All inclusive cruise-Mykonos Delos&Rhenia beaches(free transport)

The best part of this Mykonos day is the pairing of ancient Delos with the clear swimming water around uninhabited Rhenia. One moment you are looking across a sacred Aegean site, and the next you are eating Greek food on board with the coast behind you.

I like the fresh buffet lunch and the included drinks, which make the $138.78 price easier to justify. I also like the small-boat format, with no more than 25 people and, on some departures, a much smaller group. The catch is serious: Mykonos can be very windy, and rough water has made this an uncomfortable or even unsafe outing for some people.

Key points before you book

• Delos and Rhenia in one outing: You get history, swimming, and open-sea views in roughly six hours.
• Greek buffet on board: Expect local vegetables, spreads, and other freshly prepared dishes, plus water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine.
• The boat may not match the photos: The actual vessel can vary, and some departures use an older sailboat rather than the boat pictured online.
• Wind changes the whole experience: The return ride can be wet, bouncy, and tiring, especially at the front of the boat.
• Delos costs extra: The archaeological site entrance fee is not included. Some passengers reported paying about 20 euros per person.
• Transport needs checking: Hotel and port transfers are offered, but the exact pickup point must be provided in advance. Promotional bookings without transportation do not include it.

Delos first, then a swim off Rhenia

This cruise works because the two main stops offer such different rewards. Delos gives you one of the Aegean’s most important archaeological sites. Rhenia gives you an easy afternoon in the water.

The stated cruise duration is about six hours. The published schedule also notes departures around 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. that continue until sunset and pass by Delos, with a light dinner on the boat. Some booking options and past departures have been in the morning, including a 9:00 a.m. sailing that reached Delos before the larger crowds.

That difference matters. A morning departure gives you a better chance of seeing Delos in a quieter setting and leaves more daylight for swimming. An afternoon sailing offers sunset light and a more relaxed evening feel. Confirm your exact departure time before booking, since the schedule can change with weather, port conditions, or the option you select.

Meeting the boat at Tourlos

The listed starting point is Mykonos Cruise, Zephyros Sailing, in Tourlos. Transport to and from hotels and ports is offered, which is useful in Mykonos, where a short trip on the map can still become awkward during busy periods.

You must tell the operator your pickup location. Beach bars, clubs, and similar places may involve an additional charge. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, give the ship’s docking or tendering details and remain at your terminal unless the operator tells you otherwise.

Do not assume that every booking includes transport. A lower-priced promotional option called Cruise Without Transportation excludes all transfers. This is an easy detail to miss, so compare the final price rather than the headline fare.

Finding the boat has also caused frustration. The harbor can be confusing, and Google Maps may not take you directly to the right place. Ask for clear landmarks and allow extra time. A few minutes spent confirming the meeting instructions is better than starting the day hurried and annoyed.

What the boat ride is really like

The experience is described as a sailing cruise, but you should think of it as a sailboat excursion, not a luxury yacht charter. The operator may choose a different boat, route, port, or start time depending on safety and weather. The captain also decides if the sails are used.

That last point is important. A lack of wind can mean the motor is used, while strong wind can make the ride lively. Several accounts praise the captains for handling difficult conditions, but others describe very rough seas, wet seats, sudden movement, and motion sickness.

The boat image used for booking may not show the exact vessel you board. Some boats have been described as comfortable and spacious for around 8 to 10 passengers, while other departures felt crowded. The formal maximum is 25 passengers per boat, so do not book this expecting a private, uncrowded yacht unless you choose a private cruise option.

Crew quality appears to vary by departure, but the strongest experiences center on friendly, welcoming captains and helpful first mates. Dimitri is specifically praised for making people feel at home and adapting the outing to the group. Other accounts describe female captains handling the boat confidently in strong wind.

There is also a less pleasant side. One account describes a rude captain who smoked throughout the trip, while another reports poor communication. You are paying for a shared excursion, so the atmosphere can depend heavily on the crew and the group aboard.

Delos: powerful ruins, limited time

Delos is the cultural heart of the outing. It was a major religious and commercial center in the ancient Aegean, and its ruins give you a sense of how important this small island once was. You can see remains of streets, homes, public buildings, and sanctuaries in an open archaeological setting.

The stop may feel too short if ancient sites are your main reason for coming. One hour can give you a useful first look, but Delos deserves much longer if you want to study the ruins, visit the museum, and walk beyond the most obvious remains.

Do not confuse sailing past Delos with entering the archaeological site. The cruise description includes a pass by Delos, while other versions include time ashore. Check your selected departure carefully. If you do go ashore, the entrance fee is extra. One account specifically cites about 20 euros per person, but you should confirm the current charge before departure.

Younger visitors may enter free, but proof of age is required. Bring identification or a clear photo of it if anyone in your party is under 18.

I would put Delos first in your decision. If you want a serious archaeological visit, choose the option that clearly includes landing and allow enough time. If your priority is swimming and a boat day, a brief Delos stop may be enough.

Rhenia gives you the easy Aegean moment

After the ancient stones, Rhenia feels wonderfully simple. This uninhabited island is known here for its clear water and quiet coves. The boat stops so you can swim, snorkel, and relax.

The water is the star. Several accounts describe it as crystal clear, with a pleasant temperature in summer. Earlier in the season, it may feel cold, especially if you plan to stay in for long. Snorkeling equipment is included, but do not expect a major underwater attraction. The pleasure is mainly the clean water, the setting, and the chance to cool off.

You may be able to swim toward shore, but the boat does not provide a conventional beach day with a guaranteed towel spot. If you imagine lying on a broad sandy beach, bring realistic expectations. A crowded boat can leave little room to stretch out, and beach towels are not supplied.

Pack your own towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. The boat can spray water on the return, particularly if you sit forward. The front of the boat offers the most exciting ride in rough conditions, but it is also where you are most likely to get wet.

The Greek lunch is a major part of the value

Food is one of the most consistently praised parts of this outing. The crew serves a buffet of Greek dishes prepared on board, with vegetable dishes, spreads, and traditional flavors. It is not presented as a formal restaurant meal, but it is more than a token snack.

This matters at $138.78 per person. The price includes lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, fuel, port fees, taxes, and snorkeling equipment. Those inclusions reduce the number of small expenses that can build up during a day on the water.

The meal also gives the cruise a local character. You are not simply being handed a packaged sandwich while moving between stops. Past menus have been described as fresh, generous, and distinctly Greek.

Still, food quality can vary with expectations and preparation. One dissatisfied account considered the meal basic and not worth the cost. If you are booking mainly for a gourmet lunch, this is the wrong reason to go. Think of the food as a generous part of a combined sailing, swimming, and cultural outing.

Beer and house wine are included, so drink sensibly. Alcohol and a moving boat are a poor combination for anyone already prone to seasickness.

Wind, waves, and the real safety question

This is the section to read carefully. Mykonos is known for strong winds, and the open water between the islands can become rough. Some people describe the return as thrilling, while others report nausea, bruises, cuts, and falls when the boat moved sharply.

The operator says the captain has full authority to change the route, boat, ports, or departure time for safety. That is sensible in principle, but you should still use your own judgment at the dock. If the sea looks rough or the forecast is poor, ask directly how the conditions will affect the route.

Bring motion-sickness medication if you normally need it. Sit low and toward the center when the water is rough, hold on when moving around, and avoid the forward seats if you do not want spray and hard movement.

Safety concerns deserve more than a casual warning. One account reported that passengers were injured when a large wave moved the boat, including a serious foot cut requiring stitches. Another described children becoming frightened in heavy conditions. These are individual accounts, not proof that every departure is unsafe, but they are enough to make me cautious about bringing very young children, anyone with limited mobility, or anyone uncomfortable on small boats.

I would not treat this as a calm sightseeing cruise. It is a weather-dependent sea outing. The captain may handle the conditions well, but the sea remains the sea.

Is $138.78 fair for six hours?

The price is reasonable if you use most of what is included. You receive transport in many cases, a boat ride to two distinctive islands, a Greek buffet, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and port-related fees. A private boat would cost much more, and arranging Delos, Rhenia, food, and transfers separately could become complicated.

The value weakens if you receive a crowded boat, a short Delos stop, poor weather, or a vessel that feels much older and smaller than expected. The operator’s shared boats can hold up to 25 people, but the most comfortable accounts involve groups closer to 8 or 10.

The extra Delos entrance fee also changes the final cost. Add it to your budget, along with crew tips and any transfer surcharge. Beach towels are not included.

If your cruise ship is visiting Mykonos, think hard about timing and cancellation risk. A ship may fail to dock because of wind or weather, and an independent excursion booked close to departure may not be refundable inside the 24-hour cutoff. A cruise-line excursion usually costs more, but it may offer stronger protection if the ship cannot reach port.

Who should book this Mykonos cruise?

I would choose this for an adult couple, a solo visitor who enjoys meeting people, or a small group that wants a full day with several elements. It suits you if you like Greek food, archaeological sites, swimming, and a little adventure.

I would be cautious if you get seasick, dislike wind, need a stable walking surface, or want a quiet luxury boat. Families should think carefully about children’s ages and the forecast. The trip can be wonderful in calm weather and very demanding when the sea turns rough.

Book early if your dates are fixed. This experience is commonly reserved several weeks ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 27 days. Keep the cancellation rule in mind: you can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted unless poor weather causes the operator to cancel.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want variety: Delos for ancient sites, Rhenia for swimming, and a freshly prepared Greek lunch with drinks included. The combination gives you far more than a simple beach transfer.

I would book only after confirming the departure time, pickup details, boat arrangement, Delos access, and expected weather. Choose a seat away from the bow in rough conditions, bring a towel and motion-sickness medicine, and treat the trip as an active sea adventure rather than a polished yacht cruise. With those expectations, this can be one of the more memorable ways to spend a day around Mykonos.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours. Some departures are scheduled around 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. and continue until sunset, while other booking options have included morning departures.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are offered for hotels and ports when you provide the location. An additional charge may apply for places such as beach bars, clubs, and similar venues.

Does the cruise include transportation for every booking?

No. Bookings made under the Cruise Without Transportation promotional offer do not include transport services.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The Delos entrance fee is not included in the tour price. One account reported paying about 20 euros per person, so confirm the current fee before you go.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes a Greek buffet lunch prepared on board, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and house wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. A beach towel is not provided, so bring your own.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The captain may also change the boat, route, port, or starting time because of weather and safety conditions.