Five hours on a catamaran feels like a reset. This cruise pairs Rhenia’s swim cove with an easy boat day—sailing past Mykonos highlights, anchoring for snorkeling, and enjoying a traditional meal with Mykonos wine served on board. The one thing I’d watch: lunch and drinks can feel more simple than fancy, and pickup details can matter depending on where you’re staying.

I like how the day is built for “no-planning fun.” You get picked up by air-conditioned minivan, you’re guided to the new port, and then the crew runs the show with a safety briefing and welcome refreshments before you even leave the dock.

One possible drawback: this isn’t a full island-hopping program. If you’re hoping for a guided visit to Delos, that part is not included, so you’ll want to plan Delos separately.

Key takeaways before you go

• Rhenia Island time is the main event: anchor in a turquoise cove for swimming and snorkeling
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: traditional meal plus unlimited Mykonos wine
• Snorkeling gear is included: you just bring your swim stuff
• You can choose group or private: either way, the vibe is relaxed and social
• Towels aren’t included: bring your own so you don’t get stuck

Hotel pickup to the new port: the easy start

The day begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minivan. Plan for about a 20-minute ride to the port area, then you’ll meet the skipper and crew and get a quick safety briefing plus welcome refreshments. It’s a straightforward handoff—no multiple transfers, no long walk once you arrive.

One detail worth taking seriously: port regulations require you to share each participant’s full name, nationality, age, and ID/passport details. The company will ask for this up front, so don’t wait until the last minute to send it.

Also note the fine print on where pickup happens. Pickup is only available from hotels, not random meeting points. If you’re staying in something that doesn’t line up well with a hotel-style address, double-check your exact pickup location after you receive your email with the scheduled time.

Finally, this is one of those tours where timing matters more than you’d think. You want to be ready early, because once the boat departs, you’ll be living on island time—out on the water, not waiting around.

Sailing the Mykonos coastline without the crowds

Once you’re on board, the scenery does the heavy lifting. You’ll pull away from the dock and cruise along the coast with views of Mykonos’ signature white houses and the sea breeze doing its job. It’s an instant shift from town pace to water pace.

As you move through the experience, you’ll also get onboard sightseeing—both by passing viewpoints and through how the crew frames what you’re seeing. On sunset options, that includes golden-hour visuals as the boat heads back.

There’s a practical upside here too: you’re seeing the coastline from a vantage point that’s hard to replicate on foot. If you’re the type who likes photos but doesn’t want to spend your day hopping around for them, this delivers those coastal angles with minimal effort.

And for what it’s worth, the vibe tends to stay relaxed rather than hectic. Some departures run with smaller groups on board, which helps you feel like you have room to move around, not just pose for a few minutes and then crowd back in.

Rhenia Island cove: swimming, snorkeling, and real turquoise water

Rhenia is where the cruise earns its reputation. You’ll sail to the nearby island, then drop anchor in a small cove. The water color is the main attraction: clear, bright, and made for photos the moment you look over the side.

You get a big block of time here—about two hours—and it’s built around water time. This is when you’ll swim and snorkel, using snorkeling gear that’s included. If you’ve never snorkeled before, don’t overthink it. The setup is simple: gear on, jump in, then you adjust as you go.

Some groups also report extra water toys like SUP, so if that’s important to you, keep an eye out on the day’s instructions from the crew. Even without that, the snorkeling plus swimming window is the point of the itinerary, and it’s long enough to do more than one “round.”

A common rhythm on this stop goes like this: you settle into the cove, you spend time in the water, then lunch gets prepared as you’re enjoying the break. That way, you’re not waiting around hungry while everyone is still in swim mode.

A small consideration: the cove experience is time-on-water. If you’re the type who gets cold easily, bring that jacket mentioned in the packing list. Sea breeze can switch up faster than you expect.

Lunch onboard: traditional meal, and the wine part

This cruise is designed as a “eat and drink on the boat” day, not a bring-your-own picnic situation. During the Rhenia stop, you’ll enjoy lunch onboard while you’re anchored, along with drinks that include beer and wine during the island time.

Here’s the honest feel from what I’ve seen described: the food is simple Greek-style rather than gourmet. One review called it enough and another mentioned it was average with a great experience overall. The good news is that it’s paired with plenty of time to enjoy the setting, so you’re not judging lunch in a vacuum—you’re judging it mid-sea.

The standout is the wine. You’ll have unlimited traditional Mykonos wine while sailing. On the way back, there’s also an aperitif/wine moment built into the schedule. If you enjoy Greek wine, this is a key value driver in the cost.

On the flip side, one review noted the drink variety could be better. Translation: if you’re a picky drinker who needs a wide cocktail menu, this might not scratch that itch. But if you’re happy with wine and beer, this cruise leans into what it does well.

Also worth knowing: towels aren’t included. The packing list tells you to bring one, and I’d follow that. After swimming, having your own towel makes everything smoother.

Sunset option: when the boat slows down and the light turns kind

If you choose the sunset cruise, the late-day timing adds a different mood. Instead of spending your whole day in bright midday glare, you get that softer golden light on the return sail. The experience described as breathtaking makes sense here—sunset on the water tends to hit harder than sunset from land.

You’ll also pass the picturesque windmills on the island during the return sailing. If you’re trying to capture Mykonos’ look without chasing angles all day, this is a solid way to do it.

One practical note: a sunset cruise often means you’ll feel a temperature drop on the water. That jacket on the packing list is not a joke.

Group vs private tour: choose the vibe you want

You can pick either a shared group or a private tour. In practice, the choice comes down to how you want to handle the social side of the day.

Shared group can be great if you like a friendly atmosphere. Several comments highlight good music, an easy vibe, and crew members being attentive—things that usually show up when the boat isn’t packed tight. One review even mentioned a group of eight girls and praised the guides and overall value.

Private tours can make sense when you want more control and a quieter feel. Some people reported being transported privately in a Mercedes, which suggests certain departures may offer a higher-touch transfer experience. Even when it’s not a luxury vehicle, private still tends to feel more tailored.

Either way, pay attention to the crew. Names that came up include Dimitrii and Anesto for one group experience, Vog as a guide in another, and on sunset cruises, captains/hosts like Captain Antonis with co-captain Fanis. Across those mentions, the consistent theme is friendliness and accommodation.

If you’re booking as a couple or a small friend group, private can feel like “extra room for the price,” depending on the departure you pick. If you’re traveling solo or want to meet people, shared group keeps the day social without turning it into a party.

What to bring (so you’re not stuck on island time)

This cruise is easy, but you’ll be happiest if you show up ready for water. Use the packing list as your baseline:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Jacket

The snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to pack mask or fins. Still, bring sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes. Also remember: being out on open water means you can burn faster than you think, even when the wind feels cool.

If you hate changing in public, plan ahead. Bring a cover-up you’re comfortable wearing briefly between boat areas and water time.

Lastly, since the schedule includes swimming windows and onboard meals, keep your essentials in a waterproof bag or a dry bag if you have one. You don’t want your phone living its best life in salt spray.

Who should book this Mykonos catamaran to Rhenia?

I’d point this cruise at people who want a classic Mykonos sea day without the hassle. It’s a good fit if you:

• Want snorkeling and swimming time without planning a ferry schedule
• Like wine and a traditional meal while you’re out on the water
• Prefer simple logistics: hotel pickup, port arrival, cruise, then return transfer
• Want photos of Mykonos coastline, windmills, and sea views without walking all day

It’s also a decent “first Mykonos activity” because it orients you. You get coastal landmarks from sea level, so later when you explore the town, you understand where things sit.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable with water time. And there are clear limitations: it’s not suitable for children under 3 years, and pregnant women shouldn’t take it.

Price and value: what $176 includes and why it matters

At $176 per person for about 5 hours, the value comes from what’s wrapped into the ticket. This isn’t just “rent a boat and show up.” Your price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• Snorkeling gear
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges

So you’re paying for the full day structure: transport, crew operation, and the onboard food/drink component. The unlimited Mykonos wine is a major value booster if you drink wine during travel. Even if you don’t, the meal plus drinks on a boat can save you time and money compared with piecing together food and drinks once you’re in town.

Where expectations need adjusting is the word “traditional” for the meal. It’s meant to be Greek and practical, not a fine-dining tasting menu. One review called the lunch simple but enough, which is a pretty fair read. If you need gourmet cooking to feel satisfied, you might treat lunch as fuel for the swim cove rather than the day’s highlight.

Overall, the spend makes more sense when you focus on the real goods: water time, scenery, and included snorkeling gear.

Tips to make the day smoother on the water

A few things help you enjoy the cruise more, fast:

• Arrive ready for the sun. Put on sunscreen early, before you’re on deck with wind and glare.
• Bring that jacket for the return sail, especially on sunset.
• When you anchor at Rhenia, prioritize water time over boat photos. You’ll get plenty of scenic shots from above, but the best moments happen while you’re actually in the water.
• If you want the most comfortable swim setup, choose your spot before the water frenzy starts and ask the crew for guidance.
• If drinks are important to you, go in with the expectation of wine-focused hospitality rather than a full cocktail list.

These are small moves, but they can turn a good trip into a great one.

Should you book the Mykonos to Rhenia catamaran cruise?

My take: book it if you want a low-effort, high-view sea day with included snorkeling gear, a traditional meal, and unlimited Mykonos wine. It’s the kind of tour that fits first-timers and repeat Mykonos travelers alike—because it gives you a different perspective on the island in just 5 hours.

Don’t book it if you’re counting on a guided Delos experience. That’s not part of this cruise, so you’d need a separate plan. Also skip it if water time isn’t your thing, or if you fall into the stated limitations (children under 3, pregnant women).

If your priority is Rhenia’s cove, sailing past Mykonos sights, and ending with windmills and possibly sunset light, then this is a strong choice for how you want to spend your time in the South Aegean.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise from Mykonos to Rhenia?

The total duration is 5 hours, including pickup, the sailing time, the Rhenia stop for swimming and snorkeling, and the return trip back to Mykonos.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, food and drinks, snorkeling gear, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, and you’re advised to bring a towel along with swimwear and sunscreen.

Is pickup available from any address in Mykonos?

Pickup is only available from hotels. You’ll need to provide your hotel name and address, and you should check your email for the pickup time and details.

Is this tour suitable for small children or pregnancy?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years old, and it’s also not suitable for pregnant women.

Is there a sunset option?

Yes. If you choose the sunset cruise, you’ll have time on the return to enjoy a golden sunset while sailing back and passing scenic spots.