The Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise

The best part of this Mykonos day is the contrast: you swim from a boat beside quiet Rhenia, then walk among the ancient ruins of Delos. It is a useful pairing of sea time and archaeology, not just another ride along the coast. The Greek barbecue, wine, fruit, and music give the six-and-a-half-hour outing a relaxed, social feel.

I like the clear-water swim stop, where you can cool off, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the boat away from Mykonos crowds. I also like that you get a real choice at Delos: pay the €20 entrance fee and explore the UNESCO site, or stay near the boat for more swimming and sun. The main drawback is that the Delos visit can feel short, and Rhenia may require climbing down a ladder into the sea rather than walking straight onto a sandy beach.

Key points at a glance

• Rhenia swim stop: Spend about three and a half hours around a quiet part of the island, with swimming, sun, and lunch.
• Greek barbecue onboard: Expect pork and chicken souvlaki, salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, fruit, water, soft drinks, and complimentary wine.
• Optional Delos visit: The archaeological site costs an extra €20 and is explored independently, without an included guide.
• Lively return sail: Music and dancing can turn the last leg into a cheerful boat party, though the atmosphere depends on the group.
• Large, sturdy boat: The boat carries up to 120 people and may feel more secure than a small catamaran in windy conditions.
• Bring your own gear: Towels and snorkeling equipment cost extra onboard, so packing your own is the better value.

From Mykonos Old Port to Rhenia’s Quiet Water

You meet the boat at Aegean Ventures in Mykonos Old Port. Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m., with departure listed for 10:30. Make a point of arriving early. The Old Port is not the same as the cruise ship port, and reaching the meeting point from the larger port requires separate transport. One missed departure caused a serious problem when a passenger arrived about 30 minutes late after walking between the two ports.

The cruise to Rhenia takes about 45 minutes. That first stretch gives you open views across the Aegean and time to settle into the boat. The vessel has restrooms and safety equipment, useful comforts on a full day at sea. It is a shared cruise with a maximum capacity of 120 people, so do not expect a private-yacht setting.

The size is both a strength and a limitation. A larger boat can feel more stable and practical when the wind rises. One passenger specifically appreciated that the cruise continued safely after a smaller catamaran had been canceled because of strong wind. On the other hand, 120 people can mean a busy deck, especially if everyone wants the same swimming spot or a place in the shade.

Rhenia: Swim First, Then Eat

Rhenia is the day’s main pause. The boat anchors near a quiet, undeveloped stretch of the island, and you have roughly three and a half hours for swimming, sunbathing, walking around, and lunch. The water is clear and inviting, and this is the part of the outing that feels farthest from Mykonos town.

The word beach needs a little care here. The captain selects the anchorage according to the day’s wind and sea conditions, and the shore may not be an easy, sandy walk-up. On some departures, you climb down a ladder from the boat and swim to a rocky or less accessible beach. Noodles are available to help you stay afloat, but the ladder can be difficult if you have limited mobility or feel uneasy in open water.

That detail matters. This is a boat-based swim stop, not a standard beach excursion with a broad, level shore. Pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing. If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment if possible. Snorkeling gear is sold for about €15, and towels also cost extra. The exact anchorage is chosen by the captain, so the swimming setup can change with the weather.

While you swim or relax, the captain and crew prepare lunch. The meal includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit. It is straightforward Greek food, designed to feed a boatload of people rather than serve as a refined restaurant meal. That is the right expectation. The meal is generally described as decent to good, and vegetarian guests can be accommodated when arranged with the crew.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, refreshments, and complimentary wine. The wine is part of the easygoing mood, though its quality may not satisfy every palate. The onboard bar is cash only for other drinks, so carry some euros. Alcohol is served only to people aged 18 or older, and an ID or passport may be requested to verify age.

What the Rhenia Stop Really Feels Like

Rhenia works best if you enjoy a flexible outdoor day. You can swim, sit in the sun, stroll along the shore, or stay aboard and watch the crew prepare lunch. There is no formal beach program or organized water-sports schedule. You set your own pace within the shared stop.

The clearest water and quiet setting are the strongest reasons to book. The island has a much calmer feel than Mykonos, and the combination of a swim and a cooked lunch gives the day a welcome rhythm. Families have enjoyed the stop, including children, but parents should be comfortable with the ladder and the possibility that the beach is not easily reached on foot.

If you prefer a soft-sand beach, shallow water, and easy access, this may frustrate you. The boat may anchor some distance from shore, and swimming is sometimes the only practical way to reach land. Ask yourself an honest question before booking: are you happy to spend much of the stop in the sea or on the boat? If yes, Rhenia is likely to be a highlight.

Delos: Ancient Stones and a Tight Clock

After lunch, the boat sails to Delos. You have about one hour and 45 minutes at this stop, and the archaeological entrance costs an additional €20 per person. The fee is set by Greece’s Ministry of Culture and is not part of the cruise price.

Delos is the serious cultural reason to add this cruise to a Mykonos holiday. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its exposed ruins offer a vivid sense of an ancient settlement. You walk independently through remains that include streets, buildings, columns, and sculptural details. Without an included guide, you have freedom, but you also need to bring your own context or accept a more self-directed visit.

I would allow the entrance fee in your budget before booking. At $106.42 per person, the cruise already costs more than a simple swimming trip, but you receive the boat ride, lunch, drinks, Rhenia stop, and the chance to visit Delos. Add €20 for the site and the value depends on your priorities. If you care about ancient Greek sites, the combined day is persuasive. If your main goal is swimming, you may prefer to skip the entrance and keep the experience centered on the sea.

The time at Delos is the main compromise. Some people find it enough for a focused walk, while others wish they had closer to two hours or more. You cannot see every corner of a major archaeological site in 105 minutes, especially if you want to read signs, take photographs, and walk at an unhurried pace. Wear comfortable shoes and keep track of the meeting time. The boat cannot hold the return sailing for late arrivals.

You also have another option. If you do not enter Delos, the captain takes you to a nearby secluded area where you can swim, sunbathe, or relax. This makes the cruise more flexible for families, repeat visitors to Delos, or anyone who would rather spend the full day in the water.

The Return to Mykonos and Little Venice

After collecting the Delos visitors, the boat returns to Mykonos Old Port. The final sailing takes about one hour and 15 minutes and passes Little Venice, giving you a useful photo opportunity from the water. This is a pleasant way to see Mykonos town from a different angle, with the waterfront buildings and famous shoreline forming the backdrop.

The mood often changes during the return. Music may lead to dancing on deck, and the crew, including the energetic Paula, helps keep the atmosphere warm and playful. For some people, this is the most memorable part of the day. It is not a quiet sunset cruise. If you want a calm, hushed ride, sit away from the music and social activity, or choose a smaller sailing.

The party element seems to be more about cheerful group energy than a nightclub scene. Families with young children have enjoyed it, and the crew has made a point of including kids. Still, the boat’s mood depends on the people onboard. Some departures may feel festive, while others may be more subdued.

Sea conditions also matter on the return. Wind and waves can make the crossing rougher, though the crew is attentive and safety equipment is provided. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where movement feels least noticeable, avoid a heavy meal just before departure, and bring any medication you normally use.

Price, Group Size, and What You Get

At $106.42 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mykonos. It is a full half-day outing with a meal, drinks, safety equipment, a restroom, two islands, and the return cruise through Little Venice. Compared with paying separately for a boat ride, lunch, and a visit to Delos, the price can be reasonable.

The value is strongest if you plan to visit Delos anyway and want a swim stop added to the same day. You avoid arranging separate transport between the port and the archaeological site, and you get a social cruise around the schedule. The value is weaker if you do not plan to enter Delos and mainly want a quiet beach day. In that case, you are paying for a large shared boat and a set program when a smaller swim trip might suit you better.

The tour is booked, on average, about 22 days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last moment during a busy Mykonos visit. Confirmation is provided at booking, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. The tour depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several Mykonos experiences in one day:

• You like swimming in clear Aegean water but also want time on land.
• You want to see Delos without arranging a separate boat.
• You enjoy casual food, complimentary wine, music, and friendly group energy.
• You are comfortable with a large boat and a shared schedule.
• You can climb a boat ladder and swim if the captain anchors away from the shore.
• You are traveling with children who enjoy water, music, and a bit of activity.

I would think twice if you need an accessible shoreline, dislike boats with up to 120 people, or want a long, detailed archaeological visit. The Delos stop is independent and relatively brief, and the Rhenia beach may not be easy to reach. The cruise also does not include a guide at Delos, so history fans who want expert interpretation may prefer a dedicated archaeological tour.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Arrive at the Old Port well before 10:15 a.m. Do not confuse it with the cruise ship port. The tour ends back at the same Old Port meeting point.

Wear a swimsuit beneath light clothing and bring strong sun protection. You will spend many hours exposed to sun and wind. Pack a towel, goggles, and snorkeling equipment if you have them. Buying these items onboard is possible, but bringing your own saves money.

Keep a small amount of cash for the onboard bar and the €20 Delos entrance fee. The site fee is separate from the cruise price, and other drinks may be cash only.

Bring comfortable shoes for Delos and secure your belongings on the boat. Keep your ID or passport handy, especially if you may be asked to confirm your age for alcohol service.

Finally, leave room for weather changes. The captain may choose a different Rhenia anchorage based on wind and sea conditions. A larger boat can handle stronger conditions better than a small catamaran, but no Aegean cruise can promise perfectly smooth water.

Should You Book the Authentic Rhenia-Delos Cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, well-rounded day that joins Rhenia swimming, a Greek lunch, and ancient Delos in one outing. The strongest features are the clear water, the generous mix of included food and drinks, the friendly crew, and the flexibility to choose ruins or more swimming.

Do not book it expecting a private cruise, a guaranteed sandy beach, or a long guided tour of Delos. The boat can be busy, the shore access can be awkward, and the archaeology stop may feel rushed. For an active visitor who likes variety and does not mind a little music and motion, the $106.42 price is fair. For someone seeking quiet, easy beach access, or serious archaeological instruction, choose a more specialized experience.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Aegean Ventures at Mykonos Old Port. The meeting point is not at the separate cruise ship port.

What time should I arrive?

Embarkation is at 10:15 a.m., and the listed departure time is 10:30 a.m. Arrive early because the boat follows a fixed schedule.

Is Delos included in the cruise price?

The sailing to Delos is included, but entrance to the archaeological site costs an additional €20 per person. You explore the site independently.

How long do you spend at Rhenia?

The Rhenia portion lasts about three hours and 30 minutes. This includes swimming, sunbathing, walking, and the Greek barbecue lunch.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes pork and chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, and seasonal fruit. Water, refreshments, soft drinks, and complimentary wine are also provided.

Can I skip the Delos archaeological site?

Yes. If you do not want to pay the entrance fee or visit the ruins, you can spend the time swimming and relaxing near a secluded beach.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.