From Ornos: Mykonos Delos Catamaran Cruise with Meal & SUP

The best part of this five-hour cruise is the balance between open-water sailing and easy beach time. You pass Delos for photos, then anchor near Rhenia for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and lunch. It feels more like a relaxed day at sea than a rushed sightseeing transfer.

I like the small group, limited to 10 people, and the fact that food, towels, snorkeling gear, fruit, water, wine, and soft drinks are included. I also like the personal touch from captain Demitris and Emil, whose cooking received especially strong praise. The main consideration is simple: you see Delos from the boat, but this is not a shore visit or archaeological tour.

Key points to know before you book

• Delos is a photo stop, not a land tour: You cruise past the island and take in the views from the catamaran.
• Rhenia provides the main swim break: Expect clear water, a secluded cove, snorkeling, and time with the paddle board.
• Emil prepares the onboard meal: The food is Greek, fresh, and one of the experience’s most praised features.
• The group stays small: With no more than 10 participants, you get more room and easier access to the crew.
• Sunset departures change the mood: The return trip can end with sunset over the Aegean and views of Mykonos.
• The $165 price covers a lot: Food, drinks, equipment, fuel, and tax are included, though hotel transfers cost extra unless selected.

Leaving Ornos for a day on the Aegean

You meet the base manager at the dock in Ornos, then find your place on the modern catamaran. The first hour is about getting out of the harbor and into the open water, with views back toward Mykonos, its white houses, and the familiar windmills.

The boat has spacious decks, which matters more than it may sound. On a five-hour cruise, you do not want to spend the day squeezed into one seat. You can sit in the sun, look for shade, take photos, or settle in with a drink while the crew handles the sailing.

The group limit of 10 helps here. It does not turn the catamaran into a private charter, but it keeps the outing personal and avoids the feel of a large boat excursion. You should still expect shared space and a social setting, especially during lunch.

Wine, water, and soft drinks are included, along with seasonal fruit. That makes the day easy to enjoy without keeping track of small charges each time you want a drink. Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a camera. The Aegean sun is strong, and there is little reason to spend this trip fully dressed for land.

Passing Delos without stepping ashore

The cruise passes Delos during the outward portion of the trip. You get time to take photos from the deck and view the island from the water, with roughly two hours of sailing and scenic time connected to this part of the route.

Delos is one of the Aegean’s most important ancient sites, but this particular cruise does not include entry, a guide, or a walking visit. That distinction matters. If your main goal is to see the ruins, mosaics, and ancient streets up close, you need a separate Delos excursion.

Still, seeing Delos from the boat can fit well into a day focused on the sea. You avoid giving up the swimming stop and lunch for a longer archaeological visit. I would treat the Delos passage as a bonus and a scenic photo opportunity, not as a substitute for a proper site tour.

The boat gives you a different view of the islands. From the water, you notice the distance between them, the exposed coastline, and the scale of the Aegean in a way that a bus or walking tour cannot provide. You also get the pleasant feeling of moving through the setting instead of simply arriving at a landmark.

Rhenia’s quiet cove and clear water

Rhenia is where the cruise settles into its main rhythm. The catamaran stops in a secluded cove, and you can choose how active you want to be. Swim in the clear water, snorkel with the supplied equipment, try the paddle board, or stay on deck with a drink.

This is the most important stop for anyone booking the cruise as a beach day. The water is the star, and the time here gives you room to enjoy it without a strict list of activities. You are not pushed into snorkeling if you would rather float or sit in the sun.

The paddle board is included, as are beach towels and snorkeling equipment. That saves you from packing bulky gear and gives the outing a more complete feel. Bring your own mask only if you strongly prefer it, since basic equipment is supplied.

One useful expectation to set is that Rhenia may feel peaceful rather than dramatic. A comment from a Spanish participant found the trip very good but hoped for a more unusual beach. That is a fair point. The stop is about clear water, quiet surroundings, and time afloat, not necessarily a famous beach with striking facilities or a long stretch of sand.

For me, that is also part of the appeal. The cruise is not selling a packed sightseeing schedule. It offers a calm cove, a swim, and a meal on the water. If you want beach clubs, shopping, or a landmark you can walk around, this is not the right kind of outing.

A Greek lunch served on board

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The crew prepares a fresh Greek meal on board, with fruit and drinks also included. The menu is not listed in detail, so you should not book expecting a specific dish, but the food is described as traditional, fresh, and flavorful.

Emil handles the cooking, while Demitris serves as captain. The combination gives the cruise a personal feel. You are not simply handed a prepacked lunch as the boat bobs at anchor. The meal is part of the day’s hospitality and gives everyone a natural reason to gather after swimming.

The food received unusually strong praise, including one assessment that called it some of the best food eaten in Greece. That is high praise, and it is worth giving the meal proper weight when comparing prices. Many boat trips include only a basic snack or charge separately for drinks. Here, the meal, water, wine, soft drinks, and seasonal fruit are built into the cost.

Lunch also provides a break from the sun. You can eat, dry off with the supplied towel, and enjoy the view without needing to make another decision. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not state what substitutions are possible, so ask the provider before booking.

The return past Mykonos windmills

The final hour brings you back toward Mykonos and Ornos. The return route includes scenic views from the water, with the town and windmills visible as you approach.

This is a good time for photographs because the view changes from open sea to the recognizable shapes of Mykonos. The white buildings and windmills look especially attractive from the deck, where you can see them as part of the island rather than as isolated sights.

If you choose a sunset departure, the return becomes the visual finish of the day. The sun drops toward the horizon, and the sky changes color while you sail back. One German participant described the sunset as the finest they had seen, so the evening option deserves attention if you value atmosphere more than a midday swim in strong sun.

Sunset timing can also affect how you enjoy the water stop. Check the departure time and daylight available before choosing. The cruise lasts five hours, but the exact starting time varies. A sunset trip may give you softer light and a beautiful return, while a daytime departure may offer more straightforward swimming conditions.

What the $165 price really includes

At $165 per person, this is not a bare-bones boat ride. The price includes the cruise to Rhenia, an experienced crew, the onboard meal, water, wine, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, beach towels, snorkeling equipment, paddle board use, fuel, and tax.

That package has real value if you plan to eat and drink during the outing anyway. You also avoid renting water equipment separately. The small group adds value, since a 10-person limit gives you more room and more direct contact with the crew than a large shared boat.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Otherwise, you meet at the dock in Ornos. Read that part carefully when booking, since the advertised price may not include a transfer unless you choose it.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quick swim and do not care about lunch, drinks, or the catamaran setting. You are paying for a complete half-day at sea, not simply transportation to a beach. I would compare it with the cost of a separate boat trip, lunch, drinks, and equipment rental before deciding.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a relaxed day on the water with enough activity to keep it interesting. Swimmers, couples, small groups of friends, and anyone who values good food on a boat should find the format appealing.

It also works well if you want to see Delos without giving up most of your day to an archaeological visit. You get the island from the water, then spend the useful part of the outing at Rhenia.

You should think twice if Delos is your central reason for booking. There is no land visit or guided tour included. You should also be comfortable boarding and moving around a catamaran, since the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The tour is not suitable for people over 95, according to the activity information. English is the stated language, and the host or greeter is also English-speaking.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under light clothing, since the main activity is getting into the water. Bring a sun hat and sunglasses, and use the supplied towel after swimming.

A camera is worth bringing, but protect it around the water. The catamaran includes a Bluetooth speaker, so music may be part of the onboard setting. If you prefer quiet sailing, keep in mind that this is a shared social trip rather than a silent charter.

The crew includes captain Demitris and Emil. Demitris is responsible for the boat, while Emil is associated with the meal and cooking. The strongest praise focuses on their warm service, careful handling of the boat, and the quality of the food.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful if your Mykonos plans are still shifting.

Is the Rhenia catamaran cruise worth booking?

I would book this cruise if you want a complete sea day: a small group, a comfortable catamaran, a swim stop, snorkeling, SUP, a fresh Greek meal, and drinks without constant extra charges. The combination makes the $165 price easier to justify.

I would not choose it as your main Delos visit, because you only pass the island and take photos from the boat. For that, book a separate archaeological tour and choose this cruise only if the water, food, and sunset matter more to you.

For most visitors who want a relaxed break from Mykonos town, the balance is strong. Just set your expectations correctly: Rhenia offers calm water and leisure, not a major beach attraction, and Delos is viewed from offshore. If that sounds like the right kind of day, this is a well-rounded choice with excellent attention to food and crew service.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours, including the sailing time, the Delos passage, the Rhenia stop, lunch, and the return to Ornos.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at the dock in Ornos, listed as Ornos Ntokos. A base manager waits at the dock to meet you.

Does the cruise visit Delos?

The catamaran passes Delos and provides a photo opportunity from the boat. A shore visit and guided tour of Delos are not included.

What can I do at Rhenia Island?

You can swim, snorkel, use the paddle board, relax on the boat, take photos, and eat the onboard meal.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh meal prepared by the crew is included, along with seasonal fruit, water, wine, and soft drinks.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and beach towels are included, as is use of the paddle board.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select that option. Otherwise, you make your own way to the Ornos meeting point.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve now and pay later.