Delos from the water feels like a cheat code. I like the hotel pickup and the wine and Raki with your onboard meal, and the catamaran lets you see Mykonos from a whole different angle. One thing to watch: Delos admission isn’t included, and you won’t be dropped on the island.

If you’re choosing between morning or afternoon, that’s not just timing. It shapes the whole vibe—sea light, swim time, and whether you get the photo-perfect windmill views at the end.

Key highlights at a glance

• Semi-private catamaran (max 18 people) for a less chaotic feel than the big group boats
• Morning or sunset choice so you can match the cruise to your Mykonos day plan
• Delos stop from the water with a hostess sharing history from the catamaran
• Rhenia swim and snorkel cove with crystal-clear water and gear provided
• Homemade wine and Raki alongside lunch or dinner served onboard
• Phone ticket pickup to keep the start stress-free (no paper hunting)

Hotel pickup to Mykonos boat time: the easy start

This cruise is built around convenience from Platis Gialos. You’re picked up in an air-conditioned minivan and brought to the new port area for boarding, then you’re dropped back to your hotel after docking. That matters in Mykonos, where getting around can eat up your energy—and your sea day should be the easy part.

Before you go, plan to use your mobile ticket. The process is set up so you can download and show it on your phone, which saves time at pickup and avoids the usual paper-tickets scramble.

You’ll board a modern sailing catamaran with a professional skipper and crew. Depending on the sailing, the cast of names you may see mentioned includes captains like Adonis or Stefanos, with crew such as Fanis, Giannis, Matt, Dimitris, Juglio, or Sotos. The bigger point for you: this isn’t a bare-bones day on a charter. There’s staff on board to keep things moving and make the ride feel personal.

Delos from the water: what you really get at the archaeological site

The Delos portion is short and scenic. The boat heads to the archaeological site area and you get a stop in front of Delos so you can take pictures from the catamaran while a hostess explains what you’re seeing. You’ll also notice how this works better than people expect: being on the water gives you distance, angles, and that dramatic “ancient place in a modern sea” feeling.

Here’s the practical catch. Admission isn’t included, and you aren’t dropped off on Delos. So if you were hoping to wander the ruins at length on foot, this cruise is more about views and context than a full on-island visit.

Still, it’s a good use of time. A brief Delos moment paired with a swim later is a smart way to fit in a top sight without turning your day into museum logistics. If you do want more time on the island itself, check ahead about how that would work with tickets.

The catamaran ride: Aegean views, pirates island passing, and drinks

Once you leave the dock, you get the Mykonos look you can’t really recreate from land. Expect sea breezes, white buildings sliding by in the distance, and that feeling of switching into vacation mode fast.

About halfway into the cruise, you’ll pass by small island BAOS, often called pirates island. It’s not about getting out and exploring—this is a scenic route element—so keep your camera ready.

This is also where the drinks start doing their job. As you sail, you’ll enjoy homemade wine and/or a traditional homemade Crete drink called Raki. Reviews consistently mention plenty of alcohol onboard, and the onboard atmosphere tends to shift into social mode during the sailing portion.

A couple notes for your comfort:

• Mykonos can be windy. Even on a sunny day, the deck can feel cool.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider prepping in advance. The water can get choppy depending on the day.

Rhenia swim and snorkel: where the day turns fun

This is the main event. After the Delos stop, the catamaran sails to a nearby anchor spot at Rhenia, where you’ll drop anchor in a small cove. This is the stretch where you’ll see the water described as crystal-clear and turquoise-like, and where swimming and snorkeling become the whole point.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to pack your own. Plan for a relaxed pace here: rinse-off isn’t a separate activity, and this time tends to be built for enjoying the water rather than racing from one photo to the next.

Also, think about what kind of swimmer you are. If you just want a swim and a towel-off moment, you’ll be happy. If you want to snorkel properly, give yourself time to get comfortable with the gear before you hop in.

One practical detail: towels aren’t provided. Bring one if you don’t want to improvise. A few people specifically call this out as the easiest “don’t make it harder than it needs to be” item.

Lunch or dinner onboard: what’s included and how it lands

You get a full onboard meal, and the type depends on which cruise you choose. Morning departures generally include lunch, while afternoon/sunset departures include dinner. Either way, you’re eating on a boat with sea views, not trying to find food between sightseeing chores.

Alongside the meal, you get wine, plus soft drinks and the traditional alcoholic drink (Raki). Alcohol is part of the package, and that’s a big reason this tour can feel good value compared with other half-day options where drinks are extra.

The food itself comes out freshly cooked. Many people describe it as a proper meal, including dishes like meats, salad, pasta, bread, grape leaves, and fruit snacks (pear and apple came up). That said, a minority of comments suggest quality can vary, with some meals feeling less impressive or reheated.

So here’s how I’d manage expectations:

• Treat it as a solid meal at sea, not a gourmet destination restaurant.
• If you’re a picky eater, be ready for the fact that this is a group menu, not a custom order system.

Little Venice and windmills: the photo run that doesn’t feel rushed

As you head back, you sail past Little Venice and get photo opportunities of windmills and Old Town from the water. This is one of those “best angle of the day” moments. From shore, you can see these icons, but from the sea you get height, perspective, and the sense of Mykonos as a coastline town.

If you book the sunset cruise, the last stretch is timed for golden light. Even if you’re not a sunset person, it helps the mood—everything looks better when the sky turns cinematic, and you’ll likely find your group lingering on the deck longer than planned.

Drinks and the onboard vibe: why people remember the crew

This is a semi-private cruise with a max of 18 travelers, which changes the social feel. You get enough people to have company, but not so many that you feel like you’re in a floating factory.

The crew is also a big factor. Names that have shown up in feedback include staff like Fanis and Giannis, and some people specifically call out a welcoming, attentive style from captains and mates such as Adonis, Stefanos, Juglio, and Sotos. In practical terms, that usually means the crew keeps the pacing smooth: drinks topped up, people guided to snorkel gear, and the swim stop running efficiently.

One more reality check: on a windy or choppy day, the experience will feel more physical. A boat is still a boat. Even with good crew energy, the sea can set the tone.

Value check: is $192.23 a smart buy for 5 hours?

At about $192.23 per person for roughly 5 hours, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for separately. Here’s what’s included based on the package:

• Pickup and drop-off via air-conditioned van in Platis Gialos
• Meal (lunch or dinner) onboard
• Drinks, including wine, soft drinks, and Raki
• Fuel, taxes, and handling, plus driver/guide costs
• Snorkeling equipment
• Use of the catamaran for the full sailing experience

If you’re comparing to doing Delos plus a separate food plan plus a private boat day, this starts to look efficient. The “gotcha” is the Delos admission ticket isn’t included, and the cruise doesn’t replace a full walk on Delos. That said, many people still consider it a strong value because you’re paying for the sea time, the meal, and the smooth logistics.

For me, the best way to judge it is this: if you want a low-effort day with a swim and iconic Mykonos views from the water, you’ll likely feel satisfied. If you want maximum time on Delos ruins and you hate boat rides, you might feel the trade-off.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• Mykonos sights plus a swim in one compact day
• Included meals and drinks so you’re not budgeting every stop
• A semi-private group size (max 18)
• A route that includes Delos views without dealing with island logistics

You might think twice if:

• You’re counting on being dropped on Delos to explore it on foot
• You’re very sensitive to waves and motion, because windy days can get rough
• You strongly care about wine selection and a very high-end food standard, because menu quality can land differently from one sailing to the next

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, this style often works well because the social vibe stays friendly without becoming noisy.

Should you book this Delos and Rhenia catamaran?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a classic Mykonos day with real sea time, a planned swimming stop, and a meal that’s already handled. The included pickup from Platis Gialos is a practical win, and the catamaran views of Little Venice, windmills, and Old Town are the kind of photo you’ll remember.

Hold your expectations about Delos accordingly. This is a smart way to see the site from the water and learn the key context, but it isn’t a full on-island day trip. If you want hours inside the ruins, plan for Delos separately.

FAQ

FAQ

Is admission to Delos included?

No. Delos admission tickets are not included, and the cruise does not list a drop-off on Delos island.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at your hotel in Platis Gialos.

What food is included on board?

The cruise includes lunch or dinner onboard (depending on whether you book the morning or afternoon option), served as a full meal.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes wine and soft drinks, plus a traditional alcoholic drink called Raki.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the swim stop.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

How many people are on the cruise?

The group is kept small, with a maximum of 18 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 5 hours (approx.).