From Mykonos: Small Group Delos and Rhenia Catamaran Tour

The best part of this sailing is the change of pace. You leave Mykonos from Agios Ioannis, pass the ancient island of Delos, and spend most of the day in the quieter waters around Rhenia. It is less about checking off sights and more about giving the Aegean room to do its work.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which should make the boat feel social without turning it into a floating crowd. I also like the practical all-in setup: chicken skewers, local appetizers, wine, beer, soft drinks, masks, snorkels, and Wi-Fi are included. The main consideration is that you do not visit the archaeological site of Delos. You see it from the water, so book this for sailing and swimming rather than for ancient ruins.

Key points at a glance

• Four hours around Rhenia: Most of the outing is reserved for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and lunch near quiet coves.
• Delos from the sea: Your captain gives background on the sacred island, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, as you pass by.
• A small boat setting: The tour accepts a maximum of 10 people, a useful detail if you dislike crowded day cruises.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect chicken skewers, local appetizers, unlimited local wine and beer, plus soft drinks.
• Water activities depend on conditions: Masks and snorkels are supplied, and a SUP may be available if the weather allows.
• Simple meeting point: You meet at Agios Ioannis Dock, in front of the church, and return there after roughly five hours.

Leaving Mykonos from Agios Ioannis Dock

Your starting point is Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, a short name for a place that is easy enough to find once you are at the dock. Meet the crew in front of the church, where you will receive a short welcome and safety briefing before boarding.

The tour starts and ends at this same meeting point. That matters because hotel pickup is not part of the standard price. Private transportation can be requested, but it is optional, so you need to arrange your own way to Agios Ioannis unless the operator confirms another plan.

The opening 15 minutes are mainly for boarding and getting settled. Do not expect a long formal presentation. This is a small-group boat outing, so the briefing should help you understand the basics before the catamaran moves away from shore.

The group limit of 10 is one of the strongest practical features here. A smaller boat usually makes it easier to find a comfortable place to sit, speak with the crew, and get into the water without the organized feel of a large excursion vessel. It also means the available spaces can fill well ahead of the sailing date. This experience is booked about 93 days in advance on average, so last-minute plans may be difficult during busy periods.

Passing Delos, the sacred island of Apollo

The route includes a scenic cruise past Delos. This is an important distinction: you do not get off to tour the archaeological site. Instead, the captain shares information as the island comes into view, with Mykonos and the surrounding Cycladic islets forming the backdrop.

Delos is tied to the myths of Apollo and Artemis and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even from the water, its place in the ancient Aegean story gives the cruise more substance than a simple ride to a swimming cove. You get a sense of the island’s setting and importance without spending the day among ruins.

If visiting Delos itself is high on your list, you should choose a separate archaeological excursion. This catamaran tour is better for someone who wants a glimpse of Delos as part of a wider day on the sea. The captain’s commentary gives useful context, but it is not a replacement for walking through the site.

I like this balance. The tour acknowledges the cultural importance of Delos without pretending that a passing view is a full history visit. You get the story, the sea views, and then plenty of time for the more relaxed part of the day.

Four hours around peaceful Rhenia

Rhenia, also spelled Rineia, is where the schedule slows down. The boat spends about four hours around the island, known for clear turquoise water and quiet coves. This is the main event, not a short stop squeezed between several ports.

You can swim, use the supplied masks and snorkels, or stay on board and enjoy the calm setting. A SUP may also be available when weather conditions permit. Since the information does not promise a particular beach landing or a guaranteed paddleboard session, think of these as flexible water options rather than fixed activities.

That flexibility suits the character of the outing. You are not being pushed from one timed attraction to the next. You have a long stretch of open time to choose your own rhythm. Swim for a while, sit in the sun, eat lunch, or simply watch the Cycladic islands pass by.

Bring your own beach towel. Towels are not included, and this is the kind of omission you notice only after you are already on the boat. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are supplied, which saves you from packing that equipment.

The water activities depend on the sea and wind conditions. A calm day should make swimming and SUP use more comfortable, while rougher weather may limit what is possible. The tour requires good weather and may be moved or canceled if conditions are poor. That is a sensible rule for an open-water trip, but you should leave some flexibility in your Mykonos schedule.

A barbecue lunch with local wine and beer

Lunch is served on board and includes chicken skewers with local appetizers. The food is not described as a restaurant-style meal with a long menu, so you should expect a straightforward Mediterranean barbecue rather than a refined dining experience.

That is a good match for a boat day. Chicken skewers are easy to serve, and local appetizers give the meal a taste of the region without interrupting the swimming stop for too long. Local wine and beer are included without a stated limit, along with soft drinks. Water is not specifically listed, so it is sensible to confirm what refreshments are available when you book or board.

The drinks add real value to the price. At $156.38 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend five hours in Mykonos. But you are paying for a small-group catamaran, crew, lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, possible SUP use, and the boat time itself. If you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, drinks, and a water activity, the total begins to look more reasonable.

The meal also helps the four-hour Rhenia stop feel complete. You are not left to organize food on a quiet island with no stated facilities. Instead, lunch comes to you while you remain near the coves and open water.

What the return cruise gives you

After the Rhenia stop, the catamaran returns to Agios Ioannis in about 15 minutes according to the listed schedule, though actual time on the water can vary with conditions. You will have broad views of the Aegean and the Cycladic islands on the way back.

The return is a useful final pause rather than a separate sightseeing stop. You can dry off, finish a drink, and enjoy the changing views before stepping back onto the dock. If your sailing is timed for late afternoon or evening, the route can also make a memorable farewell to Mykonos. One particularly enthusiastic account praised the crew’s kind, fun atmosphere, the food, and a striking sunset, so an evening departure may be especially appealing if the schedule offers one.

Do not assume every departure includes sunset, however. The provided schedule does not give a fixed start time. Ask about the exact departure when booking if sunset matters to you.

Crew, comfort, and the small-group feel

The tour includes a skipper and crew, but no individual crew names are provided. The captain handles the route and shares information about Delos, while the crew supports the sailing, meal, drinks, and equipment.

A maximum of 10 people is a strong advantage for anyone who prefers a quieter boat. It should be easier to ask questions or speak with the crew than on a large cruise with dozens of passengers. It also gives the outing a more personal feel, though the exact atmosphere will still depend on the mix of people aboard.

Wi-Fi is included, which may be useful for checking messages or sharing photos. Still, the reason to book is the water, not the internet connection. A day around Rhenia is a good chance to put the phone away for stretches of time, then reconnect when needed.

The activity is offered in English. Most people can participate, according to the supplied tour information, but the practical demands of boarding, moving around a boat, and getting into the water are worth considering for anyone with mobility concerns. No detailed accessibility information is provided, so ask the operator before booking if you need specific assistance.

Who will get the most from this sailing

This tour is a good fit for you if you want several experiences in one outing:

• A small-group cruise rather than a large party boat
• A view of Delos with historical context
• A long, unhurried stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Lunch and drinks included in the price
• A scenic way to see more of the Cyclades without arranging several separate activities

It is especially well suited to couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy being on the water and do not need a packed schedule. Families may also like the swimming and SUP options, though the tour information does not give a minimum age or child-specific details.

You may prefer another excursion if your main goal is touring the archaeological remains of Delos. You should also think twice if you dislike open-water conditions, do not enjoy swimming, or want a firm timetable with guaranteed activities. The boat’s schedule and water options are shaped by weather.

Is $156.38 a fair price?

The price sits in the mid-to-upper range for a half-day Mykonos activity, but the inclusions are substantial. You get about five hours on the water, a skipper and crew, a small group capped at 10, barbecue lunch, local wine and beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and possible SUP use.

The value is strongest if you plan to eat and drink on board and want a relaxed day rather than a basic transport service. Unlimited local wine and beer can make a meaningful difference to the final cost, though you should never treat unlimited alcohol as the main reason to book a sea excursion.

The price is less attractive if you only want to see Delos. Since there is no archaeological-site admission or shore visit included, a dedicated Delos trip may better suit your plans. Here, the money goes toward the catamaran setting, the crew, the food and drinks, and the extended Rhenia stop.

Booking details worth knowing

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you do not need to print paperwork. The tour is offered in English and operates near public transportation.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if bad weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes cancellation.

The activity has a 4.9 rating from 14 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it. That is a strong early signal, though the sample is still small. The most praised details are consistent: the crew’s friendly mood, the food, and the beauty of the sea, especially when the sailing catches a dramatic sunset.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a small, food-included sailing day with plenty of time for swimming and a scenic look at Delos. The four-hour Rhenia stop is the key feature, and the 10-person limit makes the price easier to justify than it would be on a crowded boat.

Skip it if you need to walk through Delos, want hotel pickup included, or prefer a guaranteed itinerary unaffected by wind and sea conditions. Bring a towel, confirm the departure time, and ask about transportation if Agios Ioannis is inconvenient.

For most people who want to trade Mykonos crowds for clear water, local food, and an easy Aegean cruise, this is a well-balanced choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

You meet the skipper and crew at Agios Ioannis Dock in front of the church, at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis in Mykonos.

Where does the tour end?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity accepts a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is Delos a shore stop?

No. You pass by Delos by boat, and the captain shares information about the island. The tour does not include a visit to the archaeological site.

How much time is spent around Rhenia?

The planned stop at Rhenia lasts about four hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken skewers with local appetizers.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited local wine and beer, as well as soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included. A SUP is also available when weather conditions allow.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience may be canceled because it requires good weather. You will be offered a different date or a full refund.