This catamaran shortcut to summer is worth the effort. Sail from Mykonos to Rhenia on the Aerial or White Coral, with lunch and drinks onboard, plus a chance to pass Delos from the water.

I really like two things: the roomy, modern deck that feels calm even with other people onboard, and the hands-on crew vibe, the kind where you are guided through the day and food keeps showing up. A possible downside is that it runs on weather, so water toys like SUP and kayak can be limited, and you also need to plan for tender-boat boarding and no swim towels provided.

Key things that make this catamaran cruise work

• Aerial or White Coral, brand-new comfort: spacious walk-around layout and smooth sailing.
• Rhenia or Mykonos south coast swim time: sunbeds, snorkeling gear, and water toys when conditions permit.
• Delos UNESCO views without a stop: you may get a sightline to the archaeological monuments.
• Lunch and alcoholic drinks included: 3-course meal plus wine and beer, not just snacks.
• Transfers that reduce stress: hotel pickup if you send details in time, otherwise a clear beach meeting point.
• Small group by design: capped at 25 travelers, so it stays relaxed.

A brand-new catamaran gives you instant Mykonos calm

Mykonos can feel like a lot, even on a first day. This cruise is a way to swap lines on land for open water, salt air, and a deck that is built for hanging out. You are sailing on either the Aerial or White Coral, both brand-new and designed to feel smooth and uncrowded.

The layout matters. A catamaran with a walk-around, lounge areas, and large sunbeds helps you avoid that trapped feeling you sometimes get on bigger boats. With a maximum of 25 people, you can actually move, find shade, and still chat if you want.

Rhenia swim stop: the part you will remember

The main plan is a stop around Rineia, a nearby area known for gorgeous, clear water. If weather shifts, the captain can adjust the route to keep things safe while still targeting the best scenery and swim spots. Either way, the goal is the same: get you off the hot streets and into the water.

On board, you have the gear to make it easy. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are included, and you can also use water toys like a SUP or kayak when conditions allow. Even when the sea is calm, the toys add a fun rhythm, not just floating around.

What I’d do is treat this as your main “reset” moment. Get there early in the swim stop, choose your spot, and do one active thing (snorkel or paddle) before you settle in. Then you can spend the rest of the time with a cold drink in hand and the sun on your back.

One practical note: there is no promise you will set foot on a beach. The day is built around cruising close to the coast and anchoring for swim time, so if you are expecting a stroll onto sand, plan for a water-focused outing instead.

Delos pass-by: UNESCO views with less fuss

Delos is one of those places that grabs your attention the moment it enters the conversation. Here, weather permitting, the captain may pass by Delos so you get a view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological monuments from the sea.

The best part is that you do not have to add another port stop to your day. You stay in cruise mode, with the scenery coming to you. It also means you can keep the day’s pace, eat when you are ready, and avoid extra time on land.

If you are the type who likes context, you can benefit from the crew’s commentary while you pass. Previous guests have noted history lessons about Delos during the cruise, which makes the view feel more meaningful than just another photo moment.

Lunch and drinks onboard: included means you can actually relax

A lot of boat tours say lunch is included, but you still end up rationing time around food. This is different because the lunch is a 3-course meal freshly cooked onboard. It is not a box lunch situation.

You also get alcoholic drinks: wine and beer, plus soft drinks and bottled water. That is a big deal for value on a half-day tour. You do not have to budget your way through the day, and you can stay present instead of counting minutes until the bar opens.

One more detail that matters: the crew style is built around keeping the experience moving and guests comfortable. Multiple reviews highlight drinks staying topped up and the team being friendly and attentive. It tends to feel like you are being looked after, not just processed.

Bring one mindset with you: food and drinks are included, but the boat can run on safety rules. One guest noted beer service can be more controlled than a free-for-all, so expect to ask rather than assume it is constantly self-serve.

The best time on deck is the slow time

This type of cruise is at its best when you stop trying to optimize every minute. Sure, you can snorkel and use the water toys, but the real win is the in-between moments.

You have time to lounge on sunbeds, drift in the water with the snorkeling gear, and enjoy the sea view as the shoreline slides by. A lot of people end up socializing because the boat layout supports it, but it is not designed as a loud party.

That calm vibe is a feature, not a bug. If you want nonstop hype, plan for a more relaxed day. Some people actually prefer that, and the overall rating strongly suggests most guests enjoy the quieter pace and the chance to meet new people without feeling swept into chaos.

Pickup, meeting point, and tender-boat boarding (plan for this)

Logistics can make or break your experience, especially when you are on a cruise ship schedule. The meeting point is on the beach at Agia Anna, at Paraga Studios (Agia Anna, Paraga, Mikonos 846 00, Greece). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is available, but only if you provide pickup details up to 24 hours before the cruise start time. You should expect a text message or WhatsApp message the evening before with the transfer details. If you miss that cutoff, you will need to handle your own way to the beach meeting point.

One thing to be ready for: boarding and disembarking happen via a tender boat. That is normal for this style of sailing, but it does mean you should wear shoes you can move in comfortably and have a simple, easy-to-carry bag.

If you are coming from a cruise ship, do not assume your tender drops you at the exact same place every time. One review mentioned confusion around whether the ship was at the new or old port, and the fix was communication plus waiting for the right transport. So, if you are on a cruise itinerary, double-check which port you are using and confirm you have the right meeting point information.

What you should pack for a Rhenia day

You’ll want to keep packing simple. Swim towels are not included, so bring your own. If you forget, you will end up making a last-minute plan on a timetable that is not in your control.

Also think about comfort. You will be in the sun and near saltwater, so bring sunscreen and something light for after swimming. If you care about what you look like during photos, plan for quick changes near the water and keep a small cover-up accessible.

If you use snorkeling gear, the masks and snorkels are provided, so you do not need to bring your own. You might still want your own prescription options if you have them, and one review featured a good outcome from clear water after an accident, which is a reminder that water visibility is part of the experience.

Value check: is $180.19 a good deal?

For $180.19 per person, you are paying for a lot of included items that would cost extra if you did them separately. You get:

• a 3-course lunch cooked onboard
• wine and beer, plus soft drinks and bottled water
• snorkeling equipment
• fuel, WiFi, and the sailing itself
• SUP and kayak only when weather permits, but still included

You also get something less easy to price: a relaxed half-day that removes the need to coordinate boats, timing, and access to swim coves. And with a small group cap of 25, you are not trapped in a cattle-car vibe.

Where people sometimes feel less value is when expectations do not match the style of the day. The cruise is about anchoring and swimming rather than landing on a beach for hours. Some guests want more beach time and less cruising-by. If that is you, you might prefer a private charter or a different format designed around longer beach stops.

But for most guests, the combination of modern catamarans, included meals and drinks, and real water time adds up to strong value.

Who should book this, and who might skip it

This cruise is a great fit if you want:

• a comfortable small-group sail with room to move
• included food and drinks so you can relax
• a water-based day with snorkeling and optional paddle activities
• Delos views without extra port time

It is also a smart choice if you are traveling with friends and want a social day that still feels easy. Many guests highlight the crew as a big reason they had a great time, including attentive safety guidance and a friendly onboard atmosphere.

I’d be a little careful if you are chasing:

• a party atmosphere (this tends to be more laid-back)
• lots of beach walking time (the day is centered on swimming from the boat)
• zero rules and totally free-flowing service (some safety and service structure is part of the experience)

Should you book this Mykonos catamaran cruise?

My honest take: if you want a relaxed, modern sailing day that includes food, drinks, and swim gear, this is an easy yes. It is built for comfort on the water, not just sightseeing, and the Rhenia-focused swim time is the main event.

Book it especially if you are okay with a sea day that is weather-driven and tender-boat style. If your ideal Mykonos day is all about long beach landings and you hate the idea of rules around drinks or movement, you may want to compare alternatives.

If you do book, do two things: confirm your pickup details on time if you want them, and bring swim towels. That one small prep step helps you enjoy the day without last-minute stress.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The experience runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the cruise start and where does it end?

It starts at Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios (Agia Anna, Paraga, Mikonos 846 00, Greece) and ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is only included if you provide pickup details up to 24 hours before the cruise start time. If you miss the cutoff, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a 3-course lunch and alcoholic beverages (wine and beer). Soft drinks and bottled water are also included.

Are snorkeling and water activities included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included. SUP and kayak are included but only weather permitting.

Do you stop at Delos?

Weather permitting, the captain may pass by Delos for views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological monuments, without a stop.

Are swim towels provided?

No, swim towels are not included.

What if weather conditions are poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.