Mykonos is all about sea views, but this one adds history and swimming. You sail past the postcard sights of Mykonos, stop at the UNESCO ruins of Delos, then cool off on Rhenia’s quiet coves. It is the kind of day that feels both scenic and practical, with food handled onboard.

I especially like the small-boat feel (maximum 25 people) and the relaxed way the crew runs the day. You also get a real Greek buffet lunch made onboard, plus soft drinks, beer, and house wine. The main drawback to plan around is conditions: this trip depends on weather, and some returns can get rough, windy, and wet, especially on the front of the upper deck.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Small-group sailing (max 25) means less crowding and more breathing room for the views.
• Delos is not included in the ticket cost, so budget for the entrance fee.
• Rhenia is the swim-and-snorkel stop, and snorkeling is more about the clear water than reef-style spectacle.
• Lunch and drinks are handled onboard, including a Greek buffet and beverages like beer and house wine.
• The boat ride can get choppy, so if you get seasick, take your precautions.

A late-afternoon sailing day that mixes Mykonos, Delos, and a quiet swim

This cruise is built for the golden hours. It typically starts at 16:00 or 16:30 and runs until sunset, with sailing time plus time ashore at Delos. That timing matters because you get soft light for photos and fewer crowds than daytime sightseeing in town.

You also get the best of both worlds. You spend time onshore where it counts, then you switch gears to water time. If your Mykonos plan feels heavy with beaches and bars, this is the “sea day” reset button.

One more point: the captain can change the route or timing for safety and weather. That’s normal at sea, but it means your schedule should be flexible in your head, not just on your calendar.

Getting to the boat: Tourlos pickup and free transport to the right places

The meeting point is Mykonos Cruise / Zephyros Sailing, Tourlos 846 00. If you choose pickup, the experience lists transport included to and from hotels and ports.

That’s a big value, because it reduces the amount of taxi math you have to do in an island town. The fine print is also important: there can be an extra charge if you want pickup or drop-off at places beyond hotels and ports, like beach bars or clubs. So if you are bouncing around Mykonos late in the day, double-check your exact pickup point.

For cruise ship passengers, you should notify the operator about your docking or tendering details and remain at your terminal. Port-to-boat timing is often where delays happen, and this trip asks you to do your part by keeping your info updated at least 24 hours before departure.

Little Venice and Paraportiani: why this water-level Mykonos view is worth it

The cruise includes short sightseeing stops that frame what Mykonos looks like from the sea. You’ll see:

• Little Venice
• Church of Paraportiani

You should think of these as “glance-and-gather-your-bearings” moments. The goal is to orient yourself to the famous shoreline shapes, then enjoy the day without turning it into a full walking tour.

From the water, Little Venice has a different feel. It is not just pretty buildings, it is the seaside stage that makes Mykonos famous. Paraportiani is similar: the view is more about structure and angles than about reading plaques.

Practical tip: keep your phone or camera accessible. These are the kinds of sights you want to catch quickly, because the day’s rhythm moves.

Delos archaeological stop: the big payoff and the short time tradeoff

Delos is the reason many people book this cruise. It’s an island tied to Mediterranean history, and the ruins feel powerful even if you are not a museum person.

In this format, your Delos time is limited. That can be a drawback if you like long, slow wandering. One rider felt the visit was enough to get the sense of the place, especially with the tight schedule of a late-afternoon cruise.

Still, Delos has a strong “hit” even in short time. You get a guided sense of scale and setting, plus the feeling of stepping into an ancient landscape. If you’ve only done Mykonos beaches so far, Delos adds meaning fast.

Budget warning, though: the Delos entrance fee is not included. One review reported an extra charge of around 20 euros per person. What you can count on is that it is an additional cost beyond the cruise price, so plan for it.

Also note: the day includes light food on the boat around the Delos portion. You’re not leaving your appetite behind while you hop between land and sea.

Rhenia beaches for swimming and snorkeling: clear water, fewer expectations

After Delos, the cruise heads to Rhenia, an uninhabited island known for its swim-friendly coves. This is where you slow down.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Swim
• Snorkel
• Relax

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not have to pack your own gear. That is a real convenience for travelers flying with luggage constraints.

What to calibrate your expectations: one review noted that snorkeling is not about a huge variety of underwater life. Instead, it is about the sensation of being in clear Aegean water and seeing what you can from the surface.

If you want to maximize the swim portion, treat it like a water session, not a structured snorkeling tour. That means good visibility matters, and wind matters too. If conditions are bouncy, you might enjoy swimming more than extended snorkeling.

Cold-water reality check: the Aegean can still feel chilly depending on season, and at least one rider mentioned the water was too chilly for them. If you are sensitive to cold, plan for it.

And please remember: beach towels are not included. Bring one, or plan to handle towel logistics yourself.

The onboard Greek buffet lunch and drinks: good value when the sea is doing its job

Food is not an afterthought here. The tour includes:

• A lunch buffet onboard with Greek delicacies freshly prepared on board
• Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water
• Beer and house wine
• Alcoholic beverages listed as white wine and beer
• Fuel and port fees, taxes

This is the kind of setup I like on island cruises. The day is built around moving between sites, and onboard dining means you are not searching for a quick meal at the worst possible time.

From reviews, the food consistently gets credit for being traditional and satisfying. One key advantage is timing. You get the meal during the sailing portion instead of forcing a stop in town that breaks the flow.

Is everything perfect? No meal is perfect for every diet and taste. But with a buffet, you typically find plenty you can eat, especially if you like Greek staples like salads, spreads, and vegetable dishes.

Also, bring your expectations down slightly on how formal it feels. This is a sailing day with a buffet, not a seated restaurant experience. For most people, that is exactly why it works.

Boat size, waves, and safety: the part I would not skip

This is a sailing experience, and Mykonos winds are a thing. Some reviews describe calm moments, and others describe rough, wet, windy returns where people got knocked around and felt unsafe.

Here’s how to handle this realistically.

Know what your ride can be like. One review said wind and waves made the boat tip, causing people to fall off seats and even leading to injuries. Another review said conditions were rough enough that they felt nauseous. Those stories matter, because they are not just complaints about comfort, they are safety concerns.

Plan for wet conditions. More than one rider mentioned getting wet on the return, especially if you sit on the front of the upper deck. So if you want dry photos, choose your seat with care and prepare for splashes.

Take seasickness seriously. One rider recommended Dramamine because the water can be choppy from Mykonos winds. If you are even mildly prone to motion sickness, pack a remedy and consider taking it before the ride gets rough.

Confirm safety details before departure. The tour data does not list life jacket specifics, so do not assume. Take a minute when you board to locate life jackets and understand how you’d use them if needed. This is basic seamanship behavior, and it helps you feel more confident.

One more note: the operator states the captain has full authority to change route and whether sails are used based on safety and weather. If there is no wind, you may still travel under power, and that can shift the feel of the trip.

In other words, this cruise can be amazing, but you need the right mindset: you are on the sea, not in a controlled lagoon.

Tips to make the day smooth, not stressful

You can make this experience better with a few planning moves.

• Arrive early to the meeting point. Finding the harbor can be tricky, and a rider mentioned poor communication on locating the right spot. Late-afternoon navigation mistakes are easy to make.
• Bring what your body needs. If you get cold or queasy, plan for it. The trip includes swimming, snorkeling, and sailing time until sunset.
• Budget the Delos entrance fee. It is not included, and it can be a surprise expense if you only planned for the cruise price.
• Bring your own towel. Beach towel is not included.
• Think about transport back to your exact location. Transport is listed as included to and from hotels and ports. If your pickup or drop-off point is outside those zones, extra charges may happen.

Also, it helps to like the kind of day where you do a bit of everything. This is not only a beach day. It is not only a ruins day. It is a sailing day with swimming and history layered in.

Who should book this Mykonos cruise, and who should skip it

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A small-group sailing day
• A meaningful stop at Delos
• A real swim stop at Rhenia
• A Greek meal handled onboard, without hunting for lunch

It may not be the best match if you:

• Need a calm, steady ride with minimal motion
• Avoid anything with wind and waves
• Are traveling with kids who cannot handle rough sea conditions (several safety concerns were raised in rough weather stories)

If you love planning beach time and ruined-time time separately, you might prefer to do Delos as a dedicated day and save the snorkeling for another. But if you want one great block of time that includes everything, this works.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia sailing trip?

If you are comfortable with a real sea voyage, this is a great value way to see two very different sides of the Mykonos area. I like that you get the Delos anchor and the Rhenia water reward in one schedule, plus lunch and drinks onboard so you can actually enjoy the day.

I would still be careful. Weather and wind are not background details here, they shape the entire experience. If you tend to get seasick, bring medication. If you hate getting wet, plan your seat and your expectations.

If that sounds like you are a fit, book it and enjoy the mix of ancient ruins and Aegean water before the island gets too loud.

FAQ

What time does the cruise usually start in Mykonos?

The cruise is scheduled to start at 16:00 or 16:30, and it runs until sunset.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The Delos entrance fee is not included in the tour price.

What food and drinks are included onboard?

Lunch onboard is included as a buffet of Greek delicacies. The tour also includes complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and house wine, with alcoholic beverages listed as white wine and beer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup transport is included to and from hotels and ports. An additional charge applies for pickups or drop-offs at other locations like beach bars or clubs.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers per boat.

Do I need to bring a beach towel?

Yes. Beach towels are not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

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