From Ornos: Mykonos Delos Catamaran Cruise with Meal & SUP

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is its easy mix of sea time and good food. You sail past Delos, stop at Rhenia for swimming and snorkeling, then eat a fresh Greek meal on deck while the Aegean rolls beneath you. It is a relaxed way to see the islands without packing your day with complicated stops.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which gives the crew room to offer personal service. I also like that the price includes a meal, wine, soft drinks, fruit, towels, snorkeling gear, and a paddle board, rather than leaving you to pay for every little extra.

The main consideration is that this is a scenic cruise, not a full archaeological visit. You pass Delos and have a photo stop, but a guided tour or entry to the ruins is not included. Rhenia can also feel more like a pleasant swim stop than a once-in-a-lifetime beach discovery, so set your expectations accordingly.

Key points to know before sailing

• Rhenia is the main active stop: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding in clear water.
• Delos is viewed from the boat: The cruise offers photos and scenery, but no island visit or archaeological tour.
• The meal is a major part of the value: Fresh Greek food, seasonal fruit, water, wine, and soft drinks are included.
• The boat carries up to 10 people: That makes the outing more personal than a large day boat.
• Sunset departures are available: The return trip can include sunset views over the Aegean.
• Ornos is both the start and finish: Meet the base manager at the dock, with hotel transfers available only when that option is selected.

Leaving Ornos for a quieter side of Mykonos

The cruise begins at Ornos, where a base manager meets you at the dock. Once aboard, you can settle onto the catamaran’s open deck and watch Mykonos recede behind you. The white houses, sea breeze, and wide views make the departure feel like a proper break from the island’s busy beach scene.

The catamaran has space to sit in the sun, and the crew provides beach towels and a Bluetooth speaker. You can bring your own music, although the sound of the sea may be all you need. Sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a camera belong in your day bag.

The boat carries no more than 10 participants. That matters here because a small group makes it easier to move around, ask the crew for help, and use the water equipment without the usual crowd around a large excursion boat. It also means the social side of the outing depends on the people aboard. If you prefer quiet time alone, bring a book and claim a comfortable spot early.

The cruise lasts five hours, with roughly two hours devoted to the Delos and Rhenia portion and about an hour for the return to Mykonos. The schedule is built around sailing, swimming, food, and views rather than long stops on land.

Passing Delos without visiting the ruins

Delos appears first on the route. From the deck, you can take photographs and see the island from the water. This is a useful way to add Delos to your Mykonos plans if you have limited time, but it is important to understand what you are not getting.

There is no visit to the archaeological site and no guided walk among the ancient remains. You will not step ashore to see the Sanctuary of Apollo, the old streets, or the famous mosaics. If Delos is a priority for you, book a separate boat trip with an island visit. This cruise treats Delos as part of the sea view, not as the central historical attraction.

That arrangement suits anyone who wants a broad day on the water with a glimpse of Delos rather than a history lesson. You can photograph the island, enjoy the approach, and continue toward Rhenia without spending several hours walking in the sun.

The sea crossing also gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the trip. Traditional Mykonos wine is served without a separate charge, along with water and soft drinks. Keep in mind that unlimited drinks and strong Aegean sun are a combination that calls for some restraint and regular water.

Rhenia brings the swimming time

Rhenia is where the cruise becomes more active. The catamaran anchors in a secluded cove, and you can choose among swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or simply lying back on deck. The water is described as clear and turquoise, so this is the point of the day to bring your camera, mask, and towel into action.

Snorkeling equipment is included, as is a paddle board. The exact amount of time spent with each activity can vary with sea conditions and the crew’s schedule, but Rhenia receives about two hours in the stated plan. That is enough time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed through lunch.

I would not book this cruise expecting a long beach afternoon on land. The focus is on getting into the sea from the boat. If you like swimming straight from a catamaran and moving between activities, the stop should suit you well. If you need a sandy beach, shaded facilities, or a proper shore walk, this may feel limited.

The stop also gives you the best chance to appreciate the difference between Mykonos proper and the quieter islands nearby. There are no described town visits or shops at Rhenia. The appeal is the open water, a sheltered cove, and a few unhurried hours away from the main island.

A Greek lunch served on the catamaran

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise at $165 per person. The crew prepares a fresh meal onboard, with seasonal fruit, water, wine, and soft drinks included. That is not just a snack between activities. It turns the cruise into a full half-day outing with fewer extra costs to manage.

The available feedback gives unusually specific praise to the cooking. Emil is named for preparing fresh Greek dishes, while Dimitris is identified as captain. Descriptions of the food include flavorful traditional dishes and exceptional cooking. Crew members can change, so treat those names as useful context rather than a guarantee of the exact team on your departure.

Lunch is served while the catamaran is anchored or sailing, depending on the day’s conditions. Eating on deck with the sea around you is part of the experience. It also means you should not expect a restaurant-style meal with a menu of choices. The format is a prepared onboard meal, which keeps the day simple but may not suit anyone with strict dietary needs unless arrangements are confirmed ahead of time.

The cruise includes wine as well as nonalcoholic drinks. That helps the price make more sense, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, equipment hire, and refreshments. Fuel and taxes are also included, so the published fare is closer to the final cost than many activity prices.

The return to Mykonos and the sunset option

After the Rhenia stop and meal, the catamaran heads back toward Ornos. The return takes about an hour and brings views of Mykonos from the water, including the island’s famous windmills and the town’s white buildings.

A sunset departure adds a different mood. Instead of returning in full daylight, you watch the sun lower over the horizon and the sky change color from the boat. The sunset version is especially appealing if you want a relaxed evening activity rather than a morning start.

The sunset option may also change how you use the day. You spend the earlier hours on land and save the cruise for later, then combine swimming, dinner-like food service, and sunset views in one outing. Check the available starting time when booking, since the activity lasts five hours and departure times vary.

Do not choose the sunset version solely for a guaranteed perfect sky. Weather and clouds always have the final say. The value is the full package: time at sea, a swim stop, an included meal, and the chance of a memorable sunset.

Is $165 a fair price?

At $165, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Mykonos. The fare is easier to justify if you use the included equipment and food, and if you value a small group over the lowest possible price.

The package includes the cruise to Rhenia, crew service, towels, snorkeling gear, paddle board access, fruit, water, wine, soft drinks, and a fresh meal. It also covers fuel and taxes. Add the small group size and the price begins to look reasonable for a five-hour outing, particularly on an expensive island such as Mykonos.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quick boat ride or a photo of Delos. You are paying for a complete half-day at sea, not a simple transfer. You also need to arrange your own hotel transport unless you choose the pickup and drop-off option, so check that detail before comparing the price with other cruises.

I would compare this experience with the cost of booking lunch, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and a separate boat trip. The included services make the calculation fairly simple. If you would use most of them, $165 is defensible. If you do not swim and care most about Delos archaeology, spend the money on a different kind of excursion.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a social but small-scale day on the water. It also works well for anyone who prefers a prepared lunch and organized equipment rather than planning every part of a beach day independently.

You should be comfortable boarding a catamaran and getting around a boat. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for anyone over 95. The information provided does not list facilities for specific medical or mobility needs, so ask the operator before booking if you have concerns.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the Rhenia stop, but you can also stay on deck and enjoy the views. The paddle board and snorkeling gear are available extras within the trip, not compulsory activities.

The experience is less suitable if your main goal is ancient history, shopping, nightlife, or a long walk on land. It is also not the right choice if you want a large party boat. The small group and relaxed format point toward conversation, food, and sea time.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a camera. A cover-up or light layer may also be useful, but only the listed items are confirmed by the operator. Towels are provided, which saves space in your bag.

The meeting point is at the Ornos dock, where the base manager waits for you. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you select that option. Do not assume a transfer is included in the standard fare.

The host or greeter speaks English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the current departure time and availability before making plans around the cruise.

The advertised rating is 4.6 from 23 reviews, with the strongest praise focused on the crew’s warmth, the food, the relaxing pace, and the swimming stop. One detailed account specifically praises Captain Dimitris and Emil for attentive service and Greek cooking. Another positive account says the trip was enjoyable but expected a more special or unique beach, a useful reminder that Rhenia is pleasant rather than guaranteed to feel completely secluded.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished half-day on the Aegean with a small group, an included Greek meal, swimming at Rhenia, and a chance to see Delos from the water. The crew service and onboard food are the main strengths, and the included drinks and equipment make the $165 fare easier to defend.

Skip it if you want to walk through Delos, spend hours on a sandy beach, or keep your costs as low as possible. For everyone else, especially anyone who values a simple plan and plenty of time at sea, this is a well-rounded Mykonos outing with enough activity to keep you interested and enough deck time to let you relax.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Ornos Ntokos in Ornos. The base manager waits for you at the dock.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts five hours.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The route passes Delos and cruises to Rhenia Island. Delos is viewed from the boat, while Rhenia is the main stop for swimming and other activities.

Can I visit the archaeological site on Delos?

No. A visit and tour of Delos are not included. You have a boat cruise and photo opportunity from the water.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise stops at Rhenia, where you can swim in the clear water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the activity.

Is a paddle board available?

Yes. A paddle board is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh meal is prepared onboard. Seasonal fruit, water, wine, and soft drinks are also included.

Is hotel transportation included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select that option. Otherwise, hotel transfer is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.