Delos by sailing feels like time travel. This 6-hour Mykonos day trip pairs an unhurried look at Delos with swimming and snorkeling in bright Rhenia waters. You also get a full on-the-water lunch, so the day is about being outside, not just checking boxes.

I especially love the pacing: the boat moves from Delos to Rhenia on a simple schedule, with enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it. I also like the small-group vibe, with a maximum of 12 people, which makes the day feel less crowded and more relaxed. The Mediterranean lunch on board, plus unlimited wine, beers, and soft drinks, is a big part of the value.

One thing to plan for: Delos entrance costs €20 per person and isn’t included, and Delos is self-guided rather than led by a guide. If you were hoping for a full guided explanation of the ruins, you may want to supplement with your own reading before you go.

Key things to know before you book

• Self-guided Delos (1 hour): You explore at your own pace using the signs on site.
• Delos entrance is extra: Budget €20 per person on the day.
• Rhenia snorkeling with gear provided: Snorkeling equipment is included with the boat staff.
• Lunch on board with unlimited drinks: Freshly cooked lunch plus wine, beers, and soft drinks.
• Small group cap: Maximum 12 travelers for a calmer feel.
• Sailing moments depend on the day: Windy conditions can make the ride extra fun.

A 6-hour sailing plan from Mykonos: Delos, then Rhenia

This is a straightforward day at sea with two clear goals: see Delos’s archaeological site, then spend time swimming and snorkeling off Rhenia. The total time is about 6 hours, but remember that travel time is part of it—so you get less time on land and more time enjoying the water.

You start at 9:00am and return to your hotel afterward by shuttle. The boat runs: Tourlos bay → Delos (about 1 hour), Delos → Rhenia (about 30 minutes), then Rhenia back toward Tourlos bay (about 1 hour).

That timing matters. If you want lots of wandering through museums or a long guided tour, this won’t be that kind of day. But if you want a classic Aegean experience—sea time, ruins time, swim time—this fits well.

Hotel pickup, Tourlos marina, and boarding S/Y Aeolus

The experience includes complimentary shuttle pickup from your hotel. You’ll be taken to Tourlos marina, where the sailing yacht S/Y Aeolus is docked, and you’ll return the same way after the tour.

This is one of those “less friction, more fun” details. You don’t need to figure out parking, transfers, or how to get to the marina on a tight schedule. You just show up, meet the crew, and start moving.

A couple practical notes to keep the morning smooth: you’ll need to share passenger details (including passport information) so port authorities can process your access. When booking, make sure you provide your hotel name (or exact location) so the shuttle can find you. If your details change, that can slow things down.

And yes, you’ll use a mobile ticket. So bring your phone with a working battery and a reliable way to show the ticket.

Delos archaeology in one hour: self-guided ruins and the €20 entrance fee

Delos is the star stop—and it’s also the one you’ll want to approach with the right mindset. Here’s the deal: Delos is self-guided, not a guided tour. You’ll explore the archaeological site using information on the monument signs.

You get about 1 hour on Delos. From Tourlos bay, the ride is about 1 hour, so you’re not cramming the site and then sprinting to the next thing. Still, one hour is short, so you’ll get the best experience by having a quick game plan before you arrive.

How to get more out of 60 minutes

• Pick a few areas to focus on rather than trying to see everything.
• Use the signs as your guide and be okay with moving on quickly when you’re done.
• Wear shoes you can walk in. Delos terrain isn’t set up for a casual shuffle in sandals.

The one cost you must budget: €20 entrance

Delos entrance isn’t included, so plan for €20 per person at the site. This is the biggest “gotcha” in the pricing.

If you love archaeological places and you’re fine exploring on your own, the hour still feels worthwhile. But if you’d rather pay once and have everything included, you might feel this is the one extra expense you have to stomach.

Rhenia snorkeling and swimming: provided gear, clear water time

After Delos, the mood shifts from ruins to swim-and-snorkel relaxation. You’ll head to Rhenia Mykonos Hotel & Bungalows, where you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in crystal blue waters.

This stop is built for time in the water, not just a quick dip. You’re scheduled for about 2 hours 30 minutes total at this phase of the day, and that includes both the sea time between stops and the on-site water time.

The boat staff provides snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to pack a mask or worry about the quality of rentals. That alone makes the stop easier for families and first-timers.

Bring or plan for what’s not included

A small but important detail: towels are not included. So if your hotel towel is far away, you may want to grab one before pickup. Also, consider bringing a dry bag or a way to protect your phone and wallet, since you’ll be on a yacht and going back and forth between water and deck.

What to expect in the water

You’re snorkeling and swimming, which usually means you’ll have a mix of people—some confident in the water, some taking it slow. That’s a good match for this kind of day trip. Just don’t expect a highly structured lesson unless you ask the crew for help.

Lunch on board: Mediterranean food plus unlimited drinks

This is one of the best parts of the day—not because it’s fancy, but because it’s genuinely useful. A Mediterranean lunch is cooked on board, and you’ll be eating while still surrounded by sea.

The lunch includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad. You’ll also get bottled water, and unlimited wine, beers, and soft drinks are included.

Why this matters for value

A lot of tours sell the view and then make you pay separately for food. Here, lunch and drinks are part of the package. At $150.51 per person, the included meal reduces what you’d otherwise spend on a midday stop—especially in Mykonos, where convenience can be expensive.

If you don’t drink alcohol, you still come out ahead because you get water and soft drinks included. The drinks are a bonus for those who want them, not a requirement.

One more practical point: if you’re going into the water right after eating, drink some water first and pace yourself. Sun + sea + food can sneak up on you faster than you expect.

The sailing experience: wind, the deck, and that fun factor

This tour lives and dies by the weather and the sailing conditions. The ride can be calm or lively depending on the wind, and you’ll want to be comfortable with being outside and moving.

One of the memorable moments from a high-scoring day is how the crew handles the sailing. With good wind, the group was allowed to ride up front on the way back, and the experience turned into a real “wow” moment rather than just transportation between stops.

That specific setup may not happen in every wind condition, but the general idea is real: when the sea is cooperating, the yacht portion can be the highlight. Keep an eye on where you’re allowed to move on deck, and listen to the crew about safety.

Also, since the tour is only 6 hours, you won’t get stuck waiting for hours in one place if things shift slightly. You’re moving across a short loop, which keeps energy up.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $150.51

At $150.51 per person, you’re paying for a bundled Mykonos-to-Delos-to-Rhenia sea day with a yacht, hotel shuttle, lunch, snorkeling gear, and drinks. The Delos entrance fee is the main extra cost, plus the fact that Delos is self-guided.

Here’s how I think about value on this kind of day:

• If you’d otherwise rent gear, pay for lunch, and pay for transport to and from the marina, the package starts to make sense fast.
• The small group cap (max 12) is also part of the cost. Fewer people on a yacht usually means a smoother experience and less crowding around the water.

The only “watch-out” value issue is the entrance fee. If you were planning to visit Delos anyway, this is still a normal add-on. If you weren’t sure about Delos and you mainly wanted Rhenia swimming, you’ll feel that extra €20 in your budget more strongly.

In other words: the deal works best when you truly want both parts of the itinerary—the ruins and the swim.

Who should book this Delos and Rhenia sailing day

This tour is a great fit if you want a calmer, less crowded sea day and you’re happy to explore Delos on your own. The small group setup helps here, and the flow of the day keeps you from feeling trapped in a rigid schedule.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want snorkeling gear handled for you
• You prefer a day that mixes history and time in the water
• You like the idea of a yacht day with lunch and drinks included
• You enjoy sailing itself, not just the destinations

You might think twice if:

• You want Delos explained by a guide instead of reading signs
• You dislike paying extra for site entrance
• You forgot essentials like a towel (since towels are not included)

Also, most travelers can participate, so it’s broadly approachable. But if you’re sensitive to boats or you hate time outdoors in sun, you’ll want to plan carefully.

Should you book? My honest take

If your goal is a classic Mykonos day that includes Delos ruins, snorkeling at Rhenia, and a no-stress schedule with hotel shuttle and lunch on board, I think this is an easy yes. The biggest strengths are how much you get done in 6 hours and how the day feels calmer thanks to the small group size.

Book it if you like self-guided sightseeing and you’re okay budgeting €20 for Delos entrance. Skip it if you specifically need a guided history experience at Delos or you’re not interested in spending real time in the water.

One more decision tip: the tour depends on good weather, so don’t book it as a backup only. If the day is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll either be offered another date or a full refund, which helps you feel safer about the plan.

FAQ

Is Delos entrance included in the tour price?

No. Delos entrance costs €20.00 per person and is not included in the tour price.

Is Delos guided?

No. Delos is self-guided. You explore the archaeological site using information on the monuments’ signs.

What snorkeling gear is provided at Rhenia?

The boat staff provides snorkeling equipment for you to use during the Rhenia stop.

What food and drinks are included on board?

You’ll have a Mediterranean lunch on board that includes shrimp pasta and Greek salad, plus bottled water. Alcoholic drinks include unlimited wine and beers, and unlimited soft drinks are included too.

What should I bring since towels aren’t included?

You’ll want to bring or arrange a towel for the Rhenia swimming and snorkeling time, since towels are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. The tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

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