A new catamaran makes Mykonos feel calmer. This 5-hour Mykonos catamaran cruise on the brand-new Aerial or White Coral catamarans is all about space, sea time, and a real break from the beach crowds. I especially like how the layout gives you places to lounge, plus room to swim and reset whenever you want.

Two things I really liked: the 3-course meal cooked on board with seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options, and the included drinks (wine, beer, and soft drinks) alongside bottled water. One thing to keep in mind is that the plan can adjust based on weather, so don’t expect one single fixed swimming spot every day.

Key things to know before you go

• New catamarans, real comfort: Aerial or White Coral, with plenty of sun and lounging space even on a shared ride.
• Rhenia is the default: You typically sail to Rhenia, with an alternative option for the Mykonos south coast.
• Swimming and paddle sports included: Snorkeling gear is included; kayak and stand-up paddle board depend on weather.
• Chef-cooked meal on deck: A full 3-course service with local ingredients and multiple dietary options.
• Wi‑Fi on board: Unlimited data makes it easy to share photos without hunting for signal.
• Transfers are part of the deal: Pickup and drop-off are included when you share accommodation details at least 24 hours ahead.

First contact: pickup, safety briefing, and getting onto Aerial or White Coral

Your day starts with a hotel pickup van in Mykonos, then a short ride (about 15 minutes) to Nostos Mykonos Yachts. Once you arrive, you’ll do a safety briefing (around 10 minutes). It’s quick, practical, and it sets the tone: this is a “relax and trust the crew” kind of outing.

After that, you head to the catamaran. One detail worth knowing: embarkation and disembarkation happen via a tender boat. That means you’re not stepping directly off a pier, so expect a bit of shuffle and keep your footing sure-footed, especially if the water is choppy.

If you’re booking with transfers, make sure your accommodation details are sent at least 24 hours in advance. If you book within 24 hours of the start time, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How the 5-hour rhythm really works on the water

This isn’t a long day with nonstop sightseeing. It’s a 5-hour sea cruise designed for the best parts: sailing, swimming, eating, and then sailing again.

The “cruise-out” block

Right after boarding, you cruise for about 80 minutes. This is your move-to-the-good-water stretch. It also helps you settle in before the active portion. Expect big views over Mykonos from a distance you simply cannot get from shore.

The Rhenia swim phase (default route)

Most days follow the Rhenia route. After the initial cruise, you spend about 1 hour on water activities at the stop point. This is when the catamaran becomes your floating base, with time for swimming and gear-based activities.

The “eat and drink” window

Then you’ll get about 1 hour for lunch plus drinks. This is also when the beer, wine, and soft drinks start to feel like part of the day instead of an add-on.

The sailing wrap-up

Finally, you get about 1.5 hours of sailing. That return stretch is a great time to hang on sunbeds, watch the coastline shift, and enjoy the boat’s motion without the pressure of “doing” something every minute.

Delos note, without a stop

Depending on the route, the cruise can include sailing by Delos without a stop (not a landing). If your main goal is swimming and lounging, that works fine. If you’re expecting a full on-island visit, this cruise isn’t built for that.

Rhenia vs. the Mykonos south coast: what changes your day

You’ll usually choose between the default route to Rhenia and an option that follows the Mykonos southern coastline.

Rhenia tends to feel like the “sweet spot” for a sea-day: fewer people than Mykonos itself, and a calmer pace that matches the swimming-first vibe. The south-coast option can be attractive if you want more coastline views during the cruise and less focus on one specific island stop.

Weather can also shift the exact plan. The operator notes the route may be adjusted for safety, so if you’re planning your day around a perfect water moment, keep a flexible attitude. In practice, the value here comes from the overall package: boat, crew, meal, and time in the water, not just one location.

Swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking with included gear

This is one of the strongest parts of the day. You’re not hunting for rentals or paying extra once you’re already on the water.

What you get

You’ll have snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkels) included. Life vests are also provided as part of the water activity setup. Reviews also highlight that there’s gear ready to go when you want it.

What depends on conditions

A stand-up paddle board and kayak are included, but only weather permitting. On calmer days, this is a big upgrade because you can spend your hour in the water doing something besides straight swimming.

How the water time feels

The cruise is paced so you can swim multiple times, not just one quick dip. If you like photo moments, you’ll have them too, because the catamaran gives you stable, elevated spots for shots. And yes, some days are lively, with surprises like fish activity reported while you’re out in the water.

Cold-water reality check

If you’re going in shoulder season (for example October), the water can feel cooler. The good news is you still get a proper day out, and the experience is structured so you’re not stranded in “cold and waiting” mode. You’ll have the meal and sailing to warm things up later.

The deck meal: a real 3-course lunch with vegan and vegetarian options

The 3-course meal is one of the reasons this cruise punches above its price level. You’re paying for a full food service in the middle of open water, not a small snack and a promise.

What’s included with lunch

During the lunch window, you’ll have beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus bottled water. This is the kind of “open bar” that doesn’t feel like a rushed minibar stop. It’s tied to the sit-down and lounge rhythm of the catamaran.

Dietary options are built in

You can get:

• seafood options
• vegetarian options
• vegan options

That matters because Mykonos dining can be hit-or-miss if you need specific menu choices. Here, the cruise service is designed to work for different diets without you having to “figure it out” on the day.

Dessert detail

One review mentioned a personally made chocolate dessert. That’s the kind of small touch that turns lunch from a checkbox into a memory.

A balanced note on “value”

Most people rate the food very highly, but there’s also a fair criticism from one booking that the meal portions felt limited for the overall cost. My advice: if you’re the type who needs a heavy, restaurant-style feast, go in expecting a good lunch with service, not a guaranteed oversized buffet.

Crew and atmosphere: safety, friendliness, and photos that don’t feel forced

The crew is set up as a 3-person team: captain, chef, and hostess. In plain terms, that’s a good ratio. One person handles the boat, one handles the meal, and one supports you with the social and service side.

You may sail with captains and hosts whose names show up in past experiences, like captain Antonis or captain Alex, and a host named George. Either way, the pattern is consistent: professional handling of the waters, and a friendly approach that keeps things relaxed rather than rigid.

Music and pacing

Some departures include music, and the atmosphere can be more social than you expect in a group of this size. If you want quiet, you can still find it. The boat’s layout gives you spots where you can keep to yourself.

Safety that lets you relax

A lot of the best feedback centers on safety and comfort. If you’ve ever been on a boat where staff seem overwhelmed, you’ll appreciate this setup more than you think. The water activities also run in a structured way, with gear ready so you don’t lose time figuring out what goes where.

Transfers and timing: what makes the day feel smooth

One underappreciated part here is the logistics. The van pickup and drop-off are built into the experience, so you’re not spending your cruise day playing taxi math.

Pickup typically runs from your accommodation, and the planned connection to the boat includes the tender transfer. That said, a small heads-up from one review: the van ride was reported as lacking air conditioning, and there can be waiting if people are slow getting ready. If you want an easy morning, be ready a bit early and keep water on hand.

Also, remember you’re on a semi-private shared cruise up to 25 passengers. That’s still small enough to feel pleasant, but it’s not a true private yacht charter.

Price and value: is $175 worth it for a 5-hour sea day?

At $175 per person for about 5 hours, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” You’re getting:

• round-trip hotel transfers (when booked with accommodation details in time)
• access to a brand-new catamaran (Aerial or White Coral)
• snorkeling gear plus potential SUP and kayak
• a full 3-course meal
• drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks) and bottled water
• unlimited Wi‑Fi on board

If you price those things separately in Mykonos, the math usually starts looking sensible fast. This is the kind of excursion where the value comes from the package deal: you don’t have to stack multiple purchases, and you don’t waste time once you’re already out on the water.

The main value caveat is meal expectations. Most feedback says the lunch is delicious and satisfying, but one person felt the portions were limited and the dessert didn’t match their idea of dessert. If you’re very food-focused, eat a light snack before pickup so you’re never disappointed.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip)

This catamaran day fits a wide mix of people. It’s especially good if you want:

• a relaxed sea day with swimming built in
• a comfortable catamaran with lots of room to lounge
• an on-board meal that doesn’t require planning or searching
• a small enough group to avoid feeling like cattle

Reviews also mention this worked for families with a wide age range, and for couples celebrating big moments.

But skip it if:

• you use a wheelchair, because it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users
• you don’t want tender-boat transfers (embark/disembark uses a tender)
• you’re expecting an on-island historical tour of Delos (you may sail by without landing)

Quick tips so your day goes smoothly

• Bring sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Swim towels aren’t included.
• Pack your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).
• If you plan to do SUP or kayak, wear gear that’s easy to move in.
• Don’t overpack. There are rules about what’s allowed on board, and you’ll want to keep your hands free for water time.
• Be ready for weather-related adjustments. This is Greece, and the sea writes the schedule sometimes.

Should you book this Mykonos catamaran cruise with 3-course meal and transfers?

I think you should book it if you want an efficient, comfortable Mykonos day that mixes sailing, swimming, and a real meal without the hassle of coordinating everything yourself. The biggest wins are the catamaran comfort, the chef-led food service with multiple dietary options, and the included gear that makes the water time easy.

Pass if you need wheelchair accessibility, want an on-island Delos visit, or are expecting a guaranteed exact itinerary in every detail. For most people, though, this is a strong value: you get a full boat day with transfers, drinks, and activities rolled together.

If you’re choosing between “just go to the beach” and a planned sea day, I’d pick this. Mykonos is better from the water, and the whole day is built to help you do that with minimal stress.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The total experience is about 5 hours, including pickup, the safety briefing, time on the water, and return transfer.

Where does the cruise go?

The default route goes to Rhenia. Depending on availability and the option you select, it may also go along the Mykonos southern coast. Delos can be included without a stop (sailing by).

Is the hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included if you provide accommodation details at least 24 hours before the cruise start time. If you book less than 24 hours ahead, you may need to arrange your own transportation.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a 3-course meal with seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options, plus wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Are snorkeling, paddle boards, and kayaking included?

Snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkels) is included. Stand-up paddle board and kayak are included only when weather permits.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

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