The fastest way to feel like you escaped Mykonos is by going by sea. This private catamaran cruise pairs two iconic stops, Delos for the ancient myths and monuments, then Rhenia for swimming and beach time, all on your own boat with drinks included. I especially like that you get the water views without squeezing with strangers, and that the plan is flexible enough to match your pace. One thing to consider, the boat ride is quick, so if you dislike getting a bit wet or moving fast, you might want to pack accordingly.

The value also comes from the extras that normally cost extra: an open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks) plus snorkeling equipment and towels. It is a short outing, about 3 hours, so it works best if you want highlights, not a long day ashore.

Key points to know before you go

• Private boat for up to 9 people, so you can spread out and set your own rhythm.
• Open bar all cruise with beer, wine, and soft drinks included.
• Snorkeling gear and towels are provided, which saves you time and packing space.
• Delos stop is brief (about 20 minutes), with the archaeological admission fee extra.
• Rhenia gives you real swim time, often with a stop near Skinos, known as the Blue Lacuna.

A Private Catamaran Plan That Lets You Bypass the Crowds Fast

If Mykonos has you feeling like you are moving with everyone else, this cruise is the clean reset. You leave the shore behind and spend the short ride out on a private boat, with sea time right away instead of waiting in long lines. The format is simple: two stops, one after the other, with plenty of time for photos, swimming, and relaxing on deck.

Delos brings the big-hitter drama of the Aegean’s myth and archaeology. Rhenia brings the opposite feeling, calm water, warm sun, and beach time that feels like it belongs to a postcard. Put together, you get the history-and-beach combo without turning it into an all-day grind.

The private setup matters more than it sounds. When you do not share space with strangers, you can actually settle in, keep your swim stuff together, and pause when you want. It also helps with the small, practical things like where you sit for shade, how long you linger, and whether you want to snorkel right away or after you rinse off.

Mykonos Ornos Dock: What to Expect Before You Cast Off

This cruise starts and ends at Ornos dock. That is good news if you prefer not to wrangle transport across town. The activity notes say pickup is offered, but hotel pickup and drop-off is not listed as included, so I would plan to be at Ornos unless you confirm pickup details during booking.

You will use a mobile ticket, and the tour language is English. It is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group goes. That also explains why the capacity is capped at up to 9 people. In practice, that size tends to feel comfortable, not cramped, especially on a catamaran.

Also, the cruise runs best when the weather cooperates. The operator states it requires good weather, and if it is canceled for poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. This matters because sea trips can be a gamble. If you are trying to fit it into a tight itinerary, plan some flexibility.

Delos by Sea: Quick Stop, Big Views, and One Extra Fee

Delos is the kind of place you expect to be surrounded by ruins on land. Here, you get a different angle, the monuments opening up from the water as you reach the small port of Delos. You also get the mythology context right away, with the story of a holy island revealed by the waves for Leto, and the birth of Apollo and Artemis. Even if you only know the basics, it gives you something to look for when you see the ruins.

You have about 20 minutes at Delos. That is short, so you should treat it like a view-and-wander burst rather than a full museum visit. The advantage is that you are not stuck there for hours. If you want the deeper site experience, the option for guided tours with professional guides exists, so you can add more history in a way that fits your interests.

There is one cost you cannot ignore: the archaeological site entrance fee for Delos is €12 per adult, excluded from the cruise price. The activity includes an admission ticket free note for your cruise time, but the site fee is still separate. Rhenia does not have that same archaeological fee listed, so budget the Delos portion and you will not get surprised.

A practical tip: use that brief Delos window to pick one or two photo angles and then move. The time is short, and the best pictures usually come when the light hits the water and the ruins at the same moment.

Rhenia and Skinos (Blue Lacuna): Swim Time With Real Water Color

After Delos, you head to Rhenia, close by, with an easy sail between the two. This stop is longer, about 2 hours, and it is built around one main goal, water time. Rhenia is described as having virgin beaches and crystal blue aquamarine waters, and the most famous beach is Skinos, often called the Blue Lacuna.

Before you picture only sun and swims, it helps to know the layered past. In antiquity, Delos was placed off-limits for birth and death, and Rhenia took on a darker role. It was turned into a necropolis, and it also functioned as a sanatorium for people with severe illnesses. That history is part of why this area feels more complex than just a beach day. Then the present takes over. The beaches are what you feel first, because you spend the time actually in and around the water.

Snorkeling is a big part of the experience here, with snorkeling equipment included. You also get towels, so you can dry off without packing extra. If you want to snorkel, this is the time. If you prefer to skip snorkeling, the stop still works well for relaxing, stretching out, and swimming at a slower pace.

One more practical note: Rhenia is a beach setting, so bring your swim routine. Think about sunscreen timing, water exposure, and how quickly you change. Short cruises reward people who pack light and stay organized.

Open Bar, Towels, and Snorkeling Gear: Why the Comfort Adds Value

The cruise includes an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus fuel surcharge, captain, towels, and snorkeling equipment. On paper, it reads like “drinks included.” In reality, it changes how the whole outing feels.

You are not doing the mini math of what each beer costs, or hunting for a store once you are out at sea. It also makes the boat time feel like it belongs to a vacation, not a transfer between two sights. People often underestimate how much a drinks plan affects comfort when you are out for only a few hours.

The service style also seems to get strong feedback. In customer notes tied to this experience, captains like Vassillis and Vasilis have been praised for being attentive, sweet, and accommodating. Another captain noted as Aries was mentioned for bringing snacks along with the drinks after seeing Delos, especially around the Blue Lacuna swim stop.

One key comfort detail: towels and snorkeling gear are included. That saves you both money and hassle. If you have ever tried to rent gear last minute on holiday, you know how quickly that turns into a time sink.

Finally, the boat ride itself is described as fast, which can be thrilling, but it also means you should expect movement. One review mentions this is not for people who mind getting a little wet and do not like moving fast. So if you are prone to seasickness or hate rougher motion, think carefully. If you want energy and speed, this fits.

Price and Value: When $901.05 Makes Sense for Up to 9

The price is $901.05 per group, for up to 9 people, for about 3 hours. That can sound high if you think of it as a ticket price per person. But the private format changes the math.

You are paying for:

• a private catamaran setup with your group only
• the captain
• unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks)
• fuel surcharge
• snorkeling equipment and towels
• a two-stop itinerary that includes Delos and a swim-focused Rhenia stop

If you are traveling as a couple or small group, you feel the cost more. If you are traveling with friends or family in the same group size, it starts to look like good value because you spread the private boat cost across more people. Also, the drinks are unlimited, which reduces the chance you will spend extra once you are already on the water.

Do not forget the extra fee you might pay: Delos archaeological entrance €12 per adult. That is separate, so the total cost depends on your group’s ages and how many adults you have. Still, Rhenia’s time is included, and you are not paying an extra site fee there based on the info provided.

A smart budgeting move is to add up Delos entrance for your adults first, then treat the $901.05 as your “boat plus drinks plus gear” package.

Timing, Sea Conditions, and Who This Cruise Fits Best

This is a short outing, roughly 3 hours. That makes it ideal for a day when you still want to enjoy Mykonos afterward, rather than give up your whole schedule. It is also booked fairly in advance, with an average booking window of 46 days, which suggests it fills up earlier than you might expect in peak season.

It is also described as intimate and relaxing, which makes sense given the private, small-group setup. You can move at your pace. You can spend more time swimming if you want, or keep it relaxed if you prefer deck time.

Who it suits:

• Couples and small groups who want a private boat feel
• Families with older kids, since it notes children must be accompanied by an adult and is not recommended for child aged 3 and under
• People who want history and scenery without turning it into a long, exhausting land day
• Anyone who values included comfort items like towels and snorkeling gear

Who should reconsider:

• People who get seasick easily, since the ride is described as fast and you may get a little wet
• Anyone who expects a long guided tour on land at Delos, since the time there is brief and the Delos admission is separate

Should You Book Delos and Rhenia on a Private Catamaran?

I think you should book this if you want a crowd-free Mykonos break that still includes real highlights. Delos gives you the historical and myth context with views from the sea, and Rhenia gives you the beach-and-snorkel payoff with equipment and towels already handled. The open bar is not an afterthought here. It is part of why the trip feels like a vacation, not just transport.

You should also feel comfortable if your group fits the size range. Up to 9 people on a private catamaran tends to hit that sweet spot where everyone can breathe, and you do not feel stuck.

Only pause if you dislike fast boat motion or you are traveling with a very young child. The cruise is short and water-focused, so it is better when everyone is ready for a sea day.

If you want a simple plan that checks both “see something important” and “swim and relax,” this one is easy to defend.

FAQ

How long is the DELOS – RHENIA private cruise?

It lasts about 3 hours.

How many people are included in the private group?

The group size is up to 9 people.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is €12 per adult and is excluded.

What is included in the open bar?

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with towels.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Ornos dock.

Is pickup from a hotel included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off is not listed as included. Pickup is marked as offered, so it is worth confirming details during booking.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is this tour good for young children?

It is not recommended for child aged 3 and under, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.