Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruises with meals Drinks and transportation

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the long stop at Rhenia, where you can swim and snorkel in clear water before a fresh meal is served on board. I like the choice between a daytime sailing and a sunset departure, and I like that hotel pickup saves you from wrestling with Mykonos transport.

The crew, including captains and hosts such as Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, and Andreas, gets strong marks for care and clear explanations. The catch is the wind. Mykonos can turn a smooth sail into a rough ride, and the route may be shortened or moved closer to shore.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at Rhenia: The main event is swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a protected cove.
• Delos is viewed from the water: You pass by the archaeological site, but this cruise does not take you ashore.
• Small-group feel: The catamaran carries no more than 15 people, though some departures may be private for a family or group.
• Food and wine are included: Expect a freshly cooked meal, seafood pasta, meat choices, and homemade rose wine.
• Weather controls the route: Strong winds can cancel Delos, prevent the use of sails, or keep the boat near Mykonos.
• Bring a towel: Towels are not officially included, even though some departures have reportedly had them on board.

A half-day on the Aegean, with Rhenia as the payoff

At $133.02 per person, this five-hour cruise sits in the middle of the price range for a Mykonos boat outing, but it includes several costs that can add up elsewhere. You get hotel transport, fuel, snorkeling equipment, a cooked meal, and wine. That makes the price sensible if you want a swim day without arranging taxis, food, and equipment separately.

I see this as a boat-and-water experience first, and a sightseeing cruise second. You will see Mykonos from the sea, pass the small island of Baos, look toward Delos, and photograph the windmills and Little Venice on the return. But the cruise does not land at Delos, so it cannot replace a proper archaeological visit.

The strongest part of the plan is the balance between movement and downtime. You sail for part of the trip, then spend about two hours at Rhenia. That gives you enough time to swim without feeling rushed through lunch. On a sunset departure, the timing brings you back toward Mykonos as the sky changes color.

Pickup from your hotel and departure from Tourlos

The day begins with pickup by air-conditioned minivan, when a suitable pickup point can be reached. You are taken to Mykonos New Port in Tourlos, where you meet the skipper and crew before boarding the modern catamaran.

This transport is more useful than it may first sound. Mykonos roads can be busy, and port locations are not always convenient from a hotel or rental stay. If you are staying outside Mykonos Town, included transport removes one more thing to arrange. If you are coming from a cruise ship, pay close attention to the pickup instructions and allow plenty of time.

The provider does not refund missed tours caused by a late or absent cruise ship. That rule matters for cruise passengers, who should book only if the timing leaves a safe margin before the ship’s required return.

The pickup system is not a door-to-door promise for every property. Transportation is available from an accessible meeting point, so confirm where you will be collected. A little advance checking here can prevent the most avoidable problem on the day.

Leaving Mykonos behind

Once the catamaran leaves the port, the view changes quickly. The small white houses of Mykonos become a coastal backdrop, and the open Aegean gives you a wide view that is hard to get from the island’s roads.

The crew serves homemade rose wine during the cruise. This is a relaxed social trip rather than a formal sailing lesson, and the atmosphere depends partly on the group aboard. With a maximum of 15 people, it should feel more personal than a large excursion boat. Some departures have had around 10 people, while family groups have booked private outings.

The crew’s role is one of the main strengths. Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Andreas, and other crew members are repeatedly singled out for being attentive, friendly, and willing to explain the places along the route. You can expect basic information about the islands and the coast, not a full archaeological lecture.

The catamaran itself gives you several ways to spend the sailing time. You can sit back, take photographs, and enjoy the breeze, though the front of the boat can get wet. If you prefer a dry ride, choose your seat with that in mind.

Baos and the view toward Delos

The route passes Baos, sometimes described as a small pirate island, before heading toward Delos. This stretch provides the historical flavor of the cruise, but it is a brief view rather than a full visit.

At Delos, the catamaran pauses offshore so you can photograph the archaeological site. A hostess explains some of the island’s history while you look from the boat. You will not receive admission to Delos, and the boat does not drop you at the island.

That distinction is important. Delos is one of the most significant ancient sites in the Cyclades, but seeing it from the water gives you only a taste. If statues, temples, mosaics, and a serious site visit are high on your list, reserve a separate Delos excursion. If you mainly want a photo and a short explanation without giving up most of your day, this pass-by works well.

Weather can remove even this part of the route. Strong winds have caused departures to skip Delos or remain closer to Mykonos. The captain can change the itinerary for safety, so treat Delos as a planned feature, not a guarantee.

Rhenia’s clear water and the two-hour swim stop

After Delos, the catamaran heads to Rhenia, where it anchors in a small cove. This is where the cruise earns its place on a Mykonos schedule.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, and you have about two hours for swimming and snorkeling. Masks and snorkels are supplied, so you do not need to pack your own equipment. The long stop gives you time to swim from the boat, float, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun.

Some outings also allow you to swim toward shore, depending on the anchorage and conditions. The main point is not a guided underwater tour. It is free time in the water, with the crew managing the boat and helping you get settled.

You should bring your own beach towel. This is specifically requested in the tour information, even though a few departures have had towels available. Pack as if none will be supplied.

The stop may feel too long if you are not a swimmer or if the sea is rough. For people who want a proper water break, though, two hours is a major advantage. Many half-day boat trips offer only a quick dip before moving on. Here, swimming is central to the schedule.

A fresh meal served at anchor

The meal is cooked on board while you are at Rhenia. The menu includes seafood pasta and meat choices, along with traditional food. It is described as a full meal in the tour details, though some feedback calls it light, so I would think of it as a substantial lunch rather than a restaurant-style feast.

This arrangement works well. You eat while anchored in a quiet cove instead of rushing through food during the sail. The setting adds something simple but memorable: clear water beside the boat, lunch on deck, and no need to find a waterside restaurant.

The crew has handled food allergies when informed ahead of time, but you should raise dietary needs before departure rather than waiting until lunch. The listed menu includes seafood and meat, so anyone with restrictions should ask what can be adjusted.

Homemade rose wine is included. Beer is not listed among the included drinks, so do not assume it will be available. If you prefer something other than wine, check with the operator before bringing your own drinks.

Sunset, Little Venice, and the return to port

The sunset departure follows the same broad plan, with the timing shifted so the return includes views of the sun going down over Mykonos. The color from the water can be the best reason to choose the later trip, especially if you have already spent your mornings exploring town.

On the way back, the catamaran passes Little Venice and the Mykonos windmills. This gives you a different angle on two of the island’s familiar sights and makes a good final photo stop. You are not walking through Little Venice, but the waterfront view from the boat is worthwhile.

Sunset timing varies by season, and the listed duration is approximate. One departure ran from about 3:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., so check the exact schedule when booking. You will return to the port before transport takes you back to your hotel or the agreed meeting point.

The ride home can be wet at the front of the boat, and the Aegean may be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit toward the center of the boat, watch the horizon, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell. The crew has helped people who became nauseous, but no boat can remove the motion entirely.

The wind is the real deciding factor

Mykonos is famous for its wind, and here it is not a minor footnote. It can affect the route, the comfort of the ride, the use of the sails, and whether Delos is included.

When conditions are poor, the captain may choose a south-coast route that visits well-known Mykonos beaches and a protected cove. That alternative can still provide swimming and lunch, but it may not feel like the open-water island cruise you pictured.

Some departures have stayed close to port because of strong winds. Others have faced rough swells on the way to Rhenia, with passengers feeling seasick. The crew cannot control this, and changing the route is the sensible choice when conditions are unsafe.

I would check the forecast before the 24-hour cancellation deadline. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. After that, changes and refunds are generally not accepted, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed half-day with a real swimming stop, a meal, and transport included. It suits couples, families with children age six and older, and small groups that want time on the water without committing to a full-day sailing.

It is also a smart choice for a first Mykonos visit when you want to see the island from another angle. The cruise gives you coastal views, Rhenia, a glimpse of Delos, and the windmills without using an entire day.

I would hesitate if your main goal is to explore Delos on foot. This is not that tour. I would also think twice if you get badly seasick or are visiting during a period of unsettled weather.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 760 reviews, with 96 percent recommending it. That strong record fits the main pattern: the crew and food are highly praised, while the weak points are usually weather, choppy water, and occasional pickup communication.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want swimming time, a fresh meal, and a small-group boat ride rather than a formal sightseeing cruise. The included transport, wine, snorkeling gear, and two-hour Rhenia stop make $133.02 a fair price for a five-hour outing.

Choose the sunset option for the best photo opportunities, or the daytime departure if swimming matters more than the evening view. Check the wind forecast, confirm your pickup point, bring a towel, and remember that Delos is viewed from offshore.

If those limits suit you, this is one of the more complete ways to spend half a day around Mykonos.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours, including sailing, the Rhenia swimming stop, lunch, and the return to port.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Rhenia and a pass by Delos. It may also pass Baos and the south coast of Mykonos, depending on weather and the captain’s decision.

Can I get off at Delos?

No. Delos is viewed from the catamaran, and the cruise does not include a drop-off or landing on the island.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included by air-conditioned van, but transportation is available only from an accessible meeting point.

Is food included?

Yes. A freshly prepared traditional meal is included, with seafood pasta and meat options.

Are drinks included?

Homemade rose wine is included. Beer is not listed as an included drink.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included for the Rhenia swimming stop.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. You should bring your own beach towel because towels are not included in the official tour information.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may change the route, keep the boat closer to Mykonos, or use a protected cove. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.