Mykonos Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Guided Tour of Delos, Lunch&Drinks

The best part of this Mykonos day is the contrast: you spend part of it floating in clear Aegean water and part walking through the ancient sacred city of Delos. It gives you two very different sides of the Cyclades in one six-hour outing.

I like the small-yacht feel, with a crew that may let you help raise the sails or try the wheel under supervision. I also like the practical combination of Rhenia swimming, onboard lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and an English-language Delos tour for $145.12.

The main caution is time. Delos can feel rushed on some departures, especially if the boat spends longer at Rhenia or the weather slows the voyage. The water can also be chilly, and strong wind may make the ride wet or bumpy.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands, two moods: Swim from the yacht at Rhenia, then walk among temples and marketplaces on Delos.
• Delos admission costs extra: Bring cash for the archaeological site entrance fee.
• Swimming is better than snorkeling: Masks, fins, and noodles are supplied, but the cove may offer little to see underwater.
• Lunch is served on deck: Expect pasta with Greek flavors and salad, or a Mediterranean-style buffet with fruit, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee or tea.
• The sea controls the schedule: Wind can change the departure time, yacht, route, and disembarkation point.
• Plan for heat and sun: Delos has little shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, water-friendly footwear, and a towel or towel rental money.

Why this cruise works so well in one Mykonos day

Mykonos is easy to enjoy from a beach chair, but it is also a good base for seeing the islands around it. This cruise gives you a full day away from town without making you choose between culture and swimming.

The yacht leaves at about 9 a.m. and spends roughly six hours on the water, with about two hours allocated to Rhenia and two hours to Delos. The remaining time covers sailing, boarding, safety procedures, and the return to Mykonos.

That mix matters. Delos is not a quick photo stop. It is a large archaeological site that makes more sense with context, while Rhenia is mainly about the pleasure of being in the water. You get a serious ancient site and a relaxed sea break in the same booking.

At the starting point, look for a Sunfos Alessia Yachting representative wearing a company shirt or carrying a sign. The listed meeting point is Olia Hotel Mykonos, with the final return point at the company’s sailing location subject to weather conditions.

Setting sail from Mykonos

The crew begins with an itinerary briefing and a safety talk. If you are curious about sailing, you may be able to help raise the sails or receive a short lesson in steering as the boat heads into the Aegean.

You can also simply sit on deck. That is probably the right choice if you want a restful morning or if the sea already feels lively. Free Wi-Fi is available onboard, though the real reason to be here is the view rather than staying connected.

The number of people can vary by yacht and weather. The maximum is 35, but some departures have been much smaller, including one with only eight people and another with about 14. That difference changes the feel of the day. A small group gives you more room and easier access to the crew, while a fuller yacht means less personal space on deck and around the swimming ladder.

The crew has received especially strong praise for being friendly, careful, and attentive. Names mentioned on different departures include Captain Stellios, Marios, Thanos, Orpheas, Chris, and Stefanos. Crew assignments can change, so treat those names as examples rather than a promise of who will be onboard.

Rhenia swimming stop: clear water, no tender required

After about an hour of sailing, the yacht anchors in a sheltered bay at Rhenia. This is the day’s most relaxed section. You enter the water from the yacht’s swimming ladder, since pier facilities and tender service are not available.

The water is often the visual highlight. It can look remarkably clear, with turquoise tones over a golden-sand beach. Floating noodles and complimentary masks, snorkels, and fins are available, so you can swim, float, or take a look below the surface.

Set your expectations correctly: this is not necessarily a major marine-life snorkeling site. One of the few less positive assessments of the tour was that there was little to see underwater. I would book this for beautiful swimming and a boat day first, and regard snorkeling as an extra.

The water may also feel cold, especially earlier in the season or on a windy day. You might enjoy a long swim, or you may prefer a quick dip followed by time in the sun. A towel is not included, although one can be rented onboard, so bringing your own is useful if practical.

The listed stop is about two hours, but the exact time at Rhenia can affect the rest of the day. A longer swim is pleasant, yet it can leave less time for Delos. If ancient sites matter most to you, listen carefully when the crew gives return instructions and be ready to reboard on time.

Onboard lunch and drinks

Lunch comes after the swim, served on the yacht. The food may be Italian pasta with a Greek-flavored dressing and Greek salad, or a local Mediterranean-style buffet with fresh fruit.

The meal is substantial enough to reset you after the water, and several departures received especially warm praise for the cooking. One crew cook prepared homemade pasta and sauce from scratch, while another meal handled dietary needs well. Other assessments found the lunch basic or too heavy on pasta, bread, and cheese.

That is a fair description of what to expect. This is a shared boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. You get food, a seat with a view, and the chance to eat with people from different countries. The value is in the whole setting, not in a refined menu.

Complimentary house white and rosé wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and instant coffee or tea are included. Drinks may not always be placed in front of you automatically, so ask a crew member if you need something. Water is particularly important because the Delos walk comes during the hottest part of the day.

Delos: the cultural heart of the trip

After Rhenia and lunch, the yacht heads to Delos. In Greek mythology, the island is linked with the birth of Apollo, and in ancient times it was a major religious and commercial center.

You go ashore for a guided visit of the UNESCO-listed archaeological site. The tour includes ancient temples, sacred areas, marketplaces, and the museum’s collection of artifacts. The guide helps you make sense of foundations, columns, streets, and scattered remains that can be hard to read on your own.

This is where the quality of the guide matters most. Guides on different departures have included Fanny, Silia, and Elisa. The strongest tours have brought the ruins to life with clear explanations of how the sanctuary and trading city functioned. Guide quality and English fluency can vary, so the experience may feel more like a focused introduction than a complete archaeological study.

The advertised guided portion is about 90 minutes, while the full Delos stop is listed at about two hours. In practice, the balance can shift. Some departures have offered enough time to explore, while others have left only 40 to 45 minutes because of the boat schedule or a longer Rhenia stop.

If you want a quiet, independent visit with lots of time for the museum and every corner of the site, this cruise may feel too compressed. If you want an organized first look at Delos without arranging a separate ferry and tour, it is a strong option.

There is also an opportunity to climb Mount Kynthos for views over the island and surrounding sea. Treat that as optional extra effort. The site is exposed, and the heat can be intense. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen before going ashore, and carry water.

The Delos admission fee is not included and must be paid in cash onsite. A wireless radio device for the guided tour may be supplied at no charge, but it is subject to fees for loss or damage. Keep track of it.

The return sail to Mykonos

Once the Delos visit ends, you return to the yacht for the trip back. The ride can be calm and sunny, but wind is a real part of sailing around Mykonos. Some departures have had rough seas, spray, and a boat that could not sail fully because conditions were too strong.

That is not a fault the captain can remove. It is simply part of choosing a sailing trip in the Cyclades. If you are prone to seasickness, taking your usual medication before departure is sensible. Bring a light layer, too. Even a warm day can feel chilly when the yacht is moving.

The crew has been praised for handling windy conditions with confidence and for keeping people informed when weather required a schedule change. The return may be one of the prettiest parts of the outing, especially in late afternoon light. The day ends with a traditional farewell shot and toast before disembarkation.

What the $145.12 price really covers

At $145.12 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit Delos. A simple boat transfer and a separate site visit could cost less, depending on availability and what you arrange.

The price becomes easier to justify when you use the entire package: six hours with a sailing yacht and crew, a licensed English-speaking guide, lunch, house wine, soft drinks, water, coffee and tea, snorkeling equipment, floating noodles, Wi-Fi, fuel, taxes, and safety equipment.

You are paying for the swimming stop as much as the ancient site. That makes the cruise good value for someone who wants a full day with varied activities and does not want to coordinate several bookings.

The optional hotel or port shuttle costs extra. You must request it after booking, and the operator will arrange pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point based on location. If you can reach the meeting point easily, skipping the added transfer charge may improve the value.

Who should book this Mykonos sailing tour?

I would choose this for a first visit to Mykonos if you want more than beaches and nightlife. It suits couples, families, and small groups with mixed interests, since one person can enjoy archaeology while another looks forward to swimming.

It also works well for people who want an easy social day. Lunch is shared, the crew spends much of the day nearby, and the boat group can feel intimate when numbers are low.

You should think twice if you need lots of personal space, dislike boat motion, or want a long, unhurried archaeological visit. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and pregnancy, mobility limits, and health conditions must be discussed before booking so the operator can confirm safe participation.

Schedule it near the beginning of your Mykonos stay if possible. Weather can cancel or shift the cruise, and placing it early gives you a better chance of finding another date during a short holiday. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If it is canceled for either reason, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

My verdict: a strong choice with two clear conditions

Book this cruise if you want swimming, sailing, lunch, and Delos in one day. The crew service, clear Rhenia water, and guided ancient site make it one of the more varied outings from Mykonos.

Go in knowing that the sea may be rough, the water may be cold, snorkeling may be modest, and Delos may receive less time than you hoped. If those limits fit your expectations, the $145.12 cost is reasonable for a full six-hour experience. If Delos is your top priority, choose a tour built around a longer archaeological visit instead.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos sailing cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, beginning around 9 a.m. and ending after the return voyage to Mykonos.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Olia Hotel Mykonos, Mikonos 846 00, Greece. Look for a Sunfos Alessia Yachting representative or crew member wearing a company shirt or carrying a company sign.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are optional and cost extra. You must contact the cruise operator after booking if you want a transfer from your hotel or a designated meeting point.

Is the entrance fee for Delos included?

No. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is payable separately in cash onsite.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard and may include pasta with Greek-flavored dressing and Greek salad, or a Mediterranean-style buffet with fresh fruit.

What drinks are included?

The cruise includes house white and rosé wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and instant coffee or tea.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles are available for complimentary use. The Rhenia stop is best understood as a swimming break, since underwater sights may be limited.

Does the yacht have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Free onboard Wi-Fi is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You may cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time.