From Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

The best part of this Mykonos boat trip is the sharp change of scene: one moment you are swimming from the boat in Rhenia’s clear water, and the next you are walking among the ancient stones of Delos. I like the choice between ruins and another swim, and I like the warm, social crew atmosphere, which can turn the return ride into a small dance party.

The main drawback is the sea and sun. The ride can get choppy, Delos offers little shade, and the two-hour archaeological visit can feel hot in summer. Bring water, sunscreen, and motion-sickness medicine if you need it.

Key points to know before sailing

• Rhenia comes first: You get around three hours for swimming, a BBQ lunch, and time near the uninhabited island’s sandy coves.
• Delos is optional: Pay the entrance fee and spend about two hours at the UNESCO archaeological site, or stay aboard for more swimming and rest.
• The return ride is lively: Music, singing, and dancing are a major part of the trip back to Mykonos.
• The crew sets the tone: Names connected with especially memorable departures include Mola, Mohamed, Michael, and Paola.
• The price covers the basics: At about $101 per person, the fare includes the boat, fuel, crew, BBQ, and fruit, but not Delos admission or hotel transfers.
• Pack for both beach and ruins: Bring an ID or passport, swimsuit, towel, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and extra water.

Why this trip works so well from Mykonos

Mykonos is famous for whitewashed lanes, beach clubs, and late nights. This cruise gives you a different side of the Cyclades without asking you to arrange several ferries or hire a private boat. In one outing, you see an ancient island sanctuary and an uninhabited island where the main attraction is simply clear water and open space.

The combination matters. A pure sightseeing trip to Delos can feel demanding in the heat, while a simple swimming cruise may leave you wishing for more substance. Here, you can split the day between both. You get history, sea time, lunch, and a sociable boat ride for a fairly reasonable price.

The activity lasts about 6.5 hours. That is long enough to make the trip feel worthwhile, but short enough to fit into a Mykonos stay without using an entire day from dawn to night. You meet at the bus station by the Old Port, not at your hotel, so allow time to reach the port area and find the correct boat or local representative.

The boat is described as large, clean, and sturdy. That helps on a route where wind can make the water bumpy. It is still a boat trip, not a calm ferry crossing, and the ride may be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness.

Rhenia swimming: clear water and a rough-edged beach

Rhenia is the relaxed part of the day. The island is uninhabited, and the boat stops near beaches and coves rather than at a developed resort. You swim from the boat, float in the sea, snorkel, or make your way toward the beach.

The water is the star. On a calm day, it is clear enough to see beneath you, with blue and green tones that make the Mykonos coastline feel far removed from its busy beach clubs. You can jump from the side of the boat, use a pool noodle, or stay close to the vessel if you are not a strong swimmer.

Do not picture a polished hotel beach. The shore can be rocky, and the swimming area may be roughly 50 yards from the beach. Water shoes are a smart addition if you plan to walk ashore. Snorkeling is possible, but the quality of marine life can vary. Some stops offer fish and clear views, while another may be better for swimming than for serious snorkeling.

The Rhenia stop lasts about three hours, including lunch. That gives you enough time to swim without feeling rushed. You can also stay on the boat, sit in the sun, or chat with other passengers. This flexibility is useful for families and mixed groups, since not everyone needs to spend the whole stop in the water.

The sea can feel cool when you first enter, especially in spring or autumn. After a minute, many people find it comfortable, but do not count on warm shallow water. Bring a towel and a dry layer for the ride afterward.

The BBQ lunch and drinks on board

Lunch is served after the swimming period, which is good timing. You will likely be ready for something filling after jumping into the sea. The meal includes BBQ food and fruit, with details from the onboard menu including meat skewers, rice, salad, dip, bread, and watermelon.

The food is straightforward rather than fancy, but that suits the setting. You are eating on a moving boat after a swim, not sitting down for a long restaurant meal. Portions satisfy most people, though a few may want more. Rice can be plain, so take salt and pepper if you like stronger seasoning.

Wine, water, and soft drinks are available on board, with additional drinks available to buy. The included wine is best thought of as simple table wine. You can mix it with juice if you prefer something sweeter. The important value is having drinks available during a long, sunny outing, not expecting a wine tasting.

The crew regularly checks that people are comfortable and helps keep the meal moving. A family-run feel comes through in the service, with an emphasis on making people feel included. That becomes more noticeable later, when the boat shifts from lunch cruise to party boat.

Delos: two hours among ancient ruins

After Rhenia, the boat continues to Delos. The sailing time is about 30 minutes according to the published schedule, though conditions can affect timing. You then have roughly two hours to explore the archaeological site on your own.

Delos is not a small pile of ruins beside a dock. The site is broad, open, and larger than many first-time visitors expect. You can walk past foundations, columns, streets, and ancient buildings, with plaques and a map helping you understand what you are seeing.

The island’s importance is the reason this stop adds real weight to the outing. Delos was a major religious and commercial center in the ancient Cyclades, and the ruins spread across the island rather than being confined to one monument. You get a sense of an entire old settlement, not just a single temple.

The two-hour period is enough for a useful first look, but it is not a full archaeological study. If you want detailed interpretation, you will need to read the site signs or arrange your own guide. A guide for Delos is not included, and there is no guided tour built into the basic package.

Start with the highest point and the Temple of Apollo area if you want strong views and a clear sense of the site. Then work back through the streets and buildings. This approach helps you avoid spending the first hour on smaller details and discovering later that you have missed the main viewpoint.

Bring plenty of water. Delos is exposed, shade is limited, and the hottest part of the day can make even a gentle walk tiring. Wear shoes with a good sole, especially if you want to climb toward the higher sections. There are no shops on the island, so do not count on buying a drink after you leave the boat.

The entrance fee is extra, listed at about €20. That is an important part of your budget. Children and younger visitors may have different admission rules, but check the current terms before you go.

The choice at Delos is useful, not a small detail

You do not have to leave the boat at Delos. If ancient sites are not your priority, you can stay aboard and take another swim or relax while others explore. That choice is one of the strongest features of the trip.

For a couple with different interests, it prevents the day from becoming a compromise. One person can walk through the ruins while the other enjoys a quieter boat or another swim. Families can also decide based on energy, weather, and how well younger children are handling the heat.

I would choose Delos unless you have already visited it or strongly prefer a full beach day. The site is unusually easy to combine with a swim stop, and two hours gives you a meaningful introduction. Still, you should not feel pressured to go ashore simply because it is the famous part of the route.

The ride back becomes the social highlight

The return to Mykonos is not treated as dead time. Music comes on, the crew encourages singing and dancing, and the atmosphere becomes much more festive. You can join in, watch from your seat, or simply enjoy the views as the boat heads back.

This part suits people who like a friendly group setting. It is less appealing if you want a quiet, private sail. The energy varies with the crowd, the crew, and the sea conditions, but the trip is clearly designed to end on a high note rather than with a silent transfer.

The crew members have a big effect here. Mola and Mohamed are associated with particularly energetic departures, while Michael and Paola are also mentioned in connection with attentive, entertaining service. Crew assignments can change, so book this for the overall style rather than for a promise of one particular person.

The sea may be choppy on the way home. A heavy boat can feel more stable than a small speedboat, but it will not remove every bump. If you are sensitive to motion, take your usual medicine before sailing and sit where you feel most comfortable.

What the $101 price really includes

At about $101 per person, this is good value if you plan to use the full day. The price combines a boat cruise, fuel, crew, BBQ lunch, fruit, swimming time, and access to a route that would otherwise require separate planning.

The value is strongest for people who want both Delos and Rhenia. A private charter would cost far more, while arranging transport and meals separately would take time and might not be cheaper. You also get the social side of a shared boat, which can be a plus if you are traveling alone or want to meet people.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short swim or a quiet private outing. You are paying for a 6.5-hour program with a group, set timing, and music. Delos admission costs about €20 extra, and snorkeling equipment is not included, though it can be purchased aboard. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

The included lunch is practical and filling, but do not book this expecting a luxury yacht menu. The boat, beach stop, and ancient site provide the main value.

Who should book this Mykonos boat trip?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a broad Mykonos day out rather than a single-purpose excursion. Couples get a good mix of scenic sailing, swimming, history, and a playful finish. Solo visitors have an easy setting for meeting people. Families can appreciate the choice to swim, stay aboard, or explore ruins.

It is also a strong pick for cruise passengers with a Mykonos port stop, provided the timing fits your ship schedule. The meeting point is by the Old Port, and you must handle your own transport to and from it.

I would think twice if you dislike group activities, struggle with boat motion, or want extensive archaeological guidance. Delos is self-guided, the boat can be lively, and the schedule leaves little room for a slow, private pace.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing, pack sunscreen and water, and bring an ID or passport as requested. Add water shoes for the rocky shore and motion-sickness medicine if needed. Snorkeling gear is not supplied, so bring your own or plan to buy it on board.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want clear-water swimming and ancient Delos in one outing, with lunch and a cheerful crew included. The strongest reasons are the flexible choice at Delos, the generous Rhenia stop, and the fun return sail.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet day, or a formal guided tour of the ruins. For most visitors looking for a varied and fairly priced Mykonos excursion, this is one of the better ways to see the islands beyond town.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip meet?

You meet at the bus station by the Old Port of Mykonos.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about 6.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat trip, fuel, crew, BBQ lunch, and fruit.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Delos entry costs approximately €20 and is paid separately.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. The Delos stop is self-guided, and a guide is not included.

Can I skip exploring Delos?

Yes. You can stay on the boat instead of going ashore and use the time for swimming or relaxing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be purchased on board.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimsuit, sunscreen, water, and suitable shoes. Water shoes and motion-sickness medicine may also be useful.