Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise, Full Lunch & Open-bar

Review · MYKONOS & LITTLE VENICE

Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise, Full Lunch & Open-bar

5.0 · 84 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $796 Operated by The original and most renowned Catamaran company in Mykonos · Bookable on Viator
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Turquoise water, your own crew, zero rush. On this Mykonos half-day catamaran, you sail from Ornos Bay, hoist the sails, and aim for Delos and Rhenia, with a real onboard chef turning it into a floating Greek meal plan. I love the private setup and the way you get sea time fast.

What I like even more is the 8-flavor lunch cooked fresh on board, plus open-bar basics that keep the whole vibe relaxed. You also get snorkeling equipment, along with WiFi and a Bluetooth speaker for easy playlist-and-snack moments.

The only real consideration is logistics. Hotel pickup is not included (and beach towels are not provided), so plan to get to Ornos Bay and pack what you need.

Key highlights you can plan around

Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise, Full Lunch & Open-bar - Key highlights you can plan around

  • Delos and Rhenia focus with a snorkeling stop in a quieter cove
  • Ornos Bay start with a tender transfer, then a smooth hour of sailing
  • Chef-cooked full lunch (8 flavors) with fresh seafood included
  • Unlimited drinks (beer, white wine, sodas, bottled water) plus a welcome prosecco
  • Weather plan: if it gets windy, you pivot to the south coast for sheltered swimming

Ornos Bay start, tender transfer, and the 5-hour rhythm

This is a true private day cruise, so you are not squeezed into shared-boat timing. The morning starts at Ornos Bay, where a hostess meets you at the dock and your captain handles the next step.

You transfer to the catamaran by tender boat, then do a traditional safety briefing. Once the sails go up, the day usually settles into an easy pace: about an hour of sailing over the Aegean, then you slow down for swimming and snorkeling.

The overall duration is about 5 hours, and it ends back at the meeting point in Ornos. For me, that timing is the sweet spot in Mykonos. It is long enough to feel like a real experience, but short enough that you can still plan dinner and sunset plans the same day.

Practical tip: Mykonos can be windy, and it can also be cooler than you expect. Bring layers you can actually wear on a boat, not just a lightweight t-shirt.

Rhenia snorkeling stop: your first time in the water

Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise, Full Lunch & Open-bar - Rhenia snorkeling stop: your first time in the water
The itinerary is built around water time. You get an early stop in an unspoiled cove on Rhenia Island for a relaxing snorkel and swim.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can travel lighter and still get in. That matters because the best part of a catamaran day is not the photos, it is the feel of calm water and clear visibility once you are actually floating there.

What to expect from this stop:

  • You will be anchored in a cove, then you can swim directly near the boat.
  • You are not on a schedule that feels like a race. This is meant to be a true break in the day.

If wind or conditions change, the captain may adjust the day. The good news is you are not stuck with nothing to do. The boat day keeps moving, usually toward sheltered swim spots.

The onboard lunch plus open-bar basics (and why it matters)

This is one of the most valuable parts of the experience. The meal is freshly cooked on board, and it is not treated like an afterthought.

You get a full lunch that follows an 8-flavor format, including fresh seafood. On top of that, the day starts with a welcome prosecco sparkling drink. During the meal and the swim breaks, the open-bar includes unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water.

Why this matters for you:

  • A private boat day can turn pricey fast if you end up paying restaurant prices and drink prices on top of the charter. Here, you get the basics covered.
  • Eating on the water changes the whole mood. You are not just fed, you feel like you are still on vacation.

One more small detail that is easy to overlook: there is WiFi and a Bluetooth speaker on board. WiFi is not a reason to work, but it helps if you need to coordinate a meetup, check messages, or share a quick update with family. The Bluetooth speaker is what keeps the day feeling like your own.

Water, alcohol, and sun add up, even when you think you will stay light. Pace your drinks, drink water between swims, and you will enjoy the day longer.

Delos time without turning it into a lecture marathon

The experience is designed for Delos and Rhenia, so you get more than just beach time. Delos is the big name on paper, but the day is planned as a mix: sea cruising plus a little historical context, without turning the boat into a classroom.

From what this kind of crew-led setup is known for, you can expect a short, practical story, then back to the water. That balance is what keeps the day fun, especially if you have teens who can handle the idea of history but not a long run of explanations.

How to think about Delos on a half-day:

  • If you want deep archaeology detail, you may need a separate land visit later.
  • If you want the feeling that you got to see the famous sites from the sea, this cruise fits that goal.

I like this approach for first-timers because it keeps you from overscheduling. You leave with a sense of place, then you can explore further on your own time in Mykonos.

Wind-proof planning: the south coast alternative route

Mykonos weather is the wildcard, and this tour builds in an alternative itinerary if it gets too windy. Instead of forcing the original plan, the captain may sail along the south coast of Mykonos, visiting famous beaches and a beautiful cove away from crowds.

This is not a downgrade. It is a safety-first pivot. The point is to keep your swim time comfortable and your sailing manageable.

What this means for you on the day:

  • You might get a different set of viewpoints than you expected.
  • You still get swim time and a cooked lunch on board.
  • The overall feel becomes more about shoreline cruising and sheltered coves rather than one island stop.

If wind and waves are your worry, this plan is comforting. And if you are flexible, you will probably end up enjoying the day more, because you are not mentally stuck on one fixed route.

Value check: $796.48 per person for a private catamaran day

Yes, the price is steep at $796.48 per person. The real question is what you get for that number.

You are paying for:

  • A private catamaran and crew for about 5 hours
  • A tender transfer from Ornos Bay
  • A multi-course lunch freshly prepared on board, including fresh seafood
  • Unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water, plus a welcome prosecco
  • Snorkeling equipment, WiFi, and a Bluetooth speaker

So you are not just buying a seat. You are buying the whole experience of being on your own boat with your own timing, plus food and drinks that are expensive in Mykonos if you have to buy them separately.

Who tends to get the best value from a setup like this:

  • Friend groups who want a shared day without loud crowds
  • Families with teens who can handle swimming and want a break from walking
  • Couples or small groups celebrating a birthday or milestone

One more value point: this is booked pretty far ahead on average. That often means the boat slots can be tight, so if this is a top priority, plan early rather than hoping for last-minute availability.

What to watch for before you go

I like this cruise style, but I would pack and plan like an adult who wants the smoothest day possible.

Here are the small gotchas that can affect your comfort:

  • No beach towels are provided, so bring one or plan to use what you already have from your hotel.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you are responsible for getting to Ornos Bay unless you arranged optional transfer.
  • Gratuities and the transfer to Ornos Bay are not included in the listed rate, so factor that into your budget.
  • Drink service can feel different depending on how your crew is set up on the day. If you prefer hands-on table service, you should know that boat service styles can be more self-directed.
  • If you saw mentions of extras like paddle boards, confirm what is actually available on your sailing. The only equipment listed as included is snorkeling gear.

Bottom line: bring a towel, wear water-ready footwear, and don’t assume beach-day conveniences.

Should you book this Mykonos private day cruise?

If you want a half-day in Mykonos that feels like a real treat, with swim stops, a chef-prepared full lunch, and open-bar basics covered, I think this is a strong choice. The private format makes it easier to relax, and the weather plan keeps you from losing the day if it turns windy.

Book it if:

  • You care more about time on the water than about long stops on land
  • You want food and drinks included so you can budget without surprises
  • You are traveling with a group and want one shared highlight

Consider a different option if:

  • Your schedule needs exact Delos land time, regardless of weather and conditions
  • You do not want to manage your own ride to Ornos Bay
  • You are hoping for full beach amenities like towels provided onboard

If your goal is simple, get on the boat, eat well, swim, and let the Aegean do the work. This cruise fits that mindset nicely.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran day cruise?

It lasts about 5 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What meals are included?

A full lunch is included, freshly prepared on board by the chef/sailor, including fresh seafood.

What drinks are included in the open-bar?

The open-bar includes sodas and bottled water, plus unlimited beer and white wine.

Where do you meet for the cruise?

You meet at Ornos Bay, at Unnamed Road, Ornos 846 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and beach towels included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Beach towels are also not included.

What happens if the weather is 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.