6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht

Ancient ruins and blue water make a fine Mykonos day. This six-hour sailing trip combines Delos archaeology with swimming and snorkeling near Rhenia, giving you two very different sides of the Cyclades in one outing. You travel aboard the sailing yacht S/Y Aeolus, with hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear included.

I like the small maximum group of 12, which should feel far more personal than a packed excursion boat. I also like the balance between culture and free time: you get about an hour at Delos, then a longer stop for swimming, food, and a relaxed sail. The main drawback is that Delos entrance costs an additional €20, and much of the six-hour schedule is spent getting between the islands.

Key Points at a Glance

• S/Y Aeolus carries no more than 12 people, a useful advantage for a quieter outing and easier access to the crew.
• Delos is reached after about one hour from Tourlos Bay, with roughly an hour to explore the archaeological site independently.
• Rhenia provides about two and a half hours for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment supplied on board.
• Lunch includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad, plus unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.
• Hotel pickup and return transportation are included, using a complimentary shuttle to and from Tourlos Marina.
• The trip depends on weather and minimum participation, with a different date or full refund offered if the operator cancels.

Why This Combination Works

Mykonos is easy to enjoy at beach clubs and whitewashed lanes, but the nearby islands show you a broader picture. Delos gives the morning a serious purpose. Rhenia loosens the pace afterward with water, food, and time in the sun.

That contrast is the strongest part of the trip. You are not spending six hours doing only ruins or only swimming. Instead, you get a compact taste of ancient island culture and a pleasant afternoon on the Aegean.

The small group matters, too. With no more than 12 people, you are less likely to feel lost in a crowd. A small yacht also makes it easier to speak with the captain and crew, ask questions, or find a comfortable place on deck. The experience is still dependent on the conditions of the day, but the setting should feel more intimate than a large ferry excursion.

The trip has received especially strong praise for its crew. The captain and mates are described as helpful, good-humored, and willing to let people enjoy the boat when sailing conditions allow. On a windy return, passengers were allowed to sit at the front of the yacht while under sail. That is the kind of simple moment that can make the ride memorable.

Leaving Tourlos Bay at 9:00 a.m.

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel, Airbnb location, or cruise ship arrangement. The complimentary shuttle takes you to Tourlos Marina, where S/Y Aeolus is docked. You should provide the exact accommodation or ship information when booking, since it is needed for both the morning pickup and the return transfer.

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m. From Tourlos Bay, the trip to Delos takes about one hour. That travel time is not wasted if you enjoy being on the water, but it is important to set realistic expectations. The tour lasts approximately six hours because the yacht must cover the route to Delos, the short crossing to Rhenia, and the return to Mykonos.

Bring a light layer even in warm weather. The information supplied does not specify what clothing is provided, and towels are not included. You will want your own towel, swimwear, sun protection, and anything else you prefer for a full day outdoors.

Exploring Delos Without a Guide

Delos is the cultural heart of this excursion. It was one of the most important sacred places in the ancient Greek world, and its ruins spread across an open archaeological site rather than a single compact building. You will have about one hour to walk among the remains and read the information signs at the monuments.

This is not a guided visit, so the quality of your stop depends on how you use that hour. The signs provide appropriate information, but you will not have a guide explaining each structure as you go. If you want a detailed historical explanation, read a little about Delos before departure or prepare to focus on the site’s main features through the posted information.

An hour is enough for a first look, but it is not a leisurely archaeological visit. You may need to choose between seeing more of the site and pausing to study individual monuments. Wear shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground, and carry water even though bottled water is included on the boat.

The Delos entrance fee is separate from the tour price and is listed as €20 per person. That extra cost is easy to miss when comparing excursions, so include it in your budget. The itinerary information labels admission as not included, and the €20 charge is specifically noted under exclusions.

The independent format has both advantages and limits. You can move at your own pace instead of staying with a guide. On the other hand, you will need to make your own decisions about what to see, and the short stop may feel rushed if you want a fuller understanding of Delos.

Crossing to Rhenia for Water Time

After Delos, the yacht makes the short crossing to Rhenia, which takes about 30 minutes. The atmosphere changes quickly. Instead of walking through ruins, you have time to swim and snorkel in clear water from the boat.

The Rhenia stop lasts about two and a half hours, making it the longer part of the outing. That gives you time to get into the water, rest on board, eat lunch, and enjoy the surroundings without constantly checking the clock.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied by the boat staff. This is useful if you do not want to pack your own mask and snorkel, though the tour information does not specify the sizes or types available. Towels are not provided, so pack one.

Swimming time can be the most relaxing part of the day, but it is also the portion most affected by weather and sea conditions. The experience requires good weather, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor. Strong wind can make sailing exciting, but it may also affect how comfortable you feel in the water.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Value of the Included Extras

Lunch is prepared on board and includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad. It is described as a freshly cooked Mediterranean meal, which gives the stop more substance than a simple snack or packed sandwich.

Drinks are another useful inclusion. You receive bottled water, unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. For a six-hour boat trip, that can add meaningful value, especially when you consider the cost of buying drinks separately around Mykonos.

The alcohol inclusion deserves a practical note. Unlimited wine and beer may suit a relaxed afternoon, but the sun, sea, and movement of the yacht can affect you quickly. Pace yourself and drink water as well. The tour includes water for a reason.

The menu is not presented as a choice-based meal, and shrimp pasta may not suit everyone. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm alternative meals, so you should check directly before booking rather than assume a substitute will be available.

At $150.51 per person, the price is reasonable for a small-group boat outing that includes transport from your accommodation, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and two island stops. It is not the cheapest way to see Delos, particularly after adding the €20 entrance fee, but the package covers several costs that can quickly add up.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full experience: take advantage of the lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and sailing time. If you mainly want to visit Delos, a simpler transport option may be more efficient. If you want a day on the water with Delos as one part of it, the price makes better sense.

The Sailing Experience and Crew

The yacht itself is central to the appeal. You are not simply being transported between ports. The return journey can become a genuine sailing experience when the wind is strong enough and the crew sets the boat for sailing.

The captain and mates are praised for being helpful and playful without losing control of the outing. One especially memorable detail is the chance to ride at the front of the yacht while sailing on the way back. That position can offer a stronger sense of speed and open water, though the crew decides when it is safe and suitable.

Do not book this expecting guaranteed dramatic sailing conditions every day. Wind varies, and the tour may operate under different conditions. Still, the small group gives the crew more room to create a personal experience than a large commercial boat usually can.

The mood also suits people who want a quieter excursion. The tour is not described as a party cruise, though unlimited drinks are included. Its strongest character is a blend of relaxed hospitality, open water, and a few active hours in the sea.

Timing, Transport, and Group Size

The six-hour duration includes transportation. The main route is:

• About one hour from Tourlos Bay to Delos
• About one hour exploring Delos
• About 30 minutes from Delos to Rhenia
• About two and a half hours at Rhenia
• About one hour from Rhenia back to Tourlos Bay

These times explain why the itinerary feels full without being exhausting. You spend around two hours traveling by boat, but that is part of the experience rather than a hidden bus transfer. You should still keep the rest of your day flexible in case the schedule shifts with conditions.

The maximum group size is 12 people. That makes this a good fit for couples, friends, and families who prefer a more personal boat trip. It may also suit solo visitors who want some company without joining a large crowd.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied tour information. Still, the day includes boarding a yacht, walking around an archaeological site, and entering the water for swimming or snorkeling. If you have specific mobility or medical concerns, ask the operator before booking because detailed accessibility information is not provided.

What to Bring and What to Confirm

A few basic preparations will make the day easier:

• Bring a towel, since towels are not included.
• Wear comfortable shoes for Delos.
• Pack swimwear and sun protection.
• Bring a light layer for the boat ride.
• Keep your accommodation details available for pickup and return.
• Provide a full phone number with country code, preferably with WhatsApp installed, so the operator can communicate with you.
• Have passport details ready in the requested table format, since port authorities require them.

The operator also requests the full name of all participants, or at least the lead passenger. The hotel, Airbnb, or cruise ship information is especially important for transportation. If you do not have the final accommodation details at booking, the last field must be completed one week before the excursion.

This is also a mobile-ticket activity, and confirmation is supplied at booking. The operator requires a minimum number of participants, so the trip is not guaranteed solely because you have reserved a place.

Cancellation and Weather Rules

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.

Weather matters here. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the operator cancels the outing.

That policy is fair for a sailing trip, but you should avoid booking it on the final day of a short Mykonos stay if the excursion is a major priority. A weather cancellation leaves little room to reschedule.

Who Should Book This Mykonos Sailing Trip?

I would choose this tour if I wanted to combine Delos with a proper day on the sea rather than visit the ruins and return immediately. The included lunch, drinks, transport, and snorkeling gear reduce the number of details you need to arrange yourself.

It is especially suitable for:

• Couples wanting a quieter shared excursion
• Small groups that prefer a yacht to a large boat
• Visitors who want both ancient sites and swimming
• People who enjoy sailing and open-water views
• Anyone who values hotel pickup and an included meal

I would think twice if your main goal is detailed archaeological study. The Delos visit is self-guided and lasts about an hour, so it is better for a first introduction than a deep historical visit. I would also reconsider if you do not enjoy boat travel, swimming, or weather-dependent plans.

Should You Book It?

Book this trip if you want a balanced Mykonos outing with a small group, a historic island, swimming at Rhenia, and a real sailing component. The crew’s friendly approach and the chance to sit at the front under sail can add a special spark when the wind cooperates.

Before booking, budget the extra €20 Delos entrance fee, bring your own towel, and send complete pickup and passport information. If those details work for you, the $150.51 price offers solid value for a full six-hour experience rather than a simple boat transfer.

FAQ

How long is the Delos and Rhenia sailing tour?

The tour lasts approximately six hours, including boat transportation between Tourlos Bay, Delos, Rhenia, and Tourlos Bay again.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Complimentary shuttle transportation picks you up from your hotel and returns you there after the tour. Pickup arrangements can also use an Airbnb location or cruise ship information.

Is the Delos entrance fee included?

No. Delos admission is separate and costs €20 per person.

Is Delos visited with a guide?

No. The Delos visit is not guided. You can use the information signs at the monuments while exploring independently.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes freshly cooked shrimp pasta and Greek salad. Bottled water, unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The boat staff provides snorkeling equipment for the Rhenia stop.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.