REVIEW · MYKONOS
Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks
Book on Viator →Operated by Sunfos Alessia Yachting · Bookable on Viator
Five hours of sea time in Mykonos. I love the snorkeling off the yacht in clear blue water and the Greek buffet dinner with unlimited drinks while the sunset rolls in. One consideration: if the sea is choppy, the return ride can feel rough, so this is best on a calmer day.
You meet at Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis, hop onto a sailing yacht with a small group (max 35), and spend the day working through Mykonos’ southern coastline before settling into the quieter Rhenia area. Pickup is optional for an extra charge, and the crew will also manage the weather-adjusted route, including where you end up getting off the boat.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- From Mykonos’ south coast to the quiet waters of Rhenia
- The beach safari route: Ornos to Paradise, with the Meltemi in mind
- Rhenia (Big Delos): the yacht-only swim that feels like a secret day
- Snorkeling kit and water time: what you actually get
- On-board dinner and drinks: Greek comfort food with real flow
- Crew energy: names you’ll hear and the vibe that makes it work
- Timing and pacing: what a five-hour day feels like
- Weather and sea conditions: the main reason to plan smart
- Price and value: why $114.89 can make sense
- Who should book this sunset sail cruise
- Book it, or skip it? My practical take
- FAQ
- What’s included in the sailing cruise?
- Is pickup from my hotel available?
- Will I be able to go ashore at Rhenia?
- What snorkeling equipment do they provide?
- Where do we meet, and can the drop-off change?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key things to know before you go
- Snorkel gear is included, plus floating noodles, so you’re not hunting for equipment
- Rhenia is yacht-only, which makes it feel secluded compared with the main Mykonos beaches
- Unlimited house wine, beers, soft drinks, and bottled water means you can take your time with lunch and sunset
- A small-group format keeps the vibe relaxed, not crowded
- Dinner is served mid-trip, so plan to eat something earlier on your own
- Weather matters, and the disembarkation spot can shift if conditions change
From Mykonos’ south coast to the quiet waters of Rhenia
This tour is built for people who want two things at once: the fun sightlines of sailing past the famous Mykonos beaches, and a calmer swim stop that feels separate from the busy shoreline scene. In about five hours, you get coastal views, time in the water, and a proper Greek meal on board with drinks that keep coming.
You start at the Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis meeting area (the spot is listed as C8F4+2QR). When you arrive, look for the Sunfos Alessia Yachting crew in a shirt with their name/sign. From there, you’ll get a quick overview and safety info before you head out.
Pick-up is available only if you request it after booking, and it’s arranged from your hotel or a designated meeting point. If you’re staying close to the port area, you might not need it.
One practical note: disembarking can change based on weather. That’s not a “gotcha”—it’s how they keep the operation safe when the sea state shifts.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mykonos
The beach safari route: Ornos to Paradise, with the Meltemi in mind
The sailing portion isn’t just transport. It’s part of the day’s main show. The route focuses on Mykonos’ southern coastline, where conditions are often more manageable than the north side when the Meltemi winds show up. The whole point is to get you where the beaches look great from the water, and where swimming time feels realistic.
As you sail along, you pass famous names like:
- Ornos
- Psarou
- Platis Gialos
- Paranga
- Paradise
You don’t have to “tour” these beaches in the usual way. You get the best angle: from sea level, with the coast stretching out behind you. That’s also why this works well even if you’ve already visited a beach earlier in your trip—you’re seeing them again, but from a totally different perspective.
Because it’s a yacht cruise (not a big bus-style day trip), the pace tends to feel hands-on. You’re part of the action: sail, look, talk with the crew, and then settle into swim time when the boat is positioned.
Rhenia (Big Delos): the yacht-only swim that feels like a secret day
The star stop is Rhenia, an uninhabited islet sometimes called Big Delos. Here’s what makes it special: it’s accessible only by yacht, which naturally limits crowds. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll find an organized beach setup. The tradeoff is you won’t step onto a pier or walk around on a full “beach experience.”
Instead, you swim from the yacht using the swimming ladder. If you’re picturing a shore walk, adjust that expectation. You’ll be entering clear water from the boat, and then you do your swim and snorkeling in open water.
On top of that, snorkeling gear is provided for free—mask, snorkel, and fins—and you’ll also have floating noodles available. That combination is huge for value because it removes the usual “I forgot my gear” problem. It also means you can spend more time in the water and less time troubleshooting your kit.
How long do you stay? Roughly two hours in Rhenia after the sailing time to get there. During that window, you’re mostly there for water time and quiet scenery. The feel is relaxed and away from the main Mykonos noise.
One more detail that helps set expectations: there’s no mention of tendering ashore or pier facilities at Rhenia. So if you’re choosing this for a beach-to-stroll experience, you might prefer a different Mykonos tour. If you’re choosing it for water time and scenery from the sea, this is the point.
Snorkeling kit and water time: what you actually get
This is not a “brief dip” kind of stop. You’re set up for real swim and snorkeling time. The boat provides:
- snorkeling mask, snorkel, fins
- floating noodles
That’s a practical win because you can snorkel even if you’re not comfortable with free-diving or long swims. You can also float and relax when you’re not in snorkel mode.
From the experience reports, the water clarity is often the highlight—people describe very clear blue water and enjoying time swimming off the boat. If conditions are calm, it’s the kind of water where you can see what’s happening beneath the surface without making it a whole production.
If you’re someone who gets motion sickness easily, consider this carefully. The tour does include sailing and time on the water, and at least one experience noted rough seas during return. You’ll still be safe and cared for, but the comfort level depends on your stomach and the sea state that day.
On-board dinner and drinks: Greek comfort food with real flow
Lunch and dinner are easy to mess up on boat tours. Timing drifts. Food gets bland. Drinks stay scarce. This is the opposite here: you get a Greek-style buffet with plenty of classic flavors, served on board with drinks included.
The meal is an early-dinner buffet with Mediterranean buffet style. From what you can expect, the menu often includes items like:
- moussaka
- chicken and potatoes
- Greek salad and other vegetables
- tzatziki and bread
- plus assorted buffet sides
People also point out that the meal tends to run later in the day. One handy tip from past experiences: it may not be served until around 14:00, so eat breakfast on land before you go. Bring the idea that this is an all-day food plan, not a quick snack setup.
Drinks are a major part of the value:
- complimentary white and rosé house wine
- beers
- soft drinks
- bottled water
- coffee/tea
And there’s also a farewell shot drink. When unlimited drinks are involved, the only thing to watch is how the service is handled on a smaller boat. A few experiences mention that it felt like you sometimes had to flag someone for refills. Still, the overall pattern is frequent service and a relaxed vibe.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to eat at your own pace while you watch the coastline and then look forward to sunset, this setup fits.
A few more Mykonos tours and experiences worth a look
Crew energy: names you’ll hear and the vibe that makes it work
The crew is a big reason this tour earns strong scores. You’ll meet the representative at the yacht first, and then the sailing team runs the day. Across past trips, crew names that show up include Costas, Joanna, Tarsos, and sailors like Bobi/Bobby and Foti/Fote. Even when names vary by sailing date, the pattern is consistent: friendly hosts, and people who make sure you’re okay and comfortable.
That matters because a boat day is more “human” than a museum day. Someone needs to answer questions, bring drinks, help you with gear, and guide the group calmly. The experience here seems to deliver that, with an attentive and personal approach.
It also helps that the group size is kept to a maximum of 35. Smaller groups mean fewer people to manage at the ladder during swim breaks, and fewer people competing for attention.
Timing and pacing: what a five-hour day feels like
This is a short-to-medium commitment. About five hours total keeps you from losing half your vacation day. It also means you can still do evening plans in Mykonos after.
Typical pacing looks like:
- Meet and get briefed on board
- Sail along Mykonos southern coastline, passing beaches
- Reach Rhenia after about an hour
- Spend about two hours at Rhenia for swim and snorkel time
- Sail back during sunset colors and Aegean evening views
- Dinner and drinks show up mid-trip, with the meal timed before the return settles in
Because the meal comes mid-day, you’ll likely want a normal breakfast and then let the boat handle the rest.
Weather and sea conditions: the main reason to plan smart
This tour requires good weather. That’s not just a legal line—it shows up in real-world comfort. One experience mentioned very rough seas on a windy day, making the return feel harrowing. For that reason, I’d treat this as a “pick your day” activity.
What can you do?
- Schedule your cruise early in your Mykonos stay. That gives you backup dates if the sea state forces changes.
- If you’re sensitive to motion, consider whether you’d rather do a land-based beach day on windy days.
Also remember the disembarkation point can change due to weather. That’s common at sea. It’s a sign they’re adjusting for safety instead of pretending conditions are fine.
Price and value: why $114.89 can make sense
At about $114.89 per person, this isn’t the cheapest option in Mykonos. It is, however, one of the more complete “sea day packages” you can book.
Here’s what you’re getting that usually costs extra on other tours:
- A sailing yacht cruise with a crew (not a bare-bones transfer)
- Snorkeling gear included (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Unlimited drinks: wine, beers, soft drinks, water
- A buffet meal with Greek dishes
- Floating noodles
- Wifi on board
When I look at value like this, I’m not just paying for the boat ride. I’m paying for the combination of boat + water time + gear + food + drinks in one set price. That’s why people who do this early in a short Mykonos trip often feel like they got their money’s worth.
One small extra note: beach towel rental may be available on board, so you might still want to pack your own if you like being in control of your essentials.
Who should book this sunset sail cruise
I think this tour fits best if you:
- want Mykonos from the water more than from a beach chair
- care about swimming and snorkeling time, not just sightseeing
- like a Greek meal with drinks included
- prefer a smaller group vibe
It might not be the best match if you want:
- a full shore experience at Rhenia (there’s no pier setup—swim ladder entry is the method)
- guaranteed calm seas on a windy day (the tour depends on conditions)
Book it, or skip it? My practical take
If you’re in Mykonos for a short stay and you want a day that combines coast views, a secluded water stop, and food and drinks without extra add-ons, I’d book it—especially if you’re going early in your trip so you have backup dates.
If you’re very prone to seasickness or you’re traveling on a day when wind forecasts look rough, I’d be cautious. Not because it’s unsafe. Because comfort is the thing you’ll feel most.
FAQ
What’s included in the sailing cruise?
You get a sailing yacht cruise with crew for about five hours, an onboard early-dinner buffet, complimentary house wine (white and rosé), beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee or tea. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and floating noodles are included, along with a farewell shot drink, free Wi-Fi, and all safety equipment.
Is pickup from my hotel available?
Pickup and drop-off shuttle service is optional. It’s available for an additional charge if you request it after booking, and it’s arranged from your hotel or a designated meeting point.
Will I be able to go ashore at Rhenia?
Rhenia is accessible only via yacht, and the boat does not offer pier facilities or tendering ashore. Expect to enter the water from the yacht using the swimming ladder.
What snorkeling equipment do they provide?
They provide snorkeling gear for free: mask, snorkel, and fins. Floating noodles are also included.
Where do we meet, and can the drop-off change?
The meeting point is listed at C8F4+2QR, Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis 846 00, Greece. The disembarkation point can change depending on weather conditions.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.
