Catamaran time beats another day in Mykonos. This 5-hour sailing-style getaway takes you past Delos for photos, then anchors by Rhenia for clear-water swimming, snorkeling, and that easy feeling of being looked after on deck. You’ll also get homemade rosé and a traditional meal served right when you’re ready to eat.

I like how the day is built around simple pleasures that fit Mykonos well: a relaxed break from crowds, plus real time in the water. And if you’re the type who thinks food on a boat should be basic, the onboard lunch here is a big part of the appeal, with seafood pasta, meat, and vegetarian options.

One consideration: you do not land on Delos. You’ll pass by and take photos from the boat, not hike the island.

Key things to know before you go

• Rhenia’s cove time includes a long water break for swimming and snorkeling, not just a quick dip.
• Homemade rosé and drinks onboard keep the atmosphere loose, especially during the sailing and cove stop.
• Delos is photo-from-the-sea only, so manage expectations if you were hoping to explore on foot.
• Snorkeling gear plus SUP are included, which makes the water time more than just floating.
• Small-group vibes show up in recent departures, with many trips running around 10–15 people.

Getting to the Catamaran: Van Pickup and the Mathios Tavern Meeting Point

This tour is designed to be low-stress. Depending on the option you choose, you can get hotel pickup and drop-off by van. If you’re not doing pickup, you meet your group outside Mathios tavern.

The base manager waits outside Mathios tavern by 8:30 each day. If you do use hotel pickup, plan to be in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled time. The driver won’t wait longer than 15 minutes after pickup is scheduled, so set an alarm and don’t wander off for one last photo.

Once you reach the boat, you’ll get a safety briefing and welcome refreshments. After that, you settle in on a modern catamaran. Recent feedback repeatedly points out how organized the crew feels, which matters on a trip that’s mostly about enjoying the sea instead of figuring things out.

If you’re prone to motion discomfort, it’s worth knowing that at least one recent departure reported having Dramamine ready for those who needed it. Catamarans can feel smooth, but wind and chop happen in the Aegean.

Delos From the Sea: What You’ll See Without Landing

Delos is the famous name on the schedule, but here’s the key detail: you will not go onto Delos. You pass by the island and take photos from the boat, and that’s it.

This approach changes the vibe. You’re not trying to cover ruins on a tight timeline or deal with walking heat and steps. Instead, you get the moment—views from the water—without turning the day into a hike.

The tour is also realistic about conditions. If wind and sea conditions are too rough for the original plan, the captain can modify the route. In at least one case, the cruise continued with the Rhenia stop as planned while Delos access was affected by weather. So even though Delos is always part of the story, your day still works because the real swimming anchor is Rhenia.

Best way to prepare: have your camera ready before you reach Delos. From the deck, the photos come fast, and you’ll want your shot without fumbling for settings.

Rhenia Island Cove: The Swimming and Snorkeling Part That Makes This Worth It

Rhenia is where this cruise earns its keep. The boat drops anchor in a small cove with crystal-clear turquoise water, and that’s your setup for the main break of the day.

You get about two hours for swimming at Rhenia. On top of that, the crew provides snorkeling gear, so you can switch from lazy floating to exploring up close. One practical detail: even if fish are slow on a given day, the water itself is what you’re paying for here—visibility can be excellent.

You can also choose to use SUP if you want a different pace than swimming. A few people also mentioned extra float aids like pool noodles, which is great if you want more comfort in the water without committing to full snorkeling.

The cove stop is not just a check-the-box moment. Many departures report enough time to get in, get relaxed, and then work up an appetite. That rhythm pairs nicely with lunch served right after your swim.

Bring swimwear and plan to actually use it. This isn’t the kind of cruise where you stay dry “just in case.”

Onboard Greek Lunch and Homemade Rosé: Eating Like You Mean It

On paper, food on a boat sounds like a workaround. In practice, this is one of the most praised parts of the experience.

You’ll anchor at Rhenia, then the crew prepares lunch while you’re in the water. The meal is described as a fresh traditional menu with seafood pasta, meat, and vegetarian options. You’ll also see seasonal fruits included.

Then there are the drinks. The cruise includes homemade rosé, and the day is set up around sipping as you sail and as you hang out in the cove. The itinerary mentions beer and wine during the Rhenia portion, and the overview notes unlimited traditional Mykonos wine as you sail.

Why this matters: on Mykonos, you can easily burn cash and time in restaurants between beach stops. Here, the key payoff is that you’re not juggling meals at all. You swim, you eat, and you keep moving.

The cruise atmosphere tends to stay friendly and attentive. Recent feedback names crew members like Dmitris and Iliana, Margareta, Chris, and others who were singled out for keeping drinks flowing and making sure people were comfortable. You don’t need to know their stories ahead of time, but it does explain why the experience often feels smooth rather than rushed.

Sailing Between Islands: Views, Windmills, and the Return Route

The ride itself is part sightseeing, part wind-in-your-hair downtime.

You’ll pass Delos en route with a photo stop from the vessel, then continue to Rhenia. On the way back to Mykonos, the itinerary includes photo time and a look around the island from the sea, including the windmills and areas near Mykonos town. Many people also love seeing it from the water because the coastline offers a different rhythm than the narrow streets.

If you choose a sunset cruise, you’ll watch the golden light fade over the horizon. That detail is not small in Mykonos, where sunset spots can be packed and stressful. From the water, it’s easier to enjoy the changing colors without fighting for a view.

One note from experience on recent departures: at least one reviewer felt the boat ran more under motor than sail. That doesn’t necessarily ruin the day—catamarans are built for comfort and stability—but if you’re expecting a full-on, wind-driven sailing fantasy, set expectations accordingly.

Group Size, Comfort, and Practical Details That Actually Matter

This trip works best when you treat it like a sea day, not a packed tour.

Recent departures mention small groups like 10 people, around 12 people, and groups closer to 15. That range matters because it keeps the boat feeling relaxed. You’re not constantly stepping around strangers, and the crew can spend time with people rather than herding crowds.

Comfort details are also part of the value:

• You’ll have access to snorkeling gear and flotation support items (like pool noodles in some cases).
• Bluetooth audio is included, and at least one recent trip noted a JBL-style speaker so your group can play music without needing extra equipment.
• A bathroom onboard was mentioned in at least one review, which is a real convenience during a few hours at sea.
• The crew includes a friendly, attentive presence, and people also reported feeling safe even when conditions were choppy.

What to bring is straightforward:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• camera
• towel (towels are not included)

Also remember that the itinerary can change if conditions are rough. When that happens, the alternative route may go along the south coast of Mykonos and visit famous beaches and a protected cove away from crowds. You still get swimming time, but it won’t be the exact same picture window every day.

Price and Value: Is $123 Worth It for a 5-Hour Cruise?

At $123 per person for about 5 hours, you’re paying for a bundle: transport (if you select it), a catamaran outing, drinks, lunch, and included water gear.

Here’s where the value comes from. You’re not only buying time on a boat. You’re also getting:

• hotel pickup/drop-off if chosen
• homemade rosé and other onboard drinks
• lunch with seafood pasta, meat, and vegetarian options
• seasonal fruit
• snorkeling gear
• SUP
• fuel charges
• and a real anchor-and-swim stop at Rhenia for about two hours

If you’ve ever priced Mykonos meals and beach-club expenses for a similar timeline, the math can get messy fast. This tour turns food and drinks into an included feature instead of an extra cost. And because Rhenia gives you a long water break, you’re not spending the day just touring views from above.

Could it feel a bit expensive for some people? Sure. One reviewer even noted the price felt high compared with the boat’s use of motor versus sail. But if your priority is swimming time plus a straightforward lunch-and-drinks plan, the inclusions are doing real work.

Who Should Book This Cruise—and Who Might Skip It

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a sea day with swimming and snorkeling
• homemade rosé and a traditional onboard lunch
• a small-group feel rather than a big catamaran crowd
• easy logistics from a central Mykonos meeting point or hotel pickup

It’s less ideal if:

• you want to actually walk around Delos, because you won’t land there
• you need mobility access. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Also, if you don’t like the idea of alcohol being part of the vibe, it’s still possible to enjoy it without drinking heavily. But the day is clearly built around drinks as part of the experience, especially during the sailing and cove time.

Should You Book This Mykonos Catamaran Cruise to Delos and Rhenia?

I’d book it if your ideal Mykonos day includes time in the water, a long enough break to actually relax, and a meal that feels like more than snacks. The combination of Rhenia’s cove stop, snorkeling gear, included rosé, and a proper lunch served onboard is exactly what turns a half-day excursion into a highlight.

Skip it if Delos ruins and a land-based itinerary are your main goal. Since Delos is strictly a pass-by photo moment, you’ll leave with coastal views, not museum-style exploration.

If you’re booking near windy weather, still consider it—but go in ready for route changes. The captain may adjust the sailing path and still prioritize giving you a protected cove experience so the day stays enjoyable.

FAQ

FAQ

Do I get to go onto Delos Island?

No. You will not go onto Delos Island. The boat passes by Delos and you take photos from the vessel.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 5 hours.

Where do I meet the group?

The base manager waits outside Mathios tavern by 8:30 every day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional. If you select the pickup option, you’ll be picked up from hotels in Mykonos and should wait in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

What swimming and snorkeling is included?

You get a 2-hour swimming stop at Rhenia Island, plus snorkeling gear. SUP is also included.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have a traditional meal onboard with seafood pasta, meat, and vegetarian options, plus seasonal fruits. The cruise also includes homemade rosé wine, and the itinerary includes drinks such as beer and wine during the Rhenia stop.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring one.

What happens if the sea is too rough?

The captain can modify the itinerary when wind and sea conditions are not good enough for the original plan. If it’s too windy, an alternative route may be along the south coast of Mykonos and include a protected cove away from crowds.