The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

Rhenia is the star of this Mykonos boat day. After about 45 minutes at sea, you anchor beside a quiet beach where the water is clear, the pace slows down, and the captain grills lunch. Later, you have a choice: walk among the ancient ruins of Delos or stay near a secluded swimming spot.

I like the easy mix of swimming and archaeology. I also like the generous onboard meal, with pork and chicken souvlaki, salad, rice, tzatziki, fruit, water, soft drinks, and complimentary wine. The crew, including the energetic Paula, adds plenty of warmth, and the return trip often turns into a cheerful music and dancing session.

The main drawback is time at Delos. You get about 1 hour 45 minutes, which is enough for a brisk look but not enough for a slow archaeological visit. You should also be comfortable using a boat ladder into the sea, since the Rhenia stop may not offer an easy sandy landing.

Key points to know before you book

• Rhenia is the relaxing centerpiece: Expect swimming, sunbathing, and a Greek barbecue at anchor near a deserted beach.
• Delos is self-guided: The archaeological site entrance costs an additional €20, and no guided tour is included.
• The day has a lively finish: Music and dancing on the return sail are a real part of the atmosphere.
• The boat can carry up to 120 people: This is a shared cruise, not an intimate private sailing.
• Bring your own beach gear: Towels and snorkeling equipment cost extra onboard, so packing your own can save money.
• Old Port timing matters: Boarding is at 10:15 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m. departure, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Why this cruise works well in Mykonos

Mykonos is famous for beaches, nightlife, and whitewashed lanes, but the nearby islands give you a different side of the Cyclades. Rhenia has no town to tour and no major sights to check off. Its appeal is simple: open water, a quiet shore, and several hours away from the busy rhythm of Mykonos.

Delos provides the contrast. It was one of the ancient Aegean world’s most important religious and trading centers, and its ruins spread across an otherwise bare island. Combining the two stops gives you a fuller day than a standard swim cruise. You get sea time, lunch, ancient stones, and a scenic return to Mykonos.

At $106.42 per person, the price is reasonable if you make use of the whole package. Lunch, drinks, the boat ride, the Rhenia stop, and the Delos transfer are included. Add the €20 Delos entry fee if you plan to visit the archaeological site. The value drops if you mainly want a quiet swim, since the boat may carry as many as 120 people and the return can become quite lively.

Boarding at Mykonos Old Port

You make your own way to Aegean Ventures at Mykonos Old Port. Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m., with departure listed for 10:30 a.m. Treat that boarding time as firm. One missed departure resulted from arriving at the wrong port too late, and the operator keeps to the schedule for the rest of the group.

This point matters if you arrive by cruise ship. Mykonos has a separate cruise port, located about 1.5 kilometers from the Old Port. The excursion does not include a shuttle from the cruise port, so arrange your own transfer and leave plenty of time.

The boat has restrooms and safety equipment. It is large enough to feel steady for many people, and one account specifically noted that it operated when a smaller catamaran had been canceled because of wind. Still, the Aegean can be rough, especially on the return. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most comfortable and consider bringing your usual remedy.

The maximum group size is 120. That does not mean every sailing reaches full capacity, but you should not book this expecting a small family boat. The larger vessel is part of the tradeoff: less privacy, but potentially more stability and a lively social atmosphere.

Rhenia: three hours of sea, sun, and lunch

The boat reaches Rhenia after roughly 45 minutes. The captain chooses the anchorage according to the day’s conditions, so the exact beach experience can vary. You may find a fine sandy shore, or you may need to remain near the boat and enter the water by ladder.

That distinction is important. Some people picture a boat pulling directly onto a broad beach. Here, the boat anchors offshore, and access to land or water depends on the location and weather. One account found the ladder strenuous and the shore rocky, while the operator explained that Rhenia is a deserted island with several types of small beaches.

You can swim in clear turquoise water, sunbathe, or take a short walk if the captain selects a beach that is easy to reach. Noodles are available to help you stay afloat, but this is not the place for anyone who dislikes getting in and out of the sea from a ladder.

The long stop is a strength for people who want genuine downtime. You are not rushed through a ten-minute swim before moving on. Families with children enjoyed the water, and some found the day a good fit for kids as young as four and six. You should still judge your own family’s comfort with open-water swimming and a boat ladder.

While you swim or relax, the captain prepares a Greek barbecue. Lunch includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit. The food is straightforward rather than fancy, but it suits a day at sea and gives the stop a distinctly Greek flavor.

Vegetarian meals have been accommodated, but if that is important to you, mention it when booking or before departure. The included drinks are a useful part of the value: wine, water, and soft drinks are provided. There is also a cash bar for other drinks, so carry cash if you want something beyond the included selection.

What to expect from the onboard meal

The barbecue is served during the Rhenia stop, usually after the boat has had time to anchor and people have settled into the day. Souvlaki, salad, rice, and tzatziki make a filling meal without pretending to be a restaurant service.

Food quality can feel subjective. Some people found it tasty and satisfying, while others described it as basic or simply decent. That is a fair way to set your expectations. You are paying for an all-day outing, not a polished dining experience.

The complimentary wine is part of the cruise’s social feel. The amount served can vary with the group and crew, and the boat also provides water and refreshments. Anyone under 18 should not expect alcohol service, since the legal serving age is 18 and an identity document or passport may be requested to verify age.

Delos: ancient ruins in a short window

After lunch, the boat sails to Delos. You have about 1 hour 45 minutes to visit the archaeological site independently, and the €20 entrance fee is not included. The alternative is to remain with the boat and spend the time swimming or sunbathing at a nearby secluded spot.

Delos deserves attention. The island was a major sacred center in antiquity, and the remains give you a striking sense of an ancient settlement spread across open ground. You can walk among temples, houses, streets, and surviving details without a guide leading you from point to point.

The freedom is appealing if you prefer to set your own pace. You can focus on the sections that interest you most, take photographs, and move on when you are ready. The drawback is that without a guide, you need to read the site information and make your own sense of what you are seeing.

Time is the bigger issue. An hour and 45 minutes allows a purposeful visit, but it feels short if you want to examine the full site. Several people would have preferred more time among the ruins and less time swimming. If Delos is your main reason for booking, this cruise may leave you wishing for a longer archaeological visit.

If swimming is your priority, the schedule may feel well balanced. People who want both stops usually find enough time to get a clear taste of Delos without giving up the long Rhenia break. Think of the archaeological stop as an introduction, not a complete study of the island.

The site can also close on special dates. One outing took place when Delos was closed for Easter, though the rest of the day continued. Check the site’s operating status if visiting the ruins is essential to your plans.

The return sail and Little Venice photo stop

After the Delos stop, the boat collects the people who visited the ruins and begins the roughly 1 hour 15 minute return to Mykonos Old Port. The route passes Little Venice, giving you a chance to photograph one of Mykonos Town’s most recognizable waterfront areas from the sea.

This is often the most playful part of the day. Music comes on, the crew encourages dancing, and the boat can feel more like a floating afternoon party than a quiet sailing. Some families found it fun and welcoming, while others described the cruise as more social and tourist-oriented than expected.

That difference in mood is worth considering. If you want a calm, small-group sail with soft conversation and plenty of personal space, this may not be the best match. If you enjoy music, meeting people, and a relaxed celebration after a day in the water, the return can be a highlight.

Rough seas are possible on the way back. The crew has been praised for keeping people reassured and maintaining a good attitude when the water became choppy. Even so, you should expect movement and dress for comfort rather than style.

Crew, comfort, and the size of the experience

The family-run feel is one of the cruise’s strongest features. The crew is regularly described as friendly, attentive, and willing to help. Paula is singled out for her energy and kindness, and the staff has made a special effort to include children and accommodate dietary needs.

You will not receive a formal guided tour of Delos, so the crew’s role is mainly to manage the boat, explain the schedule, serve lunch, and keep the day moving. That setup suits people who want a social boat outing rather than a history lesson.

The boat has safety equipment and a restroom, both useful on a six-and-a-half-hour trip. Snorkeling equipment and towels are available for an extra charge, but the price has caused confusion. One account reported a much higher cost, while the operator clarified that snorkeling equipment costs €15. To avoid any uncertainty, bring your own mask, snorkel, and towel if you have them.

Wear light clothing or swimwear and use strong sun protection. The boat offers little escape from the sun during the open-water portions, and you will have several hours outside. Comfortable shoes are also sensible if you plan to walk around Delos or along a rough patch of Rhenia shore.

Who should book this Rhenia and Delos cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want one Mykonos day that combines several experiences without arranging separate transport. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like swimming, casual food, ancient sites, and music.

It is particularly good for:

• You want a long swim stop rather than a quick photo visit.
• You enjoy an informal boat atmosphere with dancing on the way home.
• You want to see Delos but do not require a private guide.
• You appreciate included lunch, wine, water, and soft drinks.
• You are comfortable entering the sea from a ladder.

I would be more cautious if you need an accessible beach entry, dislike open-water swimming, or want a quiet luxury cruise. I would also choose a dedicated Delos tour if the ruins are your top priority, since 1 hour 45 minutes is a limited visit and the €20 entry fee comes separately.

Practical booking advice for your day

The cruise is booked about 22 days ahead on average, which suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your Mykonos dates are fixed. It is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket, with confirmation provided at booking.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, water-friendly footwear, and cash for the bar or optional equipment. An identity document or passport may be needed to verify age, especially for alcohol service.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the sailing, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full, social day on the water with a memorable Rhenia swim, a filling Greek lunch, and a first look at Delos. The friendly crew, stable larger boat, and music on the return help explain the strong 4.6 rating and 91 percent recommendation rate.

Think twice if you want a small boat, a quiet beach reached by an easy walk, or several hours at the ruins. For most people who see Delos as one part of a broader Mykonos day, the $106.42 price offers solid value. Bring your own swim gear, arrive early at the Old Port, and accept that this is an upbeat shared cruise rather than a private island escape.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Aegean Ventures, Mykonos Old Port, Mykonos 846 00, Greece.

What time should I arrive?

Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m., with the cruise scheduled to leave at 10:30 a.m. Arrive early because the boat follows a strict schedule.

Is transportation to the Old Port included?

No. You make your own way to the meeting point, and shuttle transportation is not included.

Is admission to Delos included?

No. The Delos archaeological site entrance fee is paid separately and is listed as €20 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Complimentary wine, water, and refreshments are included. Other drinks may be bought at the cash bar.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.