Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks

Rhenia is the star of this cruise: an uninhabited island where you swim straight from the yacht into clear Aegean water, far from Mykonos’s organized beaches. I like the mix of south-coast sightseeing and quiet swimming, plus the generous Greek meal with wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee included.

I also like the small-group feel, with no more than 35 people, and the friendly crew, often praised by name, including Costas, Joanna, Bobi, and Foti. The main caution is wind: a calm day can be wonderfully easy, but the return ride may be rough when the Meltemi is strong.

Key points

• Rhenia swimming stop: Swim and snorkel directly from the yacht in clear water, since there are no pier facilities or tender boats to shore.
• Mykonos beach safari: Pass Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise from the water.
• Greek buffet on board: Expect dishes such as moussaka, chicken, potatoes, bread, tzatziki, salad, and vegetables, depending on the day.
• Drinks included: White and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, tea, coffee, and a farewell shot are covered.
• Sunset return: The ride back offers broad views across the Aegean as the light turns yellow, orange, and red.
• Weather matters: Rough water can make the return lively, so book early in your stay if you need flexibility.

Why Rhenia makes a better swimming stop than Mykonos

The cruise leaves from Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, on the southwest side of Mykonos, and heads along the island’s southern coast. This side is sheltered more often from the strong northerly Meltemi winds, which helps explain why so many famous beaches are gathered here.

Your first sightseeing comes from the water. You pass Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise, each known for its beach setting and summer activity. From a yacht, you get a different view than you would from a road or beach chair. You see the curve of the shore, the hills behind it, and the packed resort areas without having to spend your afternoon moving between them.

After about an hour of sailing, the yacht heads toward Rhenia, also called Big Delos. It is an uninhabited island, reachable only by yacht in this experience, and its quiet setting is the main reason to choose this cruise. You trade Mykonos beach clubs and organized facilities for open water, rocky shore, and a slower afternoon.

The important detail is that the yacht does not dock at a beach. You enter the water using the swimming ladder at the back or side of the boat. There is no pier, and no tender carries you ashore. If you want a traditional walk-on beach stop, this is not that kind of trip. If you are happy swimming from a boat, the setup gives you direct access to clear water without the crowds of Mykonos.

Swimming and snorkeling from the yacht

You have about two hours at Rhenia, although the exact timing can shift with the weather and sailing conditions. The crew provides masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles at no extra charge. You can swim, float, or look below the surface near the yacht.

The water is clear and refreshing, but it is not a heated pool. One account described the sea as cool, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with depths of roughly 15 to 20 feet at a swimming stop. That gives you a useful sense of the conditions: good for confident swimmers and casual snorkeling, but not ideal if you dislike cooler water or need shallow footing.

Several accounts describe two chances to swim during the broader cruise, though the planned Rhenia stop is the main focus. Weather and the captain’s judgment can affect the exact pattern. On a windy day, the crew may choose a more protected cove or alter the route for safety.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. Towels are not included, though one can be rented on board. The boat has floating noodles, which are useful if you want to relax in the water without swimming hard, but you should still be comfortable using a ladder and entering open sea.

Greek food served while the yacht rests

The early dinner is one of the strongest parts of the experience. While you swim or relax near Rhenia, the crew prepares a Mediterranean buffet on board. Dishes described for this cruise include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, Greek salad, bread, and tzatziki.

This is not a formal restaurant meal. It is a practical yacht buffet, served after you have spent time in the water, with the sea around you and the boat acting as your dining room. The meal can feel especially welcome after swimming, though timing is worth noting. Some passengers found the food was served around 2 p.m. and arrived hungry, so eat a proper breakfast and consider bringing a small snack if you tend to need food earlier.

Food quality can vary from day to day, as it does with any meal prepared aboard a moving boat. Still, the menu gives you a solid taste of familiar Greek cooking rather than generic sandwiches. The moussaka, salads, tzatziki, and bread are particularly suited to a relaxed shared buffet.

Drinks are included throughout the cruise: white and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea. There is also a farewell shot before the trip ends. The drinks may not appear in your hand without asking, so if the crew is busy, simply request what you would like. Responsible drinking matters here, since you still have swimming, sun, and a boat ride ahead.

The sunset sail back to Mykonos

After roughly two hours around Rhenia, the yacht turns back toward Mykonos. This is when the cruise shifts from swimming day to sunset outing. The return offers wide views across the blue Aegean, with the evening light changing from bright gold to orange and red.

The sunset is not guaranteed to be clear, of course. Clouds, wind, and the boat’s exact position all affect the view. Still, the timing is designed to place the return during the best light, and the combination of open sea, low sun, and nearby islands gives you a memorable finish.

The sailing itself can range from smooth to lively. On calm days, it is a relaxed ride with time to sit, talk, and watch the shore. With stronger wind, the boat may pitch and spray can come over the sides. One account described a rough return as uncomfortable and mood-changing, while another family enjoyed the waves as part of the fun.

If you are prone to seasickness or nervous in rough water, check the forecast before committing and bring any medication you normally use. This cruise depends on good weather, and the operator may change the route, disembarkation point, or date when conditions make the original plan unsafe.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is a major part of the cruise. Names connected with the experience include Costas, Joanna, Bobi, Foti, and Tarsos, though your exact crew depends on the yacht assigned that day. Their work includes sailing, safety briefings, food preparation, drink service, and helping people in and out of the water.

Joanna is especially praised for her cooking, while Costas and other crew members are described as warm hosts. Bobi and Foti are also singled out for their sailing and easygoing manner. One memorable touch is that a captain showed a child how to steer and explained parts of the boat, something families may appreciate.

The cruise begins with a welcome and safety overview at the yacht. Pay attention, even if you have been on boat trips before. You need to know where the safety equipment is, how to use the swimming ladder, and what the crew expects when the boat is under way.

The atmosphere is social but not necessarily formal. The maximum group size is 35, and the actual number can vary with the yacht and weather. Some departures feel quite spacious, while others will have a full group. If you want a private yacht charter, this is not it. If you want a shared sailing day with enough room to sit, swim, and eat, it offers a useful middle ground.

Price, pickup, and what to sort out before sailing

At about $114.89 per person, the price is reasonable if you make use of the full package. You are paying for a five-hour yacht cruise, crew, fuel, taxes, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, floating noodles, a buffet meal, and a wide selection of drinks.

The value is strongest for anyone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and beach transfers. It is less compelling if you only want a short scenic sail or if you do not plan to swim and eat on board.

The standard meeting point is C8F4+2QR, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, Mykonos. Pickup and drop-off are not automatically included. They can be arranged after booking for an additional charge, either from your hotel or from a designated meeting point, depending on where you are staying.

At the dock, look for a Sunfos Alessia Yachting representative wearing a company shirt or holding a sign. The disembarkation point can change without notice if weather conditions require it, so keep your plans flexible after the cruise.

You need to provide each passenger’s full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth for the passenger list. Pregnancy, mobility limitations, and health concerns should be disclosed before booking. The activity calls for a moderate level of physical fitness, mainly because of the yacht steps, swimming ladder, open-water conditions, and possible movement under sail.

The tour is offered in English and includes mobile ticketing. Confirmation is normally issued at booking, although reservations made within one day of departure are subject to availability and may take longer to confirm.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos sailing trip

I would choose this for a first visit to Mykonos when you want more than a beach afternoon. It lets you see the south coast, spend real time in open water, eat a Greek meal, and finish with sunset views in about five hours.

It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who like an active day with plenty of downtime. Children who enjoy swimming and boats should find plenty to do, though parents must judge their comfort with open water and a boat ladder.

It is also a good choice for anyone arriving by cruise ship, provided the timing works and you follow the pickup instructions carefully. The port arrangements have been described as straightforward, but optional transfers cost extra and are not part of the standard price.

I would think twice if you want to walk onto a sandy beach, visit archaeological ruins, or spend the whole day in calm, shallow water. Rhenia may have visible remains and nearby Delos views, but this experience is centered on swimming from the yacht, not a guided archaeological tour. You may spend the full stop on board if you do not enter the water.

Book near the beginning of your Mykonos stay when possible. The operator can cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund, so an early booking gives you more room to reschedule. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Rhenia sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded day on the water rather than a simple sightseeing boat. The strongest reasons are the secluded Rhenia swim, the included snorkeling gear, the generous Greek buffet, and the sunset ride back to Mykonos.

The decision comes down to two questions: Are you comfortable swimming from a yacht, and can you accept the possibility of rough seas? If yes, the $114.89 price covers enough food, drinks, sailing, and equipment to make it good value. Choose a calm-weather date, eat breakfast, bring sun protection and a towel or towel money, and you will be set up for one of Mykonos’s more relaxed days away from the crowded shore.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours, including the sailing, beach sightseeing, Rhenia stop, meal, drinks, and return to Mykonos.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The listed start and end point is C8F4+2QR, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, 846 00, Greece. The disembarkation point may change because of weather.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are optional and available for an additional charge upon request after booking. The operator may arrange transport from your hotel or a designated meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles are available on board at no additional charge.

Is food included?

Yes. An early-dinner Mediterranean buffet is included. Dishes may include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, Greek salad, bread, and tzatziki.

Which drinks are included?

White and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and a farewell shot are included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.