Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport

The best part of this Mykonos catamaran cruise is simple: you trade crowded beaches and busy streets for open water, a broad sun deck, and a swim stop in the clear Aegean. I especially like the small maximum group of 25 and the fact that lunch, drinks, water, and hotel transport can all be handled in one booking.

I also like the choice between the stylish Aerial and White Coral catamarans, plus the chance to use a kayak, SUP, and snorkeling gear. The main catch is that the route depends on weather, and you may pass Delos without stopping. This is a relaxed sailing day, not a guaranteed beach landing or a high-energy party boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhenia or the southern coast: The captain chooses the route according to sea and weather conditions.
• A freshly prepared three-course meal: Lunch is cooked on board, with wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water included.
• Room to spread out: The catamarans carry no more than 25 people, though seating can feel limited when everyone gathers at once.
• Swimming and water toys: You can use snorkeling equipment, and possibly the SUP and kayak, weather permitting.
• Delos from the sea: The UNESCO-listed island may be passed on the way, but there is no planned shore visit.
• Transfers require planning: Give your pickup location and a phone number at least 24 hours before departure.

Five hours on the Aegean, with Rhenia as the main prize

This cruise is built around time on the water rather than a long list of land stops. You meet at Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios, board by tender boat, and settle into one of two new sailing catamarans, Aerial or White Coral.

The layout matters. These boats have walk-around decks, large sunbeds, and lounge areas, so you can sit in the sun, find shade, watch the crew work, or chat with the rest of the group. The catamaran carries up to 25 people, which keeps the outing far more personal than a large excursion vessel.

You should expect about four hours at the main cruising and swimming area, within an overall experience of roughly five hours. Exact timing can shift with wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is useful in Mykonos, where a route that sounds perfect on paper may not be safe or pleasant on a windy day.

Rhenia’s quiet waters and the Mykonian south coast

The planned destination is Rhenia, a smaller island near Mykonos known for clear water and a quieter feel. The attraction here is not a major town or a long guided walk. It is the chance to stop offshore, swim, snorkel, float, and enjoy the water without the noise of a packed beach.

You can use the boat’s snorkeling masks and snorkels, and the crew may bring out the SUP and kayak if conditions allow. Pool noodles and other floating aids may also be available. If you prefer not to get wet, the catamaran’s deck gives you a good place to relax with a drink and watch the sea.

The alternative is a route along Mykonos’ southern coast. This may include views of well-known beaches and coves, but you should understand the format: the boat cruises along the coast and anchors for swimming. It does not promise that you will walk onto a beach.

That distinction is important. If your ideal Mykonos day means setting foot on a beach, ordering lunch ashore, and browsing a seaside village, this is not that kind of trip. If you want a comfortable boat, a swim stop, and time away from the island’s busy roads, the plan makes much more sense.

A possible look at Delos, without a shore visit

When conditions permit, the captain may pass by Delos. From the boat, you can see the island and its archaeological remains, and the crew may explain some of its past along the way.

This is a useful bonus, but it is not a Delos archaeological tour. You will not disembark, walk among the ruins, or have time to explore the sanctuary. If Delos is a top priority, book a dedicated Delos excursion instead.

Still, seeing the island from the water adds a worthwhile layer to the cruise. Mykonos is often treated as a beach and nightlife destination, while Delos gives you a sense of the ancient world that shaped the Cyclades. Even a pass-by view can make the sailing feel more connected to the region.

The captain has the final say. One sailing may pass Delos, while another heads directly to a sheltered swimming area because of rougher conditions. That is not a flaw. It is part of taking a sailing trip in the open Aegean.

What lunch and drinks are really worth

The price is about $180.19 per person, which is not a bargain in the ordinary sense. You are paying for a half-day on a new catamaran, crew service, fuel, equipment, transfers when arranged, and food and drinks. The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, restaurant lunch, beach transport, and a taxi.

The meal is a freshly cooked three-course lunch prepared on board. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. The food has been a strong part of many sailings, though a few people have found it merely adequate or felt the portions did not match the price.

That variation is worth keeping in mind. Food is personal, and the boat’s galley is not a full restaurant kitchen. The setting helps: eating a meal on deck, with the Aegean around you, is part of what you are paying for.

Wine and beer are included, along with soft drinks and bottled water. One practical note: drinks may be served by the crew rather than left open for self-service. You may need to ask when you want another beer or glass of wine. That can feel a little formal, but it also helps the crew manage the boat safely.

A comfortable boat, but not unlimited space

Aerial and White Coral are described as brand-new luxury sailing catamarans with modern design and wide deck space. The walk-around layout is handy because you are not confined to one narrow seating area. You can move around while the boat is anchored and find a spot that suits you.

The maximum group size is 25, a reasonable limit for a boat-based outing. In practice, a group of about 17 to 20 people can feel pleasantly open, especially when some people are swimming or stretched out on the sunbeds.

At lunch, boarding, and other shared moments, the boat may feel tighter. One concern raised about the experience is that there may not be enough conventional seats for everyone at the same time. The design favors sunbeds and open deck space over assigned dining chairs.

You also need to follow boat safety rules. While the catamaran is moving, crew may ask you to walk with assistance or remain in certain areas. That can seem strict if you are expecting a free-for-all, but it is sensible on a moving sailing vessel.

Boarding and leaving the catamaran happen by tender boat. This is a small but important detail for anyone with limited mobility or discomfort stepping between boats. Most people can take part, but the transfer is not the same as walking directly from a dock onto a large ferry.

The crew shapes the mood

The crew’s role goes well beyond steering. They prepare the meal, explain safety rules, serve drinks, help with boarding, and set up the water equipment. A good crew can turn a basic swim stop into a smooth, easy afternoon.

Names associated with the operation include Captain Adontis, Captain Adonis, Alex, Manos, George, Thomas, and Harris. You may not meet all of them, since staffing can change. The captain and deck team have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and helpful, particularly during transfers and water activities.

Manos and George have been noted for their friendly approach and explanations about Mykonos. Harris has been praised for cooking the onboard meal. Captain Alex has also handled private sailing arrangements, while Adontis and Alex have been singled out for service on the shared cruise.

The atmosphere depends heavily on the group. Some departures may be sociable, with people from different countries meeting over lunch and drinks. Other departures can be quiet, with people stretched out in the sun and keeping to themselves. You cannot book this as a guaranteed party cruise.

That uncertainty is either a benefit or a drawback. I like the freedom to read, sunbathe, and swim without forced entertainment. If you want music, constant conversation, and a lively social scene, the mood may be calmer than expected.

Transfers from hotels and cruise ships

Pickup and return are available, but only if you provide your location and a phone number that can receive text messages up to 24 hours before the cruise. The operator sends pickup details by text or WhatsApp the evening before.

This is convenient if you are staying on Mykonos and do not want to find Agia Anna on the beach yourself. It is also useful for cruise passengers, but you need to be precise about your port. Mykonos has an old port and a new port, and the wrong assumption can create a rushed start.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, leave a sensible buffer for tendering ashore. The cruise operator is not responsible for problems before or after the activity, and missed services are not refunded. If you do not provide pickup details in time, you must arrange your own transport.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Pickup and drop-off can save you the trouble of hiring a taxi, but they do not remove the need to check your ship’s port and allow extra time for disembarkation.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos cruise most

I would recommend this for you if you want a polished half-day at sea with plenty of built-in comforts. It suits couples, friends, families, and cruise passengers who want a structured outing without spending a full day on a large boat.

It is particularly good for people who value:

• Swimming in clear water over visiting another crowded beach
• A prepared meal instead of carrying snacks
• Wine, beer, and water included in the price
• A smaller boat with room to move around
• A relaxed pace with optional snorkeling and paddling
• Transport arranged from a hotel or cruise pickup point

You should think twice if you want a guaranteed Delos landing, a long beach stop, or a loud party atmosphere. You may also find the price high if you do not drink, do not swim, or would be just as happy sitting on a public beach.

Bring your own swim towel, since towels are not included. You should also be ready for sun, wind, and a tender boat transfer. The catamaran provides snorkeling equipment, but personal comfort items are still your responsibility.

Booking timing, weather, and cancellations

This cruise is often reserved more than a month ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 37 days. That suggests you should not wait until the last minute if your dates are fixed, especially during the busy Mykonos season.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The activity needs good weather, so a weather cancellation leads to a different date or a full refund.

The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. You will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The route itself may change even when the cruise operates. Rhenia, the southern coast, and a Delos pass-by all depend on safe conditions. Think of the destination as a plan rather than a promise.

Should you book the Aerial or White Coral cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, well-organized way to spend five hours on the Aegean, and you value the combination of boat space, swimming, a cooked meal, drinks, and possible transfers. The strongest reasons to go are the new catamarans, the attentive crew, the clear-water swim stop, and the easy all-in-one format.

Do not book it expecting a private yacht, a guaranteed Delos visit, or a beach club party. The experience is shared, the food may not impress every palate, and the sea route can change.

At $180.19, I see it as a premium outing rather than a cheap excursion. For a special day in Mykonos, especially during a cruise stop or first visit, the convenience and time on the water can justify the cost. If you are comfortable with a flexible route and a calm social mood, this is one of the better ways to see Mykonos from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Mykonos catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Agia Anna on the beach, near Paraga Studios, Agia Anna, Paraga, Mykonos.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are available if you provide your pickup location and a phone number that receives text messages at least 24 hours before the cruise. Details are sent by text or WhatsApp the evening before.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. The main Rhenia or coastal portion is listed as about four hours, with the exact schedule subject to weather and sailing conditions.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 25 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly cooked three-course meal is included. The meal is prepared on board by the chef.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Can I swim or use water equipment?

You can swim and use the provided snorkeling masks and snorkels. A SUP and kayak may also be available when weather conditions permit.

Does the cruise stop at Delos?

The captain may pass by Delos when weather permits, allowing you to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological remains from the boat. The cruise does not include a shore stop at Delos.