The combined Delos and Rhenia cruise is Mykonos's best full-day excursion -- a 6-hour sailing that pairs a guided tour of Greece's most important archaeological island with a swimming stop at an uninhabited island with turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom from the boat. Most tours include lunch and drinks on board.
In this guide
Delos alone is worth the trip (see our separate Delos guide), but combining it with Rhenia solves the main complaint about a Delos-only visit: "we wanted more time in the water." The ruins take 1-2 hours, then you sail 15 minutes to Rhenia, where the crew drops anchor in a sheltered cove and you spend the next 2 hours swimming, snorkelling, and eating a BBQ lunch while floating in one of the cleanest swimming spots in the Cyclades.
If you do one organised tour from Mykonos, this is the one.
How Does the Tour Work?
A typical 6-hour Delos and Rhenia cruise:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00-09:30 | Depart from Tourlos Marina or Mykonos Town harbour |
| 09:30-10:00 | Sail to Delos (~30 minutes) |
| 10:00-11:30 | Explore Delos -- guided or self-guided tour of the archaeological site |
| 11:30-12:00 | Sail from Delos to Rhenia (~15 minutes) |
| 12:00-14:00 | Swimming, snorkelling, and lunch at Rhenia |
| 14:00-15:00 | Sail back to Mykonos (~1 hour from Rhenia) |
| 15:00-15:30 | Arrive back at Mykonos |
Some tours run slightly longer (6.5 hours) or adjust the timing depending on the operator and season. The morning departure is standard -- this catches the best light at Delos and the warmest water at Rhenia.
What Does It Cost?
| Tour Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Shared sailboat/catamaran | 70-120 EUR per person | Sailing, lunch (BBQ/buffet), drinks (often unlimited), swimming gear |
| Private RIB boat | 650-900 EUR total (fits 6-8 people) | Custom schedule, lunch, drinks, snorkelling gear |
| Premium yacht | 150-250+ EUR per person | Gourmet lunch, unlimited drinks, smaller group |
The Delos entry fee (about 20 EUR) is usually not included in the tour price. Some operators collect it on the boat; others tell you to pay at the site entrance. Confirm when booking.
Guided tours of Delos are sometimes included, sometimes extra. A guide is worth it -- the ruins are vast and the stories behind them transform the experience. If the guide isn't included, consider paying extra for one.
What Will You See?
Delos
The archaeological island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo. Key highlights:
- Terrace of the Lions -- Iconic marble lion statues guarding the Sacred Lake
- House of Dionysus -- Wealthy merchant's house with mosaic floors intact after 2,000 years
- Theatre -- 5,500-seat amphitheatre with views across to Mykonos
- Temple of Apollo -- The religious heart of the ancient island
- Museum -- Original sculptures, pottery, and the real Lion statues (the outdoor ones are copies)
Most tours allow 1-2 hours on Delos. That's enough for the main highlights with a guide but not enough to see everything. The site is large -- if you want a comprehensive visit, consider a separate Delos-only trip.
Rhenia
The uninhabited island immediately west of Delos. Rhenia is four times the size of Delos but has no archaeological site, no buildings, and no people. What it has is some of the clearest water in the Cyclades, sandy coves, and absolute quiet.
The boat anchors in a sheltered bay (often called "Big Beach") and you swim, snorkel, or just float. The crew usually sets up lunch on board -- BBQ chicken or pork souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, rice, bread, and seasonal fruit, with wine, beer, and soft drinks. Some tours provide snorkelling gear and paddleboards.
The swimming at Rhenia is genuinely special. The water is turquoise, the visibility is remarkable, and the contrast between the ancient ruins of Delos (which you can see from Rhenia) and this pristine, empty island makes the whole experience feel slightly surreal.
The Sailing
The boat journey itself is part of the experience. Views of the Cycladic islands spread across the horizon -- Mykonos, Tinos, Syros, Naxos, and Paros are all visible on clear days. Depending on the boat type, you might be on a traditional wooden sailing vessel, a modern catamaran, or a fast RIB. Catamarans are the most stable and comfortable; RIBs are faster and more exciting.
How to Book
Platforms: GetYourGuide, Viator, TripAdvisor, and Headout all list multiple Delos and Rhenia tours with reviews, photos, and free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Local operators: Aegean Ventures, Mykonos Traveller, Delos & Rhenia Adventure, You Know! Boat, and others operate directly from Mykonos and may offer slightly better prices for booking direct.
Book in advance during summer. These tours are the most popular full-day excursion from Mykonos and they sell out, especially the smaller boat options.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Bring cash for the Delos entry fee (~20 EUR). Not all tours include it.
- Wear proper shoes for Delos. The archaeological site has uneven ground and rocky paths. Trainers are fine; flip-flops are not.
- Bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. You'll need all three for the Rhenia stop.
- There is no shade at Delos. Hat and sunscreen are essential for the archaeological visit.
- The sea can be rough. When the Meltemi blows (July-August), the strait between Mykonos and Delos can be choppy. If you're prone to seasickness, take precautions.
- The lunch is usually excellent. Multiple reviews rate the on-board BBQ as a highlight. Don't eat a big breakfast.
- Arrive 15 minutes early at the departure point for boarding.
- You cannot stay on Delos. Everyone leaves on the last boat. If you're on a tour, the crew handles this.
- Hotel pickup/drop-off is offered by some operators. Check when booking.
- Tours run April-October. Daily in peak season, weather permitting.
When Is the Best Time?
May-June and September -- Best conditions. Warm enough for swimming, calm seas, Delos is less crowded.
July-August -- Hottest weather, busiest tours. The Meltemi wind can make the crossing bouncy. Morning departures are calmer.
April and October -- Tours still run but water is cooler for swimming. Fewer crowds at Delos -- arguably the best time for the archaeological experience.
The Delos and Rhenia combo cruise runs about 6 hours. Shared tours from ~70 EUR per person including lunch and drinks. Delos entry ~20 EUR extra. Departs from Mykonos around 09:00. Book in advance in summer. Bring shoes for the ruins and swimwear for Rhenia.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.
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