REVIEW · MYKONOS
Rhenia island – Small group Sailing adventure (up to 8 guests)
Book on Viator →Operated by Mykonos On Board sailing trips · Bookable on Viator
Your day on the Aegean starts fast.
This small-group sail to Rhenia is built for real time in the water, with stops that feel private even though you’re sharing the boat. I especially love the fresh meal on board plus drinks, served while the crew sets you up for beach time and snorkeling. One thing to plan for: like all sea days, your exact sailing experience depends on weather and wind.
I also like how the crew works the day. On trips run by captains and mates like Orestes and Agnes, you get easy confidence—help if you’re new to conditions, plus clear guidance so you can actually enjoy swimming and getting good photos. The tradeoff is simple: you’ll be on the water for hours, so bring the right expectations (and pack light).
Finally, the timing matters. The tour starts at 10:00am and returns to the same meeting point, and while pickup is optional, roundtrip transfer isn’t included. If you have mobility limits or you’re pregnant, you should flag it early since participation may be reconfirmed for safety.
In This Review
- Key things I’d write on your planning note
- Rhenia from Mykonos: why this feels like a mini escape
- Meeting point, timing, and how optional pickup changes the day
- The Rhenia stop: two secluded beaches and the feel-good rhythm of the day
- Snorkeling around Rhenia without overthinking it
- Delos port pass-by: a quick briefing that makes what you see click
- The onboard lunch and drinks: why it changes the vibe
- Sailing conditions: what happens on calm days versus windy days
- Value check: is $70 a smart spend for 5 hours on the water?
- Who should book this Rhenia sail (and who should consider alternatives)
- Booking this trip the smart way: a quick checklist
- Should you book the Rhenia sailing adventure?
- FAQ
- How long is the sailing trip to Rhenia?
- What time does the tour start, and where does it end?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Is hotel pickup included?
Key things I’d write on your planning note

- Small boat feel: max 8–9 travelers, so you spend less time waiting and more time in the fun spots
- Two Rhenia beach stops: crystal-clear water with snorkeling gear ready when you arrive
- Delos history moment while passing: a short briefing connected to what you see near the ancient port
- Lunch and drinks are part of the day: Greek-style meal plus beer, wine, and bottled water
- Crew keeps the mood right for everyone: calm reassurance when conditions change
- You only need to bring yourself (and your towel): snorkeling gear and safety equipment are provided, but beach towels aren’t
Rhenia from Mykonos: why this feels like a mini escape
Rhenia is the kind of place where the sea does most of the work for you. You’re not stuck watching the water from a viewpoint. You’re actually getting in it—swimming, snorkeling, and hanging out at secluded spots where the pace is slower and the colors look unreal.
What makes this trip stand out is the boat size. With up to 8–9 people, you get a more personal day than the bigger groups that can feel like a school trip. The crew can also tailor the timing: when people want to swim longer, they have room to work with that.
And yes, you do get a history thread. Delos is part of the story of this area, and you’ll get a brief explanation while passing near the ancient port—just enough to make it more meaningful if you plan to explore Delos later on your own.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mykonos.
Meeting point, timing, and how optional pickup changes the day

This is a 5-hour-ish outing that starts at 10:00am from Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis (near public transportation). The end point is back at the meeting place, so you’re not left figuring out transport after you’re sun-warmed and a bit tired.
Optional hotel pickup and drop-off exists, but it’s not included in the base price. If you’re staying close to the meeting area, you’ll probably find it easier to come on your own and keep the schedule clean. If you are further out, you might want pickup simply to reduce stress.
Also plan around what your morning looks like. With a sea trip starting mid-morning, it’s smart to have a light breakfast and then let lunch happen on board. You’ll also want swim-ready gear handy so you don’t waste time once you reach the first stop.
The Rhenia stop: two secluded beaches and the feel-good rhythm of the day
The core of your time is at Rhenia, where you’ll make two separate beach stops. The water is crystal clear, and that matters because snorkeling is only as good as your access point. Here, you’re not battling murky shallows or long distances to get your face in the water—you’re already at the right spots.
At each beach stop, you get a choice: go straight into the water with snorkeling gear, or take it slower and enjoy the view. There’s also a nice little touch to the timing. While the crew prepares your meal, you may have a glass of wine—so the day has that easy “we’re doing this together” pacing rather than a rushed sprint between activities.
The drawback to be aware of is that “secluded” can mean less convenient than a town beach. You’re arriving by boat, so once you’re there, you’re there. Bring whatever you need for comfort (and keep an eye on sun protection), because you won’t be popping back to a beach bar for a refill or a forgotten item.
Snorkeling around Rhenia without overthinking it
You get snorkeling equipment included, which is a big deal for value. It means you’re not paying extra, and it also saves you from the common hassle of rental logistics right before you want to swim.
In practical terms, this trip is best if you’re comfortable with the basics: getting in and out of the water, staying aware around the boat, and taking direction from the crew on timing and safety. Your physical fitness should be moderate—think comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and being able to handle the rhythm of a small boat day.
For photos, aim for the early moments at each stop. The first bit after you enter the water often gives you the best chance to spot movement and get clear views. If there’s a breeze, keep your phone protected and use quick bursts rather than long fiddling. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re still enjoying the water instead of managing gear.
Delos port pass-by: a quick briefing that makes what you see click
While you’re passing near the Delos ancient port, the crew gives a short history briefing. It’s not a full museum-style explanation, and that’s actually a good thing. You get context tied to what’s around you, so the coastline and ruins you might later look up make more sense.
If you’ve never connected Delos to the wider myth-and-history story of the Aegean, this briefing is a helpful starting point. It can also guide your own future planning: if you love what you hear, you’ll know what to pay attention to if you decide to visit Delos more fully on a separate day.
Since this is a sailing trip, the briefing is timed for the views you’ll see from the water. That means you shouldn’t expect long talks or a stop on the island itself here—just a focused setup for your understanding.
The onboard lunch and drinks: why it changes the vibe
Food and drinks are part of what makes this trip feel worth the money. You’ll have a traditional Greek meal prepared on board, plus beer, wine, and bottled water. That combination does two things: it keeps everyone relaxed and it turns the boat into the center of the day, not just the means of getting to the water.
Lunch happens while you’re at Rhenia, so you’re not eating in a hurry at the dock with the rest of Mykonos. The meal is also served with a friendly presentation, which you’ll feel even if you’re not usually the type to talk to strangers.
Dietary needs can be accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. That’s a strong practical inclusion, especially on a smaller boat where you can’t always assume flexibility. If you have other restrictions beyond what’s listed, you should still confirm clearly at booking so the crew can plan appropriately.
One small planning note: beach towels aren’t included. It’s worth bringing your own so you’re comfortable after swimming. You’ll likely want it whether you’re planning to lie out for a few minutes or just dry off between swims.
Sailing conditions: what happens on calm days versus windy days
This is a sailboat, so wind matters. On a windy day, the boat can actually sail rather than just motor around. On calmer days, you might not get the full sailing experience, but the day doesn’t become a bust.
The important thing is how the crew handles conditions. When the sea is lively, captains and mates are often doing two jobs at once: keeping the boat safe and keeping people comfortable. If you’re not used to moving on water, having someone reassure you and keep instructions clear makes a big difference.
On a calm day, the sailing part may be limited, but the core plan—two beach stops, swimming time, snorkeling, food—still holds. Think of the sailing as a bonus, not the only reason to go.
Also, remember that the entire experience is weather dependent. If conditions are too poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so you’re not stuck paying for an iffy day.
Value check: is $70 a smart spend for 5 hours on the water?
For $70, the value comes from what you don’t have to arrange. You get snorkeling equipment, safety equipment on board, and a meal plus drinks. Many Mykonos day experiences charge extra for gear or food, and then you’re still figuring out how long you’ll actually get in the water.
Here, you’re paying for a structured half-day that includes the key pieces: real swim time, time on small secluded beaches, and a full onboard lunch experience. Plus, the group size helps: with only up to 8 travelers, the day doesn’t feel crowded or rushed.
If your goal is to spend time in the water around Rhenia—snorkeling and swimming—this is one of the more straightforward ways to do it. If your goal is a long, full-day itinerary with lots of stops on land, you might feel the 5-hour frame is short. But for a focused sea day, it’s a good fit.
Who should book this Rhenia sail (and who should consider alternatives)
This works best if you want a relaxed day out of Mykonos that includes swimming, snorkeling, and a real meal without complicated planning. It’s also ideal if you like small-group experiences where the crew can actually interact with everyone instead of just managing a crowd.
You’ll likely enjoy it if you’re:
- Comfortable with a boat day and moderate physical activity
- Interested in snorkeling equipment you don’t have to rent
- Happy to spend most of your time at sea and a couple of beach stops
You might want to think twice if:
- You get uncomfortable in moving boats or in changing wind conditions
- You need beach towel support and would rather have everything supplied
- You want a land-heavy itinerary, not a water-first one
And if you have pregnancy, mobility, or health considerations, tell the provider before booking. Participation may be subject to reconfirmation to keep things safe.
Booking this trip the smart way: a quick checklist
Before you book, make sure you can provide the travel details required. You’ll need each passenger’s passport number, full name, nationality, and date of birth. That’s normal for many Greece boat activities, but it’s still worth handling early so you don’t lose time later.
Bring:
- Swim gear and sun protection
- A beach towel (not provided)
- A phone that you can protect from water and splashes
Leave behind:
- The assumption that hotel pickup is included
- The assumption that every day will be windy enough for classic sailing
If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is still a decent first step because the gear is included and the crew is there to guide you through the day’s rhythm.
Should you book the Rhenia sailing adventure?
I’d book this if you want a small-group Aegean day that prioritizes water time. The two Rhenia beach stops, included snorkeling gear, and an onboard traditional meal make it feel like more than just transportation. And the crew reputation for keeping people comfortable—whether it’s windy enough for sailing or calmer than expected—adds a lot of confidence to the experience.
Skip it if you’re chasing a long itinerary or you only want a big, dramatic sightseeing day. This trip is about the sea day, not a crowded checklist. If that matches your vacation mood, you’ll probably have one of those Mykonos memories that sticks because it’s simple, warm, and hands-on.
FAQ
How long is the sailing trip to Rhenia?
The experience runs for about 5 hours.
What time does the tour start, and where does it end?
It starts at 10:00am and ends back at the meeting point.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum is 8 travelers (with the boat listed as up to 8–9).
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.
What food and drinks are included?
You get refreshments, a complimentary Greek meal (with special dietary requirements accommodated), plus beer, wine, and bottled water.
Is hotel pickup included?
Roundtrip transfer from your hotel is optional and not included. You’ll meet at the listed meeting point unless you arrange the optional pickup.

























