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

The best part of this Mykonos catamaran cruise is the change of pace. Instead of squeezing through crowded streets and beach clubs, you spend half a day on open water, anchored near Rhenia or the southern coast with room to stretch out. The new Aerial and White Coral catamarans have wide sunbeds, lounge spaces, and a walk-around design that makes a group of up to 25 feel comfortable.

I especially like the freshly cooked three-course lunch and the included wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. The hotel pickup is another real plus, particularly if you are staying away from Agia Anna or arriving from a cruise ship. The main consideration is that the route depends on wind and sea conditions, and this is a relaxed shared cruise, not a high-energy party boat or a private charter.

Key things to know before you book

• Rhenia or the southern coast: Your captain chooses the safest route, with swimming and snorkeling stops built around the weather.
• A comfortable small-group boat: The catamaran carries no more than 25 people, with broad sunbeds and lounge areas.
• Lunch is cooked onboard: Expect a three-course meal, plus wine, beer, bottled water, and soft drinks.
• Delos is usually a pass-by: You may see the UNESCO-listed island and hear about its monuments, but the cruise does not stop there.
• Transfers can simplify the day: Give your pickup location and a text-capable phone number at least 24 hours ahead.
• Bring your own towel: Swim towels are not included, although snorkeling gear and water toys are provided when conditions allow.

A five-hour escape from Mykonos crowds

Mykonos is famous for whitewashed lanes, late lunches, and packed beaches. It is also a place where a few hours on the water can feel like a much-needed reset. This cruise gives you that reset without requiring a full-day charter or a large excursion boat.

The outing lasts about five hours. It begins at Agia Anna beach, near Paraga Studios, unless you arrange a transfer from your hotel or another pickup point. From there, you board by tender boat. That detail matters: you do not simply step from a pier onto the catamaran, so wear footwear that is easy to manage and be ready for a short transfer across the water.

Once onboard, the atmosphere is built around sun, swimming, food, and conversation. The crew gives safety instructions and helps with boarding. Depending on the group, the mood may be social and chatty or quiet and restful. You should book this for a pleasant shared sailing day, not because you expect a guaranteed party.

The boats are new, with wide areas for sitting or lying down. A walk-around arrangement lets you move between the forward sunbeds, side decks, and shaded lounge sections. One practical benefit is that you can find your own level of sun and shade rather than being stuck in one seat for the entire trip.

Rhenia brings the best swimming of the day

The usual highlight is a stop near Rhenia, the uninhabited island beside Delos. You do not come ashore here. Instead, the catamaran anchors in a sheltered area when conditions permit, giving you time to swim in clear water and enjoy the quiet setting from the boat.

This is where the included equipment becomes useful. Masks and snorkels are available, and you may also use a stand-up paddleboard or kayak if the sea is calm enough. Floating noodles and similar water toys have also been available on sailings, which can make the swim stop more comfortable for anyone who would rather float than swim far.

The water is a major reason to choose this trip. Several people have described seeing clearly toward the seabed, with swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding taking up the most memorable part of the day. You might spend your time actively exploring the water, or simply sit on the steps with a drink and watch the sea from the boat.

Do not expect a beach day in the usual sense. The itinerary does not promise time onshore at a sandy beach. The boat may pass famous beaches along the southern coast, but the experience is focused on stopping offshore. If you want to plant your feet on a beach, this is not the right excursion.

Delos appears as a moving history lesson

When weather and timing allow, the captain passes Delos. The island is one of the Aegean’s most important ancient sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with archaeological remains visible from the water.

This is a pass-by, not a shore visit. You will not walk among the ruins or have time to explore the excavations. Still, the view adds useful context to the cruise. The crew may point out the island and explain some of its importance as you pass, turning a scenic moment into a short history lesson.

The exact route can change. Strong wind, rough water, or other safety concerns may send the catamaran toward the southern coast instead of Rhenia and Delos. That flexibility is sensible in the Cyclades, where conditions can shift quickly. It also means you should think of the trip as a day on the Aegean, rather than buying it for one fixed photo stop.

Lunch is part of the experience, not an afterthought

A fresh three-course lunch is prepared onboard by the chef. The meal is included in the price, along with wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. This makes a difference because you are not spending the day deciding where to eat or trying to carry food onto a boat.

The meal has received plenty of praise, and the crew is attentive about keeping drinks available. Names that appear in particularly warm accounts include Captain Adontis, Alex, Manos, Thomas, George, and Harris, although the crew on your sailing may be different. Harris has been singled out for cooking a memorable meal, while Manos and George have been praised for their friendly manner and explanations about Mykonos.

Food is still a personal matter. Some people have found the meal excellent, while others thought it was simply fine or limited for the price. I would treat lunch as a strong convenience and a pleasant part of the outing, not as a restaurant tasting menu. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, the supplied details do not explain how special requests are handled, so ask before booking.

The included drinks also need a realistic reading. Wine and beer are part of the package, but service may be controlled by the crew rather than set up as a help-yourself bar. One person found it frustrating to ask for each beer. That arrangement may feel restrictive if you expect an open bar, but it also helps the crew manage safety on a moving boat.

What the $180 price really covers

At about $180.19 per person, this is not a bargain beach transfer. The value comes from combining several costs and services in one half-day outing: a brand-new sailing catamaran, fuel, crew, hotel transfers when arranged in time, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and access to paddleboards and kayaks when weather allows.

You are also paying for space. A maximum of 25 people is modest compared with the large boats that carry far more passengers around Mykonos. Most reports describe groups of roughly 17 to 20, with enough room to sit apart while still meeting people. That said, one person felt the boat was crowded and found that not everyone had a seat at the same time. Your sense of space will depend on the actual group and how much time people spend on the sunbeds.

The price makes more sense if you value comfort, transfers, a cooked meal, and a simple all-in-one plan. It makes less sense if you mainly want a short swim and do not care about lunch, drinks, or the catamaran itself. A private charter would offer more control and a more personal atmosphere, but it would normally cost more. This shared cruise is the middle ground between a big excursion boat and a private yacht.

The crew shapes the day

The boat and scenery matter, but the crew determines how smooth the outing feels. The most frequently praised qualities are friendliness, clear instructions, attentiveness, and help with boarding and disembarking.

That assistance is useful because tender-boat access can be awkward, especially for anyone carrying bags or feeling unsteady around the water. The crew also explains the rules before departure. Some rules may feel strict, such as asking you to have someone walk with you while the boat is moving, but they are connected to safety on deck.

Communication is especially important for cruise-ship passengers. Several sailings have involved people arriving from ships, and the transfer team has helped when disembarkation ran late or port details were unclear. Still, do not rely on luck. Confirm whether your ship uses the old or new port, and provide the correct pickup information before the deadline.

The transfer request must be made at least 24 hours before the cruise. Give the operator your location and a phone number that can receive text messages. Pickup details are sent by text or WhatsApp the evening before. If you miss that step, you may need to arrange your own transport to Agia Anna.

What to pack for a more comfortable cruise

Pack light, but bring the items that make a boat day easier:

• A swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• A towel, since swim towels are not supplied
• Shoes that are easy to remove for the tender boat
• A phone pouch or small waterproof bag

The sun can feel strong even when the breeze makes the air seem mild. A cover-up is useful at lunch, and a light layer may help if the wind picks up. You should also keep valuables to a minimum. The catamaran has Wi-Fi, but connection quality can vary at sea, so do not plan the day around constant internet access.

Most people can take part, but boarding by tender and moving around a boat require reasonable mobility. If you are concerned about stepping between boats or using the swim equipment, ask the operator before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples, friends, solo visitors who like meeting people, and cruise passengers wanting a shore excursion with transport included. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants Mykonos scenery without spending the day in the busiest parts of the island.

Families and mixed-age groups may like the range of choices. One person can snorkel, another can use the paddleboard, and someone else can stay dry with a drink in the lounge area. The boat offers enough variety without turning the day into a tightly scheduled activity program.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking nonstop entertainment, a nightclub atmosphere, or guaranteed access to a beach. The social tone changes with each group. Some sailings become lively and friendly, while others are quiet, with people resting in the sun.

It is also not the right pick if Delos is your main goal. You may pass the island, but there is no stop for the archaeological site. For that, book a dedicated Delos excursion.

Practical booking details and cancellation terms

The cruise is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. It returns to the meeting point at Agia Anna unless your transfer arrangements take you elsewhere.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded. The trip needs suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The route is also subject to weather. Consider that a benefit rather than a flaw: the captain can choose between Rhenia, Delos, and the southern coast to keep the outing safe and comfortable. But you should not book it with only one fixed stop in mind.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable half-day at sea with a small group, a fresh lunch, included drinks, swimming, and help with transport. The new catamarans, open water, and attentive crew give you a pleasant break from crowded Mykonos, while the flexible route lets the captain work with the day’s conditions.

Think twice if you want a beach landing, a guaranteed visit to Delos, or a lively party. The food and value will also depend on your expectations. At $180.19, this is best understood as a polished shared yacht outing with a meal and transfers, not simply a boat ride.

For most visitors who want to see Mykonos from the water without arranging every detail themselves, I would book it. Just bring a towel, confirm your port or hotel information early, and accept that the Aegean gets the final say on the route.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the cruise start?

The listed meeting point is Agia Anna on the beach near Paraga Studios, Agia Anna, Paraga, Mykonos.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return are available if you provide your pickup location and a phone number that can receive text messages at least 24 hours before the cruise.

What happens if I do not provide pickup details in time?

You will need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Does the cruise stop at Delos?

No. Weather permitting, the catamaran passes by Delos so you can view the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its archaeological monuments. It does not stop there.

Will the boat always go to Rhenia?

Not always. The captain may adjust the route between Rhenia, the southern coast of Mykonos, and a pass-by of Delos depending on weather and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course meal prepared onboard is included.

Are drinks included?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. Swim towels are not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum of 25 participants. The catamaran used may be Aerial or White Coral, depending on availability.