Mykonos Cruise: Prosecco, BBQ, Sailing Demo & Delos Stop

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is that it gives you more than a pretty boat ride. You can take the helm beside the captain, then step ashore at Delos, swim in Rhenia’s clear water, and eat a freshly cooked Greek lunch on deck. I especially like the mix of active and easygoing moments, plus the wide upper deck on the two-level Lagoon catamaran.

I also like the practical touches: free hotel transfers, towels, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and unlimited drinks are included. The one point to consider is access. Boarding and disembarkation require a short tender transfer, and the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before booking

• Two destinations in six hours: Visit Delos for ancient ruins and Rhenia for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
• A real sailing lesson: Help raise or retract the main sail and take the wheel if conditions allow.
• A roomy catamaran: Avra, a Lagoon 560, offers two levels, broad sun decks, shaded areas, and open views.
• A full Greek meal: Expect chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad, tzatziki, vegetables, rice, bread, feta, fruit, and unlimited drinks.
• Easy hotel transport: Pickup and return are included, with the meeting point adjusted if your accommodation is on a road too narrow for the vehicle.
• Plan for a tender: Port rules mean you do not simply walk from the dock straight onto the catamaran.

Setting out from Mykonos on Avra

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel or accommodation in Mykonos. The driver meets you outside the main entrance, or at the nearest accessible point if your lodging sits in an area that vehicles cannot reach. That detail matters on Mykonos, where some roads and settlements are not simple for larger vehicles.

At Platis Gialos port, you transfer by small tender to Avra. The ride takes about two minutes, but you should keep your hands free and wear shoes that are easy to manage. This short boat transfer is part of the local port arrangement, not an optional extra.

Avra is a two-level Lagoon 560 catamaran. You can settle on the broad sun decks, find shade in the lounge areas, or head upstairs for open views across the South Aegean. The boat gives you room to spread out, though it is still wise to claim a comfortable spot early if you have a strong preference for sun or shade.

A chilled glass of Prosecco welcomes you aboard. The crew then gives a short safety briefing before the boat gets under way. Beer, wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water are available during the cruise, so you do not need to treat this as a bare-bones boat transfer.

The first sailing stretch lasts about an hour. It is a good time to settle into the pace of the day. Mykonos can be hectic on land, but from the water you get a calmer view of the Cycladic islands, with open sea, bright light, and plenty of space for photographs.

The sailing demonstration and chance to take the helm

This cruise includes more than simply sitting while the crew handles the boat. During the sailing demonstration, the crew explains how the main sail is opened or retracted according to the conditions. You can watch the process, help raise the sail, or take part in lowering it.

If you want a hands-on moment, you may also take the helm beside the captain. This depends on the sailing conditions and the captain’s judgment, but it gives the trip a personal touch that you will not get on a standard sightseeing boat.

You do not need sailing experience. The point is not to become a skipper in five minutes. It is to understand how the catamaran moves and to feel the difference between a powered cruise and a boat using the wind.

I would take part even if you usually prefer to relax. The demonstration is short enough that it does not take over the day, and you can return to the sun deck afterward. Families and groups of friends may enjoy this part most, while couples can treat it as a shared activity before settling into the quieter parts of the cruise.

Delos: ancient stones, open space, and a choice

After roughly an hour of cruising, Avra reaches Delos. The stop lasts about an hour and a half, giving you time to go ashore, take photographs, and explore at your own pace.

Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is traditionally known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Its importance comes from its religious and cultural role in the ancient Aegean, but the experience is not polished or staged for visitors. You walk through an open archaeological setting with ruins, stone remains, and sea views.

The cruise gives you a real choice here. You can disembark and explore Delos, or remain aboard and head toward a nearby bay for swimming and rest. That flexibility is useful because Delos is not equally appealing to everyone. Some people will gladly spend their time among ancient ruins, while others will prefer an early swim and more time in the water.

If you go ashore, bring your passport or ID card, as requested for the activity. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat if you have one. The provided sunscreen is helpful, but Delos is an exposed place, and the Greek sun can be strong even outside midsummer.

Do not expect a guided archaeological tour from the information provided. The crew can share local legends and stories, but the stop is designed for independent exploration. If you want to understand every monument in detail, you may wish to do some reading before you arrive.

There is also a practical tradeoff. Spending time ashore means less time swimming, while staying on the catamaran means you miss the chance to walk around this unusual island. I like that the cruise does not force one choice on everyone.

Rhenia Island and the best swimming stop

After Delos, the catamaran continues toward Rhenia Island. The sailing time between the stops is about 30 minutes, giving the crew time to prepare the next part of the day.

Rhenia is the relaxing counterpoint to Delos. Avra anchors in a quiet bay with turquoise water and golden sand. You can swim, snorkel, use the water toys, or stay on deck with a drink and watch the water around the boat.

Towels and snorkeling equipment are included, which makes the stop easier. You do not need to pack fins or a mask unless you prefer using your own. Sunscreen is also supplied, and Wi-Fi and onboard music are available when you return to the boat.

The water stop lasts about an hour and a half. That is long enough for a proper swim rather than a rushed ten-minute dip. You can take your time, dry off on deck, and eat when you are ready.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with wind and visibility, so keep your expectations sensible. The attraction here is the clear water and the chance to cool off in a scenic bay, not a guaranteed marine-life spectacle. Dolphin watching and other water activities are listed as possible parts of the day, but they should be treated as possibilities rather than promises.

If you do not swim, Rhenia still works as a quiet break. You can remain on the catamaran, enjoy the views, and let the crew handle lunch. The broad deck and shaded seating are especially useful for anyone who wants the feel of a beach day without spending the whole afternoon in the water.

What arrives on the BBQ table

Lunch is prepared aboard the catamaran while you swim or relax. The meal centers on Greek barbecue cooking, with locally sourced ingredients from Mykonos and nearby islands.

The menu includes marinated chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad with basil pesto, handmade tzatziki, grilled vegetables, aromatic rice, fresh bread, feta cheese, and seasonal fruit. It is a generous spread rather than a small snack, so this cruise makes sense for anyone who wants food included instead of stopping to find lunch on shore.

The meal also helps you sample familiar Greek staples in one sitting. Tzatziki, feta, grilled vegetables, and salad keep the plate fresh, while souvlaki, meatballs, and rice make it filling after swimming.

Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available on request. You should state your needs when booking rather than waiting until lunch. The supplied information does not give a separate menu for each diet, so ask the operator what can be prepared for your specific requirements.

Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Coffee and tea are also available during the cruise. This is a meaningful part of the price because drinks on a six-hour boat day can quickly add up, especially for a couple or family.

The strongest praise attached to this experience centers on the food, the crew, and the easy pace. That fits the design of the day: you are not racing from one stop to another, and lunch is part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

What the $170 price really covers

At $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Delos. You are paying for a six-hour semi-private cruise, a two-level catamaran, hotel transfers, a welcome Prosecco, crew service, the sailing demonstration, lunch, drinks, equipment, towels, sunscreen, Wi-Fi, and music.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, a boat excursion, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Free pickup and drop-off also save you the trouble of arranging your own route to Platis Gialos.

The boat matters here. A spacious Lagoon 560 offers more room than a small day boat, with separate areas for sun and shade. That does not mean you will have unlimited personal space, but it should feel less cramped during a full day on the water.

I would consider the price fair for a couple or group that wants comfort and a complete day rather than a simple transfer. It is less compelling if your main goal is only to see Delos, or if you prefer a very small private boat with a custom route.

The high rating of 4.9 from 16 reviews supports the strongest parts of the offer: crew service, food, the catamaran, and the Delos stop. One four-star assessment shows that no excursion suits every person perfectly, but the overall pattern points to a well-received day with few serious complaints.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

Couples get a pleasant mix of scenery, drinks, swimming, and time on deck. The Prosecco welcome and sunset-facing return can give the day a romantic feel without turning it into a formal luxury event.

Groups of friends will appreciate the sailing demonstration, water time, BBQ, and unlimited drinks. The two-level layout lets people spread out instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder for six hours.

Families can also enjoy it, especially if older children want to help with the sail or try the helm. Parents should still be comfortable with the tender transfer, open decks, swimming stops, and the fact that the day includes a boat ride of several hours.

History-minded visitors should choose the Delos option and prepare for an independent visit. Anyone who cares more about swimming than ruins can stay aboard during the Delos stop and gain extra water time.

This is not the right pick for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The tender transfer and boat access make the experience unsuitable according to the stated restrictions. Anyone prone to seasickness should also think carefully about spending six hours at sea, though the supplied information does not state how the boat handles rough conditions.

Timing, clothing, and small practical tips

The full activity lasts six hours, including pickup arrangements, the boat ride, Delos, Rhenia, lunch, and the return to Mykonos. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Bring your passport or ID card, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a beach towel. Towels and sunscreen are provided, but bringing your own favorites can still be useful. A waterproof jacket is a smart addition during cooler months at the beginning or end of the season, when the breeze may feel sharp on the return ride.

Wear clothing that works for both a tender transfer and a wet swimming stop. Avoid anything you cannot easily manage on a small boat. A dry layer for the ride home is useful after swimming, especially if the wind picks up.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Mykonos schedule is still changing, but you should still confirm pickup instructions and dietary requests ahead of time.

The cruise uses energy-efficient navigation methods to reduce its environmental impact. That does not remove the effects of a boat trip, but it shows that the operator has considered fuel use while planning a comfort-focused experience.

Should you book the Mykonos Delos and Rhenia cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want one well-organized day that combines sailing, ancient sites, swimming, a full lunch, and drinks. The strongest reasons are the hands-on sailing demonstration, the option to explore Delos instead of merely passing it, and the comfortable two-level catamaran.

I would skip it if Delos is your only priority and you want several hours for archaeology, or if you dislike organized meal-and-drink packages. You should also think twice if tender access or open-water movement will be difficult.

For most couples, friend groups, and active families, the $170 price makes sense because so much is included. Book it for the blend of history and sea time, not just for the boat. The day works best when you want to raise a sail in the morning, swim in Rhenia after lunch, and return to Mykonos with very little planning left to do.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts six hours, including the sailing time, Delos stop, Rhenia swimming stop, lunch, and return to Mykonos.

What is the price?

The listed price is $170 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Free hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You should wait outside your accommodation’s main entrance, or at the nearest accessible pickup point if the vehicle cannot reach your lodging.

What boat is used?

The cruise uses Avra, a two-level Lagoon 560 catamaran with sun decks, shaded lounges, and upper-level views.

Is Prosecco included?

Yes. Each person receives one welcome glass of Prosecco.

Can I visit Delos during the cruise?

Yes. Avra anchors at Delos, and you may disembark to explore the island during the stop.

Can I stay on the boat instead of going ashore at Delos?

Yes. You may remain onboard and go to a nearby bay for swimming and relaxation instead.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek BBQ lunch is included, with chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, rice, bread, feta, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Coffee and tea are also available.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a beach towel. A waterproof jacket is recommended during cooler months.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Boarding and disembarkation require a short tender transfer.