Delos by yacht beats a rushed ferry. You sail from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis to the ruins of Apollo’s birthplace, then swap history for a swim at Rhenia, with a comfortable deck and lunch onboard.

I like this cruise for two big reasons: real time at Delos and an easy, fun water break that does not feel like hard work. You get to choose how you handle Delos, then you get to cool off, snorkel, and eat well without hunting for anything on your own.

One drawback to plan for, especially if you have mobility concerns, is getting on and off the boat. The crew uses a gangplank, and it can be tricky when conditions are rough.

Key Highlights That Make This Cruise Worth Your Time

• Delos with options: go with an added professional guide, or wander the UNESCO ruins on your own during the allotted time
• Rhenia as the swim-and-snorkel pause: a natural-pool style stop with snorkeling equipment and support gear if you want it
• BBQ lunch plus drinks onboard: grilled meats, veggies, Greek salad, tzatziki, wine and beer, and WiFi on the boat
• Crew energy you can feel: multiple reviews praised how attentive staff were, including named crew members like Dimitri and Thomas
• Easygoing group size: the cruise caps at 70, and the boat size depends on the group (either 89 ft up to 40 people, or 72 ft up to 30)

From Agios Ioannis Diakoftis to Delos, Without the Stress

This tour runs about 6 hours, starting at 9:30 am near Agios Ioannis Diakoftis (meeting point address is listed as Greece Sailing sail cruises, Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis 846 00). If you need pickup, you can add roundtrip transfer for 20 euros per person, paid on the spot, with pickup typically 30 to 60 minutes before departure.

Once you’re aboard, the crew handles the basics fast. You’ll get safety instructions, life vests are available if you need them, and you can also use the QR code onboard to follow the plan. One detail that trips people up at first, but also makes sense, is that you’ll be barefoot on the boat for safety and comfort.

Because the boat is the whole point here, it matters that they run with either Andreas (an 89 ft gulet, up to 40 people) or Atlantis (a 72 ft gulet, up to 30). Either way, the design is meant for relaxing, and the setup is described as wide and comfortable for the group size.

Delos in Your Time Slot, Guided or Self-Walk

Delos is the star stop. You’ll sail to the Archaeological Site of Delos, a UNESCO monument tied to the myth of Apollo’s birthplace and famous for its ancient ruins that go back roughly 3500 BC. Your on-site window is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that time can be spent in two different ways.

You can book the added professional guided tour at Delos for 45 euros per person, or you can walk it on your own. If you want the ruins to make more sense fast, the guided option can be worth it, especially if this is your first time seeing Cycladic-era history. If you prefer moving at your own pace and just want photos, do-it-yourself works fine too.

There’s also a flexible choice if you decide the heat, the walking, or the crowds feel like too much that day. You can check out and explore for about 1.5 hours, or you can stay onboard in a nearby bay and use the time for swimming and sunbathing. That option is useful if you’re trying to pace energy levels, particularly in hotter months.

A practical note: Delos can feel exhausting in direct sun. One small tip from real experience is that the museum shop area has water vending machines, so you can top up without spending time searching.

Also, remember that the Delos entrance fee is not included. If you want to go ashore, budget 20 euros per person for the site admission, unless you choose an upgrade that packages the entrance fee into your booking.

Rhenia Island: The Natural-Pool Swim You Came For

After Delos, the cruise turns into a water day at Rhenia Island. This stop lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, and it’s built around swimming and snorkeling, with a BBQ lunch served onboard. The water here is described as feeling like a natural pool, which is exactly what you want after walking around sunlit ruins.

You’ll have complimentary snorkeling equipment, and you can also use extra support if you are not a confident swimmer. The cruise provides swimming noodles or life vests on request, and you can ask the crew to help you choose what feels safest for you.

One detail worth knowing: snorkeling gear is available, and reviews mention goggles, face masks, and snorkels, but no fins. That is not a deal-breaker if you’re doing casual snorkeling, but if you were expecting fins, you might want to adjust your expectations. If you mainly want to float, swim, and look around, you’ll be fine.

The Lunch, Drinks, and WiFi: What Comes Included

This is one of the smoothest parts of the day. The lunch buffet is served onboard and includes an on-deck BBQ with a mix of grilled meats and vegetables. The menu includes grilled pork skewers, beef and lamb kebabs, plus grilled veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms.

You’ll also get a Greek salad, tzatziki spread, mixed rice with seasonings and veggies, and a seasonal fruit salad. For drinks, the included list covers coffee, tea, refreshments, white and red wine, beer, and water. If you want cocktails or other alcoholic drinks, those are available to purchase, but they are not part of the included set.

WiFi is listed onboard too, which can be handy if you want to share photos immediately. That said, the point of this cruise is the water and the sites, not internet speed.

One real-world consideration from the choppier-day side of things: if you tend to get motion sickness, don’t assume the return sail will always feel calm. There was at least one report of nausea after people ate right before the sail back, so if you’re sensitive, it helps to go a little slower with food right before you brace for the ride.

Comfort on a Gulet: Space, Barefoot Policy, and Crew Help

This cruise is designed so you can actually relax. They note that even at maximum participation you will have space to lay back and unwind, and the boats are described as wide and extra comfortable for the number of passengers.

You should expect some movement around boarding and landing. The boat use includes a gangplank that is not fixed, and reviews specifically flag that this can be challenging for mobility issues, especially if the sea is rough. Once you’re onboard, though, reports describe the crew as attentive and helpful, and some named crew members, including Dimitri and Thomas, were singled out for patient assistance.

If you’re generally steady on your feet, you’ll likely find this easy enough. If you use a cane, walker, or wheelchair, you’ll want to think hard before booking, because the boarding and return moments can be the hardest part of the day.

Also bring the basics, because the day blends sun and sea. Pack a swimsuit, a hat, and sunscreen. The tour notes you may want a light jacket for early and late season visits.

Price and Value: What 151.16 Dollars Buys You

At $151.16 per person, the price can feel reasonable or expensive depending on what you would otherwise pay. Here’s the key: you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re getting lunch, drinks (wine and beer included), snorkeling gear, WiFi, an escort/host, and personal insurance.

The two add-ons that can change your final cost are Delos entrance and optional guiding. Delos entrance is 20 euros per person if you buy it separately, and the guided tour is 45 euros per person if you choose that option. Hotel pickup, if you want it, is 20 euros per person roundtrip and paid on the spot.

So, if you’re planning to visit Delos anyway, the cruise often looks better value because the boat logistics and onboard meal are handled for you. If you don’t plan to do the guided tour and you’re close to the meeting point, your day stays simple and your out-of-pocket costs can remain predictable.

Who This Delos and Rhenia Sail Is Best For

This is a great fit if you want a half-day history hit and a full-on relaxing sea day in the same outing. It’s also ideal for families and mixed groups because the schedule gives parents time to watch the ruins, then kids and teens can burn energy swimming. Reviews often mention that the vibe is not a party boat, which makes it easier to enjoy without noise fatigue.

You’ll also like it if you want structure but not a rigid tour. You get a host onboard, a clear itinerary, and choices at Delos. Then you get Rhenia time that is focused on water fun and food.

It is less ideal if mobility is a big concern. The boat is comfortable once onboard, but getting on and off can be tricky, especially if conditions are rough. If that describes your situation, ask questions before you book and consider another format that is more stable.

One more plus: service animals are allowed, and the tour is listed as near public transportation. That can matter if you are not staying close to the marina area.

Booking Smart: Upgrades That Actually Change the Day

If you have a choice while booking, think about what will cost you more time than money. The tour offers upgrades that can include either hotel pickup and drop-off or Delos entrance fee and guided tour.

If you’re staying far from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, adding pickup may save you stress and keep you from feeling rushed. If you’re new to Delos or you want stronger context for what you’re seeing, upgrading to include Delos entrance and the guided tour can be the better use of extra euros.

Also, this cruise uses two gulet sizes depending on your group. Either way, it caps at 70 travelers, which helps keep the day from feeling overcrowded.

Should You Book This Mykonos Sail to Delos and Rhenia?

Yes, if you want a day that mixes a major historical site with real relaxation at sea. You’ll get Delos with meaningful time (about 1.5 hours) plus the option to go guided or self-walk, then you’ll get a Rhenia swim stop with snorkeling gear and lunch onboard.

Book it with a little planning if you’re prone to motion sickness or you have mobility limitations. The boarding moments and sailing feel depend on sea conditions, and not every day is perfectly smooth. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your swimsuit, and keep expectations realistic for how tiring Delos can feel in the sun.

If that combo sounds like your kind of Mykonos day, this one is hard to beat for value and simplicity.

FAQ

What is included in the onboard lunch?

The lunch buffet includes a BBQ with grilled meats and vegetables, Greek salad, tzatziki spread, mixed rice, and seasonal fruit. It is served onboard during the Rhenia stop.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. The Delos archaeological entrance fee is not included and costs 20 euros per person. A guided tour is an additional 45 euros per person.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. If you are not a confident swimmer, you can request swimming noodles or life vests.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, but it is optional. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged for 20 euros per person, paid on the spot, with pickup typically 30 to 60 minutes before the start time.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are coffee, tea, refreshments, white and red wine, beer, and water. Alcoholic cocktails are available to purchase but not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are not appropriate, you will be informed the evening before about possible itinerary changes or cancellation, and if canceled you will be offered a different date or a full refund.