Sailing Delos and Rhenia is a fast escape. I like the small group size of up to 14 and the all-in feel of lunch with wine and beer on board. One thing to plan for: the Delos archaeological site ticket is not included and costs about €20 per person.

This is the kind of Mykonos trip that feels both classic and efficient, with a licensed English-speaking skipper running the show and you getting time at two very different islands. You’ll sail for around 5 hours, then the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Mykonos at your own pace. The tradeoff is that it’s a tight schedule, so it’s best if you’re good with a highlights-style visit instead of a slow, deep hangout.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group vibe (up to 14): Easier conversations, less shuffle than big-boat trips.
• Delos time is short but meaningful: You get about an hour at the island’s archaeological site.
• Rhenia is built for water time: Snorkeling gear, plus SUP and plenty of chances to swim.
• Lunch is included, and it’s not just a snack: Expect a proper meal on board along with wine and beer.
• No Delos on-site guide included: The skipper and assistant may share context, but Delos entry is your responsibility.
• Weather matters: Good conditions keep the itinerary on track; poor weather can mean a reschedule or refund.

Why this Delos and Rhenia cruise feels worth the time

Mykonos can be a lot. Bright streets, busy beaches, and tours that feel like a conveyor belt. This sailing cruise works because it swaps some of that stress for time on the water, with just enough structure to hit the big names and still leave breathing room afterward.

The best part is how the day mixes two moods. Delos is for stepping into ancient ruins, even if you only have an hour. Rhenia is for being in the moment, with crystal-clear water, swimming, and equipment included. Together, it makes the trip feel like more than one activity stapled to another.

Also, the boat setup and crew size help. With a maximum of 14, you’re less likely to feel like you’re hanging out in someone else’s wake. If you’re celebrating something, this is a strong format too, since the vibe stays personal without becoming chaotic.

Meeting point and getting there without drama

The meeting point is Mathios Tavern, Mykonos 846 00, Greece, and the cruise ends back at the same place. The start time is 9:00 am, and the total duration is about 6 hours.

You have two practical ways to handle transport:

• On your own: It’s listed as near public transportation, so you’re not locked into one method.
• With the free transfer: It’s available upon request. To make it happen, you need to specify your exact pickup location by 10:00 pm the previous day.

One small detail that matters: because this trip starts at 9:00 am, I’d plan to be at Mathios Tavern a bit early. Morning sailing departures can run like trains, and you’ll enjoy the day more if you don’t arrive sprinting.

Delos stop: what you can do with one hour

Delos is the headline, even for people who usually skip archaeology. You’ll spend about 1 hour on Delos at the archaeological site area.

Here’s the key practical note: Delos admission is not included. The ticket is listed as €20.00 per person. That means you should either have cash or a card ready when you arrive, or at least understand that the total cost is slightly higher than the cruise price.

Also, a dedicated tour guide is not included. The skipper is fully licensed and English-speaking, and that often means you’ll get explanations during sailing and while near the sites. Still, Delos itself is a place where more meaning comes from reading plaques or using your own guide material. If you like context, you can prep before the cruise with a quick overview, then use your hour on the island efficiently.

What can feel good about the one-hour format is that it avoids the trap of spending half the day waiting. You get in, you see the highlights, and you move on before the energy drops.

Rhenia island: the swim and SUP part that steals the show

Rhenia is where this cruise turns into a water day. You’ll spend about 2 hours at Rhenia island, which is described as uninhabited with crystal blue water next to Mykonos.

This is the portion built for active time:

• Snorkeling equipment is included
• SUP is included
• You’ll also have time just to swim, float, and take breaks between swims

A couple of practical tips make this smoother:

• Bring what you need for comfort because beach towels are not included.
• If you’re prone to losing track of small items, keep eyewear and personal gear secured. One of the crew stories from past departures includes a snorkeling moment where the captain and crew helped search for lost sunglasses overboard. It’s funny after the fact, but it shows you should still be careful with valuables.

If you’re lucky, you might even get wildlife surprises. One past departure included dolphins approaching the boat, and that kind of moment is exactly why a sailing format can feel better than a strictly dock-and-walk tour.

Sailing for around five hours, and why that matters

The highlights say you’ll sail for around 5 hours, and that’s not just a filler detail. Time under sail changes how you experience Mykonos. Instead of absorbing the island through crowded streets, you see it at an angle, from open water.

You also get a rhythm to the day:

• You’re moving between islands rather than constantly stopping.
• The crew can manage the pace with a smaller group.
• You’ll spend more time actually on the boat, which makes the lunch and drinks feel part of the experience rather than a side quest.

With a smaller maximum group size (14), the boat usually feels lively but not packed. That’s a big deal in Mykonos, where crowded tours can turn “fun” into “fight for a photo spot.”

Lunch on board, wine and beer: simple, included, and timed well

Lunch on board is included, and it’s one of the highest praise points. The experience lists lunch on board plus alcoholic beverages (wine and beer).

That combination is practical. You’re not paying extra for drinks at sea, and you’re not left hungry while waiting for the next stop. A couple of reviews also describe the food as freshly prepared and plentiful, which matches the general best-case for small boat lunches.

One practical consideration: you’re on a schedule. Plan around eating when it’s served rather than expecting long breaks. If you have dietary restrictions, you should check with the operator ahead of time, since the details of meal customization are not spelled out in the tour info provided here.

Crew and atmosphere: the difference between a boat trip and a good day

This cruise is run by a fully licensed English-speaking skipper, with a skipper’s assistant (a sailor) on board. Past feedback highlights how much the crew improves the experience, not just by safety and navigation, but by making the day feel human.

A name that shows up from past departures is Tina, described as a first mate who handled around 13 passengers with care. The takeaway for you is that the crew tends to stay engaged, not hands-off.

Here’s what that usually means in real life:

• You’re more likely to get help with snorkeling setup and timing.
• You’ll get answers when you ask simple questions like where to look or what you’re seeing.
• The boat stays organized even when people are switching between sun and water.

It’s also a nice social format. With a small group, you can chat with people naturally during sailing and meals, without the pressure of a large group setting where everyone feels separated.

Price and value for $181.02 per person

At $181.02 per person, this cruise isn’t the cheapest thing on Mykonos, but it also isn’t pretending to be “just transport.” You’re buying a stack of inclusions that would add up quickly if you did parts separately:

• Boat time with sailing
• Delos stop with on-site time
• Rhenia stop with swimming time
• Lunch on board
• Wine and beer
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP
• Fuel charges
• Free transfer if requested

Now, the main cost adjustment is Delos admission. The ticket is about €20 per person. So your all-in cost is really closer to the cruise price plus that ticket.

Even with that added, I’d still call it good value if you want a day that hits two islands with included food and gear. It’s especially attractive when you compare it to Mykonos tours that charge extra for basic things like snorkeling gear, drinks, or boats that are far too crowded.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a smart fit if you want:

• A small-group sailing day without big-boat crowds
• Included water gear and an active stop at Rhenia
• A mix of ruins and sea time, instead of one or the other

It also works for couples, since the boat experience can feel personal, and it can work for families too because the schedule is short enough that most age groups can manage it. One review included kids as young as 9, and described the cruise as family-friendly in pace and organization.

If you’re the type who wants a slow, guided deep dive into archaeology, you might find Delos time brief, especially because a tour guide is not included. But if you’re happy with highlights and want to spend the rest of the day enjoying Mykonos, the structure is a plus.

Weather, Delos closures, and how to plan around uncertainty

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor enough that the cruise can’t run, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right kind of policy for a sailing itinerary.

Delos has its own complication: the operator notes that they are not liable for potential closure of the Delos archaeological site. If Delos closes, your trip may include passage by Delos island but not a drop-off.

So your plan should include two mindsets:

• Bring flexibility. If you’re traveling in peak season, rescheduling might still be possible, but you’ll want a buffer.
• Don’t treat Delos as guaranteed landing. It’s the intent, but the day depends on conditions.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia sailing cruise?

If you’re choosing between a busy island-hopping day and something that feels more like a sea outing, I think this cruise is a strong pick. The combination of small group size, lunch plus wine and beer, and included water gear (snorkeling equipment and SUP) makes it feel complete. You’re paying for more than a boat ride.

I’d hesitate only if you know you need a guided archaeological experience. Delos admission isn’t included, and a dedicated tour guide isn’t part of the package. You can still have a great hour there, but you’ll get more value if you’re comfortable exploring on your own or you arrive with a little context.

One more practical reason I’d book: the day is compact. Start at 9:00 am, total about 6 hours, then you still get time for Mykonos after. That balance is hard to beat when the island’s crowds are at full volume.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos Delos and Rhenia sailing cruise?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where do we meet and where does the tour end?

You meet at Mathios Tavern, Mykonos 846 00, Greece, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Free transfer is available upon request, and you need to specify your exact pickup location by 10:00 pm the previous day.

Is the Delos archaeological site admission included?

No. Delos admission costs about €20.00 per person and is not included.

Is there a tour guide included for Delos?

A tour guide is not included in the package.

What snorkeling and water equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and SUP is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine and beer are included.

What happens if weather is poor or Delos is closed?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If Delos is closed, the trip may include passage by Delos island but not a drop-off.