Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia Islands

The best Mykonos days leave the shore behind. This six-hour cruise combines the sacred ruins of Delos with swimming and snorkeling near Rhenia, giving you both ancient Greek history and a relaxed day on the water. I especially like the fresh BBQ lunch and the friendly crew, who keep drinks flowing and help less confident swimmers. The main catch is the boarding setup and open-sea ride, which can be tricky for anyone with mobility concerns or a sensitive stomach.

The cruise begins at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis at 9:30 a.m. and costs about $151.16 per person. That is not a bargain-basement boat trip, but lunch, soft drinks, wine, beer, snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, insurance, and the full sailing route are included. You will pay extra for Delos admission, a professional guide, and hotel transport.

The best parts of the day at a glance

• Delos brings real ancient drama: You spend about 90 minutes exploring a UNESCO archaeological site linked with Apollo.
• Rhenia supplies the blue-water break: Swim, use the complimentary masks and snorkels, or float with a noodle while lunch is prepared.
• The BBQ is a serious part of the value: Grilled meat, vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki, rice, fruit, and drinks come with the fare.
• The yachts are roomy: Depending on the group, the cruise uses the 89-foot Andreas or 72-foot Atlantis.
• This is not always a gentle glide: Wind and chop can make boarding and the return sail lively.
• You can shape the Delos visit: Pay extra for a professional guided tour, explore independently, or remain aboard and swim near the island.

Sailing from Agios Ioannis at 9:30 a.m.

You meet the boat at Greece Sailing in Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, a short distance from Mykonos Town by road. The cruise returns to this same point, so you do not need to arrange a second meeting location at the end of the day.

Once aboard, the crew gives a basic safety talk and explains the route. A QR code provides additional information, and life vests are available if you need one. Everyone goes barefoot on board, both for safety and comfort, so wear clothing that is easy to manage and expect to leave your shoes behind.

The boat may be Andreas, an 89-foot gulet carrying up to 40 people, or Atlantis, a 72-foot gulet carrying up to 30. The overall activity can reach 70 people, but the boats are described as wide and comfortable, with plenty of room to sit or stretch out. This is useful to know if you are picturing a cramped excursion boat.

Hotel pickup and return are available for €20 per person. You must reserve this ahead of time, and the ride usually arrives 30 to 60 minutes before departure. The driver contacts you the evening before to set the details. If you are coming from a cruise ship, give yourself extra care with timing and contact the operator before the morning of departure.

Delos, where mythology meets stone

The sail toward Delos takes roughly 40 minutes. The island was a major religious center in the ancient Greek world and is traditionally linked with the birth of Apollo. The archaeological area dates back to 3500 BC, and its ruins make this more than a quick photo stop.

You get about an hour and a half on Delos. You can arrange a professional guided tour for an additional €45 per person, or walk through the ruins on your own. The entrance fee is another €20 per person and is not part of the standard price.

I think the guide upgrade makes sense if ancient sites tend to blur together for you. A good explanation helps connect the streets, temples, homes, and public spaces to the island’s religious role and daily life. Without a guide, you get more freedom, but you will need to read the signs and create your own structure for the visit.

Delos can be very hot, with limited shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, and do not treat the 90-minute stop as a casual stroll in town. One useful detail is that water vending machines are available near the museum shop, but you should still bring water for the walk.

You do not have to go ashore. If you prefer a quieter morning, you can stay on the yacht and swim or sunbathe in a nearby bay while the other passengers explore. That flexibility works well for mixed groups, especially when one person loves ruins and another would rather spend the morning in the sea.

Rhenia brings the swimming stop

After Delos, the boat continues toward Rhenia, also spelled Rineia in the tour details. This is the more relaxed part of the day. The boat anchors in clear water described as resembling a natural pool, and you have about two and a half hours for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and time on deck.

The crew supplies masks and snorkels. Fins are not listed as part of the equipment, so do not expect a full fin-and-mask setup. You can swim toward the rocks to look for fish, though the exact conditions depend on the day and anchorage.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. They can provide a swimming noodle or life vest. That simple point matters because the boat does not turn the water stop into a formal lesson. You are responsible for judging your own comfort, but flotation support is available.

The swim stop is also where the cruise earns much of its appeal. You can jump from the side of the yacht, sit in the sun, take a drink, or stay dry and watch the water. On cooler days, swimming may not appeal to everyone, but the stop still gives you time to enjoy the boat and scenery.

A Greek BBQ lunch served at sea

The included lunch is more substantial than the usual packet of sandwiches. The crew serves grilled pork sticks, beef and lamb kebabs, grilled eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, Greek salad, tzatziki, seasoned mixed rice, and seasonal fruit salad.

This menu gives you a good mix of meat and vegetables, though you should check directly with the provider if you have a strict dietary need. The meal is served buffet-style on board, which means you can build a plate that suits you and return for more if needed.

Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, white and red wine, and beer are included. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra. The timing is sensible: you swim first, then eat while the boat is anchored or during a calmer part of the stop.

A few practical points matter here. You will be in direct sun for much of the day, so keep sunscreen close by and drink water even if you are also enjoying wine or beer. If the sea becomes rough later, eating heavily just before the return sail may not be ideal for anyone prone to motion sickness.

The return sail can be the roughest part

The route back to Agios Ioannis takes about an hour. This is where conditions can change the mood of the day. Several people have found the open water windy or choppy, and a few reported that the return ride caused seasickness after lunch.

That is not necessarily a failure by the crew. Mykonos is exposed to wind, and the boat cannot control the sea. Still, you should know that this is a sailing excursion, not a slow harbor cruise. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew advises, watch your alcohol intake, and bring any medication you normally use for boat travel.

The crew receives especially strong praise for staying attentive throughout the day. Dimitri and Thomas are specifically noted for helping a passenger with mobility issues, and the staff regularly checks on people, offers drinks, and assists around the boat. The captain is also frequently singled out for the quality of the meal and the care taken with the route.

How much value do you get for $151.16?

At about $151.16 per person, this is a mid-to-high priced Mykonos excursion. The price becomes easier to justify if you want several experiences in one day: a sail, Delos, a swim stop, snorkeling, a full lunch, and drinks.

The standard price does not include everything. Add €20 for Delos admission, €45 for the professional guide, and €20 for round-trip hotel transportation if you need it. Those extras can push the total well above the advertised fare, especially for a couple or family.

I would compare the cruise with the cost of arranging separate transport to Delos, paying for admission, finding a boat for Rhenia, and buying lunch and drinks. The convenience of combining all those pieces is the main value. You also avoid spending the day moving between separate bookings.

The value is strongest for people who want a full morning and afternoon activity rather than a short sightseeing boat ride. If you only want to see Delos, the added swimming and lunch time may feel unnecessary. If you want a party boat, this probably is not the right match either. The atmosphere is described as relaxed, with families, teenagers, and older passengers rather than a nonstop music crowd.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this excursion if you want a balanced Mykonos day with history and water time. It suits couples, families with older children, and mixed groups where some people want to explore ruins while others prefer swimming.

It also works well for people who enjoy being looked after without giving up free time. The crew handles the meal, equipment, safety briefing, and route, while you decide how actively to spend the stops.

You should think twice if you have major mobility limits. Getting on and off the yacht may involve a movable gangplank, and the boat can move with the water. Crew members can assist, but the operator does not present the boarding process as fully accessible.

The cruise also requires good weather. If conditions are unsuitable, you are informed the evening before about a route change or cancellation, with the choice of another date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

What to bring for a better day

Pack a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. A light jacket is useful in the early or late season, when the wind can make the deck feel cool after swimming.

Bring a valid passport, ID card, or driving licence. Personal insurance details are required when booking, along with a working phone number for cruise and transport messages.

I would also pack a small dry bag for your phone and valuables. That is practical advice for any swim stop, even though the equipment list does not specify storage. Wear shoes that are easy to remove, since passengers go barefoot on board.

If you plan to explore Delos independently, allow enough time to walk in the heat and return to the boat before departure. The boat cannot hold the group indefinitely for late arrivals.

Final verdict: a strong choice for a full Mykonos day

I would book the Shared Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos and Rhenia if you want more than a beach afternoon. Delos gives the day purpose, Rhenia gives it breathing room, and the BBQ lunch keeps you from having to solve the practical details yourself.

The best features are the attentive crew, spacious yachts, generous food, and the useful mix of activity and rest. The main cautions are extra charges for Delos, the movable gangplank, heat at the ruins, and the possibility of a rough return sail.

For the best balance of cost and experience, I would pay for Delos admission and decide about the guide based on how much context you like at archaeological sites. Add hotel pickup if reaching Agios Ioannis is inconvenient. If you can handle a little wind and a wet boarding step, this is one of the stronger ways to combine Mykonos scenery, Greek antiquity, and a proper swim day.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos sail cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours. It begins at 9:30 a.m. and returns to the meeting point at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Round-trip pickup and drop-off are available for €20 per person. You must reserve the service in advance and pay as required by the provider.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Admission to the Delos archaeological area costs €20 per person and is paid separately.

Can I book a guided tour of Delos?

Yes. A professional guided tour is available for an additional €45 per person. You can also explore Delos independently or remain on board during the stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard buffet includes BBQ meat, grilled vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki, seasoned rice, and seasonal fruit salad. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, wine, and beer are also included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires suitable weather. If conditions are not appropriate, you will be informed the evening before about a possible itinerary change or cancellation. You can then receive a full refund or choose a different date.