Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Sail Cruise with BBQ Lunch

Summary

Ancient ruins, island swims and barbecue on the Aegean

You’ll sail from Mykonos to Delos & Rhenia islands with a small group, explore ancient ruins or just relax on deck, then swim in clear blue water before sharing a fresh BBQ lunch together. With local guides and all gear included, you’ll feel part of something real — not just another tour.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a coffee as I stepped barefoot onto the deck — I remember the way the wood felt warm already, even though it was barely 10am. The crew joked about “Greek time” while passing out life vests (no one wore them but it felt good to know they cared). Our guide, Yannis, pointed at Delos rising out of the haze ahead and told us how Apollo was born there. I’d heard that story before but hearing it with the wind in my face made it stick differently.

We docked at Delos and had maybe an hour and a half to wander — you could go with a guide or just roam. I tried to pronounce some of the names on the old stones; Yannis laughed and said even Greeks mess them up sometimes. The air smelled dusty-sweet, like thyme and old sun. Some folks stayed on board to swim instead, but I couldn’t skip seeing those ruins up close. It’s weird how quiet it is there — just cicadas and your own footsteps.

After that we sailed over to Rhenia for swimming. Water so clear you see your toes wiggle meters down. There were noodles and snorkeling masks for anyone who wanted them (I’m not much of a swimmer so that helped). Someone started grilling souvlaki right on deck — the smell drifted everywhere, mixing with sea salt. We ate together in our swimsuits, laughing about who got sunburned first. There was wine too, poured into plastic cups that kept tipping over if you didn’t watch them.

The sail back felt slower somehow — maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet. Sun on my face, salt drying on my skin, stories from strangers turning into friends by accident. It’s funny what sticks with you after a day like that; I still think about the taste of grilled veggies mixed with sea air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mykonos sail to Delos and Rhenia islands

• Get on board and receive safety briefing
• Sail towards Delos island
• Explore ancient Delos or relax on board
• Continue cruise to Rhenia island
• Swim and snorkel in Rhenia waters
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on board
• Sail back to the meeting point

Top questions

Is pickup from my hotel in Mykonos included?

No, but roundtrip pickup can be arranged for €20 per person if pre-booked.

How long do we spend at Delos island?

About 1.5 hours are given for exploring Delos.

Is there a guided tour of Delos available?

Yes, a professional guided tour is available for €45/adult or €40/child plus €20 entrance fee per person.

What food is served during the cruise?

A freshly prepared BBQ lunch with meat and veggie options is served onboard.

Are drinks included on this Mykonos sailing cruise?

Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, white/red wine and beer are all included.

Can non-swimmers join the swimming stop at Rhenia?

Yes—swimming noodles and life vests are provided for anyone who needs them.

How many people will be on the boat?

The boat can take up to 30-40 people depending on which yacht is used but there’s always space to relax comfortably.

Do I need to bring anything special?

You should bring your swimsuit, hat, sunscreen and maybe a light jacket for early or late season trips.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Mykonos with a local escort or host onboard, use of snorkeling equipment for swimming stops at Rhenia island, personal insurance throughout the trip, WiFi access if you want it (though honestly I barely touched my phone), plus coffee, tea, water, soft drinks as well as white/red wine and beer during lunch — which is freshly grilled right there on deck with plenty of veggie options too. Optional hotel pickup/drop-off and guided tours of Delos can be arranged ahead of time for an extra fee.