Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruises with meals Drinks and transportation

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the long stop at Rhenia Island, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on the catamaran while lunch is cooked aboard. You also pass Delos, Mykonos’s famous sacred island, and get a sea-level view of the windmills and Little Venice on the way back.

I like the small group size, capped at 15 people, and the practical hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van. I also like that the crew, including captains such as Dimitris and deckhands such as Iliana and Margarita, pays close attention to food, safety, and swimming conditions. The catch is the Aegean wind. A rough day can shorten the route, cancel the Delos pass-by, or keep the boat near the port.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• Two hours at Rhenia: Most of the day’s water time is spent at a calm cove for swimming and snorkeling.
• Delos without a shore visit: You pass close enough for photographs and receive a short explanation, but you cannot get off the boat.
• Fresh lunch on board: Expect seafood pasta and meat choices, with wine included.
• Day or sunset departure: Choose a daytime sail for more time in the water or a later trip for golden light over Mykonos.
• Small boat atmosphere: The catamaran carries no more than 15 people, a far more personal setup than a large excursion boat.
• Weather shapes the trip: Strong winds may force a south-coast route or a protected swimming stop near Mykonos.

Leaving Tourlos for the open Aegean

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or an agreed accessible meeting point. The operator uses an air-conditioned luxury van, which saves you the trouble of finding a taxi to the new port at Tourlos. If you are arriving by cruise ship, allow extra care with timing. Missing the boat because your ship arrives late does not qualify for a refund.

At the port, you meet the captain and crew, then find a place on the modern catamaran. The group limit of 15 matters here. You can move around, speak with the crew, and find a comfortable seat without the crowded feel of a large party boat.

As the catamaran pulls away, Mykonos Town recedes into a cluster of white houses. The view is different from the one you get walking its narrow streets. From the water, the famous buildings and windmills appear as a compact strip above the shore, while the boat quickly gives you a sense of the island’s exposed position in the Aegean.

The crew serves homemade rose wine during the cruise. The included drink is wine, not a full open bar, so bring this experience expecting a relaxed glass of local-style wine rather than a cocktail service. Beer is not listed as included.

Passing Baos and the sacred island of Delos

The route first crosses the northern side of Mykonos and passes the small island known as Baos, sometimes described as a pirates’ island. This is a scenic sailing stretch rather than a formal stop. You remain on board, so the value comes from the views and the guide’s explanation.

The catamaran then heads toward Delos. This island is one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades, traditionally linked with Apollo’s birth. You do not go ashore on this cruise. Instead, the boat pauses in front of the archaeological site so you can take pictures while a hostess explains some of the island’s background.

That distinction is important when you compare this trip with a dedicated Delos excursion. If you want to walk among the ruins, see the ancient streets, and visit the archaeological museum, this is not the right boat trip. If you want a glimpse of Delos without giving up most of the day to a land visit, the pass-by works well.

The route to Delos depends on sea conditions. Strong wind can make this stretch uncomfortable or unsafe, and the captain may change the course. On rough days, you may stay along the south coast of Mykonos instead, visiting famous beaches and a sheltered cove.

Two hours at Rhenia’s clear-water cove

Rhenia is the main event. The catamaran anchors in a small cove with clear turquoise water, and the scheduled stop lasts about two hours. That gives you enough time to do more than take a quick swim from the stern.

You can jump or step into the water, snorkel with the provided mask and snorkel, swim toward shore, or stay aboard and sunbathe. A paddleboard may also be available, though it is not listed among the formal inclusions, so do not book the cruise solely for that activity.

The protected cove is especially valuable on a windy day. The ride across open water can be choppy, but the swimming stop may feel calm once the boat reaches shelter. Several people have found the water time to be the most relaxing part of the outing.

Bring your own beach towel. Towels have occasionally been available aboard, but the stated terms say towels are not included. That is an easy item to pack and avoids an unpleasant surprise when you climb out of the water.

Snorkeling here is best viewed as a pleasant extra, not a dedicated reef excursion. The equipment lets you look beneath the surface and enjoy the clear water, but the main appeal is the combination of swimming, scenery, and time away from the port.

Lunch cooked while you swim

The meal is prepared on board during the Rhenia stop. The advertised choices include seafood pasta and meat options, along with a traditional meal and homemade rose wine. The food receives some of the strongest praise attached to this cruise, and that makes sense: a hot meal served at anchor feels far better than a rushed snack between stops.

The exact menu can vary. If you have allergies or special dietary needs, communicate them before departure. The crew has adjusted meals for allergies, but you should not wait until lunch is being served to raise the issue.

This is not a formal restaurant meal. You are eating on a moving boat or at anchor, often in swimwear and sea air. That casual setting is part of its charm, but it also means the meal may feel light to some people. One description calls it a light lunch, while the advertised menu presents it as a full meal. Plan on something satisfying but not an elaborate multi-course feast.

The crew’s hospitality adds to the meal. Captains and deckhands such as Dimitris, Iliana, Nicos, Costas, Kristos, Nikos, and Margarita have been singled out for attentiveness, explanations, and care around the boat. Names and staffing can change, but the setup generally includes a captain and one or more crew members who handle sailing, food, and guest needs.

Daylight sailing or a sunset return

You choose a morning or sunset departure when booking. A daytime cruise is the better fit if swimming and snorkeling are your main goals. You get bright water, more direct visibility in the cove, and a relaxed half-day rhythm before dinner.

The sunset version usually leaves later and returns after the sun begins to drop. On calm evenings, the ride back offers warm light over the Mykonos shoreline, windmills, and Little Venice. The boat provides a good viewing platform because you are already offshore rather than searching for a crowded waterfront table.

Sunset trips can be especially scenic after the swim and meal, but they are not automatically calmer. Mykonos is famous for strong winds, and the return ride may be bumpy. Sit toward the center of the catamaran if you are prone to motion sickness. The front can be exciting, but spray may reach you, especially on the way back.

What happens when the wind is strong

You should treat the advertised route as weather-dependent. The captain has discretion to alter the plan when the wind and sea are not suitable. This is not a minor footnote in Mykonos. Wind can determine how far you sail, how long you remain underway, and whether you pass Delos at all.

On a moderate-weather day, the planned route includes Baos, a pass-by of Delos, Rhenia, and the return past the Mykonos shoreline. On a rough day, the captain may choose a protected route along Mykonos’s south coast, stopping at well-known beaches or a sheltered swimming area.

The crew’s decisions are a real safety benefit, but the change can affect the value you feel you receive. In particularly rough conditions, some passengers have spent most of the cruise anchored near the port or traveling through heavy chop to reach the swimming stop. A few people have felt nauseous.

Check the forecast before your cancellation deadline. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. If bad weather cancels the cruise, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund. If the trip runs but the captain alters the route because of wind, that is a different situation, and you should be prepared for a modified day.

How the $133 price works out

At $133.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the Aegean. You are paying for about five hours on a catamaran, hotel transport, crew service, fuel, wine, snorkeling gear, a cooked meal, and a small group limited to 15 people.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a taxi to Tourlos, lunch, a swimming trip, and a boat ride. Pickup and drop-off also remove a common Mykonos headache, especially if your hotel is not near the port.

The price is less compelling if your main goal is walking around Delos. You do not receive admission or a landing there. A dedicated archaeological boat trip would be a better use of money for anyone who wants ruins rather than swimming.

Private departures can offer stronger value for a family or group. Several families of six to eight people have booked private cruises, gaining more control over the pace and return timing. The standard product, however, is a shared small-group trip, so do not assume your departure will be private unless your booking clearly says so.

Who will enjoy this half-day cruise

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you want a mix of water time, scenery, food, and easy transport. It suits couples, families with children aged six and older, and small groups that want more room than a large tour boat provides.

It is also a good choice for cruise passengers who want a shore excursion away from the usual organized bus circuit. The port pickup helps, but your ship must arrive on time, and you need enough margin to return before your required boarding time.

You should think twice if you get seasick easily, dislike wind, or need a fixed route. The Aegean can be rough, and the catamaran may pitch and spray even when the sky looks fine. The crew will help if you feel ill, but they cannot make a windy sea calm.

This trip is less suited to someone looking for a quiet sailing lesson. The boat may use its engine rather than sails, especially in strong wind, and the point is sightseeing, swimming, and lunch rather than learning to sail.

Practical details before you book

The activity is offered in English and confirmation arrives at booking. Most people can participate, but the minimum age is six. Pickup is available only from an accessible meeting point, so confirm the exact pickup arrangement with the operator if your accommodation is difficult to reach.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and pack sunscreen, a towel, dry clothes, and any motion-sickness supplies you normally use. Keep valuables protected from spray. If you sit at the front, expect a better thrill and a greater chance of getting wet.

The crew provides masks and snorkels, but bring your own equipment if fit matters to you. Wine is included, while beer is not listed. Food includes seafood pasta and meat options, but communicate allergies in advance.

The cruise is booked, on average, well ahead of time, around 48 days in advance. That does not guarantee every departure sells out, but it is a reason to reserve early if your Mykonos dates are fixed.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

I would book this if you want a comfortable, social half-day on the water and accept that weather controls the route. The strongest combination is the long Rhenia swim, freshly prepared food, small group, and easy hotel transport. The sunset version adds a beautiful finish, while the daytime option gives you the clearest swimming conditions.

I would skip it if Delos is your priority, if you need guaranteed sailing time, or if rough water will spoil your day. For everyone else, $133 is a fair price for a five-hour outing that combines several separate Mykonos activities into one well-organized trip. Pack a towel, watch the forecast, and let the captain adjust the plan when the Aegean gets lively.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours, including transportation by luxury van, sailing time, the Rhenia stop, and the return to port.

Can I choose a morning or sunset departure?

Yes. You choose a morning or sunset cruise when booking. The sunset option includes views of the sun setting over Mykonos when conditions and timing allow.

Does the cruise stop at Delos?

No. The catamaran passes by Delos and pauses offshore for photographs and a short explanation. You cannot get off at Delos, and admission to the island is not included.

How long is the swimming stop at Rhenia?

The swimming stop lasts about two hours. You can swim, snorkel, relax aboard the catamaran, and potentially swim toward shore.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included. You should bring your own beach towel because towels are not included in the stated terms.

Is food included?

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

Are drinks included?

Homemade rose wine is included, and the tour description states that traditional wine is served without limit. Beer is not listed as an included drink.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may change the route when wind or sea conditions are unsuitable. If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel yourself, full refunds are available when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.