Aegean sailing days can feel made for postcards. This one blends Delos’ ancient atmosphere with a swim at the uninhabited island of Rhenia, served up with a buffet lunch and steady, friendly crew attention. The vibe is small-group and relaxed, with skippers and hosts you’ll recognize from past trips like Dimitri, Evgenia, Zak, and George.

I especially liked how practical the plan is: you get real time at Delos for wandering the archaeological site and museum option, then you switch gears to Rhenia’s clear water for snorkeling and hanging on deck. The Greek buffet lunch is more than an afterthought, and the drinks keep the day feeling easy. One thing to consider: Delos isn’t guided by a specialist in your boat package, so you’re mostly on your own at the site, and the Delos window can feel tight if you want to linger.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small-group sailing with a crew that’s used to keeping everyone comfortable, even with Mykonos wind.
• Delos time built for wandering: you can visit the archaeological site and museum at your own pace.
• Rhenia’s swim payoff: transparent water, easy snorkel options, and stand-up paddleboarding time.
• Lunch that actually tastes Greek: a freshly prepared buffet onboard, plus chilled wine.
• Comfort varies by where you sit: if the sea gets choppy, the front can get wet.
• Delos admission is extra, so plan a ticket budget for the archaeological site.

Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia: what makes this sailing day work

This cruise makes a smart choice: two very different experiences in one outing, without turning the day into a rushed checklist. First you go to Delos, one of Greece’s most famous archaeological islands, and then you head to Rhenia, an uninhabited island known for its pristine bays and clear water.

What you’re really buying is time on the water plus a meal. At $123 per person for a 6 to 6.5 hour outing, it’s not just transportation. You’re getting a sailing yacht experience, a skipper and assistant, lunch onboard, and complimentary drinks, while also getting access to two iconic stops that are hard to combine nicely on your own.

Getting onto the yacht: small-group vibe and real sailing energy

You start from Mykonos New Port, with departures listed around 09:00 on the main plan. The activity duration is 6 to 6.5 hours, but the schedule note also mentions departures around 16:00/16:30 that run until sunset and pass by Delos, so your confirmed timing can vary by the exact slot you book.

Either way, you’ll board a sailing yacht with a professional English-speaking skipper and an assistant. Past trips highlight a friendly, capable crew, and one common theme is how well they handle Mykonos’ wind. That matters here because the sea can get rough, and a good skipper keeps things fun instead of stressful.

One practical point: seating and deck choice affect comfort. If you’d rather stay drier, avoid sitting at the very front when conditions turn choppy. The rocking and rolling can be part of the entertainment, but nobody wants saltwater to ruin their day.

Delos in 90 minutes: myths, monuments, and ticket reality

Delos is where the tour earns its name. The boat heads there from Mykonos (about an hour), and you’ll spend roughly an hour anchored in the Delos area with time to land for sightseeing. In total, you’ll get about 1.5 hours on the Delos side on the typical plan, with the option to visit the archaeological site and the museum.

This is one of those places where you can go two ways: quick wandering or slow curiosity. If you love reading ruins like a story, bring your patience. If you prefer the highlights only, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy in a limited window.

Here’s the important catch: Delos admission is not included in the cruise price. Your ticket is separate, and past guests have referenced paying around €8 for the archaeological site ticket. Also, a specialized tour guide at the Delos site isn’t included. That means you can explore freely, but you’ll want to be comfortable looking around without a live, on-site lecturer explaining every corner.

Even so, Delos can feel like stepping into a time capsule. The point of the cruise timing is that you get there in daylight, with time to see the core areas without feeling like you’re trapped on a bus.

Rhenia’s bays: swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding with the right mindset

After Delos, you sail across a narrow strait to Rhenia, where the tone changes completely. You get around three hours to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the shoreline-style fun that makes this cruise special.

Rhenia is uninhabited, which is exactly why the water experience is the main event. Expect clear, bright water and calm pocket coves where you can float, snorkel, or just do the classic boat-day thing: sunscreen, towel, and long looks at the sea.

Snorkeling gear is provided, which helps a lot if you don’t want to pack your own. And beyond swimming, the activity includes stand-up paddleboarding time. If you’re active and like being out of your seat, this is one of the few parts of the day that gives you movement and variety.

A small practical caution: deck time means sun time. Bring sunscreen and a jacket. Even in warm weather, a breeze can make you feel chilled when you’re sitting still, especially on the way back.

Greek lunch and drinks on board: why the food matters here

The onboard meal is one of the most praised parts of this cruise, and for good reason. Lunch is a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared onboard, served with chilled Greek wine plus soft drinks, beer, and water.

This is not a sad boxed lunch situation. Guests describe it as light and well presented, with options like Greek salad, bread with spread cheese, giant beans, pasta, and bruschetta. There are also mentions of the crew using captain-style recipes, which helps the food feel more personal than purely “tour catering.”

I’d treat lunch as a full reset. You’ve got swimming and snorkeling time before and after the meal, so eating well onboard keeps the day from turning into a sugar-and-snack situation. And the complimentary drinks aren’t just symbolic. The crew keeps the day flowing, so you can stay relaxed during the sailing stretches.

Timing, wind, and comfort tips for a smoother day at sea

Mykonos winds are real, and this cruise is at the mercy of sea conditions. That’s part of sailing, but you can still pack for comfort and plan smart.

Bring a jacket even if you’re confident it will be warm. The breeze off the water can hit fast when the boat is moving. Also pack a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. You’ll be in and out of the water, plus you’ll likely spend time lounging on deck.

For comfort choices:

• If you get seasick easily, ask crew where they recommend sitting. Staying near the center of motion usually helps on choppy days.
• If you prefer staying drier, avoid the front when waves are kicking up.
• If shade is important to you, note that some boats don’t offer much. One guest specifically wished for more shade, so plan for sun protection rather than assuming cool cover will be available.

The good news is that the skipper and assistant are there for more than steering. You’ll see a hands-on approach: helping passengers find comfortable spots, keeping gear organized, and guiding you into water-friendly routines for snorkeling or paddleboarding.

Price and logistics: is $123 good value for Delos and Rhenia?

At $123 per person for a 6 to 6.5 hour day, the value depends on what you care about.

If you try to DIY this—Delos + Rhenia + a proper meal + sailing time—you’ll quickly spend money on transport and separate bookings, and you’ll still be stuck coordinating timing between islands. Here, the cruise includes fuel charges, port fees, and taxes, plus the yacht experience itself.

The separate costs you should expect:

• Delos archaeological admission (not included)
• Any optional add-ons (the package doesn’t specify extras beyond what’s already onboard)
• Pick-up and drop-off service (not included)

When you factor in lunch and drinks, the price starts to look fair. You’re getting:

• a professional English-speaking skipper and assistant
• buffet lunch onboard
• soft drinks, beer, house wine, and water
• time at two big destinations that don’t pair easily without planning

For many people, this becomes one of the simplest “big day” options on Mykonos.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This sailing day is a great fit if you want a mix of history and sea time without switching schedules all day. It’s also ideal if you like small-group energy and appreciate a crew that keeps things friendly and practical.

You’ll probably love it if:

• You want Delos but don’t want to spend the whole day on land.
• You care about swimming in clear water and having real time to do it.
• You prefer a social, relaxed atmosphere with onboard food and drinks.

You might want to think twice if:

• You need a fully guided experience at Delos. The site is visitable, but you’re largely exploring on your own there.
• You dislike boats on choppy days. Mykonos wind can make the ride lively, even if the captain handles it well.
• You want lots of shade. Sun protection is your job on this one.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia sailing cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re excited by the two-part formula: Delos for the ruins, then Rhenia for the water. The package is strong on what you actually do during the hours you pay for: sailing time, swimming/snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a Greek meal that guests consistently call out as better than expected.

Book it now if you can handle a bit of sea movement and you’re fine exploring Delos mostly at your own pace. Just budget for Delos admission separately, pack sun and wind protection, and plan to enjoy the day for what it is: a flexible, sea-forward island experience rather than a lecture tour.

FAQ

How long is the sailing cruise?

The duration is listed as 6 to 6.5 hours.

Where does the cruise start from?

The cruise starts from Mykonos New Port. The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, including locations such as Grand Banks Yacht or Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing Mykonos.

Is the Delos archaeological admission included?

No. Admission fee at the archaeological site of Delos is not included.

Do I get lunch and drinks onboard?

Yes. Lunch on board is included (a buffet of Greek delicacies freshly prepared onboard), along with complimentary soft drinks, beer, house wine, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is provided according to guest reports.

Is there a tour guide at Delos?

A tour guide at the archaeological site of Delos is not included. You can visit the site and museum, but it’s essentially self-paced.

What time does the cruise depart?

The main plan lists a 09:00 am departure from Mykonos New Port. The schedule note also mentions cruises departing at 16:00/16:30 that run until sunset, so check your confirmed time.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. You’ll also need a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Do I need to provide passport details in advance?

Yes. You must send the booking all clients’ information (full names, date of birth, nationalities, and number of IDs/passports), either as a photo of the ID/passport or via email/WhatsApp.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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