All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation)

Delos is the star here: an ancient sacred island reached by sailboat from Mykonos, followed by a swim in the clear water around uninhabited Rhenia. I especially like the small group of no more than 12 and the included shuttle, since Mykonos taxis can be costly and awkward to find. The seafood lunch, prepared on board, adds real value.

I also like the balance of ruins and sea time. You get a meaningful look at Delos, then a chance to cool off, snorkel, eat, and watch Mykonos from the water. The main drawback is that Delos entry is extra, and the self-guided visit may feel short if you want a detailed explanation of every ruin.

Key points to know before booking

• Delos comes first: Reach the archaeological site before many larger boats and explore the ruins and museum independently.
• Rhenia is the relaxing half: Swim and snorkel from the boat in a sheltered cove, with equipment supplied.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect a Mediterranean meal such as shrimp pasta, Greek salad, bread, and drinks.
• The boat is intimate: The maximum group size is 12, a much calmer setup than a large cruise excursion.
• Pickup saves money: A complimentary shuttle collects you from your hotel, Airbnb area, cruise ship point, or another agreed location.
• Pack for wind and water: Towels are not supplied, and the ride can feel breezy or bumpy.

Sailing from Tourlos aboard the Nadia K

Your day begins around 9 a.m., with a shuttle transfer to Tourlos Bay. The operator asks for your hotel or accommodation details because the pickup and return are part of the service. If you arrive by cruise ship, give the company the ship name and the exact meeting point well ahead of time.

At the harbor, you board the sailing boat Nadia K. The captain and crew greet you, help with the short boarding process, and get the boat under way. The trip from Tourlos toward Delos takes about an hour, giving you a pleasant start before the archaeological visit.

Captain Bob is frequently named as the main host, with Ernesto and other crew members helping with food, drinks, safety, and conversation. Bob provides background about Mykonos, Delos, nearby geography, and the islands you pass. The tone appears friendly and informal rather than like a formal lecture, which suits a day built around both sightseeing and relaxation.

The boat has a restroom and Wi-Fi is advertised on board. One report noted that the Wi-Fi was not working, so I would treat it as a useful extra rather than a reason to book. Music, drinks, and open-air views are more dependable parts of the experience.

The maximum of 12 people matters. You are still on a shared boat, but you are not packed into a large excursion vessel. That makes it easier to find a seat, speak with the crew, and enjoy a quieter trip across the Aegean. On the other hand, sailing depends on wind and sea conditions. Bring a light jacket, even on a warm Mykonos day.

Delos, where the ruins are the main event

Delos is one of Greece’s major archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In ancient Greek mythology, Apollo and Artemis were born here, which made the island sacred. According to the old belief, no mortal could be born or die on Delos.

That story helps explain why this small island became so important. You are not visiting a single temple in isolation. You are walking through the remains of an ancient settlement spread across open ground, with the Aegean surrounding the ruins. The setting is part of the experience: stone, sea, sun, and the sense that this was once a major religious and commercial center.

The boat crew helps you get ashore, but the Delos portion is essentially self-guided. You should not expect Captain Bob to walk the entire site with you or provide a formal archaeological tour. Some site information is in Greek, so I strongly suggest doing a little reading before departure or downloading a guide you can use offline.

The allotted time is roughly one to one and a half hours, depending on the day’s conditions and schedule. That is enough to see important sections, visit the museum, and walk through the main ruins at a steady pace. It is not enough for every path, a slow study of each building, and a long museum visit.

This is one of the most important choices to make before booking. If you want a thorough archaeological experience, a longer Delos visit with an official guide may suit you better. If you want a strong first look at the island, followed by lunch and a swim, this schedule gives you a good balance.

Admission to Delos is not included. One account put the additional cost at €20, so check the current charge when you book or before the trip. That fee changes the value calculation slightly, but it also supports access to a site that is a major reason to visit the Mykonos area.

The early arrival can work in your favor. The boat may reach Delos before some larger excursion groups, giving you a quieter start among the ruins. Conditions and harbor traffic vary, so this should not be treated as a guarantee, but the small boat is well suited to an early, less crowded visit.

Rhenia for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch

After Delos, the boat heads toward Rhenia. Unlike Delos, Rhenia is uninhabited, and the appeal here is the water rather than ancient buildings. The crew looks for a sheltered cove where you can swim from the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The water can be cool, especially on a windy or cloudy day, so you might decide to stay on deck and enjoy the view instead. Several people have reported seeing plenty of fish, and one outing even produced a view of an octopus. Those sightings are never promised, but the clear water gives you a fair chance to see more than you would from shore.

The swimming stop also gives you something that many sightseeing tours lack: unstructured time. You can take a swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, listen to music, or simply watch the crew prepare lunch. If the usual cove is crowded with other boats, the captain may choose another sheltered spot. That flexibility is useful during the busy season.

Towels are not included, so bring one from your accommodation if possible. You should also pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, a cover-up, and a jacket for the ride back. The boat has a restroom, but you will want your main belongings organized before you jump into the sea.

Lunch is served around this part of the trip. The meal has included shrimp pasta or seafood spaghetti, Greek salad, bread, and a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The exact menu may vary, but the food is prepared on board rather than handed out as a prepacked snack.

That distinction makes a difference. You are eating a hot meal after time in the water, with the boat anchored in a beautiful setting. Portions have been described as generous, and the salad and seafood pasta receive especially strong praise. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator in advance rather than assuming the menu can be changed.

The return to Mykonos and the best views

The journey back to Tourlos takes about an hour. Depending on the wind, you may motor, sail, or enjoy a mix of both. A breezy day can make this the most exciting part of the ride, but the same conditions can feel rough to anyone prone to seasickness.

As you approach Mykonos, the route may give you views of the windmills and Little Venice from the water. Seeing the island’s famous waterfront from a boat offers a useful change of angle. Instead of standing in a crowded viewpoint, you can watch the white buildings and shoreline open up as you return to port.

The tour is scheduled to finish around 4 p.m., although the exact timing can shift with wind, sea conditions, and the time spent ashore. The shuttle then returns you to your hotel or another agreed point. Confirm that location carefully, especially if you are catching a cruise ship or have an evening reservation.

The included transfer is more than a minor convenience. Mykonos transport can be expensive, and finding a taxi at the end of a full boat day is not always simple. Be sure the company has your full name, phone number with country code, passport details requested by port authorities, and accommodation information. A WhatsApp-enabled phone is preferred for communication.

What the $165.75 price really buys you

At $165.75 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Delos. You are also paying extra for the archaeological site, and the Delos visit is shorter than what you would get from a dedicated full-day archaeology outing.

Still, the fare includes far more than a boat transfer. You receive hotel or cruise pickup, the sailing trip, a small group, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, music, a restroom, and return transportation. A separate Delos boat ticket plus meals, transfers, and a Rhenia swim can easily narrow the price gap.

I see the strongest value for people who want a complete Mykonos day rather than one narrow activity. You get culture, swimming, food, and scenery without having to arrange several pieces yourself. The value is weaker if you only care about Delos and want hours to study the ruins.

The small group also helps justify the price. With up to 12 people, the boat feels personal without being a private charter. If you are traveling with a family or a group of friends, the capacity works particularly well. One group of 11 found the boat comfortable, though space naturally depends on how active everyone is and how much time you spend below deck.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want a mix of ancient sites and time on the water. It suits couples, families, cruise passengers, and small groups who prefer a shared sailing boat to a large organized excursion.

It is also a good choice if transport on Mykonos worries you. The shuttle removes one of the island’s practical headaches, as long as you provide accurate accommodation details and respond to the operator’s messages.

You should think twice if you dislike wind, boat motion, or cool seawater. You should also look elsewhere if you need a fully guided Delos visit. The ruins are explored independently, and you need to prepare before you go.

People with limited mobility should ask the operator for specific boarding and shore-access details before reserving. The supplied information says most people can participate and that service animals are allowed, but it does not give detailed accessibility measurements.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but later cancellations and changes are not accepted.

Should you book the Delos and Rhenia tour?

I would book it if you want the best blend of Mykonos history and sea time in one outing. The crew, hot lunch, small boat, included shuttle, and stop at Rhenia give the day more substance than a simple ride to Delos.

Before you reserve, accept three limits: Delos admission costs extra, the site visit is self-guided and fairly short, and the sea can be windy. Prepare with a jacket, towel, sunscreen, and some background on Delos.

For most people who want a relaxed half-day away from Mykonos town, the $165.75 price is reasonable. For serious archaeology fans, choose a longer guided Delos visit instead. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced way to see the sacred island, eat a proper Greek-style lunch, and get into the Aegean without booking a private yacht.

FAQ

How long does the Delos and Rhenia tour last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. It begins around 9 a.m. and is scheduled to finish at Tourlos at about 4 p.m., with shuttle transfers before and after the boat trip.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Complimentary shuttle transportation is provided from your hotel, Airbnb area, cruise ship meeting point, or another agreed location. You need to provide accurate accommodation or ship details.

Is Delos admission included in the price?

No. Entrance to Delos is not included. One provided account lists the fee as €20, but you should confirm the current charge before the tour.

Is the Delos visit guided?

The Delos visit is self-guided. The crew can provide background during the boat ride, but you should prepare in advance if you want detailed information about the ruins and museum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the stop near Rhenia. Towels are not provided, so bring your own.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch and beverages are included. The meal can include seafood pasta or shrimp pasta, Greek salad, and bread. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are available.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.