Mykonos Cruise: Prosecco, BBQ, Sailing Demo & Delos Stop

History and turquoise water share one boat. This six-hour Mykonos cruise combines a spacious two-level Lagoon 560 catamaran with a proper stop at Delos, a swim near Rhenia, and a Greek BBQ served on deck. I especially like the chance to help raise the sail or take the helm, plus the welcome glass of Prosecco that gets the day off to a friendly start. The main catch is access: the short tender transfer and boat layout are not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

I also like that Delos is more than a quick photo stop. You can go ashore for free time on the sacred island, or stay aboard and swim at a nearby bay. The crew, food, and relaxed pace receive the strongest praise, with one couple enjoying the cruise so much that they booked a second trip during the same visit. Just remember that wind and sea conditions can affect the sailing portion, and the six-hour schedule leaves limited time at each stop.

Key points at a glance

• A real sailing lesson: Help open or retract the main sail, and take the helm beside the captain if conditions allow.
• Delos with choice built in: Go ashore to explore the UNESCO-listed island, or remain aboard for swimming near the coast.
• Rhenia is the swim stop: Expect turquoise water, a quiet bay, snorkeling, sunbathing, and water toys.
• Lunch is part of the experience: A freshly prepared Greek BBQ includes souvlaki, meatballs, salad, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, rice, bread, feta, and fruit.
• Comfort comes from the catamaran: Avra has wide sun decks, shaded lounges, an upper level, towels, sunscreen, Wi-Fi, and music.
• The price covers a lot: At $170 per person, hotel transfers, food, unlimited drinks, equipment, and a six-hour cruise are included.

A six-hour day on Avra

The cruise begins with hotel pickup in Mykonos. You wait outside your accommodation’s main entrance, unless the vehicle cannot reach your area. In that case, the pickup team tells you where to meet at the nearest accessible point.

At Platis Gialos, a short tender ride takes you from the docking area to Avra. This transfer lasts about two minutes, but it matters if you have limited mobility or dislike stepping between small boats. Boarding and disembarking follow local port rules, so this is not a simple walk from a pier onto the catamaran.

Avra is a Lagoon 560 with two levels. That gives you several ways to spend the day. Stretch out on the sun decks, sit in a shaded lounge, or head upstairs for broad views of the Cycladic islands. The boat is designed for comfort rather than a bare-bones sailing trip, and that makes a difference during a six-hour outing.

A glass of chilled Prosecco welcomes you aboard. The crew then gives a short safety briefing before the boat heads into the South Aegean. You can also expect coffee, tea, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water during the cruise.

The sailing demo lets you do more than sit back

Many boat excursions treat sailing as background scenery. This one gives you a chance to see how the boat works. The crew demonstrates how to open or retract the main sail according to the conditions, and you can help with the process.

You may also take the helm beside the captain. That is a useful touch for curious first-time sailors, and it gives children and adults something memorable to do beyond taking photographs. The opportunity depends on the conditions and the captain’s judgment, so you should not treat it as a guaranteed private lesson.

The sailing portion lasts about an hour at the start of the day, with more time on the water between stops and on the return. If you want the best chance of taking part, stay near the crew during the demonstration and listen carefully to the safety instructions.

The experience is not built around speed. You get scenic views, open water, and the gentle rhythm of a catamaran. On a breezy day, bring the recommended waterproof jacket, especially at the beginning or end of the season. The boat has shaded areas, but the upper deck and sun decks expose you to strong Greek sunshine.

Delos gives the cruise its cultural weight

Delos is the first major stop, with roughly an hour and a half assigned to the island and surrounding water. In Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this more than a scenic island pause.

The valuable part is the choice. Avra anchors so you can disembark and spend free time ashore. You can walk along the coastline, explore the island at your own pace, and take photographs of this unusual, exposed archaeological setting. The crew can share local legends and stories before or during the stop, helping connect the place to its mythic past.

You should keep your expectations in check. This is not presented as a guided archaeological tour, and the time is limited. If Delos is your main reason for visiting Mykonos, you may want a separate, more focused archaeological experience. Here, Delos is one part of a day that also includes swimming, sailing, and lunch.

You can also stay on Avra. That option suits anyone who has already visited Delos, anyone who prefers swimming to ruins, or anyone who wants a slower morning. A nearby bay provides time in the water while the others explore ashore. This flexibility is one of the cruise’s smartest features because not everyone in a family or group wants the same kind of stop.

Your passport or ID card is required, so keep it with you. Pack a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels and sunscreen are supplied, but bringing your own familiar sun protection is still sensible.

Rhenia is the day’s best water stop

After Delos, the catamaran continues toward Rhenia Island. The ride between Delos and Rhenia takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to settle back on deck and watch the islands pass.

Rhenia’s appeal is simple: clear turquoise water, a golden beach, and a quiet bay for swimming. You can snorkel, sunbathe, or use the water toys provided onboard. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

The schedule allows about an hour and a half at Rhenia. That is enough for a proper swim rather than a quick dip, though you may wish it were longer once you are in the water. The boat also lists stand-up paddleboarding and other water activities among the options, but what is available can depend on conditions and the crew’s judgment.

This is where the catamaran setup pays off. You can jump into the water, climb back aboard, dry off with a complimentary towel, and find a sunny or shaded place to relax. Wi-Fi and music are available, though the best entertainment is usually the sea around you.

Bring a waterproof pouch if you want to keep your phone nearby. The supplied information does not promise underwater photography equipment, and saltwater is not kind to loose electronics.

The Greek BBQ is a serious part of the value

While you swim at Rhenia, the crew prepares lunch onboard. The meal includes marinated chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad with basil pesto, handmade tzatziki, grilled vegetables, aromatic rice, fresh bread, feta cheese, and seasonal fruit.

That is more substantial than the usual sandwich or snack served on a day boat. The menu gives you familiar Greek flavors in a relaxed setting, and the locally sourced ingredients add a stronger sense of place than a generic buffet. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available on request, so mention your needs when booking rather than waiting until lunch.

Drinks are unlimited during the meal and throughout the cruise. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included, along with coffee and tea. The Prosecco is a welcome glass rather than an unlimited offering, so do not confuse the arrival drink with the wider beverage service.

Food and hospitality are the most praised parts of this experience. The crew is repeatedly described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, while the food receives particularly strong approval. One useful detail from the feedback is that the day feels relaxed rather than rushed. That matters on Mykonos, where a crowded schedule can quickly turn a boat trip into a floating checklist.

You should still pace yourself. Six hours in the sun, with swimming and drinks included, can catch up with you. Water is available, and it is wise to keep drinking it even if you are enjoying the wine and beer.

The return sail adds quiet time

After the Rhenia stop, the catamaran spends about an hour sailing back toward Platis Gialos. This is a good time to move between decks, take photographs, and enjoy the views without having to follow a schedule.

The upper deck gives you the widest outlook, while the lower shaded areas offer relief from the sun. If the afternoon breeze picks up, the shade can also feel cooler. The crew continues the drink service, and the music keeps the mood social without making the trip feel like a party boat.

The operator describes Avra’s navigation methods as energy efficient. That does not turn the outing into a low-impact expedition, but it shows some attention to fuel use and environmental impact. The boat also benefits from a route that combines several experiences in one day, reducing the need to arrange separate transfers to Delos, Rhenia, and a swimming bay.

The final tender ride returns you to shore, followed by hotel drop-off. The exact finish time depends on the starting time and sea conditions, so leave a little breathing room if you have evening plans.

What $170 buys you

At $170 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: hotel pickup and drop-off, a six-hour semi-private cruise, a two-level Lagoon 560, an English-speaking crew, the sailing demo, Delos, Rhenia, snorkeling gear, towels, sunscreen, Wi-Fi, music, lunch, fruit, and unlimited drinks.

A cheaper sailing trip may offer similar views but not the same combination of food, transfers, onboard space, and time at two islands. A separate visit to Delos would also require arranging transport and admission details on your own. Here, the boat handles the movement between places, while you spend your day on the water.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. If you want only a short swim or only a fast ride around the coast, six hours and $170 may feel excessive. If you want a comfortable day that mixes history, sailing, food, and swimming, the cost is easier to justify.

The cruise is semi-private, not necessarily private. That means you share the catamaran with other paying customers, though the large boat helps prevent the day from feeling cramped. If privacy is your top concern, ask the operator about the exact group arrangement before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples who want a relaxed day with good food, friends who enjoy swimming and drinks, and families who appreciate having several ways to use their time. The split between Delos and Rhenia works well for mixed interests. One person can explore ashore while another stays onboard.

It is also a good pick for anyone who wants to try sailing without committing to a full sailing course. Taking the helm and helping with the sail gives you a taste of the activity, while the catamaran keeps the day comfortable.

I would be more cautious if you have mobility limitations. The tender transfer, boarding process, and movement around a boat are not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The open decks also mean stairs, uneven movement, and exposure to sun and wind.

The cruise suits people who like a full half-day on the sea. It is less suitable if you prefer a tightly guided archaeological visit, guaranteed calm water, or complete control over the route. Delos exploration is at leisure, and some listed activities depend on weather and sea conditions.

Practical details before you reserve

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now while paying later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Bring your passport or ID card, swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A waterproof jacket is useful during the cooler parts of the season, when the wind can make the ride feel fresh.

Hotel pickup covers Mykonos accommodations, but the vehicle may not reach every property. You receive the meeting point in advance if your hotel sits in an area inaccessible to the pickup vehicle.

The tour is offered in Greek and English. The crew is professional and English-speaking, which is helpful during the safety briefing, sailing demo, and Delos introduction.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including the sailing time, the Delos stop, the Rhenia swimming stop, lunch, and the return to Platis Gialos.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off are included. You should wait outside your hotel or accommodation’s main entrance. If a vehicle cannot access your area, you receive instructions for the nearest accessible meeting point.

Can I get off the boat at Delos?

Yes. Avra anchors at Delos, and you may disembark to explore the island at leisure. You may also stay onboard and swim at a nearby bay instead.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek BBQ lunch is included, with chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad with basil pesto, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, rice, bread, feta, and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available on request.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included. Snorkeling equipment, towels, sunscreen, Wi-Fi, and water toys are also provided.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Boarding and disembarkation require a short tender transfer between the docking area and the catamaran.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want one polished Mykonos day that combines Delos, swimming, sailing, a generous BBQ, and drinks without arranging each part yourself. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, roomy catamaran, flexible Delos stop, and the chance to take the helm.

Skip it if you want a dedicated archaeological tour, a private yacht, or a short and inexpensive boat ride. At $170, the value depends on using the full package. For a couple, family, or small group seeking comfort and variety, this is a well-rounded way to spend six hours on the Aegean.