Ruins and swim time share the same ticket. This cruise gives you snorkeling gear for clear-water Rhenia, then pairs it with an easy-to-handle visit to UNESCO Delos, plus a proper BBQ meal on board. The mood stays relaxed even though you’re hitting two of the most famous islands near Mykonos.

You’ll sail out of Agios Ioannis, spend time on Delos’s ancient streets, and then enjoy a couple hours at Rhenia for swimming, snacks, and drinks with a friendly crew. One thing to keep in mind is timing: if you add a Delos guide, the guided schedule can affect how much free time you get back at the boat.

Key points I think you’ll care about

• Delos in a practical time window that still feels meaningful, without turning your day into a hike marathon
• Rhenia swim stop with snorkeling gear and noodles to make it easy even if you’re not a strong swimmer
• BBQ lunch on board with unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water)
• Small-group feel on a gulet (often capped at 30 or 40 depending on the boat)
• Helpful, attentive crew known for checking in and keeping drinks coming (including names like Dmitri, Giannis, and Dimitri)

A Boat Day That Trades Mykonos Crowds for Delos and Rhenia

Mykonos can feel like one long queue: boats, buses, beach chairs, and photo lines all competing for attention. This cruise gives you a cleaner rhythm. You leave the island, get a focused look at Delos (a UNESCO World Heritage site tied to ancient Greek myth and early history), then shift gears into water time at Rhenia.

What makes the day work for most people is the pairing. Delos is the “wow, wow, wow” stop for history and atmosphere. Rhenia is the “slow down” stop, where the day becomes about swimming, snorkeling, and eating while the sea breeze does its job.

The other big reason I like it is the onboard setup. You’re not just staring at the water from the deck; you’re given the tools to enjoy it. Snorkeling gear is included, along with swimming noodles, towels, and life vests. And yes, you eat on the boat too, with a BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks.

Getting on Board at Agios Ioannis (and what that means for your day)

Your day starts near Agios Ioannis, with departures timed around the cruise schedule. If you choose the optional pickup, you’ll have a roundtrip transfer arranged from accommodations around Mykonos for an added fee (pay on the spot). If you don’t, you meet the yacht directly at the pier in the morning.

That choice matters more than it sounds. With a transfer, you can roll out of bed and let someone else handle the details. Without it, you’ll want to arrive with a buffer because pier timing in Mykonos can be tight.

Once you’re onboard, this is a gulet-style cruise with a practical, small-boat vibe. Depending on the day and group size, it may run on a 72ft gulet (max 30) or an 89ft gulet (max 40). Either way, the boat feels intimate rather than like a floating bus.

A few onboard notes that can change how comfy you feel:

• You’ll be barefoot on board for safety and hygiene, and shoes are not allowed onboard. Plan for that when you pack.
• Shade can be limited, so bring a light cover if you burn fast. A jacket is also listed as something to bring, which is a smart idea even in warmer months.
• There’s WiFi on board, but the day mostly runs on water time and island time, so don’t plan your entire trip around connectivity.

Sailing Past Mykonos: the views are part of the product

There are a couple short cruising segments built into the day, including scenic sailing and quick photo moments. The boat cruise time isn’t just filler. It’s your decompression period.

You’ll get a safety briefing and then spend time passing along the coastline and nearby island scenery while the day warms up. If you like sea views, this portion is a big part of the “feels good to be here” feeling.

Also, the boat crew works the schedule so you’re not stranded between stops. The pacing tends to keep the day from dragging, which matters when you’re dealing with sun, heat, and travel logistics.

Delos Time: ruins, photos, and the guide question

Delos is the UNESCO stop, and it’s not small. The ancient site dates back to extremely early eras, and it’s tied to the myth of Apollo and Artemis’ birth place. For many people, it’s the main reason they picked this cruise.

You typically get a short visit window at Delos. There’s usually a photo stop plus time to explore on your own (or with an optional professional guide). That setup is smart for two reasons:

1. It avoids the “all-day museum shuffle” problem.
2. It gives you enough time to feel the scale without making the day purely about walking.

Do you need a Delos guide?

You can add a guided tour of the Delos ruins at an extra cost, and you must arrange it as an add-on. A guide can help you make sense of what you’re seeing faster, especially if you don’t already know the site.

But here’s the tradeoff. Some guided experiences can run on a tight timetable. In a couple cases, the guide plan didn’t align neatly with the cruise’s pace, which can make you feel rushed at the end and reduce your ability to wander freely.

My practical suggestion: if you’re a confident wanderer and you’re happy reading plaques at your own pace, skip the guide and use the time to build your own route. If you want context and names and symbolism explained in plain language, add the guide, but treat it as a structured segment rather than a flexible roaming time.

What to expect on Delos itself

You’ll be in hot sun at a major archaeological site, so plan for time outdoors. Bring water along if you can. The day is long enough that you’ll appreciate having a phone handy too (for meeting points and the pickup/drop-off flow later).

Also, wear comfortable shoes for walking on the island itself. You can’t rely on the boat for comfort once you’re on land.

Rhenia Island: snorkeling, noodles, and BBQ lunch on the water

Rhenia is where the cruise shifts from history mode into relaxation mode. The island is known for clear water, and this is your main swimming stop of the day.

You’ll get a couple hours at Rhenia. This is the portion where the included gear earns its keep. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll also have swimming noodles for an easy, casual float. Even if snorkeling isn’t your thing, the water time still delivers because you can jump in, swim around, and cool off.

A good sign here is that the lunch is included and served onboard right during the Rhenia stop. That means you’re not trying to coordinate a separate meal on shore. You eat, drink, and recover without losing the day’s rhythm.

Drinks and lunch: a real value, not a gimmick

Unlimited drinks include beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water. That matters because it reduces decision fatigue. You’re not doing mental math every time you want something to sip.

One thing not included is spirits and cocktails. If you’re the type who plans your day around a specific cocktail order, you’ll need to bring extra budget for that.

Food-wise, the BBQ lunch focuses on meat and vegetables. People often call it one of the best meals they’ll have on their Mykonos stay, and that tracks with what you’d want on a cruise day: satisfying, simple, and served at the right time.

Dietary needs are handled with care when possible. If you have specific restrictions, it’s worth communicating in advance if the operator supports it, but the key point is that the crew is typically attentive and works to make sure you’re not stuck with nothing to eat.

Onboard Comfort: what’s great, what’s tricky

This cruise is built for a simple day: sail, explore, swim, eat. That means comfort is about the details, not about luxury.

What I’d highlight

• Crew attention: the team stays on top of drink refills and generally checks in so you’re not wandering around wondering where things are.
• Skipper competence: you’ll feel this in the way the boat handles the day and keeps you on schedule.
• Included essentials: towels, sunscreen, life vests, and a WiFi connection for quick updates.

What you should plan for

• Limited shade on deck. If the sun is strong, you’ll want to rotate: sun for photos, shade for breaks.
• Barefoot rule onboard. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s unusual enough that it’s worth remembering before you show up in sandals and shorts and assume footwear is optional.
• Group feel: while the boat is small, it’s still a shared experience, so extra personal space is not guaranteed.

Transfers and meeting points: save yourself a stress moment

You have two main ways to handle arrival:

• Book the optional pickup from your accommodation (pay on the spot).
• Meet the yacht at the pier in the morning.

Either can work well. The downside risk isn’t about the cruise itself; it’s about how the day’s timing interacts with Mykonos traffic and the site’s heat. A couple people noted delays and some waiting when timing got tight on the Delos side.

If you hate any chance of being rushed later in the day, I’d lean toward pickup. If you’re already near the pier area and you’re comfortable handling logistics yourself, meeting directly keeps it simple.

Price and value: why this is usually a good deal at €152

At about $152 per person for a 6-hour cruise, you’re paying for three things that are hard to recreate separately:

1. Boat time that gets you away from the Mykonos crowd bubble
2. A structured stop at Delos (UNESCO access time and photo moments)
3. A full Rhenia swim window with snorkeling gear plus an actual meal

The drinks are also the difference-maker. Unlimited beer and wine on a day cruise can easily become a hidden expense if you go elsewhere. Here, the cost already includes beer, wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water. You’re not forced into spending more to stay hydrated.

Add-ons are straightforward:

• Hotel pickup/drop-off is extra (20 euros per person).
• A guided Delos ruins visit is extra (with a listed per-person guide fee plus an additional entrance fee).
• Spirits/cocktails aren’t included.

So, is it value? For most people, yes—especially if you plan to drink and actually use the included water activities. If you’re the type who only wants to sit and take photos, you may feel the price more than the swim-focused crowd. But if you like water time and want Delos without organizing everything yourself, this price usually makes sense.

Who should book this Mykonos cruise

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A day that mixes history and beach time without needing a car
• Snorkeling gear included and a swim stop that isn’t rushed into nothing
• A BBQ lunch experience that feels like part of the trip, not an afterthought
• Small-boat energy with a friendly crew (names you might hear include Dmitri, Giannis, and Dimitri)

It’s not the best fit if:

• You want long, deep exploration time on Delos. The stop is intentionally time-limited.
• You care a lot about shade and deck comfort for long stretches in the sun.
• You only like guided tours and expect perfect alignment between guide pacing and cruise timing. The guide option can be helpful, but timing can feel tight.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia cruise with BBQ?

I’d book it if your ideal Mykonos day includes at least two of these: a meaningful UNESCO stop, a real swim break, and a meal you don’t have to hunt down. The best part is the balance. You get a historic site, then you get your reward in clear water and food with drinks already handled.

I’d pause and think if you’re very heat-sensitive or if you’re strict about pacing on guided ruins tours. In that case, either skip the guide and explore on your own, or go in expecting a structured segment with less wandering time at the end.

If you do book, pack for sun and bare-foot rules onboard, wear comfortable shoes for Delos walking, and keep your expectations aligned with a 6-hour day: focused, not exhaustive.

FAQ

What does the cruise include?

It includes a BBQ lunch (meat and vegetables), unlimited drinks (beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water), snorkeling gear, swimming noodles, towels, sunscreen, WiFi on board, life vests, safety instructions, and a professional skipper with crew support. Taxes and port fees are included too.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Mykonos are available for an added fee of €20 per person. You pre-reserve it and pay on the spot.

Where do you meet if you don’t book pickup?

You meet the yacht directly at the Ioannis Diakoftis pier in the morning.

Can I add a guided tour for Delos?

Yes. A professional Delos guided tour can be added for €45 per adult and €40 per child, with a separate entrance fee listed as €20 per person. You need to arrange it in advance.

Are drinks included, and what is not included?

Unlimited drinks are included, including beer, wine, refreshments, coffee, tea, and water. Spirits and cocktails are not included.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No experience is required. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the itinerary includes swimming time at Rhenia. You’ll also have noodles to help you float comfortably.

What should I bring and what’s not allowed?

Bring passport or ID, comfortable clothes and beachwear, comfortable shoes, and a jacket. Shoes are not allowed on board; participants are bare foot onboard for safety and hygiene reasons.