Snorkeling in Mykonos: RIB boat to Rineia and Delos

Reach the snorkeling spots other boats can't get to as fast

A semi-private RIB boat cruise from Mykonos takes you snorkeling at Rineia and past the archaeological site of Delos in four hours, with an English-speaking guide, full snorkeling kit and refreshments on board. You swim and snorkel in the Aegean's clearest waters, then explore one of Greece's most important ancient sites by boat, all without the crowds of larger tour groups.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mykonos and nearby islands

• Board semi-private RIB boat
• Cruise to Delos island
• Explore archaeological ruins of Delos
• Swim and snorkel near Delos
• Cruise to Rineia island
• Relax on Rineia's beaches
• Swim and snorkel in crystal waters
• Return to Mykonos

The experience

The boat leaves from Mykonos and heads straight for Rineia, an uninhabited island just southwest of Delos where the water stays clear and the beaches stay empty. You get in the water with snorkeling gear provided, and the guide points out what lives below. Rineia has no permanent residents and no tourist infrastructure, so the coves and sandy stretches stay the way they've been for centuries. This is where most of the four hours goes: in the water and on the beaches, not traveling between stops.

From there, the RIB takes you past Delos, the archaeological site where Apollo was born according to Greek mythology. You don't land on Delos (access is restricted), but the boat circles close enough to see the Terrace of the Lions, the Theater, and the remains of temples and ancient markets from the water. The guide explains what you're looking at as you pass. The speed of the RIB means you cover both islands in a single morning or afternoon without the long ferry waits that slow down bigger groups.

On board you get bottled water, sodas, snacks and alcoholic beverages. WiFi works if you want to upload photos. The boat holds a small group, so there's room to move and no fighting for space at the snorkeling spots. Infants can sit on a lap or use a specialized seat if you're bringing a baby. The guide speaks English and stays with the group the whole time.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Mykonos pickup location.
• snorkeling equipment for the full four hours.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• snacks and alcoholic beverages.
• WiFi on board.
• English-speaking guide for the entire cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesUp to age 85

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aeon Premium Island RIB Experiences

Is this one for you?Four hours is long enough to spend real time snorkeling at Rineia and see Delos from the water, but short enough to fit the rest of your day in Mykonos: lunch in town, a beach afternoon, or an evening out. If you need a full day on the water, look for the longer cruises. If you have only a couple of hours free, this won't fit.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling around Rineia?

Rineia's waters are clear enough to see the seafloor in most spots, and the island's isolation means fewer swimmers stirring up sand. The guide will show you where to find the best visibility and what to look for underwater.

Can you actually land on Delos and walk around the ruins?

No, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with restricted access and no public landing from this cruise. You see the major ruins (the Terrace of the Lions, the Theater, the temples) from the water as the guide describes them, which takes about 30 minutes of the four-hour trip.

Is the RIB boat ride rough, and will I get seasick?

A RIB is a rigid inflatable boat built for speed, so it cuts through the water faster than a traditional ferry and can feel bouncier in chop. The Aegean is usually calmer in summer, but if you're prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding and sit in the middle of the boat where motion is least noticeable.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring, or is it all provided?

The cruise includes a full snorkeling kit (mask, fins and snorkel), so you don't need to bring your own. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and sunscreen. The boat has shade but the sun reflects off the water.

How many people are on the boat?

It's a semi-private cruise, so the group stays small: much smaller than the big tour boats that hold 50 or more. Exact numbers vary by departure, but you won't be packed in.