Mykonos, Rhenia & Delos: Cruise, Beach BBQ & Ancient Ruins

Summary

Swim Rhenia’s clear waters then wander ancient Delos with a local captain’s stories and a Greek BBQ lunch

You’ll swim in clear blue water off Rhenia island, eat fresh Greek BBQ on deck with new friends, and choose between exploring ancient Delos or relaxing at another quiet beach. With local stories from your captain and plenty of time to soak up sun or history, it’s an easygoing day that lingers in your memory long after you’re back in Mykonos.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water around Rhenia to be that clear — like someone had just rinsed the whole sea. We left Mykonos old port in the morning (I was still half-awake, honestly) and after maybe 45 minutes, the boat stopped near this empty stretch of beach. There was this salty breeze and the captain, Nikos, grinned as he handed me a snorkel. “Go on,” he said, so I did — the sand felt weirdly soft underfoot, almost powdery. I floated for ages, just listening to muffled voices from the boat and that gentle clink of glasses somewhere behind me.

Lunch happened while we were still drying off in patches of sun. The smell of grilled souvlaki drifted over before I even saw the plates — pork and chicken, plus bread and some kind of rice with herbs I couldn’t name. Someone passed around a bowl of tzatziki; I probably took too much but no one seemed to mind. There was wine if you wanted it (I did), or just cold water or juice. The captain joked about his “secret recipe” for salad but wouldn’t share what it was. We all laughed at that — even the quiet couple from Milan joined in.

Around 2:30pm we sailed over to Delos for anyone who wanted to see Apollo’s birthplace (the entrance fee isn’t included — heads up). I wandered off by myself past some old columns; there’s this dry heat there, and you can almost hear echoes if you stand still long enough. If ruins aren’t your thing, Nikos will take you to another little beach instead — apparently he knows them all by heart. On the way back toward Mykonos we passed Little Venice just as the light started turning gold; someone tried to get a group photo but half of us blinked at the wrong time. Still makes me smile thinking about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rhenia and Delos island cruise

• Depart from Mykonos Old Port
• Arrive at Rhenia island
• Swim and sunbathe on beach
• Stroll around Rhenia island
• Enjoy Greek BBQ lunch on board
• Sail to Delos island
• Explore Delos archaeological site or swim at nearby beach
• Gather and sail back to Mykonos
• Pass Little Venice for photo opportunity
• Arrive at Mykonos Old Port

Top questions

How long is the cruise from Mykonos to Rhenia?

It takes about 45 minutes by boat from Mykonos old port to reach Rhenia island.

Is lunch included on the Rhenia-Delos cruise?

Yes, a Greek BBQ lunch with souvlaki (pork & chicken), salad, rice, tzatziki, bread, fruit, wine and refreshments is included.

Can I skip visiting Delos archaeological site?

Yes, if you don’t want to visit Delos you can stay with the captain at another secluded beach for more swimming or relaxing.

Are drinks included on board?

Complimentary wine, water and soft drinks are included during the cruise.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options for this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to pay extra for Delos entry?

The entrance fee for Delos archaeological site is not included; it costs €20 per person (set by Greece’s Ministry of Culture).

What time does embarkation start?

The embarkation time is at 10:15 a.m. at Mykonos old port.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the cruise boat.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety equipment onboard plus complimentary wine, soft drinks and water throughout the cruise. A Greek BBQ lunch with pork and chicken souvlaki, fresh salad, rice with herbs, tzatziki sauce, bread and seasonal fruit is served while anchored off Rhenia. Restroom facilities are available onboard for comfort during your trip.