Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise, Full Lunch & Open-bar

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the combination of open-water sailing and a freshly cooked Greek lunch. You leave Ornos Bay by tender, raise the sails, and spend the day stopping in clear-water coves around Rhenia, with the islands and Mykonos shoreline spread out around you. I especially like the two swim stops and the fact that lunch is prepared aboard rather than brought in a box.

I also like the private format, which gives your group more room and a more relaxed pace than a crowded boat excursion. The main consideration is weather: strong wind can change the route, and one less-satisfied customer found the sheltered alternative too static. Bring a towel, and remember that hotel transfers are not included in the listed price.

Key points before you book

• Two swimming stops near Rhenia: You can snorkel from the boat in clear water and reach quiet coves that are difficult to visit by land.
• An eight-flavor lunch cooked aboard: Fresh seafood, Greek salad, calamari, shrimp, chicken with feta, and other dishes form the main meal.
• Private catamaran for your own group: The boat is not shared with unrelated participants.
• Open bar included: Beer, white wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and a welcome Prosecco are covered.
• Wind can change the route: The captain may stay along Mykonos’ southern coast for a smoother ride.
• Expect about five hours on the water: Pickup at Ornos Bay is included in the meeting plan, but transportation to Ornos is not.

Why this Mykonos cruise feels different

Mykonos is famous for white buildings, beach clubs, and busy summer roads. From the water, the island looks calmer. You get a broad view of its rocky coast, small bays, and low white shoreline, while the boat gives you a quiet place to sit, swim, eat, and watch the sea.

This is not mainly a sightseeing cruise with a guide reciting facts at every turn. It is a half-day on the Aegean, built around sailing, swimming, food, and time with your own group. You may hear some background about the islands, including Delos and Rhenia, but the real attraction is the setting and the freedom to enjoy it at an easy pace.

The private setup matters most for families and groups of friends. A group of six, eight, or even 13 can share the boat without adjusting to strangers. Couples can also book it, though the price is easier to justify when divided among several paying adults.

The listed cost is $796.48 per person, which is a serious amount for five hours. I would not call it a budget boat trip. The value comes from what is bundled in: a private vessel, crew, sailing time, a substantial lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, WiFi, and a Bluetooth speaker. If your group would otherwise book a private boat and pay separately for lunch and drinks, the package becomes easier to defend.

Starting at Ornos Bay and getting aboard

The day begins at an unnamed road in Ornos, where a hostess meets you at the dock. Your captain comes to shore in a tender boat and takes you out to the catamaran. That short transfer is part of the character of the trip, but it also means you should arrive ready to board rather than expecting to walk directly onto the main vessel.

A safety briefing comes first. Then the sails go up for about an hour of smooth sailing, conditions permitting. This is the part to savor slowly. Sit where you can feel the wind, watch the Aegean change color, and let the crew handle the navigation.

The boat has shaded areas and enough room for a private group to spread out. It is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. WiFi and a Bluetooth speaker are available, useful if your group wants music during lunch or the ride home.

You need to arrange your own way to Ornos Bay unless you add a transfer through the operator. Optional hotel pickup and drop-off are promoted, but the standard inclusions specifically exclude transportation. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, allow extra planning time and confirm the transfer details early.

Rhenia, Delos, and the first swim

The advertised route focuses on Delos and Rhenia, two islands that give this outing much of its appeal. The sailing details place the first major stop at an unspoiled cove near Rhenia. Here you can swim and use the provided snorkeling equipment from the boat.

Rhenia is appealing because it feels quiet and open compared with the better-known beaches of Mykonos. You should not expect a formal beach visit or a long walk ashore. The experience is centered on being anchored near a cove, getting into the water, and enjoying the view from the catamaran.

That distinction matters. One family understood the outing as a chance to visit beaches, while the captain explained that the route involved staying aboard and swimming from the boat. If you want a land-based island tour, this is not the right product. If you are happy to jump into the sea from the boat, it makes much more sense.

The water can be cool, particularly in early October, and wind can make the sea choppy. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat that fits securely. Beach towels are not included, so pack your own. The crew may help retrieve a loose hat, but it is better not to test that service.

The second cove and lunch prepared on board

After the first swim, the catamaran sails to another cove with clear water. This is where the food becomes a central part of the day rather than a quick interruption between activities.

The meal is described as an eight-flavor lunch prepared fresh by the chef aboard the boat. Dishes served on different outings have included fresh seafood, calamari, shrimp, chicken with feta, Greek salad, tzatziki, and other Mediterranean-style plates. One especially praised detail was tzatziki made from the chef’s mother’s recipe. A feta dish also earned special mention.

You should expect a generous spread, not a single main course. The meal suits people who want to taste several Greek dishes at once, and it can be a welcome change from restaurant meals in central Mykonos. The food is also a practical reason to choose this trip for a birthday, family gathering, or final day on the island.

Lunch is paired with an open bar of beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water. The welcome drink is Prosecco. There is no indication that spirits or cocktails are included, so do not book this expecting a cocktail bar at sea.

Service can depend heavily on the crew assigned to your boat. Captains and crew members named in the supplied information include Paris, George, Michael, Alkis, Christos, Nadav, Kyrlos, Argus, and Mikey. Many outings received warm, attentive service, while one group felt the crew was distant and too quick to clear the outdoor table. That mixed experience is worth keeping in mind when you compare this with other private charters.

Sailing home, or changing course in strong wind

After lunch, there is usually time for one more swim before sailing back toward Mykonos. A final swim is a good chance to use the noodles and snorkeling equipment, though the supplied information does not promise other water toys on every boat. One booking included an expectation of a paddleboard that was not available.

Wind is the main variable. If conditions are too rough, the captain may follow an alternative route along Mykonos’ southern coast. You may pass famous beaches and stop at a more sheltered cove away from the crowds. This change is made for safety and comfort, not because the trip has been canceled.

The alternative route can still be attractive. You see Mykonos from the water and may get more peaceful swimming conditions. But it is not identical to sailing toward Rhenia. If your heart is set on the islands, ask about the likely route and weather before departure.

The return can be especially pleasant late in the day, when the sun is lower and the shoreline takes on warmer colors. One birthday group even finished its sail with a sunset view. Exact light and timing depend on the departure schedule, so do not treat sunset as a guaranteed part of the standard five-hour outing.

Who will enjoy this private catamaran most

I would choose this cruise for a group that wants its own space and sees lunch as part of the attraction. Families with older children and teenagers have plenty to do: swimming, snorkeling, music, food, and the simple pleasure of being on a boat. Younger children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult, and the sea conditions may affect comfort.

It also suits couples celebrating a milestone, especially if the price can be shared with friends. Birthday groups have used the boat for a special day, and the crew has arranged extras such as a birthday cake on a separate outing. Those additions should be confirmed in advance rather than assumed.

This is less suitable if you want a history-heavy tour, a guaranteed visit ashore, or a fixed itinerary. It is also a poor choice for anyone who dislikes wind, boat movement, or swimming from a vessel. The activity requires good weather and can be canceled or rescheduled when conditions are poor.

The listing says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, contact the operator before booking and ask about the dock, tender transfer, and steps aboard.

Booking, cancellation, and small practical details

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The operator requires each participant’s full name, passport number, year of birth, and country at booking. A child rate applies only when the child shares the boat with four paying adults, and children must be with an adult.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not refunded. If bad weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The experience is offered in English. It is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 71 days, so I would not leave a large-group reservation until the last minute. Bring towels, swimwear, sun protection, and a light layer for a breezy ride. Keep valuables secure, and bring a waterproof case for your phone if you plan to swim.

Should you book the Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise?

Book it if you want a private day on the water with excellent food, and if your group will value the boat, drinks, swimming, and personal space enough to justify the price. The strongest parts are the fresh multi-dish lunch, clear-water coves near Rhenia, and the chance to see Mykonos from a quieter angle.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed route, a beach landing, or highly polished service from every crew. The wind may send you along the southern coast, and the crew experience can vary. For a birthday, family day, or special final afternoon in Mykonos, I think the package is worth serious consideration. For a simple swim trip, a less expensive shared cruise may do the job.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and ends back at the meeting point in Ornos.

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is at an unnamed road in Ornos, Greece. A hostess welcomes you at the dock, and the captain collects your group by tender boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard rate. Transportation to Ornos Bay must be arranged separately unless an optional transfer is available and added.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a welcome Prosecco and an eight-flavor lunch prepared aboard by the chef, including fresh seafood. Unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the swim stops. Beach towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

What happens if the weather is too windy?

The captain may replace the Rhenia route with an alternative itinerary along the southern coast of Mykonos, including famous beaches and a sheltered cove. If poor weather makes the experience impossible, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.