Mykonos: Catamaran Cruise With Meal and Drinks

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is the long stop off Rhenia, where you can swim and snorkel in clear turquoise water while lunch is prepared on board. You get the pleasure of a boat day without having to organize transport, food, or equipment yourself.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, and I like the easy rhythm of the trip: sail, swim, eat, relax, then watch Mykonos come back into view. The main point to consider is the price, $176 per person, which is fair if you value the meal, drinks, transport, and time on the water, but high if you only want a short swim stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhenia is the main attraction: You anchor in a quiet cove for about two hours of swimming, snorkeling, photos, lunch, and free time.
• The boat day is well supplied: Food, beer, traditional Mykonos wine, welcome refreshments, and snorkeling equipment are included.
• Sunset departures add real atmosphere: The return sail passes Mykonos Town and the island’s famous windmills as the light softens.
• You can choose your setting: Book a shared group trip for a social outing, or select a private tour for more control over the day.
• The crew matters: Captains and hosts named in past departures include Antonis, Fanis, Dimitrii, Anesto, and Vog, with friendly service repeatedly praised.
• Plan for sun and wind: Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a jacket. Pickup is from hotels only, and port rules require participant details in advance.

Why this Mykonos catamaran trip works

Mykonos is famous for white houses, windmills, beach clubs, and late nights. It is also a fine place to get away from land for half a day. This cruise gives you a broad view of the island while taking you to Rhenia, a nearby island with clear water and a quieter feel.

I like the balance. You are not trapped on the boat for five hours with nothing to do, and you are not rushed through a string of short stops. The cruise allows time to settle into the day, swim properly, eat a relaxed meal, and enjoy the ride back.

The catamaran is described as modern, and past groups have found it comfortable rather than cramped. One group of 18 reported having plenty of room, while another group of eight said the boat felt much better than expected. Exact capacity and layout can vary, but the available feedback points to a comfortable outing rather than a packed ferry ride.

The activity is run by Dolphin Navigation, with an English-speaking host or greeter and English audio guidance. This is not a formal archaeological tour, and there is no guided visit to Delos. The focus is simple: sea views, swimming, food, and time outdoors.

From your hotel to the new port

The day begins with pickup at your Mykonos hotel in an air-conditioned minivan. The drive to the new port is listed at about 20 minutes, though the actual time depends on the pickup route and traffic.

This transfer is useful in Mykonos, where getting around can be awkward during busy periods. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the port or work out where to meet the boat. One past booking included a private Mercedes transfer, but you should not assume that every departure uses a private vehicle. The standard arrangement is hotel pickup by minivan.

There is one important catch: pickup is available from hotels only. If you are staying in a private rental, villa, or another type of accommodation, confirm the meeting arrangement before paying. Also check your email for the exact pickup time, since hotel routes can vary.

Port regulations require the full name, nationality, age, and passport or identity details of every participant, along with your hotel name and address. That may feel like extra paperwork, but it is part of getting everyone cleared for the boat departure.

Setting sail from Mykonos

At the port, you meet the skipper and crew, receive a safety briefing, and have welcome refreshments. This opening period is listed at about 15 minutes, giving you time to find a comfortable place on the catamaran before leaving the dock.

As the boat pulls away, Mykonos opens up from the water. The familiar white houses look different from offshore, and you get a broad view of the coast rather than the close-up scenes you see from town streets.

The sailing portion is a big part of the experience, not just transport between stops. You can sit back, take photos, and enjoy the sea air while the crew handles the route. Traditional Mykonos wine is available without a set limit during the cruise, and beer is included at the Rhenia stop.

Keep in mind that the Aegean can be breezy, even on a sunny day. A light jacket is specifically recommended, and it is sensible advice. The boat ride may feel refreshing in the afternoon and cool after sunset, especially if you are wet from swimming.

Two hours in Rhenia’s clear water

The catamaran anchors in a small cove off Rhenia for roughly two hours. This is the heart of the outing. You have time for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, free time, and lunch without having to rush from one activity to the next.

The water is the main draw. It is described as clear, turquoise, and sapphire-colored, making this a good choice if you want to see the Aegean from inside the water as well as from the deck. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

The wording around the water matters. This is a cove stop, not a guided snorkeling expedition. You are given the chance to swim and use the equipment, but no detailed underwater tour or marine-life program is described. If you want a relaxed swim and a look below the surface, it fits well. If you expect a structured snorkeling lesson, this is not that kind of trip.

While you are in the water, the crew prepares lunch on board. The meal is described as traditional and fresh, with homemade-style cooking and drinks served during the stop. Past diners generally found the food satisfying, though one person considered lunch average. Another described the meal as excellent, and groups repeatedly praised the amount of food.

That range is worth keeping in mind. This is a boat lunch designed to feed you well during a day at sea, not a fine-dining restaurant. You can expect a straightforward Greek-style meal rather than a menu with many choices. If you have strict dietary needs, ask before booking, since the supplied information does not give a full menu or list special dietary arrangements.

Rhenia also gives you time to do very little. That is part of its appeal. You can swim, take photos, sit with a glass of wine, or simply watch the water around the anchored boat. For many people, this unhurried stretch is more valuable than adding another sightseeing stop.

The return sail, windmills, and sunset

After the Rhenia stop, the catamaran heads back toward Mykonos. The return portion lasts about an hour and a half and includes more sailing, sightseeing, wine, and an aperitif.

The route gives you another look at Mykonos from offshore, including Mykonos Town and the island’s picturesque windmills. Seeing them from the water places the famous postcard scene in a wider setting. You see the town, coastline, and hillside houses together rather than as separate points on a walking route.

Choose an afternoon or sunset departure if you want the most atmospheric return. The sunset option allows you to watch the light change over the horizon while the boat is still out at sea. One couple described the sunset as breathtaking, and that makes sense: the open water provides an unobstructed view, with no streets or buildings blocking the horizon.

Sunset timing changes through the season, so check the available start times for your date. The cruise still has to return to port, and the exact amount of sunset you see depends on the time of year and the conditions that day.

The evening departure also changes the mood. A daytime cruise is better for bright water and clear photos. A sunset cruise is better for a slower, more social feel, with an aperitif and softer light. The boat, route, and swimming stop remain the main parts of the activity.

Food, drinks, and the social atmosphere

The price includes food and drinks, which makes the cost easier to judge. You are paying not only for the sailing, but also for the hotel transfer, crew, lunch, beer, wine, welcome refreshments, aperitif, snorkeling gear, and port-related fees.

Traditional Mykonos wine is offered throughout the cruise. That is a strong feature for people who want a festive boat day without paying separately for every drink. One past group specifically enjoyed having as much Greek wine as they wanted.

Drink variety may be more limited than the wine supply. One sunset group would have preferred a wider selection or the option to bring favorite drinks on board. The supplied information confirms beer and wine, but it does not promise a full bar or specific soft drinks. If your drink preferences matter, ask the operator before departure.

The atmosphere depends partly on the group. Shared trips can be social, and past departures have included couples, families, and groups of friends. Music and a friendly mood have been part of some outings. A private booking gives you more privacy and may suit a celebration or a group that wants the boat to itself, but the price and exact private arrangement should be checked when booking.

The crew has received especially strong praise. Names connected with past departures include Antonis and Fanis, who handled captain duties, food, and navigation on one sunset outing. Dimitrii and Anesto were singled out for friendly service on another trip, while Vog was praised for taking extra care of a group. Crew assignments can change, but attentive hosting is clearly an important part of the experience.

Is $176 per person good value?

At $176 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mykonos. The value depends on how much of the package you would otherwise have to arrange yourself.

I think the price makes sense if you want a polished half-day outing with transportation, a catamaran, a swim stop, food, drinks, and crew support. You are getting a complete activity rather than just a boat transfer. The inclusion of snorkeling gear also saves you from packing or renting equipment.

The value is weaker if your main goal is simply to swim for an hour. In that case, a less expensive beach visit may suit you better. It is also not the right pick if you want a guided tour of Delos, since that is not included.

For a special day, a sunset booking, or a group celebration, the package is easier to justify. You get a change of pace from Mykonos Town, and the hotel transfer removes much of the usual port hassle.

Practical advice for a comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a jacket. Towels are not included, so do not assume one will be available on board.

Wear something that handles wind and water well. You will want sun protection during the Rhenia stop, but you may also want an extra layer for the return sail. Keep your phone or camera secure around the swimming area and bring a way to protect it from splashes.

Children under three cannot join, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. The provided information does not give an age limit beyond that, so families with older children should confirm any specific concerns before booking.

The activity is five hours from pickup through return to port and hotel drop-off. The listed schedule includes a 20-minute van ride, a short port briefing, about two hours at Rhenia, and about 90 minutes sailing back. Allow some flexibility around those times because pickup routes and sea conditions can affect the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Mykonos schedule is still shifting, but you should still read the final booking conditions for your date.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this catamaran trip to you if you want a relaxed day on the Aegean without planning every detail. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with children old enough to swim safely from the boat. It is also a good fit for anyone who values hotel transport and an included meal.

Choose the shared option if you like meeting people, music, and a lively boat mood. Choose private if you want more personal space or are marking a special occasion.

I would skip it if you dislike being on a boat, need a wide range of drink or meal choices, or want a serious guided visit to Delos. For everyone else, the combination of Rhenia’s clear water, a generous swim stop, good crew service, and a sunset return makes this one of the more complete boat outings around Mykonos.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts five hours, including hotel pickup, the port briefing, the cruise, the Rhenia stop, and the return to your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Mykonos. Pickup is only available from hotels, so confirm the meeting plan if you are staying elsewhere.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel transportation, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included for the stop at Rhenia.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Is lunch served on the boat?

Yes. The crew prepares lunch on board while the catamaran is anchored near Rhenia. Food and drinks are included.

What drinks are available?

Traditional Mykonos wine is available during the cruise, and beer is included during the Rhenia stop. An aperitif is also part of the return sail. A wider drink selection is not specified.

Is a Delos tour included?

No. A guided tour of Delos is not included in this activity.

Can children join the cruise?

Children under three are not permitted. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a jacket. You should also check your email for the exact pickup time.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.