Review · SAILING

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport

★ 5.0 · 777 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $180 Operated by Nostos Mykonos Yachts · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Mykonos catamaran cruise is simple: you trade crowded beaches and busy streets for five hours on the Aegean. The route usually heads toward Rhenia or the southern coast, with time to swim, snorkel, paddle, eat, and stretch out on a modern sailing catamaran.

I like the spacious boat, which matters when up to 25 people are aboard, and I like the freshly cooked three-course lunch with wine, beer, water, and soft drinks included. The main thing to consider is that the route depends on wind and sea conditions. You may pass Delos without stopping, and you will not necessarily step onto a beach.

Key points at a glance

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Key points at a glance

  • Rhenia swim stop: Cruise toward Rhenia or Mykonos’ southern coast for clear water, swimming, snorkeling, and time with the onboard water toys.
  • Aerial or White Coral: The brand-new catamarans have sun beds, lounge areas, and a walk-around design that gives you room to move.
  • Lunch cooked onboard: A three-course meal is prepared by the chef, with wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water included.
  • Delos from the sea: Weather permitting, the captain passes Delos and points out the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its ancient remains.
  • Pickup can save time: Hotel or cruise port transfers are available when you send your location and a text-capable phone number at least 24 hours ahead.
  • A relaxed social mood: The group is limited to 25, but the atmosphere can range from lively conversation to quiet sunbathing.

Leaving Mykonos behind on a five-hour cruise

The cruise begins at Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios. If you arrange pickup in time, the operator sends the details by text message or WhatsApp the evening before. This is useful in Mykonos, where finding the right port or beach access can take more effort than expected.

Cruise ship passengers should pay close attention to the pickup location. Mykonos has an old port and a new port, and it is important to know where your ship tender arrives. One party nearly missed the excursion because the port information was unclear, though the driver returned to help.

At the beach, boarding and leaving the catamaran take place by tender boat. That means you do not simply walk from a dock onto the yacht. If you have trouble stepping between boats or need extra help, tell the crew before boarding. The crew has assisted people getting on and off, but the tender arrangement is still worth knowing in advance.

Once aboard, you will find two modern catamarans used for this cruise: Aerial and White Coral. The specific boat depends on availability. Both are described as brand-new sailing catamarans with large sun beds, lounge areas, and a walk-around layout.

The group limit is 25 people. That is not a private charter, but it is far smaller than a large sightseeing boat. The size gives you a reasonable chance to find a comfortable place to sit or lie in the sun. Still, space is not unlimited, and one account found the seating tight with a group of about 20. Your experience will depend partly on how many people are aboard and how everyone uses the common areas.

Rhenia and the southern coast

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Rhenia and the southern coast

The main destination is Rhenia, an uninhabited island near Mykonos known for quiet coves and clear water. The captain may also choose the southern coast of Mykonos. The decision is made according to wind, waves, and safe cruising conditions.

This flexibility is practical, not a flaw. The Aegean can change quickly, and a fixed route would make less sense than choosing a sheltered swimming area. It does mean you should not book this expecting one guaranteed beach or one exact cove.

At the swimming stop, you can enter the water for snorkeling, floating, and general play. Masks and snorkels are included. Pool noodles have also been available on some cruises, which are handy if you want to enjoy the water without swimming hard.

A SUP and kayak are available when weather allows. The equipment adds variety to the stop, though the amount of time each person gets will depend on the group. If you want a full day of organized water sports, this is not that kind of outing. The focus is a relaxed cruise with a swim stop, not a formal activity program.

The water is often the star of the day. Clear visibility has made it possible to see the bottom in deeper areas, and one captain even retrieved a pair of prescription sunglasses from around 15 feet below the surface. That is a nice reminder to secure your belongings before getting in.

Do not expect to walk onto a beach. The boat may cruise past famous beaches or anchor near them, but the published plan centers on swimming from the catamaran. One disappointed passenger expected beach time and found that the boat simply passed coastal beaches before moving on. If you want to put your feet on sand, choose a dedicated beach excursion instead.

A possible look at Delos from the water

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - A possible look at Delos from the water

Delos is one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades, and the route may pass by it. When weather permits, you can see the island and its archaeological remains from the water. The crew may also provide historical background as the catamaran passes.

This is a view, not a shore visit. You will not disembark at Delos on this cruise. That distinction matters because exploring the ruins requires a separate excursion with time on the island.

The pass-by is still a worthwhile addition. From the sea, Delos becomes part of the wider Mykonos setting rather than a separate stop squeezed into a half-day plan. But rough water can change the route, and the captain may skip Delos to keep the ride comfortable and safe.

Lunch, wine, beer, and the onboard service

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Lunch, wine, beer, and the onboard service

The included meal is a three-course lunch cooked by the chef on board. Food was one of the most praised parts of the experience, with repeated approval for pasta and other freshly prepared dishes. One account found the meal only acceptable, so expectations should stay sensible. This is a yacht lunch, not a restaurant tasting menu.

Wine and beer are included, along with soft drinks and bottled water. Some passengers found the drinks plentiful, while another noted that beer had to be requested rather than taken freely from an open station. If you want another drink, ask the crew. Service may be attentive, but it may not work like a self-serve bar.

The crew is a major part of the outing. Names that come up in connection with particularly warm service include Captain Adontis, Alex, Manos, Thomas, George, Harris, and several other crew members. The staff handles safety instructions, assists with boarding, serves lunch, and keeps an eye on the boat while people swim.

The atmosphere is usually friendly, but it is not guaranteed to be a party cruise. Some departures are chatty, with people from different countries meeting over lunch. Others are quiet, with passengers mainly sunbathing and listening to music. If you want an energetic social scene, a private charter gives you more control. If you want peace and a comfortable place to sit, the quieter mood may suit you well.

What the catamaran is really like

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - What the catamaran is really like

A catamaran is a good fit for this kind of day because it offers more usable deck space than many narrow boats. The wide layout creates room for sun beds, seating, and movement around the deck. It also gives you different places to settle, from bright sun to more sheltered lounge areas.

The boat has WiFi, though the main reason to book is the sea rather than a strong connection. Fuel, snorkeling equipment, and the listed water toys are included, so you do not need to pay extra for the basic cruise experience.

There are also rules. One passenger found it necessary to have someone walk alongside while moving around the boat under way. That may feel strict, but it reflects the need to protect people on a moving deck. Listen to the crew’s instructions, especially before standing or changing seats while the catamaran is sailing.

Bring your own swim towel. Towels are not included. Pack sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, and a dry bag or secure pouch for phones and glasses. The boat has WiFi, drinks, and equipment, but it does not replace the few personal items that make a half-day on the water comfortable.

Is $180.19 good value?

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Is $180.19 good value?

At $180.19 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from the bundle: about five hours on a new catamaran, hotel or port transfer when arranged properly, a cooked three-course meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, fuel, WiFi, and possible use of a kayak or SUP.

Transport adds real value in Mykonos. A taxi or private transfer can be costly and inconvenient, especially if you are staying away from the beach areas or arriving by cruise ship. The pickup service also removes the worry of finding the launch point, though you must send your pickup details at least 24 hours before departure.

The price makes more sense if you want a full half-day with food and drinks included. It makes less sense if you mainly want a short swim or a guaranteed visit to Delos. A private boat may suit you better if you are traveling with a group and care about setting the music, route, meal, and pace yourself.

You should also compare this with large cruise ship excursions. A big ship-sponsored outing may have a lower starting price, but it will not necessarily provide the same space or small-group feel. This cruise is limited to 25 people, though it is still shared and not private.

Who should book this cruise?

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Who should book this cruise?

I would point this experience toward couples, friends, families with older children, and cruise ship passengers who want a well-organized day away from town. It works especially well for people who want to swim but do not want to arrange a boat, chef, drinks, and transfers separately.

It suits different energy levels. You can swim and use the SUP or kayak, or simply sit on a sun bed with a drink and watch the coast. The crew gives instructions and helps with boarding, which is useful for anyone who wants support during the practical parts of the day.

I would be more cautious if you need step-free boarding, guaranteed calm seas, or a fixed route. Boarding uses a tender boat, the itinerary changes with weather, and the group atmosphere is not fully predictable. People looking for a loud party should also know that some departures are calm and quiet.

The cruise requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, 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 late cancellations and missed services are not refundable.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport - Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want to see Mykonos from the water, swim in clear Aegean coves, eat lunch without leaving the boat, and let someone else handle the transport. The combination of a modern catamaran, included drinks, and a small maximum group makes the $180.19 price easier to justify.

Do not book it expecting a beach landing, a guaranteed Delos stop, or a nonstop party. The strongest version of this experience is a relaxed half-day at sea, with good crew service, a swim stop, lunch, and room to spread out. For that kind of Mykonos day, it is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours. The main time on the water is spent cruising toward Rhenia or the southern coast of Mykonos, with a swimming stop and lunch.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran cruise, fuel, a three-course lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, WiFi, and snorkeling equipment. A SUP and kayak are available when weather permits.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return are available when you provide your location and a phone number that can receive text messages at least 24 hours before the cruise. Pickup details are sent by text or WhatsApp the evening before.

Where does the cruise start?

The listed meeting point is Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios in Mykonos. The cruise ends back at the meeting point unless arranged transport returns you elsewhere.

Will the catamaran stop at Delos?

The captain may pass by Delos when weather permits, giving you a view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its archaeological remains. The cruise does not include a stop on Delos.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The itinerary includes time to swim and snorkel in the sea, and masks and snorkels are provided. You may also use a SUP or kayak when conditions allow.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 25 people. The cruise is shared rather than private, and the mood may be social or quiet depending on the group.

Are towels provided?

No. Swim towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

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Somewhere to begin the week

A port, a ruin or a mountain road.