Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruises with meals Drinks and transportation

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the long stop at Rhenia, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on the catamaran while lunch is prepared. I also like the small maximum group of 15, which gives the captain and crew room to pay attention to people rather than run a floating bus.

I like the choice between a daytime sailing and a sunset departure. Hotel pickup, homemade rosé wine, and a freshly cooked meal make the $133.02 price easier to justify. The main catch is the Mykonos wind. Strong weather can shorten the route, cancel the Delos pass-by, prevent the sails from being used, or leave you close to the port for much of the trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhenia is the main event: Plan on roughly two hours for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• Delos is a pass-by stop: You can photograph the archaeological site and hear an explanation, but you do not go ashore.
• The crew is hands-on: Names reported on different departures include Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Andreas, Kristos, Nikos, and Maholis.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: Expect a traditional meal with seafood pasta and meat options, plus homemade rosé wine.
• The sea can be rough: Mykonos is famously windy, and choppy water can affect comfort and the route.
• Bring a towel: Towels are not included in the official details, even though some departures have had towels onboard.

From Mykonos Port to Open Aegean Water

Your day begins with pickup by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel or an agreed accessible meeting point. If you are arriving by cruise ship, confirm the pickup plan carefully and allow plenty of time to reach Tourlos, the new port. The activity ends back at the port before transportation returns you to your accommodation.

The boat is a modern catamaran with room to sit in the sun or find a more sheltered place. The maximum group is 15 people, although some departures have been smaller. That size matters. You get a social boat trip without the packed feeling of a large sightseeing vessel.

As the catamaran leaves the harbor, you’ll see Mykonos Town’s white buildings from the water. This is a quieter way to appreciate the island’s famous look. You are not fighting for a place on a crowded waterfront or squeezing around a beach club. Instead, you can settle in, watch the shoreline recede, and let the crew explain what you are seeing.

The sailing itself can be lively. Mykonos is exposed to the Aegean winds, and the water is not always calm. On rougher days, people seated at the front can get sprayed, and some passengers have felt seasick. If you know you are sensitive to motion, sit nearer the middle of the boat, look toward the horizon, and avoid a heavy meal before departure.

BAOS Island and the View Toward Delos

The route first passes the small island known as BAOS, sometimes described as a pirate island. It is a quick scenic passage rather than a full stop, but it adds a little character to the trip and breaks up the open-water sailing.

The catamaran then heads toward Delos, the sacred island associated with Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology. You do not disembark here. The boat pauses offshore so you can photograph the archaeological remains while a host explains some of the island’s background.

That distinction is important. If walking among Delos’s temples, mosaics, and ancient streets is a priority, this cruise is not a substitute for a dedicated Delos visit. The boat gives you a useful view and a short introduction, but you will not receive the full archaeological experience.

Still, seeing Delos from the sea has its own appeal. You avoid adding a separate ferry trip to your day, and the pass-by fits neatly into a half-day outing. It is a good choice if your main goal is swimming and sailing, with a little ancient history included.

The route is weather-dependent. High winds can remove Delos from the plan or force the captain to choose a safer route along Mykonos’s south coast. The captain has discretion to alter the course when sea conditions are poor. That is sensible seamanship, but it means you should book this for the overall day on the water, not for a guaranteed checklist of stops.

Two Hours in Rhenia’s Clear Water

The catamaran anchors in a sheltered cove around Rhenia, where the water is usually the focus of the day. You can jump from the boat, swim around it, use the provided masks and snorkels, or swim toward shore when conditions allow. Some departures have also included a paddleboard.

The official swimming stop lasts about two hours. That is generous by excursion standards. You are not rushed through a ten-minute photo stop before being called back aboard. You have time to swim, dry off, snorkel, or stay on deck with a glass of wine.

The water is a major reason to choose this trip over a standard island sightseeing tour. Rhenia gives you the kind of open-water break that is difficult to arrange on your own without renting a boat. You can build the stop around your own energy level. Active people can snorkel and paddleboard, while others can sunbathe and enjoy the view.

Bring your own beach towel. Towels are listed as not included, although some past departures have had them available. I would not rely on that. Pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, a dry change of clothes, and a light layer for the ride back.

The swimming stop may feel different depending on the wind. A sheltered cove can remain pleasant even when the crossing is choppy, but getting there may involve a bumpy ride. Some departures have reported swells of five or six feet, while others enjoyed calm water. The crew will move to a protected area when needed, but no boat operator can make the Aegean behave like a quiet Caribbean lagoon.

Lunch, Rosé, and a Relaxed Pace

Lunch is prepared on board and includes a traditional meal with seafood pasta and meat choices. The food has been a strong part of the experience, especially when served after swimming. You can eat while looking across the water instead of stopping at a crowded waterfront restaurant.

Homemade rosé wine is included and served without a stated limit. Beer is not listed among the included drinks, so bring your own only if the operator permits it and you prefer beer. The supplied details specifically promise wine, not a full bar.

Food arrangements can be discussed with the company before departure. The crew has adjusted meals for allergies on some trips, but you should communicate dietary needs in advance rather than assume they will be handled automatically.

The meal is best understood as a fresh, generous boat lunch, not a formal restaurant service. That suits the setting. You may still be damp from the water, the wind may be moving through the boat, and the schedule is relaxed. The appeal is eating something warm and local in a cove rather than being served a packaged snack.

Crew members named on different departures include Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Andreas, Kristos, Nikos, and Maholis. Names are not guaranteed, but the consistent pattern is an attentive crew that explains the route, checks on people in the water, and helps keep the mood easygoing. If you need assistance because of seasickness, tell the crew early.

Day Cruise or Sunset Sailing?

Choose the daytime departure if swimming is your main aim. You’ll have good daylight for snorkeling, a clear view of the water, and more time to enjoy Rhenia without rushing toward dusk. This option works well for families and for anyone who wants a simple half-day break from sightseeing.

The sunset cruise is the more romantic choice. The boat returns toward Mykonos as the light softens, with views of the windmills, Little Venice, and Mykonos Town from the sea. If conditions cooperate, the sunset can be the emotional high point of the trip.

Sunset departures may run from around 3 p.m. until approximately 8:45 p.m., depending on the season and schedule. Bring a light jacket because the ride can feel cooler after sunset, especially if you have been swimming.

There is also a practical difference. Sunset trips can make the day feel fuller because you combine the swim, meal, and evening view in one outing. But if the weather delays the route or keeps the boat near the port, you may spend less time sailing than expected. The sunset itself may still be lovely, but it cannot compensate for a rough or restricted route if your main goal is open-water sailing.

Is $133.02 a Fair Price?

At $133.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the sea around Mykonos. You are paying for a small-group catamaran, hotel transportation, fuel, crew, food, wine, snorkeling equipment, and several hours on the water.

I think the value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange taxis, rent equipment, find lunch, and organize transport to a swimming cove. The two-hour Rhenia stop also gives you more water time than many short boat outings.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to visit Delos on foot. Delos is only viewed from the boat, so you would still need a separate archaeological visit. It is also less attractive for someone who dislikes wind, waves, or getting wet.

Private departures can offer especially good value for families or groups who want the boat to themselves. Several groups of six to eight people have arranged private outings, with the crew adjusting the pace and return timing to suit their plans. That option may be priced differently, so check the booking details before assuming the standard per-person rate applies.

The 96 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating suggest a strong overall record, but the weather caveat is real. The experience can be excellent on a calm day and much less impressive when the boat stays near the harbor. Book with that risk in mind.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most?

I would choose this cruise for couples, families with children age six and older, and anyone who wants swimming time without arranging a private boat. It also suits cruise passengers who want a more personal alternative to a large ship excursion, provided pickup and return times are confirmed.

It is a good fit if you enjoy:

• Swimming from a boat in clear water
• Small groups and friendly crew interaction
• Fresh food served on board
• A flexible mix of sightseeing and relaxation
• Sunset views from the Aegean
• A day that does not require constant walking

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, need a guaranteed Delos landing, or expect calm water. The catamaran is comfortable, but comfort cannot remove the motion of a windy sea.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. After that point, the payment is not refunded, and missed departures caused by late or absent cruise ships are not covered. If poor weather cancels the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund. Check the forecast and contact the operator before the 24-hour cutoff if conditions look doubtful.

Should You Book the Mykonos Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Mykonos day includes a long swim, a freshly cooked meal, wine, a small boat, and a sunset or shoreline view. The Rhenia stop is the heart of the experience, and the hotel transfer removes much of the usual port-day hassle.

Do not book it solely for Delos, since you stay aboard and view the site from the water. Also avoid treating the route as guaranteed. Mykonos wind can change the day quickly.

For the best chance of a satisfying outing, bring a towel, motion-sickness precautions if needed, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Confirm your pickup point and food needs ahead of time. If the forecast is reasonable and you want both swimming and scenery, this is a strong half-day choice.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours. Sunset departures may run from about 3 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., depending on the schedule and conditions.

Does the tour visit Delos?

The catamaran passes Delos and stops offshore for photographs and a short explanation of the island. You do not get off the boat at Delos.

How long is the swimming stop at Rhenia?

The swimming stop lasts about two hours. You can swim, snorkel, relax, and, when available, use a paddleboard.

Is food included?

Yes. A freshly prepared traditional meal is included, with seafood pasta and meat options. Tell the operator about food allergies or dietary needs before departure.

Are drinks included?

Homemade rosé wine is included. Beer is not listed as an included drink.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided. You should bring your own beach towel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain may change the route for safety. The cruise may follow the south coast of Mykonos instead of going farther toward Delos and Rhenia. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive another date or a full refund.