Mykonos: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Transfer

The best part of this Mykonos boat trip comes when the catamaran drops anchor at Rhenia Island. You get about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, floating, or simply sitting in the sun while the crew prepares lunch. Delos appears along the way, but only as a photo stop from the water.

I like the relaxed small-group feel, with many departures carrying about 10 to 15 people. I also like the generous food and drink service: seafood pasta, meat, vegetarian choices, fruit, beer, soft drinks, and homemade rosé wine are all part of the outing.

The main consideration is that this is not a Delos archaeological visit. You will not go ashore there. Also, the catamaran may run under motor rather than sail, and windy conditions can change the route.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhenia is the main event: Plan on a long swimming and snorkeling stop in a quiet cove with clear water.
• Delos is viewed from offshore: You can photograph the island, but an archaeological tour is not included.
• Lunch is served on board: Expect seafood pasta, meat, vegetarian food, salad or fruit, and drinks.
• Small groups make a difference: Recent departures have commonly had roughly 7 to 15 people, leaving room to spread out.
• The crew shapes the experience: Hosts including Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Chris, Nikos, and others are known for friendly service and local commentary.
• Weather controls the plan: If the sea is rough, the captain may use a protected cove or sail along Mykonos’s southern coast instead.

Leaving Mykonos by catamaran

The trip begins with a short transfer if you choose hotel pickup. Drivers collect you from Mykonos hotels, and you should wait in the lobby about 10 minutes before the stated time. The transfer takes roughly 15 minutes on the way to the boat and about 20 minutes returning.

If you make your own way to the meeting point, the base manager waits outside Mathios Tavern by 8:30 each day. Confirm the exact departure time when booking, since the five-hour cruise has different start options.

Once aboard, the crew gives a safety briefing and offers a welcome drink. The catamaran has seating and open areas for sunbathing, plus a bathroom. A Bluetooth speaker lets the group connect music, although the tone depends on the people aboard that day.

I would arrive ready to settle in rather than expecting a formal sightseeing vessel. This is a social boat day, not a lecture tour. The crew may explain local places and answer questions, but the focus is swimming, food, scenery, and time on the water.

Passing Delos without going ashore

The boat travels past Delos during the first part of the cruise. The island is one of the Aegean’s most important ancient sites, but this experience gives you an offshore view only. You get time to take photographs from the catamaran, not time to walk among the ruins.

That distinction matters. If Delos is a top priority, book a separate archaeological excursion. A proper visit requires time ashore, and this cruise does not include the hike or entry experience.

Still, seeing Delos from the water fits the pace of this outing. You can photograph the island, enjoy a glass of wine, and avoid spending the whole morning on a structured history tour. The boat usually allows about an hour and a half for the Delos passage and surrounding sightseeing, though the exact timing depends on the captain and sea conditions.

The view back toward Mykonos is part of the appeal. White houses, rocky island edges, and open Aegean water replace the packed streets for a few hours. On later departures, the return can include warm sunset light over Mykonos Town and its famous windmills.

Two hours at Rhenia Island

Rhenia is where the outing earns its place in a Mykonos itinerary. The catamaran anchors in a small cove with clear turquoise water, often away from the busiest beach crowds.

You can swim directly from the boat, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or take a paddleboard out if conditions allow. Pool noodles and similar floatation equipment have also been available on some departures. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

The water is the star here. You may see some fish while snorkeling, but this should not be sold as a major marine-life excursion. The real pleasure is the clear water, the quiet cove, and the chance to cool off without squeezing onto a crowded beach.

The two-hour stop gives you a useful amount of freedom. You are not rushed through a five-minute swim before the boat moves on. Some people can snorkel while others stay dry with a drink and a view. Families can split up easily, though parents remain responsible for children in the water.

The island stop is not always identical. Strong wind or large waves can make the original route uncomfortable or unsafe. In that case, the captain may choose a calmer Rhenia cove or change the sailing plan to protected waters along southern Mykonos. That flexibility is a practical advantage, even if it means you do not follow the advertised route exactly.

Lunch, wine, and the social side of the cruise

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch on board. The meal includes seafood pasta, meat, vegetarian options, seasonal fruit, and other traditional Greek-style dishes. Specific meals described on past departures have included shrimp pasta, lamb or other meat, salad, bread, and wine.

This is more substantial than the usual packet of snacks served on short boat trips. If you have dietary needs, tell the crew in advance and ask what can be prepared. Vegetarian food is listed as available, but the supplied information does not promise every allergy accommodation.

Homemade rosé wine is included, along with beer, water, and soft drinks. The drink service is generous, but use some judgment before swimming or snorkeling. The boat is on open water, and the sun can make alcohol feel stronger than expected.

The meal is served aboard the catamaran, usually after the water stop or during the return. That timing works well: you swim first, dry off, and then sit down to eat while the boat moves back toward Mykonos.

The group setup affects the mood. A departure with seven or 10 people can feel easy and spacious. With 15 people, it is still a small boat group, but you will share the seating, swimming area, music, and food service more closely. Solo visitors and couples can meet people from several countries, while families often find the atmosphere welcoming and informal.

What the crew adds

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Names associated with the operation include Dimitris, Iliana, Margarita, Chris, Nikos, Adonia, Andre, and others, so your exact hosts will depend on the date.

The best crew members do more than serve drinks. Margarita, for example, has been associated with commentary about Mykonos, Rhenia, Greece, and the surrounding islands. Other captains and co-captains have been praised for keeping people comfortable in rough conditions, offering seasickness medication such as Dramamine when needed, and adjusting the route when wind made the original plan impractical.

That service matters on a boat. A friendly crew can make a mixed group feel at ease quickly, while a careless crew can turn a pleasant route into a long afternoon. Here, the consistent pattern is attentive hosting, good food service, and a captain who puts sea conditions first.

Still, do not book this expecting a private charter unless you select an option that specifically provides one. Most departures are shared. The exact group size, music, commentary, and pace will vary from one sailing to another.

Sailing, motor power, and sea conditions

The word catamaran may suggest a quiet sailing trip with the sails up all day. That is not guaranteed here. Some departures operate under motor for much of the route, which helps the crew keep to the schedule and reach Rhenia efficiently.

If your dream is a silent, sail-powered cruise, ask about the expected operation before booking. The catamaran still gives you the feel of being on the sea, with wide views and open-air seating, but it may not deliver a full sailing experience.

Wind is a regular part of the Aegean. On calm days, the ride can be smooth and easy. On a windy day, you may feel chop and spray, especially while crossing open water. The crew has adapted routes during rough conditions, taking the boat toward sheltered coves or the south coast of Mykonos.

Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera. Add a towel, since one is not supplied. If you are prone to seasickness, ask the crew about support before departure and avoid drinking heavily before the crossing.

This activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, and swimming access may be difficult.

The return past Mykonos Town

After lunch and the Rhenia stop, the catamaran heads back toward Mykonos. The return takes about an hour and a half in the stated schedule, though wind and sea conditions can affect the timing.

This is a good point to sit back and photograph the island from a different angle. You may see the windmills and Mykonos Town from offshore, along with the white buildings that look especially sharp against the dry hills and blue water.

Sunset departures add another layer to the trip. The light changes as the boat returns, and the horizon can turn gold and pink. The supplied information includes sunset as an option, but not every departure is a sunset sailing, so check the time before choosing.

Drop-off is offered at three locations listed by the operator, including Mykonos and Mathios Tavern. If you use hotel transport, confirm that your property is covered by the pickup area.

Is $123 a fair price?

At $123 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mykonos. The value comes from what is bundled into the five-hour outing.

You are paying for the catamaran, fuel, crew, a two-hour Rhenia stop, snorkeling gear, SUP use, lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and optional hotel transfers. A basic boat ride with no meal can cost less, but it may not include the same time at anchor or the same level of food and drink service.

The price makes the most sense if you want a half-day break from Mykonos’s crowded beaches and restaurants. It is less compelling if your main goal is visiting Delos, because you only see that island from the boat. It is also a weaker fit if you want a luxury private charter or a pure sailing lesson.

The high overall rating of 4.7 from 451 bookings reflects strong satisfaction with the food, crew, water stop, and organization. The most repeated praise centers on the excellent lunch, attentive hosts, clear water, and the comfortable size of the groups. Those are exactly the areas that determine the value here.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this tour for couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone wanting a relaxed day at sea without planning separate transport, lunch, and equipment.

It suits you if you want to swim in clear water, drink Greek wine, take photographs, and let the crew handle the day. Families have found the setting appropriate for children, including boys aged eight and 10, though every child must be watched around the water.

I would choose something else if you need a fully accessible boat, want a serious archaeological visit to Delos, or expect the catamaran to sail under canvas for the entire route. Strong swimmers and sun lovers will get the most from the Rhenia stop, while those who dislike boat motion should check the forecast and prepare for wind.

FAQ

Does the cruise visit Delos Island?

No. The catamaran passes Delos and stops for photographs from the water. You do not go ashore, hike, or visit the archaeological site.

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts about five hours, including transport if you select the pickup option.

What food is served on board?

Lunch includes seafood pasta, meat, vegetarian choices, and seasonal fruit. Meals may also include salad and bread. One described menu included shrimp pasta and lamb.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Homemade rosé wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are included. The cruise also includes an aperitif service.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and a SUP are included. Towels are not provided, so bring your own.

What happens if the sea is too windy?

The captain can change the route for safety and comfort. The boat may use a protected cove at Rhenia or sail along the southern coast of Mykonos and visit a sheltered area.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup, and drivers will wait no longer than 15 minutes after the scheduled time.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a friendly, food-focused half-day on the Aegean, with a real swimming stop and plenty included in the price. The strongest reasons are the two hours at Rhenia, the generous lunch and drinks, and a crew that adjusts the plan sensibly when the wind changes.

Skip it if Delos is your main reason for going, if you require accessible facilities, or if you want a guaranteed sail-powered voyage. For everyone else, this is a practical way to trade Mykonos’s crowded shore for clear water, open views, and a long Greek lunch aboard a small catamaran.