All inclusive cruise Sailing Cruise to Delos&Rhenia beaches

A Sailing Adventure in Mykonos: Exploring Delos and Rhenia

When considering a day on the water around Mykonos, a cruise to Delos and Rhenia offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxing fun. For about $117 per person, you’ll spend roughly five and a half hours on a small, friendly yacht with a maximum of 25 travelers, making it an intimate escape rather than a crowded tour. Departing around 4:00 to 4:30 pm from Tourlos, this cruise is scheduled to last until sunset, giving you a chance to see the islands in a golden hour glow.

What we particularly like about this trip is how it balances historic exploration with leisurely beach time. Snorkeling gear is included, so you can float above the clear waters of Rhenia, and the well-curated Greek buffet provides a tasty break. Plus, the small group setting often translates into more personalized attention and relaxed pacing. One thing to keep in mind is that the cruise departs in the late afternoon, so if you’re after a full day of sightseeing, you might need to plan your morning accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who love a combination of history and leisure, enjoy sea swimming and snorkeling, or want to escape the crowds in a cozy setting. If you’re seeking a memorable, authentic taste of the Aegean that includes good food, great views, and some history, this cruise could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Intimate small group experience with a maximum of 25 travelers
• Includes a visit to UNESCO-listed Delos and free time on Rhenia’s beaches
• All-inclusive lunch with Greek delicacies and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment provided for underwater exploration
• Departs late afternoon, sailing until sunset
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

An In-Depth Look at the Mykonos Sailing Cruise

What the Tour Entails: An Itinerary Overview

We start our journey in Tourlos, a lively port area that acts as the gateway to both Delos and Rhenia. The departure is usually around 9:00 or 10:30 am for those who opt for the full-day cruise, but the main sailing adventure that covers the highlights happens in the late afternoon, with a scheduled departure at 4:00 or 4:30 pm, and concludes at sunset.

The first stop is Delos, a significant archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage island. Here, we get a chance to step ashore and explore the ancient ruins, which include temples, statues, and the famous Terrace of the Lions. The reviews mention that guides or crew members are knowledgeable, making the historical context engaging rather than dry. One traveler raved, “The views are amazing & the water was perfect,” emphasizing how this stop offers both photo opportunities and a glimpse into Greece’s mythic past.

After about an hour, the boat moves on to Rhenia, an uninhabited island known for its pristine beaches. The anchor drops in a secluded bay, giving us access to a white sandy beach that’s free from crowds. This is where the real relaxation begins. You can swim, snorkel, or even try stand-up paddleboarding—the equipment is provided. Travelers often find that the crystal-clear waters make for a memorable underwater experience, and many reviews highlight the quality of the snorkeling gear.

What Makes This Cruise Special: Highlights and Details

One of the biggest positives is the personalized feel of the cruise. With a small group, you’re more likely to interact with the crew and enjoy a more relaxed pace. The crew’s friendliness and knowledge repeatedly earn praise; one reviewer mentioned that their captain and first mate were “a joy to be around,” which really sets the tone for an enjoyable trip.

The Greek buffet lunch is another standout feature. It’s described as top-notch, with fresh, homemade-style dishes that complement the relaxed, seaside atmosphere. Accompanying drinks include soft drinks, beer, and house wine, which are included, so you can sip leisurely while soaking up the views.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers have experienced disorganization or poor communication. One review explicitly calls out a “terrible experience” due to bad communication and disorganization, advising others to trust the better reviews and perhaps choose alternative providers if they’re concerned about reliability. Also, the entrance fee for Delos is not included in the price, so be prepared for that additional expense if you want to explore the archaeological site thoroughly.

Since the departure is late in the afternoon, this cruise isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a full day of sightseeing or prefer morning excursions. Also, weather can impact the experience—cancellation due to poor weather is possible—but in that case, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or families who value a relaxed, intimate experience with a mix of history, beach time, and good food. It’s particularly suited if you want to avoid the crowds often found on larger boat tours. Also, if you’re keen to see Delos without the hassle of organizing transport or a guided tour, this offers a smooth, all-in-one package.

Why We Think It Works

We loved the balance of activities and relaxation — you get a taste of ancient Greece and beach leisure, all in one trip. The small group setting enhances the experience, letting us connect with both the crew and fellow travelers. The quality of the food and drinks stood out, especially after a day of swimming and sightseeing.

The stunning views at sunset are a highlight, and the secluded beaches on Rhenia are worth the trip alone. We also appreciate the flexibility of snorkeling and paddleboarding, which add a fun, active element to the day.

Final Thoughts on Value

For around $117, this cruise offers a lot of value—including lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and transportation—which makes it a compelling option for travelers looking to maximize their time and budget. The limited group size and personalized service make it feel special without the hefty price tag of larger tours.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

If you’re someone who appreciates history, enjoys water activities, or simply wants a peaceful escape with beautiful scenery, this tour is a strong pick. It’s less suitable if you’re after a full-day experience or want to explore Delos extensively on your own, as the time ashore is somewhat limited. Also, those concerned about weather or organization might want to read recent reviews or confirm the schedule before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the cruise?
  The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, sailing from late afternoon until sunset.

• What time does the cruise depart?
  It departs around 4:00 or 4:30 pm, with some variation depending on the day.

• Is the price inclusive of all fees?
  The price includes fuel, taxes, port fees, and lunch with drinks. However, the Delos entrance fee is not included.

• What’s included in the tour?
  You get fuel charges, all taxes, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, beer, house wine, water, and snorkeling equipment.

• Can I cancel?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the cruise.

• Is snorkeling equipment provided?
  Yes, you can use the snorkeling gear supplied onboard.

• What should I bring?
  Towels are not included, so bring your own. Also, consider a hat, sunscreen, and water shoes for beach time.

• Is this suitable for children?
  Most travelers can participate, but note the reviews mention families with young children (like those with 4- and 7-year-olds). It’s best suited for families comfortable with boat trips.

• How crowded does it get?
  The maximum group size is 25 travelers, making it quite manageable and personalized.

• Are there any hidden costs?
  The main additional expense is the Delos entrance fee, which isn’t included in the tour price.

Final Words

This sailing trip from Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia offers a well-rounded experience combining history, natural beauty, and relaxation. The small group size, good value for money, and excellent reviews of the crew and food make it a standout choice for those wanting a more authentic, intimate Greek island day. While some may find the timing or organization a bit variable, overall, it delivers a beautiful, memorable afternoon on the water.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and culturally interesting excursion that doesn’t break the bank, this cruise is worth considering—and it might just be one of your favorite moments in Greece.