From Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

Delos gives this boat trip its rare mix: ancient Greek ruins in the morning and a swim in clear Aegean water later in the day. You can walk through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then cool off near the uninhabited island of Rhenia.

I like the choice built into the day. You can spend about two hours at Delos, or stay aboard for another swim, and the friendly crew adds a generous BBQ, fruit, wine, water, and soft drinks. The main catch is that the sea can be choppy, Delos has little shade, and the entry fee is extra.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different islands: See the archaeological site of Delos, then swim beside the quiet coves of Rhenia.
• A real choice at Delos: Walk ashore for roughly two hours or remain on board for more time in the water.
• BBQ lunch on the boat: Expect meat skewers, salad, rice, bread, dip, and fruit, with drinks available during the outing.
• Friendly family-run atmosphere: Hosts such as Mola and Mohamed have been praised for keeping the boat warm, funny, and lively.
• Bring sun protection and water shoes: Delos can be hot, while Rhenia’s shore may be rocky.
• The ride home becomes a party: Music, singing, and dancing turn the final sailing into the most social part of the day.

Why this Mykonos boat trip is worth your time

Mykonos is famous for whitewashed lanes, beach clubs, and late nights. This trip gives you a fuller picture of the Cyclades. In one outing, you see a sacred island that once drew people from across the Greek world, then spend time beside an uninhabited island where the main attraction is clear water and open space.

The balance is the big strength. Delos supplies the culture and ancient remains. Rhenia supplies the easy pleasure of swimming from the boat, floating with a pool noodle, or sitting on a quiet beach. I like that the day does not force everyone into the same plan.

The boat trip lasts about 6.5 hours and costs $101 per person. That is a solid price for a boat cruise, fuel, crew, BBQ, fruit, and drinks, especially when you compare it with paying separately for a boat outing, lunch, and transport to Delos. You still need to budget about €20 for Delos admission, and a guide is not included.

This is not a small, silent sailing trip. The boat carries enough people to create a social atmosphere, and the return journey often includes music and dancing. If you want a private yacht or a quiet, polished cruise, choose something else. If you like meeting people, swimming, eating, and laughing on the way home, the format works very well.

Meeting the boat at Mykonos Old Port

You meet at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. The meeting point is practical, but allow extra time to get your bearings. One past departure was difficult to identify because the voucher showed a different company name from the boat operator, and there was little visible signage.

That problem is easy to avoid with a simple plan: arrive early, keep your booking details ready, and ask around at the bus station if needed. Once on board, the boat has been described as clean, spacious, and easy to use.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you arrange your own way to the Old Port. You also need a passport or ID card. The tour is offered by Golden Yachting & Sailing, though the crew names can vary by departure. Mola, Mohamed, Michael, and Paola have all been singled out on different outings for their humor, care, or energy.

Sailing first toward Rhenia

The route begins with a boat ride of roughly 45 minutes toward Rhenia. This first stretch lets you settle in, find a place on deck, and take in the surrounding islands. It can be calm, but the Aegean is not always gentle. Several outings have had choppy water, especially on the return to Mykonos.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual medication. That is sensible advice even on a large, steady boat. You can enjoy the views more when you are not spending the crossing trying to ignore your stomach.

The crew makes the crossing feel informal rather than rigid. Music is part of the atmosphere, and drinks are available. The boat is designed for a day at sea, not a formal sightseeing lecture, so expect practical guidance and a friendly tone rather than a detailed commentary about every island in sight.

Swimming beside uninhabited Rhenia

Rhenia is the day’s great reward for anyone who likes the sea. The island is uninhabited, and the boat stops near clear blue and green water. You can jump from the boat, swim toward shore, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun.

The shore is not always soft sand. Some areas are rocky, and one stop placed swimmers about 50 yards from the beach. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about a pool noodle or stay close to the boat. Salt water makes floating easier, but you still need to judge your own comfort.

Bring water shoes if you have them. They make the walk into the water and time on the beach more comfortable. Snorkeling equipment is not included, though it can be purchased on board. The water may feel cool at first, especially in spring, but many people find it comfortable after a minute.

Do not expect a major snorkeling site packed with marine life. Conditions vary, and one outing found the beach beautiful but not especially strong for snorkeling. The main pleasure is the clear water, the open setting, and the chance to swim away from Mykonos crowds.

Rhenia also gives you time to do very little. You can float, sunbathe, chat with people on board, or swim toward the beach. That unhurried pause matters because Delos later asks you to walk in the heat.

BBQ lunch and drinks on deck

Lunch is served during the Rhenia stop. The meal commonly includes chicken and pork skewers, Greek salad, rice, bread, dip, and watermelon or other fruit. Portions have satisfied many people, though one person found the serving a little light, so bring a snack if you tend to eat more after swimming.

The food is casual boat fare, not a restaurant meal. I like that it arrives after the first swim, when you are ready for something filling and salty. The crew also provides water, soft drinks, and wine. The included wine is basic, and extra drinks may be available to buy at reasonable prices.

The food quality can vary slightly from day to day. Rice has been called plain, while the meat, salad, bread, and fruit have generally made a satisfying lunch. Salt and pepper are available. The strongest value here is not fine dining. It is having a hot, ready meal without giving up more time to find food on an island.

Choosing Delos or another swim

After Rhenia, the boat continues to Delos. This is where the trip divides into two experiences. You can pay the entrance fee and spend about two hours walking around the archaeological site, or stay aboard and enjoy another swim in the area.

I recommend choosing Delos if you have never visited. The ruins cover a larger area than many people expect, and two hours is enough to see important sections without turning the day into a full archaeological study. The site includes ancient streets, homes, sanctuaries, and views toward the surrounding islands.

You will not have a guide included, and there is no guided Delos tour built into the price. The site has signs and a map, which provide enough basic information for a self-guided visit. If you want a deeper explanation of the ruins, bring your own guidebook or arrange separate commentary.

The walking conditions matter. Delos has little shade, and the hottest part of the day can make the visit tiring. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, carry water, and choose sturdy footwear. The island has no shops during the visit, so do not expect to buy a cold drink after you leave the boat.

One useful strategy is to walk toward the higher point first, then work through the rest of the ruins. You get the best views early, before the heat builds, and can spend the remaining time exploring at an easier pace.

If you have already seen Delos, or if the heat is too much, staying on the boat is a perfectly reasonable choice. You do not lose the main water experience, and you may get extra time to swim or relax. Families with mixed interests may especially appreciate this option, since history lovers and swimmers do not have to split up for the whole day.

What makes Delos special

Delos is not simply an old ruin beside the sea. It was a major religious and commercial center in the ancient Aegean, and its remains spread across a broad, open site. You can sense the scale as you move among stone foundations, columns, and worn paths.

The visit works best when you slow down. Read the plaques, look at the layout of the old streets, and notice how exposed the island feels. The quiet is part of the experience. After a lively boat ride, Delos offers a sharp change of pace.

The two-hour stop is long enough to make the entrance fee worthwhile, but short enough to leave you wanting more. I would not choose this boat trip if Delos were your only chance to study the island in detail. For a first look combined with swimming and lunch, it is a good compromise.

The entry fee, about €20, is not included. Children and younger visitors may qualify for different admission rules, but check the current terms before you go. The tour does not include a guide, and the site fee is paid separately.

The ride back to Mykonos

After Delos, the boat sails back toward Mykonos, usually taking about 30 minutes from Delos before arrival. This is often when the quiet swim-and-ruins outing changes character.

Music comes up, the crew encourages dancing, and people gather on deck. The energy can be surprisingly high, with singing and dancing continuing through the final stretch. You do not have to join in. Sitting back with a drink and watching the fun works just as well.

The party is a major part of the appeal for social visitors, couples, and groups of friends. It also explains why the outing feels more like a full day out than simple transport between two islands. The return can be bumpy, though, so hold on and keep seasickness concerns in mind.

Price, timing, and practical value

At $101 per person, the experience offers a lot for a half-day-plus outing. The price includes:

• Boat transportation
• Fuel
• Crew
• BBQ lunch
• Fruit
• Water, soft drinks, and wine as provided during the outing

You pay separately for Delos admission and snorkeling equipment if you need it. Hotel transportation is also separate.

The 6.5-hour duration is long enough to make the trip worthwhile without taking an entire day from Mykonos. You should still treat it as a major outing. The meeting point, boat ride, swimming, lunch, walking, and return party fill most of the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the schedule when booking. These flexible terms help if your Mykonos plans depend on ferry or cruise-ship timing.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this trip for someone who wants more than a beach stop but less than a serious archaeology tour. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and groups who enjoy a social boat setting.

You will probably like it most if you want:

• A swim in clear water without arranging a private boat
• A first visit to Delos
• A filling lunch included in the day
• A relaxed crew with music and a party atmosphere
• The freedom to choose ruins or extra swimming

I would hesitate if you dislike group outings, loud music, rough water, or walking under strong sun. It is also not the best choice if you need extensive archaeological guidance or a guaranteed sandy beach.

What to pack for a better day

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and sturdy shoes for Delos. Add water shoes for Rhenia, especially if you plan to reach the beach.

Bring your passport or ID card, which is required information for the activity. Carry personal seasickness medication if you need it, and bring a refillable water bottle if you have room. Snorkeling gear can be bought on board, but you may prefer to bring your own if you already have a mask that fits well.

I would also keep some dry clothing in a small bag. You may spend much of the day in swimwear, and a dry layer feels good after the final swim and on the ride back.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia cruise?

Book it if you want the best mix of history, swimming, lunch, and easygoing fun around Mykonos. The choice between visiting Delos and staying on board makes the outing flexible, while the friendly crew and lively return ride give it a social personality.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing yacht, a private itinerary, or expert archaeological guiding. For most visitors who want to see Delos without giving up a clear-water swim, the $101 price is fair. Add the Delos entry fee, arrive early at the Old Port bus station, prepare for sun and possible chop, and you have a well-balanced day beyond Mykonos.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia trip last?

The activity lasts about 6.5 hours, including the boat rides, swimming time, BBQ lunch, and the visit to Delos.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the bus station at the Old Port of Mykonos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is Delos admission included?

No. The entrance fee to Delos costs approximately €20 and is paid separately.

Can I skip the archaeological site at Delos?

Yes. You can stay on board for more swimming or relaxation instead of going ashore for the self-guided visit.

Is a guide included at Delos?

No. The Delos visit is self-guided. Signs and a map are available at the archaeological site.

What food and drinks are included?

The boat provides a BBQ and fruit. The meal can include meat skewers, salad, rice, bread, dip, and watermelon. Water, soft drinks, and wine are also provided during the outing.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can purchase it on board, or bring your own equipment if you prefer.