Mykonos: Catamaran Cruise With Meal and Drinks

The best part of this cruise is the stop at Rhenia Island, where the catamaran anchors in clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkeling. I like the easy mix of sea time and Greek food, plus the option to return at sunset with Mykonos glowing in the evening light. The five-hour format also gives you more than a quick boat ride.

I also like that pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks are included. The main caution is that the $176 price is not small, and pickup is limited to hotels. One departure had to deal with a hotel pickup problem, so confirm that detail before paying.

Key points at a glance

• Rhenia swimming stop: You get about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, photos, lunch, and free time in a sheltered cove.
• Greek food and wine onboard: Traditional food is served on the boat, with Mykonos wine, beer, and other drinks included.
• Sunset option: An afternoon departure can end with views of Mykonos Town, its windmills, and the setting sun.
• Hotel transport included: Air-conditioned minivan pickup and drop-off make the port connection simple, provided your hotel is eligible.
• Shared or private sailing: You can choose a group outing or a private catamaran, depending on the booking option.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not provided, and you should also pack a jacket for the ride back.

The real appeal: a swim stop, not just a boat ride

Many boat trips around Mykonos spend most of their time moving from one view to another. This one gives you a proper pause at Rhenia. The catamaran anchors in a small cove, and you have time to swim, snorkel, eat, take photos, and simply sit in the sun.

That matters because five hours on the water can feel long if the cruise has no clear center. Here, the Rhenia stop gives the day a purpose. You are not only looking at the Aegean from a deck. You are getting into it.

Rhenia is near Mykonos but feels quieter once the boat leaves the port area. The water is described as clear and turquoise, making this the strongest part of the outing for anyone who values swimming over sightseeing. You should still think of it as a natural anchorage, not a developed beach visit. There is no mention of shore facilities, beach chairs, or a guided walk on the island.

The catamaran itself adds comfort. You can find a place to sit, feel the sea breeze, and move around more easily than you might on a narrow motorboat. The boat is described as modern and clean, and one larger group of 18 found it comfortable rather than cramped. Group size can vary, though, so the shared option will not give you the same control or privacy as a private booking.

Leaving Mykonos by minivan and catamaran

The day begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minivan. The drive to the new port is listed as about 20 minutes, though the actual time can depend on where your hotel sits and how many pickups are made.

This is useful in Mykonos, where getting to the port can be less simple than it looks. You do not have to arrange a taxi just to begin the cruise, and the return transfer is included. Pickup is available from hotels only, not every accommodation type or private address, so provide your hotel name and full address when booking.

At the port, you meet the skipper and crew, receive a safety briefing, and have welcome refreshments. This portside start takes about 15 minutes. It is not a tour of Mykonos port, but it gives you time to settle in, learn the basic safety points, and choose a comfortable spot before sailing.

You will need to provide each participant’s full name, nationality, age, and passport or ID details because of port regulations. Also check your email for the confirmed pickup time. That small step prevents a lot of morning confusion.

Sailing past white houses and Mykonos windmills

Once the catamaran pulls away, the mood changes quickly. The port activity gives way to open sea, breezes, and views back toward Mykonos. You can photograph the island’s white buildings from the water, a useful change from seeing the same buildings at street level.

The return route includes views of Mykonos Town and its famous windmills. The windmills are especially photogenic from the sea, where their position above the town becomes easier to appreciate. If you choose the sunset departure, this part of the cruise comes later in the day, with softer light and a warmer tone over the island.

The cruise includes an English-speaking host or greeter and an English audio guide. Do not expect a long, lecture-style sightseeing tour. The main appeal is the setting, the sailing, and the relaxed pace. You receive some information about the islands, but this is primarily a leisure cruise rather than a detailed cultural tour.

That distinction helps you choose wisely. If you want a full account of Mykonos archaeology, local history, and Delos, this is not the right boat trip. A guided tour of Delos is specifically not included.

Two hours in Rhenia’s clear water

The catamaran reaches Rhenia after the initial sailing and anchors in a small cove. The stop lasts about two hours, which is generous for a half-day cruise. You are not rushed into a five-minute swim before the captain pulls the anchor.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The water is the star here. You can swim from the boat, look below the surface, and use the clear conditions for photos. Bring a towel, since towels are not supplied, and pack sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear.

The schedule combines water time with lunch. While you swim or snorkel, the crew prepares a traditional meal onboard. This is a practical arrangement because you can enjoy the cove without giving up time to search for food on shore.

Past departures have included swimming, snorkeling, and, on at least one outing, stand-up paddleboarding. Paddleboards are not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not book this cruise specifically for SUP unless the operator confirms it for your date.

You should also remember that weather and sea conditions can shape the experience. One departure remained enjoyable despite poor weather, but the water may not look the same every day. The cruise is best for people who are happy to let the crew adjust the pace to the sea.

Lunch, wine, and the practical value of the price

The cost is $176 per person. That places this above a simple short harbor cruise, but the package includes several costs that can add up quickly: hotel transport, a modern catamaran, crew, snorkeling gear, lunch, wine, beer, other drinks, and the return ride.

The food is traditional and prepared onboard by the hostess and crew. It is not presented as a formal restaurant meal, and one outing found the lunch average, while other departures praised both the meal and the amount of food. I would set your expectations at a generous boat lunch rather than a fine-dining experience.

Drinks are a strong part of the value. Mykonos wine is available throughout the cruise, and beer and wine are included at the Rhenia stop. One practical limitation is drink variety. A sunset passenger wanted more choices and would have preferred the option to bring favorite drinks onboard. If you have a particular beverage in mind, ask before departure rather than assuming it will be available.

The social side also affects the value. A shared cruise can feel lively, especially if you enjoy music and meeting other people. Several departures had a friendly, relaxed mood, and the crew was praised for being attentive. A private cruise costs more in most cases, but it gives your group more control over the atmosphere and space.

The crew makes the difference

A boat outing depends heavily on the people running it. The crew handles navigation, food, safety, drinks, and the general mood of the day. Names associated with past departures include Dimitrii, Anesto, Vog, Antonis, and Fanis, with Antonis and Fanis also serving as hosts and cooks on one sunset sailing.

The consistent strength is the crew’s hospitality. They have been described as friendly, attentive, accommodating, and willing to keep the day comfortable. That matters on a catamaran because you spend several hours in a fairly close setting with the same people.

The crew also has to balance different wishes. Some people want music and conversation. Others want quiet time in the sun. Some want to swim several times, while others would rather stay dry and take photographs. The best part of this cruise is that the Rhenia stop gives you room to choose your own pace.

Do not expect a formal guide standing at the front for five hours. This is a hosted sailing with practical information, food service, and sightseeing. The English audio guide adds support, but the experience is not built around a long spoken presentation.

Choosing between daytime and sunset sailing

The sunset option is the more memorable choice if your schedule allows it. After the Rhenia stop, the catamaran returns toward Mykonos while the light softens. You can see the windmills and town from the water, then watch the sun drop toward the horizon.

That timing changes the mood. A daytime sailing is better if your priority is bright water, strong swimming conditions, and clear photos. A sunset sailing adds a slower finish and gives you a natural aperitif period on the return ride.

The tradeoff is simple: the sea can feel cooler later, and you should bring a jacket. The activity specifically recommends a jacket, which is good advice for an open boat after the sun drops. You may also want to keep sunscreen on during the return, since the afternoon light can still be strong.

The sunset is not a substitute for the Rhenia stop. The main value remains the swimming, snorkeling, meal, and time at anchor. Think of sunset as a bonus that improves the final part of the cruise.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this experience to couples, friends, and families with older children who want a relaxed day on the water without arranging every detail themselves. It works especially well for anyone who values swimming and food more than a formal guided tour.

It can also suit a small celebration or group outing. A group of eight found the catamaran comfortable, and another group of 18 had enough room for the boat to feel pleasant rather than packed. Still, shared group size is not fixed in the information provided. If personal space matters, choose the private option.

Children under three are not permitted, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. For everyone else, the main physical demand is getting around a boat and entering the water for swimming or snorkeling. You can choose not to swim and enjoy the deck, but the Rhenia stop is much more rewarding if you want to get in the sea.

This is less suitable if you want a beach day with sand and facilities, a serious snorkeling expedition, or a detailed visit to Delos. It is also not the best pick for someone who dislikes group outings, open water, or a set meal and drink selection.

What to bring and what to confirm

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a light jacket. The towel is easy to overlook because snorkeling gear is included, but it is specifically not provided.

Before booking, confirm that your hotel is within the pickup area. Pickup is advertised for hotels only, and one passenger found that transport was not available from the hotel expected. Send the requested identity details early and watch for the pickup email.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve now while paying later. Check the available starting times carefully, especially if you want the sunset version. The total activity lasts five hours, including roughly 20 minutes of van travel, a short port briefing, about two hours at Rhenia, and around 90 minutes of sailing back toward Mykonos.

Should you book the Mykonos Rhenia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a polished half-day on the Aegean with a real swimming stop, included food and drinks, and easy hotel transport. The strongest reasons are the time at Rhenia, the friendly crew, and the sunset option.

I would hesitate only if $176 feels high for a shared boat, if you need a wide range of drinks, or if your main goal is Delos and historical sightseeing. For a relaxed water day that combines swimming, Greek food, wine, and views of Mykonos from offshore, this is a solid choice. Confirm hotel pickup, bring a towel and jacket, and choose the sunset departure if the evening light matters to you.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts five hours. The schedule includes about 20 minutes by minivan, a 15-minute port briefing and welcome, roughly two hours at Rhenia, and about 1.5 hours sailing back toward Mykonos.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges are included.

Is lunch served during the cruise?

Yes. The crew prepares a traditional meal onboard while the catamaran is anchored at Rhenia.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include Mykonos wine, beer, and other included beverages. The available selection may be limited, so bring any preferred drink only if the operator confirms that this is allowed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a jacket.

Does the cruise visit Delos?

No. A guided tour of Delos is not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels. You must provide the hotel name and full address, and one reported departure had a problem with pickup availability, so confirm this detail before traveling.

Can I choose a private cruise?

Yes. The experience offers a choice between a shared group tour and a private tour.

Is the cruise suitable for young children or pregnant women?

Children under three are not permitted, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women.