Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruises with meals Drinks and transportation

Mykonos is best seen from the water, and this cruise gives you a generous two-hour stop at Rhenia for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply lying in the sun. You also pass Delos, the sacred island tied to Apollo, then return along Mykonos for views of the windmills and Little Venice. The sunset departure adds a particularly fine finish.

I like the small group of up to 15 and the warm, attentive crew. Names that come up often onboard include Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Nicos, Costas, Kristos, Nikos, Andreas, and Maholis. I also like that the meal is cooked onboard rather than handed out in a box, with seafood pasta and meat options, plus unlimited homemade rosé wine.

The catch is the Mykonos wind. Strong conditions can change the route, cancel the Delos pass-by, keep the catamaran close to port, or make the ride rough. If you get seasick, sit toward the center of the boat, bring a towel, and check the forecast before your cancellation deadline.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at Rhenia: Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or go ashore when conditions allow.
• Delos is a pass-by, not a landing: You see the archaeological site from the boat and hear a short explanation.
• Morning or sunset departure: The sunset option usually runs into the evening and can finish around 8:45 p.m.
• Small-group setting: The catamaran carries no more than 15 people, though some departures may be private.
• Food and wine are included: Expect a freshly cooked Greek meal, seafood pasta, meat choices, and homemade rosé.
• Weather controls the day: The captain can replace the planned route with a sheltered south-coast sailing.

A half-day at sea from Mykonos

At $133.02 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. Still, I find the price reasonable if you value convenience and a full package. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a modern catamaran, crew service, snorkeling gear, a cooked meal, wine, fuel, and several hours on the Aegean.

A taxi to the port, a separate boat trip, lunch, and beach time could easily add up. The real value comes from the easy planning. You do not need to arrange transport to Tourlos, search for a place to eat, or rent snorkeling equipment.

The cruise lasts about five hours. That makes it a good fit for a free half-day in Mykonos, especially if you want time in the sea without giving up an entire day. It is less suitable if you want a serious sailing expedition or a full archaeological visit to Delos.

Hotel pickup is offered from an accessible meeting point. The stated start and end point is Mykonos Port in Tourlos, but the included minivan transfer can save you the trouble of getting there yourself. If you are arriving by cruise ship, arrange the pickup details carefully and allow enough time for your return to the ship. No refund is offered if you miss the activity because your cruise ship is late or fails to arrive.

Boarding at Tourlos and settling onto the catamaran

Your day begins with an air-conditioned van ride to Mykonos New Port. At the dock, you meet the skipper and crew, then choose a place on the modern catamaran.

The boat gives you several ways to spend the ride. You can sit in the open air, take pictures of the coast, or find a quieter place to watch the water. The front is exciting, but it is also the wettest spot when the boat hits waves. If you want a smoother ride, stay farther back and near the middle.

The group size matters here. With a maximum of 15 people, the outing feels more personal than a large excursion boat. The crew can explain the route, help with swimming equipment, and keep an eye on comfort and safety. On some departures, a family or group of six has the catamaran privately, which gives the day a more relaxed rhythm.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Dimitris and Iliana are often praised for their attention and clear explanations. Margarita has helped with port pickup and onboard care, while Nicos, Costas, Kristos, Nikos, Andreas, and Maholis have also been named as friendly and capable members of the team.

The communication before pickup has not always been perfect, so confirm the meeting time and location. That small step can prevent an awkward start.

Sailing past Mykonos and the little pirate island

As the catamaran leaves the port, you see Mykonos from a different angle. The familiar white houses look less crowded from the water, and the sea gives you a broad view of the island’s coast.

The route first crosses the northern part of Mykonos and passes the small island known as BAOS, or the pirates island. This is a scenic sailing section rather than a long stop. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect to go ashore.

Homemade rosé wine is served throughout the cruise. Beer is not listed as part of the drinks, so bring your own if wine is not your preference. Alcohol is best enjoyed after you are settled, especially on a day when the Aegean is rough.

The catamaran may sail under the engine or use its sails, depending on wind and sea conditions. Some departures have not been able to use the sails, and strong wind can change the route. This is not unusual around Mykonos, where breezy weather is common, but it is important to set your expectations correctly.

Seeing Delos from the water

The boat pauses in front of Delos, allowing you to photograph the archaeological site from the catamaran. A hostess explains some of the island’s history, including its link with Apollo and its importance in ancient Greek culture.

This is a useful introduction, but it is not a Delos archaeological tour. The cruise does not drop you at Delos, and you do not walk among the temples, statues, or ancient streets. If exploring the ruins is your main reason for visiting the island, book a dedicated Delos excursion instead.

For a mixed day of scenery, swimming, and history, the short stop works well. You get a sense of Delos as an isolated sacred island without spending the whole afternoon on shore. The boat’s position also gives you a pleasant photo angle that is different from the usual arrival view.

The itinerary says the Delos pass-by is subject to weather. High winds or rough seas can remove this part of the route. On some days, the captain may keep the boat closer to Mykonos for safety.

Rhenia, clear water, and the long swimming stop

Rhenia is the main event. The catamaran anchors in a sheltered cove with clear turquoise water, and you have about two hours for swimming and snorkeling.

Masks and snorkels are included. You can jump from the catamaran, swim around the boat, or, when conditions permit, swim toward shore. Paddleboarding has also been available on some trips. The long stop gives you time to do more than take a quick dip. You can swim first, eat later, then return to the water, or simply relax on deck.

Bring your own beach towel. A few people have found towels onboard, but they are not included in the stated package, so do not count on that. You should also bring sun protection and a change of dry clothing, especially if you sit at the front during the ride back.

The cove is protected, but the journey to and from it can still be rough. One outing experienced five- to six-foot swells, with a few people feeling ill. The crew has helped passengers who became nauseous, but no boat can remove the motion of the sea.

This is where the trip earns much of its value. You are not rushed from one photo stop to another. The two-hour break gives you the rare luxury of settling into the place. Families can swim at their own pace, and confident swimmers can spend more time with the mask and snorkel.

A freshly cooked meal on the boat

The crew prepares a traditional meal onboard while the catamaran is anchored. Seafood pasta and meat options are included, and the food has been one of the most consistently praised parts of the outing.

This is usually served as a relaxed lunch during the Rhenia stop. It is more satisfying than the light snacks found on many short boat trips, though the exact menu can vary. The crew has also adjusted meals for allergies when informed in advance.

If you have dietary restrictions, tell the operator before the cruise. Do not assume every request can be handled at the last minute. The meal is paired with homemade rosé wine, which is included without an extra charge.

The onboard cooking adds a pleasant local touch. You are eating a Greek-style meal on the water, not stopping at a restaurant selected for convenience. That simple detail makes the cruise feel less like transport and more like a day out with a small crew.

Sunset sailing back toward Mykonos

The sunset departure is the most atmospheric choice. After swimming and the meal, the catamaran heads back toward Mykonos as the light softens over the Aegean.

The return route passes the famous windmills and Little Venice, giving you a strong set of final photographs. From the water, the white buildings and waterfront houses form a clean, memorable view of Mykonos Town. On a calm evening, the sunset can be the highlight of the entire cruise.

The listed duration is about five hours, but one sunset departure ran from 3:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Allow some flexibility in your evening plans. A sea trip can run at a different pace when the captain must alter the route.

You may get wet on the way back, especially at the front. That is part of the fun for some people and an annoyance for others. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch and avoid wearing anything you cannot bear to splash.

The morning cruise has a different feel. You get brighter light for photographs and finish earlier, leaving the evening open for Mykonos Town. Choose morning if you want a practical sightseeing day. Choose sunset if the return views and golden light matter most.

Wind, waves, and route changes

You should make the weather the deciding factor before booking. The captain has the final say, and the route can be modified when wind and sea conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable.

On rough days, the boat may follow Mykonos’s south coast instead of heading farther toward Delos and Rhenia. This alternative can include famous beaches and a protected cove away from crowds. It may still provide swimming and a meal, but it will not be the same route advertised for calm conditions.

In more difficult weather, the catamaran may remain near the port and spend much of the time anchored. One outing had very little open-water sailing because of strong wind. Another had to skip Delos but still reached a rewarding swimming spot.

I would check the forecast the day before. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund. After that point, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because too few people book, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Sea sickness deserves a plain warning. The Aegean is not always calm, and this is not a glassy-water Caribbean-style cruise. If you are prone to nausea, choose a central seat, avoid too much wine before the boat gets moving, and tell the crew as soon as you feel unwell.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this outing to couples who want a scenic day with a sunset finish, families seeking a manageable half-day on the water, and people who want swimming time without planning every detail themselves.

It also suits cruise ship passengers, provided you build in enough time for pickup, the five-hour activity, and the return to port. The included transfers are especially useful if you are staying away from Tourlos or do not want to deal with Mykonos taxi logistics.

The minimum age is six. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around a catamaran, and swimming in open water. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and waterproof storage for valuables.

I would choose another activity if your main goal is to tour Delos on foot, spend a guaranteed day under full sails, or avoid all chance of rough water. The crew works around conditions, but it cannot control the weather.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a well-organized mix of sea views, swimming, Greek food, and easy transport. The small group, long Rhenia stop, helpful crew, and included meal make $133.02 a fair price for a five-hour outing.

Choose the morning for brighter sightseeing and a free evening. Choose sunset for the windmills, Little Venice, and the best chance of a memorable finish. Most importantly, keep your plans flexible and watch the forecast. On a calm day, this can be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Mykonos. On a windy day, it becomes a safer but less ambitious coastal cruise.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours. A sunset departure may run from about 3:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m., depending on the schedule and sea conditions.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The planned route includes Rhenia and a pass-by of Delos. The catamaran does not drop you at Delos, and you do not go ashore there.

Can I choose a morning or sunset departure?

Yes. You choose a morning or sunset cruise when booking, subject to available departure times.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned luxury van are included, but transportation is only possible from an accessible meeting point.

Is food included?

Yes. A freshly cooked traditional meal is included, with seafood pasta and meat options. Tell the operator about allergies or dietary needs in advance.

Are drinks included?

Homemade rosé wine is included and served throughout the cruise. Beer is not listed as an included drink.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included. Bring your own beach towel because towels are not part of the stated inclusions.

How long is the swimming stop at Rhenia?

The swimming stop lasts about two hours. You can swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard when available, relax on the catamaran, or go ashore when conditions permit.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain can change the route for safety. The cruise may follow Mykonos’s south coast or use a protected cove instead. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and missing the cruise because of a late or non-arriving cruise ship is not refundable.