense Is Everything

You meet at Aegean Ventures – Daily Tours in Mykonos Old Port, with boarding starting at 10:15 a.m. and the cruise departing at 10:30 a.m. The total experience is about 6 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll finish back at the same meeting point.

Plan on making your own way to the Old Port. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, the Old Port meeting area is about 1.5 km from the cruise port. That’s walkable for some people, but it’s also easy to underestimate it in sandals or with luggage. Your best move is to arrange transport that gets you there early enough to handle stairs, crowds, and lines.

Also note the practical stuff that trips people up:

• This is in English.
• Alcohol is served only if you’re 18+, and you’ll need your ID or passport for age verification.
• You’ll be issued a mobile ticket.

If you’re the type who likes a buffer, this is your sign to arrive early. The schedule is strict because the boat can’t wait for late arrivals without throwing the whole shared day off for everyone else.

Rhenia Island: The Quiet Beach Stop That Makes the Cruise Worth It

Rhenia is the reason many people pick this day trip. After leaving Mykonos, you head out and reach Rhenia in about 45 minutes. Then the boat anchors off a deserted beach, and you get about 3 hours 30 minutes for the water and beach time.

This is the part that feels most “island-like.” No big set pieces. No shopping strip. Just sun, sea, and the simple pleasure of getting into that clear water while the day is still calm.

One more detail to be ready for: access to the water can involve a ladder and a rocky entry. Some people find it no big deal; others feel it’s the hardest part of the day, especially if you’re not comfortable climbing down repeatedly. If that’s you, bring confidence and plan on taking it slow.

Also, the exact beach style can change day to day depending on weather. Rhenia is a small, deserted cycladic island, and the captain chooses where the boat drops anchor based on conditions. Translation: you might get a smoother-feeling spot some days, and a more “rocky edge” feel other days.

What to do with your time at Rhenia:

• Go for a full swim session, not a quick dip.
• Spend time on the sand if you’re tired of moving.
• Bring your patience for the simple fact that this is remote and not a resort.

If you want a day that feels like you escaped Mykonos for a few hours, this is the escape.

The Onboard BBQ Lunch and Complimentary Wine: Solid, Not Fancy

Lunch is served after Rhenia, around 14:30. This is where the cruise stops feeling like a snack break and starts feeling like a real meal day.

The included menu is straightforward and filling:

• Greek salad
• Rice
• Tzatziki sauce
• Bread
• Seasonal fruits
• Greek BBQ souvlaki (pork and chicken)

Then there are the included drinks: complimentary wine, plus refreshments and water. For some people, the wine is more than enough to keep the mood easy. For others, it’s just wine. Either way, the value comes from getting it without paying every time you want a refill.

A smart move is to treat the wine as a bonus, not as your only hydration plan. The day is outdoors, and the sun adds up even when the air feels cool.

Dietary note: at least one group reported that the crew was accommodating for a vegetarian diet, so if you have dietary limits, message or ask ahead when possible. You won’t want to gamble on a plan that depends on luck.

Delos at Your Own Pace: UNESCO Ruins With a Separate Ticket

After lunch, the boat heads to Delos. Here’s the main choice: you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site on your own, and the entrance ticket is not included.

Delos entrance fees are set by the Ministry of Culture, and the cost listed is 20€ per person. Plan for that extra line item when you’re budgeting. It’s the biggest “surprise” cost people run into, because the rest of the cruise experience is very clearly packaged.

Delos stop time is about 1 hour 45 minutes. That’s enough time to:

• Get your bearings among the major areas
• Walk a few key sections thoroughly
• Take photos with enough daylight

It may feel rushed if you want to linger, read signage carefully, or cover more of the spread than the typical visitor. The upside is you’re not locked into a guided pace. You can match the ruins to your energy that day.

If you decide not to go into the ruins, you can stay in the water and relax on a beach stop. That’s also worth considering if you’re traveling with people who want swimming time but aren’t into archaeology.

One more practical tip: wear comfortable shoes. Delos is uneven, and your time there will feel smoother if your feet are happy.

Little Venice on the Return: Photos, Music, and a Fun Finish

On the way back, you pass by Little Venice, giving you a photo opportunity while the boat sails toward Mykonos Old Port. This is a nice closing touch because it connects the “remote swim day” back to the recognizable Mykonos scenery.

Then the mood can shift into party mode. Multiple accounts point to music and dancing on the return sail. It’s not hard-core club energy, but it’s definitely not a quiet meditation cruise either. If you like upbeat group fun, this is where it shows up.

You’ll also be done at the same meeting point where you started, keeping the logistics simple at the end of a long day.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and What to Bring to Save Money)

The price listed is $106.42 per person, and the day is short enough to fit easily into a first-time Mykonos stay. What makes it feel like value is the combination:

• A long Rhenia swim stop
• A real onboard meal
• Complimentary drinks
• A Delos option tied to UNESCO without needing a separate organized transport plan

Where you can lose value is when you add the extras you didn’t budget:

• Delos entrance: 20€ per person
• Snorkeling gear: available for a small extra cost (one correction noted it as 15€)
• Towels: available for a small extra cost
• Anything beyond the included drinks

My practical advice to protect your budget:

• Bring your own snorkel and goggles if you can.
• Bring your own towel if you don’t mind carrying it.
• If you’re a coffee or soda person, don’t assume the included drinks are a substitute for everything.

Also, check your comfort level with boat water access. If ladders and rocky edges sound like a bad time, pack a plan: calm pacing, water shoes if you have them, and don’t try to do everything at once.

The other value factor is group size. The cruise caps at 120 travelers, so it’s large, but not the kind of cattle-car crowd that ruins your day. The boat is also reported as capable of operating in stronger winds, with the crew keeping things safe and upbeat.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This fits you if you want:

• A swim-first Mykonos day
• A mix of beach time and ruins time
• Included food and drinks so you’re not budgeting every hour
• A day that can keep kids entertained (the return music and dancing helps)

It may not fit you as well if:

• You have limited mobility and ladder access worries you
• You want a deep, slow, fully guided Delos experience (the Delos time is fixed, and the entrance fee is extra)
• You dislike boats when conditions are choppy, even if the crew does everything to keep it safe

Think of it as a “best of” day. It doesn’t pretend to be a museum tour with perfect pacing. It’s designed for people who want the Aegean experience plus a major historical stop.

Should You Book the Rhenia-Delos Cruise?

I’d book this if your Mykonos priorities include swimming and you want a day that delivers both water time and UNESCO ruins without turning into a logistics puzzle. The onboard BBQ and complimentary drinks are a big part of the value, and the Rhenia swim stop is long enough to feel satisfying.

Before you hit purchase, do two quick checks:

• Budget for Delos entrance (20€ per person) so it doesn’t feel like a late add-on.
• Decide whether ladder access and rocky entry sound okay for you, and pack accordingly.

If you want a lively, mixed-day outing with great sea time and a famous ruins payoff, this is one of the clearer choices in Mykonos.

FAQ

How long is the Rhenia-Delos cruise?

It runs for about 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time do we meet and when does the boat depart?

You board starting at 10:15 a.m., and the cruise departs at 10:30 a.m. The meeting point is in Mykonos Old Port.

What’s included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch includes Greek BBQ souvlaki (pork and chicken), Greek salad, rice, tzatziki sauce, bread, and seasonal fruits. Complimentary wine, refreshments, and water are included.

Do I need to pay for Delos entry?

Yes. Delos archaeological site entrance fees are not included. The fee listed is 20€ per person.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available at an extra cost.

What if weather is poor?

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