Delos looks good from a catamaran window. This 5-hour Mykonos cruise mixes hotel pickup from Platis Gialos with a small group vibe, then adds homemade drinks, a swim stop, and views of windmills and Little Venice from the water.

I especially like the straightforward flow: they get you on board, you sail, you eat (with wine), you swim and snorkel, then you head back. I also like the onboard touches, like snorkeling equipment included and the way they serve lunch or dinner depending on which cruise you pick.

One thing to consider: conditions at sea can be windy and choppy, so bring a warm layer and plan for motion if you are sensitive. Also, Delos is mostly a sea-view stop, not a land drop-off, and towels are not included.

Key things to know before you go

• Semi-private max 18: small enough to feel relaxed, not swallowed by a big-ferry crowd.
• Hotel pickup in Platis Gialos: convenient start, air-conditioned van ride, and easy return.
• Delos is a sea-view photo stop: admission is not included, and there is no Delos island drop-off.
• Rhenia swim and snorkel: crystal-clear cove time with snorkeling gear provided.
• Meals plus wine and raki: lunch or dinner onboard with alcohol included.

What this Mykonos catamaran day is really like

Think of this as a plated day on the Aegean, not a long educational lecture tour. You start at your hotel area, roll to the port in an air-conditioned van, and then settle in on a modern sailing catamaran.

You get a mix of classic Mykonos scenes and real downtime. The pace is built around sailing time plus one main swim and snorkel stop, so you are not bouncing around every 20 minutes. That matters because the real luxury here is time to sit back, cool off, and actually enjoy the sea breeze.

Morning or sunset cruise: how I’d choose

You can pick either a morning or sunset version when you book, and the biggest difference is the mood and the meal timing. The overall structure stays similar, with sailing to the Delos area, then anchoring at a cove for swimming and snorkeling, and finishing with photos back near Mykonos.

If you want the lightest, most energetic vibe, choose the morning. If you want the Mykonos mood, choose the sunset cruise and plan for golden-hour photography before docking.

Either way, bring something for the late-day chill. Even in summer, wind off the water can turn comfortable into cold fast.

Platis Gialos hotel pickup and mobile tickets

This tour is designed to be easy before you even reach the port. You get picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Platis Gialos, and the van ride is air-conditioned.

To make boarding less stressful, you download your tickets to your phone so there is no need for paper. That is a small thing, but it really helps if you are juggling beach bags, sunglasses, sunscreen, and that last-minute question of where to stand.

One practical tip: aim to be ready early. If your schedule is tight, give yourself a cushion, because sea days can start with slightly shifting timing.

Sailing toward Delos, with drinks and Aegean scenery

Once on board, you will pull away from the dock and start sailing around the north side of Mykonos. Expect pretty postcard views of small white buildings lining the island, plus open-water stretches where you can feel the boat’s motion.

Along the way, the cruise includes homemade drinks. You can expect homemade wine, and you may also be offered raki, the traditional Crete-style alcoholic drink that guests often find fun and warming as you head out.

The route also passes by small island landmarks, including BAOS, often described as a pirates island. It is not about getting off to explore, it is about seeing the island shapes from the water, then continuing on to Delos.

Delos from the water: what you will see, and what you will not

Delos is the headline, but it is not a full on-island visit in this format. You will have a short sea-view stop in front of the archaeological site of Delos, with a host explaining what you are looking at while you take photos from the catamaran.

Here is the key expectation: admission tickets are not included, and there is no Delos island drop-off. So if you dreamed of walking the ruins, buying tickets, and exploring at your own pace, you will need a different plan for that part.

But even as a sea-view stop, Delos can still be memorable. From the water, ruins feel bigger and more dramatic, and you get a cleaner photo angle than you would from a crowded shore viewpoint.

The Rhenia swim and snorkel stop that makes the day

The best part of the itinerary is usually the swim cove at Rhenia. After the Delos sea-view moment, the catamaran anchors in a small cove with clear turquoise water, and this is when you switch from sightseeing mode to water mode.

This is also where snorkeling gear comes in. If you want an easy try without bringing equipment, you are covered. If you are just here to swim, you still get plenty of time to float, splash, and cool down.

I’d also pay attention to how the boat positions itself at anchor. A good cove stop is all about comfort getting in and out of the water, and this one is built around hanging out in a bright, calm-feeling spot.

Lunch or dinner onboard: what’s included, and how it lands

One of the headline inclusions is a full meal onboard, with alcohol. Depending on whether you booked the morning or afternoon cruise, you will get either lunch or dinner, plus wine, soft drinks, and raki.

What is reassuring is that the meal is cooked onboard fresh for the time you are out on the water. In positive comments, the food gets praised for being delicious, plentiful, and well timed, and you can expect a menu that includes a mix like meats, pasta, salad, breads, and fruit, based on what has been served.

That said, not every meal hits the same note for everyone. Some people have said the food was below average or felt reheated. My practical take: go into this expecting a good onboard meal, but do not assume it will match the absolute top-tier eating you might get on shore in Mykonos.

Crew energy, hospitality, and onboard commentary

The crew is a big part of why this kind of cruise feels fun, or just fine. In feedback, the onboard team has been described as welcoming, attentive, and quick to handle issues when they pop up.

You may sail with captains and mates like Captain Adonis with Fanis, Captain Stefanos with Giannis, or a crew that includes people named Matt, Dimitris, Juglio, and Sotos. Different crews bring different styles, but the common thread is that good staff make the day run smoother, especially during swimming and when weather changes.

If you are hoping for lots of storytelling, choose the cruise where you value a friendly host during the Delos viewing. Even on calmer days, that historical commentary is what helps the ruins feel less like random scenery and more like a place with context.

Boat comfort, waves, and what to pack

A catamaran is comfortable when the sea cooperates. On days with wind and waves, it can still feel lively, and you should treat this as a real sailing outing, not a floating lounge with zero motion.

From feedback, some people felt the waves were powerful enough to cause nausea. My advice is simple:

• Bring motion-sickness support if you tend to get it
• Pack a warm layer, especially for the return
• Plan for wind while you are anchored at sea

There are also mixed notes on the boat’s condition. One comment pointed out wear and that some things broke during the trip, with the staff handling it professionally. That suggests you should mentally budget for a boat that is used often, not a brand-new showroom model.

Passing Little Venice and Mykonos windmills on the way back

The day closes with photos and the classic Mykonos skyline moment. As you return, the route passes by Little Venice, giving you a strong view for pictures of windmills and the old town along the waterfront.

This is one of those moments that feels like a payoff for the earlier sailing. You are not stuck in a busy street searching for the best angle. You are on the water with a moving viewpoint, and that helps you capture the famous shapes without dealing with constant crowds.

If you chose the sunset cruise, this is also when you may be soaking up the golden light before docking back at the port and finishing with hotel drop-off.

Price and value: is $192.23 a good deal?

At about $192.23 per person for an approximately 5-hour semi-private experience, the value depends on what you want to offload.

Here is what you get for that price: meals (lunch or dinner), wine plus soft drinks, raki, snorkeling equipment, and transportation by air-conditioned van from and back to your hotel area in Platis Gialos. You also get the sea-view Delos stop and the swim cove at Rhenia.

You do not get Delos admission, and you do not get Delos island drop-off. Towels are also not included.

So, the value is strongest if you want:

• A simple, handled day at sea with food and drinks included
• Snorkel time without bringing gear
• Hotel pickup and drop-off that saves you time

If you are the type who wants to spend hours walking Delos on foot, then the missing admission and lack of island drop-off means you will likely need a separate plan, and this tour becomes more about the views than the full archaeological experience.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This cruise makes sense if you want a smooth, semi-private day with real time to swim and snorkel. The cap of up to 18 travelers helps it feel social without feeling packed.

It also fits solo travelers and small groups, since the boat size supports mixing and mingling. If you like meeting people while still having space to relax, this is a good match.

Think twice if you:

• Get easily seasick
• Need a full, on-foot visit to Delos ruins with tickets and guided walking time
• Expect towels and a luxury-level meal every single time with no variation

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia catamaran?

I’d book it if you want the most “Mykonos from the water” day you can get, without spending your whole trip on logistics. The combination of hotel pickup, meals and drinks, and the Rhenia swim is the main reason the value works.

Choose the morning if you want bright sea time. Choose sunset if you want the mood, the lighting, and those windmill and Little Venice photos under warmer colors.

If you are picky about food quality, or you know you want to explore Delos on land, treat this as a sea-view Delos experience, not a full archaeological tour. In that case, you might pair it with a separate Delos plan.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is approximately 5 hours.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon option?

Yes. You can choose either a morning or an afternoon cruise when you book.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch or dinner is included, along with wine, soft drinks, and a traditional alcoholic drink (raki).

Is there a pickup from my hotel?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at hotels in Platis Gialos.

Do I need admission tickets for Delos?

Delos admission is not included, and there is not a Delos island drop-off as part of this experience.

Are towels and snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided. Towels are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you do not get a refund.