Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruises with meals Drinks and transportation

The best part of this cruise is the long stop at Rhenia, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, sunbathe, or simply sit on the catamaran with a glass of homemade rosé. You also pass Delos, Apollo’s sacred island, while a hostess explains what you are seeing from the water.

I like the small-group feel, with no more than 15 people, and the fact that lunch is cooked on board rather than handed out in plastic boxes. I also like the hotel pickup, especially on an island where finding a taxi at the end of a long afternoon can be a chore. The main catch is the Mykonos wind. Rough water can shorten the route, cancel the Delos pass, prevent use of the sails, and make the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points before you book

• Rhenia gets about two hours: This is the heart of the outing, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing.
• Delos is a pass-by stop: You do not land on Delos or tour its ruins. You see the archaeological site from the catamaran and hear a short explanation.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: Expect a traditional meal with seafood pasta and meat choices, plus homemade rosé wine.
• The group is capped at 15: That keeps the boat more personal than a large party cruise.
• Weather controls the day: The captain may use a south-coast route or remain near sheltered water if the Aegean is too rough.
• Bring a beach towel: Towels are not part of the listed inclusions, even though some outings have had towels on board.

What this Mykonos cruise is really like

This is not a sightseeing boat that races from one landmark to another. It is a half-day on the water, with a little history, a generous swimming stop, and a meal served in a setting you cannot get at a taverna.

You can choose a morning sailing or a sunset departure. The morning version suits you if swimming is the priority and you want the rest of the day free. The sunset option gives the trip a more romantic finish, with Mykonos glowing from offshore as the light fades. Some sunset departures have run from roughly midafternoon into the evening, though your exact pickup time depends on the date.

The catamaran leaves from the new port at Tourlos. You are collected by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel or an agreed accessible meeting point, then introduced to the skipper and deck crew. Pickup is a real advantage here. Mykonos roads can be busy, and the new port is not the place to arrive late and hope transport appears.

The boat is modern and spacious enough for a small group. You can sit in the sun, find shade, or choose a position near the front for a livelier ride. That front spot comes with a warning: spray can reach you on the return trip, particularly when the sea is choppy.

Leaving Tourlos with Mykonos behind you

As the catamaran pulls away, the white houses and windmills of Mykonos Town begin to look more like a painted shoreline than a maze of narrow lanes. This is one of the quiet pleasures of the outing. You get a view of the island that is hard to find from land, with the town spread across the hills above the harbor.

The crew serves homemade rosé wine during the cruise. The listing describes alcoholic drinks and traditional wine, but one useful practical detail is that beer is not normally provided. If beer is your preference, bring your own only if the operator permits it. Do not assume a full open bar.

The first stretch may feel like a proper sail, or it may feel like a motorboat ride. Strong wind can make it unsafe to use the sails, and the captain has the final say. That is not a flaw in the crew’s handling. It is simply the reality of the Cyclades, where wind often shapes the day more than the printed route does.

Passing Baos and viewing Delos from the sea

The route can pass the small island of Baos, sometimes linked with pirate lore, before continuing toward Delos. The approach to Delos is a short photo and explanation stop rather than a shore visit.

From the catamaran, you can photograph the island’s pale ruins and hear a brief account of its importance as a sacred center connected with Apollo. That is enough to give the island context, but it is not a substitute for walking among the temples, houses, and statues.

This distinction matters. If Delos is high on your list, book a dedicated archaeological visit another day. This cruise gives you the view and a taste of the story while keeping the focus on the sea. You will not receive admission, a landing, or time to explore the site on foot.

High wind can remove even this pass-by portion. The captain may choose a safer route along Mykonos’s south coast, visiting famous beaches and a protected cove instead. That alternative can still provide good swimming and coastal views, but it will not deliver the same Delos experience.

Rhenia: the main event

The catamaran anchors in a cove near Rhenia, where the water is clear and turquoise. The planned swimming stop lasts about two hours, which is unusually generous for a half-day cruise. You are not pushed back aboard after a quick ten-minute dip.

You can enter the water from the catamaran, swim near the boat, use the supplied masks and snorkels, or swim toward shore. The equipment is basic, but it is enough to look beneath the surface and see the clear Aegean water. Paddleboarding has also been available on some departures, though you should confirm what is offered on your sailing.

This is where the trip works best for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can sit in the sun, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink. Children must be at least six years old, and most people can take part, but the open sea and moving boat may not suit every child.

Rhenia is also the part most affected by sea conditions. The ride to and from the cove can be bumpy, with some outings experiencing strong swells. A sheltered cove may be calm even when the crossing is rough, but you should not expect Caribbean-style flat water.

If you get seasick, choose a seat near the center of the catamaran rather than the bow, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell. The crew has helped sick passengers before, but prevention is better than waiting until the boat is pitching.

Lunch cooked on board

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The crew prepares a fresh traditional lunch while the boat is anchored, then serves it during the swimming stop or shortly afterward.

The advertised choices include seafood pasta and meat options. That gives the menu more range than a single seafood dish, though you should provide allergy information ahead of time. The crew has adjusted menus for allergies when notified.

The food is repeatedly praised for being tasty and generous, but the description varies from full meal to light meal. I would plan on a satisfying onboard lunch, not a restaurant tasting menu. The setting does much of the work: you eat with the Rhenia water beside you and the boat rocking gently underfoot.

Wine is included. If you want something else, ask before departure about bringing it. It is also wise to carry water and any special snacks you need, since the supplied details do not promise a full range of nonalcoholic drinks or extra refreshments.

Sunset from the catamaran

The sunset sailing changes the mood of the trip. After swimming and lunch, the boat heads back toward Mykonos, often timing the return for the evening light. From the water, you can see the windmills and Little Venice from a different angle, with the town turning gold as the sun drops.

The sunset is not guaranteed to be clear, of course. Clouds and wind can change the view. Still, the combination of open water, Mykonos Town, and the changing sky makes this a strong choice for couples and photographers.

Bring a light layer even in summer. The same breeze that feels welcome during a hot afternoon can feel cool once the sun is low. A waterproof pouch for your phone is sensible, especially if you sit near the bow or take photos during the ride back.

The crew and the small-group advantage

The crew is a major part of the experience. Captains and crew members named by past visitors include Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Andreas, Nicos, Costas, Kristos, Nikos, and Maholis. Their roles can vary by departure, but the consistent pattern is attentive service, island information, and hands-on help with swimming and safety.

Iliana has been described as a licensed captain, while Margarita has helped cruise-port passengers meet the group and provided information throughout the day. Dimitris has been praised for speaking with people around the boat instead of disappearing into the cockpit. Those details matter because a small sailing can feel awkward if the crew is distant.

With a maximum of 15 people, you have a better chance of getting help with masks, boarding, food, and questions. Some families of six or eight have booked private departures, but do not assume your reservation is private unless the booking specifically says so.

The mood is friendly rather than formal. You may share lunch with people from several countries, and the limited number of seats makes conversation easy. If you want complete quiet and solitude, a private charter would be a better fit.

Price, timing, and practical value

At about $133.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the sea. But the price includes hotel transport, fuel, the catamaran, crew, wine, snorkeling equipment, and a freshly prepared meal. Once you add the cost and trouble of arranging separate transport, lunch, and a beach outing, the package makes reasonable sense.

The value is strongest if you want a full half-day rather than a short boat ride. You get roughly five hours, including a substantial water stop. It is also useful for a first visit to Mykonos when you want to see the coast without spending a whole day on a formal Delos excursion.

The value weakens if your main goal is walking through Delos. You pay for a pass-by view, not an archaeological tour. It also weakens on a very windy day, when the boat may remain close to port or follow a shorter south-coast route.

Hotel drop-off is included at the end, but transportation is limited to accessible pickup points. If you arrive by cruise ship, allow extra care with timing. A missed tour caused by a late or non-arriving ship is not refundable, so this is better suited to an overnight stay or a cruise schedule with a generous buffer.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. Poor weather can also lead to a new date or full refund if the operator cancels, but conditions may change close to departure. Check the forecast before the final cancellation window if rough water would ruin your day.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this for you if you want swimming, food, and scenery in equal measure. It suits couples, families with children aged six and older, and small groups who prefer a personal boat to a crowded excursion.

It is also a good choice if you have limited time in Mykonos. The pickup, meal, equipment, and return transport are bundled, so you can enjoy the coast without planning every piece yourself.

I would be cautious if you suffer badly from motion sickness, dislike wind, or need a guaranteed Delos visit. The sea can be rough, the sails may not be used, and the route can change at the captain’s discretion. Bring your own beach towel, expect to get splashed near the front, and keep your plans flexible.

Should you book it?

Book it if your ideal Mykonos day includes clear water, a long swim stop, a fresh Greek meal, and a sunset from the sea. The crew, small group size, and hotel transport add real value, and the Rhenia stop gives you enough time to enjoy the water instead of merely posing beside it.

Skip it if Delos is your main reason for going or if choppy water is a deal-breaker. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to trade a few hours of crowded Mykonos streets for open Aegean views, good food, and a relaxed afternoon aboard a catamaran.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Can I choose a morning or sunset departure?

Yes. You choose a morning or sunset cruise when booking, subject to availability.

Does the cruise stop at Delos?

No. The catamaran passes Delos and pauses in front of the archaeological site for photos and a short explanation. There is no landing on Delos.

How long is the swimming stop at Rhenia?

The planned swimming and snorkeling stop lasts about two hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh traditional meal is included, with seafood pasta and meat options.

Are drinks included?

Homemade rosé wine is included. Beer is not normally listed as an included drink.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Bring your own beach towel because towels are not listed as an inclusion.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may change the route for safety. The cruise may follow Mykonos’s south coast or visit a protected cove instead. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.