Mykonos Cruise: Prosecco, BBQ, Sailing Demo & Delos Stop

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is that it gives you more than a pretty boat ride. You can actually help raise the sail, take the helm beside the captain, step ashore on Delos, and then spend the afternoon swimming from a large catamaran near Rhenia.

I like the hands-on sailing demo and the choice built into the Delos stop. You can explore the sacred island, or stay on board and swim at a nearby bay. The main consideration is access: boarding uses a short tender transfer, and this trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key points at a glance

• Take the helm on the Aegean: The crew shows you how to open and retract the main sail, then lets willing participants steer beside the captain.
• Visit Delos instead of only sailing past it: You have about 90 minutes for the island, photos, and free time, or you can remain on board for swimming.
• Swim at Rhenia with lunch on deck: The second stop combines turquoise water, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a freshly prepared Greek BBQ.
• Enjoy a roomy two-level catamaran: Avra, a Lagoon 560, offers broad sun decks, shaded lounges, and upper-level views.
• Pay one price for a lot: At $170 per person, the six-hour trip includes transfers, Prosecco, meals, unlimited drinks, equipment, towels, sunscreen, and Wi-Fi.

Boarding Avra at Platis Gialos

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Mykonos. The driver meets you outside the main entrance, or at the nearest vehicle-accessible point if your accommodation sits on a narrow or restricted road. That small detail matters in Mykonos, where hotel entrances and roads are not always easy for larger vehicles.

At Platis Gialos, you make a short tender transfer to the catamaran. It takes about two minutes by speedboat. This is not a difficult journey for most people, but it is worth knowing before you book if you have trouble stepping between boats or balancing on a moving deck.

The catamaran is called Avra, a two-level Lagoon 560. You can settle on a wide sun deck, find shade in the lounge areas, or head upstairs for open views across the South Aegean. The first drink is a glass of chilled Prosecco, and the crew gives a short safety briefing before the boat gets underway.

The two-level layout gives you options. If the sun feels strong, shaded areas are useful. If you want photos or a clear view of the sails, the upper deck is the place to be. The boat also has Wi-Fi and music, though the real entertainment is the sea, the sails, and the changing view of the Cycladic islands.

Learning to sail instead of only watching

The first hour is not just a transfer to the next stop. The crew explains how the main sail works and demonstrates how to open or retract it according to the wind and sailing conditions.

You may be invited to help raise the sails. If you want a more active role, you can take the helm next to the captain. This is a simple but valuable touch. Many sailing excursions make you a passenger from start to finish. Here, you get a small lesson in how the boat moves and a chance to feel the steering for yourself.

You do not need sailing experience. The crew handles the technical work and keeps the activity supervised. You can simply watch from the deck if that is more your speed. The professional English-speaking crew also speaks Greek, and the tone appears to be friendly and relaxed rather than formal. Hospitality is one of the strongest parts of this outing, with repeated praise for the helpful crew, comfortable boat, and generous food service.

The boat uses energy-efficient navigation methods. That does not turn the trip into a full environmental tour, but it is a sensible feature for anyone who prefers an operator that pays attention to fuel and energy use.

Delos: the cultural heart of the cruise

After roughly an hour of sailing, Avra reaches Delos. This small island is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Greek mythology, it is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

What makes this cruise useful is the chance to go ashore. Many boat trips pass Delos from the water, giving you a distant view but no real sense of the island. Here, you can disembark and spend about 90 minutes exploring at your own pace.

You can walk along the coastline, take photographs, and get a feel for the stark setting of the island. The crew shares local stories and legends during the stop, which helps connect the ruins and shoreline to the island’s place in Greek mythology.

The time is not long enough for an exhaustive archaeological visit. If Delos is a major reason for your trip to Greece, you may prefer a dedicated land visit with more time and a formal guide. On this cruise, the stop is best viewed as a well-chosen introduction. You get history, scenery, and a break from the boat without giving up the swimming portion of the day.

You also have a choice. If you are hot, tired, or more interested in the sea than the ruins, remain on board and head to a nearby bay for a swim. That flexibility makes the cruise work for mixed groups. One person can enjoy Delos while another stays on the catamaran and relaxes.

Bring your passport or ID card. It is listed as required for the activity, so do not leave identification at your hotel.

Rhenia brings the swimming time

The cruise then continues toward Rhenia Island. The route includes about 30 minutes on the catamaran before the next stop. Rhenia is known here for clear turquoise water and golden sand, and the boat anchors in a quiet bay for roughly 90 minutes.

This is the part of the day built for slowing down. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, sunbathe, or use the water toys. Snorkeling equipment, towels, and sunscreen are included, so you do not need to pack every piece of beach gear. You should still bring your swimsuit, sunglasses, and your own preferred sun protection if you have specific needs.

The water stop is likely to appeal most to people who want a proper sea day, not just a scenic cruise. You have time to get in more than once, dry off on deck, and return to the water without watching the clock every few minutes.

The activity information also lists stand-up paddleboarding, dolphin watching, and scuba diving among possible activities or sightings. These should not be treated as guaranteed features. Conditions, wildlife, and the schedule can change. The reliable elements are swimming, snorkeling equipment, and free time in the bay.

Wind can pick up in the South Aegean, especially early or late in the season. A waterproof jacket is a sensible addition for cooler months. Even on a warm day, the ride back can feel breezy when you are wet.

A Greek BBQ with plenty to eat

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch on board. The meal is a Greek BBQ using fresh ingredients from Mykonos and nearby islands.

The menu includes marinated chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad with basil pesto, handmade tzatziki, grilled vegetables, aromatic rice, fresh bread, feta cheese, and seasonal fruit. This is a full meal rather than a token sandwich, which makes a difference on a six-hour boat trip.

Drinks are available throughout lunch and the cruise. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are included. The arrangement suits a long day on the sea, since you do not need to keep checking your wallet every time you want another bottle of water or a soft drink.

Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available on request. Tell the operator in advance. Do not assume that a general Greek menu will automatically cover your needs.

The food and relaxed service have received especially strong praise. The practical takeaway is simple: arrive ready to eat, but do not expect restaurant-style individual service. You are dining on a moving boat, with the crew balancing cooking, drinks, safety, and sailing. That is part of the charm, though it also means the meal feels informal rather than polished in a fine-dining sense.

What $170 includes

At $170 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mykonos. It is also not just a basic boat transfer. The price covers six hours aboard a large catamaran, hotel transportation, a welcome Prosecco, an English-speaking crew, the sailing demonstration, the Delos stop, the Rhenia swim stop, a substantial BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks.

Towels, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, water toys, Wi-Fi, and music are included too. Add up the separate costs of getting to the port, renting equipment, buying lunch, and paying for drinks, and the price becomes easier to understand.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. You should book this if you want history, swimming, food, and sailing in one day. It is less attractive if you only want a quiet sail or if Delos is your sole priority. A dedicated archaeological visit may give you more time on the island, while a shorter sailing trip may cost less.

The semi-private format also matters. The information does not give a precise passenger count, so you should not assume an intimate private charter. Still, the Lagoon 560 offers more room than a small boat, with several places to sit and move around. The wide decks help prevent the day from feeling cramped.

The return to Mykonos

After Rhenia, the catamaran spends about an hour sailing back toward Platis Gialos. This is a good time for final photographs from the upper deck, a last drink, or a quiet hour in the shaded lounge.

The route offers broad views of the Cycladic islands and the open Aegean. If the sun is lowering, the light can be especially attractive, though the exact conditions depend on the season and weather.

At the port, you transfer back by speedboat, again taking about two minutes, then continue to your hotel or accommodation by vehicle. The day lasts about six hours from pickup to return, though the precise start time depends on availability and the pickup plan.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this trip to couples who want a relaxed day with a little romance, friends who want swimming and drinks, and families with older children who can manage boat transfers and a full day in the sun.

It is also a good fit for people who dislike choosing between culture and beach time. Delos supplies the history, while Rhenia supplies the water. The sailing demo gives the day some activity, and the BBQ keeps it social.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike stepping between boats, or want a long, detailed archaeological tour. The short tender transfer is required for boarding and disembarkation, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Also consider your tolerance for wind and motion. This is a sailing trip in the Aegean, not a stationary lunch cruise. Pack light, secure your phone, and bring a waterproof jacket outside the hottest part of summer.

Should you book it?

Book this Mykonos cruise if you want one well-organized day that combines Delos, swimming, sailing, and a generous Greek meal. The ability to take the helm is a real bonus, and the choice to go ashore at Delos or remain on board makes the outing easier for groups with different interests.

At $170, the tour earns its price through the long duration and broad inclusions. I would skip it only if you want a dedicated Delos visit, a very small private charter, or a cheaper sail with fewer extras. For most people seeking a comfortable all-round day on the Aegean, Avra offers a strong mix of activity, culture, food, and downtime.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts six hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off arrangements. The schedule includes sailing, a Delos stop, a Rhenia swimming stop, and the return to Mykonos.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included. You should wait outside the main entrance of your hotel or accommodation. If the vehicle cannot reach your location, the operator will arrange a nearby accessible pickup point.

Can I go ashore on Delos?

Yes. Avra anchors at Delos so you can disembark and explore at your leisure. You may also remain on board and go to a nearby bay for swimming instead.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a Greek BBQ with chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, rice, bread, feta, and seasonal fruit. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, towels, sunscreen, and water toys are provided for the swimming stop at Rhenia.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a beach towel. A waterproof jacket is useful during cooler months or on breezy days. Boarding and disembarkation use a short tender transfer, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.