From Ornos: Mykonos Delos Catamaran Cruise with Meal & SUP

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is the balance between sightseeing and easy time at sea. You pass Delos, stop in a quiet Rhenia cove for swimming and snorkeling, then eat a fresh Greek meal on deck while the boat heads back toward Mykonos. I like the small group, limited to 10, and the fact that paddleboards, towels, snorkel gear, fruit, drinks, and lunch are included.

I also like the warm service provided by skipper Demitris and cook Emil, who has earned especially high marks for his Greek food. The main consideration is that you only view Delos from the boat. If you want to walk among its ancient ruins, you need a separate Delos visit.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhenia is the main beach stop: You anchor in clear water for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or sunbathing.
• Delos is a sailing view, not a shore excursion: You pass the island and have time for photographs from the catamaran.
• Lunch is cooked onboard: Emil prepares a fresh Greek meal, with wine, soft drinks, water, and seasonal fruit included.
• The group stays small: The boat takes no more than 10 participants, making the day more personal than a large party cruise.
• Sunset departures add a strong finale: You can watch the sun drop over the Aegean before returning toward Mykonos.
• The $165 price covers a lot: Fuel, tax, crew, equipment, towels, food, and drinks are included, though hotel transport costs extra unless selected.

Setting out from Ornos for a small Aegean day

You meet the base manager at the dock in Ornos, where the crew directs you to the catamaran. The boat is modern, with open decks that give you room to sit in the sun, take photographs, or find shade as the cruise gets underway.

The first hour gives you the pleasure of simply being on the water. Mykonos looks different from offshore. Its white houses, windmills, and shoreline become part of a broad Aegean view, while the boat moves away from the busy feel of the island’s roads and beaches.

Demitris serves as skipper, and Emil handles the onboard meal. The crew speaks English, and the small group size matters here. With no more than 10 people, you can ask questions, move around the deck, and get help with the paddleboard or snorkeling equipment without waiting behind a crowd.

Wine, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise. The included drinks make the $165 price easier to assess, especially because the cost also covers fuel, tax, food, towels, and water equipment. You should still check the exact departure option when booking, since hotel pickup and drop-off are only included if you select that option.

Passing Delos without stepping ashore

Delos is one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades, but this cruise treats it as a scenic stop rather than an archaeological tour. You pass the island by boat, with time to take photographs from the deck. The route gives you a useful view of Delos from the sea without asking you to spend the whole day walking through ruins.

That distinction is important. If you want ancient streets, temples, statues, and a guided explanation of the site, this is not the right Delos excursion. The cruise does not include a landing or a tour of the island. Instead, Delos forms part of the sailing experience, followed by a longer period for swimming and food around Rhenia.

The schedule gives roughly two hours around the Delos section of the route, including sailing, scenic views, and time connected with the sea portion of the trip. Exact timing can vary with conditions and the chosen departure, so treat the schedule as a useful outline rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

From the deck, you can photograph the island against the open sea. You may also appreciate the contrast between Delos as a famous historic site and Rhenia as a quieter place for a swim. The cruise gives you both views in one half-day, but it does not pretend they are the same kind of stop.

Rhenia’s clear water is the real activity

The main stop comes at Rhenia Island, where the catamaran anchors in a secluded cove. This is where the experience shifts from sightseeing to leisure. You can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard, or stay on deck with a drink and watch the water.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, making the stop well suited to a relaxed swim. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. Beach towels are also provided, which saves space in your luggage and makes it easier to move between the boat and the water.

The paddleboard is a nice addition for anyone who wants more than a quick swim. It gives you a way to explore the cove at a gentle pace, though this is not presented as a formal paddleboard lesson. If you prefer to remain dry, the spacious decks offer room to sunbathe and take in the surrounding views.

This stop may feel less special if you expect a famous, dramatic beach with a long stretch of sand and many facilities. One piece of direct feedback described the setting as enjoyable but less distinctive than expected. That is a fair point. Rhenia’s appeal here is its quiet water and time away from town, not a packed beach scene or major landmark.

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera. The Aegean sun can be strong, and the boat’s open decks provide little reason to stay indoors. You should also keep personal belongings tidy when people are moving between the deck and water.

Greek lunch prepared by Emil onboard

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise instead of a basic sailing trip. Emil prepares a fresh Greek meal onboard, with seasonal fruit served as part of the spread. The menu is not specified in advance, so you should expect Greek-style food rather than a named set of dishes.

The meal is served while you are anchored or sailing, depending on the day’s flow. Eating on the catamaran gives lunch a simple setting: open water, a sea breeze, and the chance to continue the conversation with the small group. Wine, water, and soft drinks are included, so you are not faced with a separate drink bill every time you want something.

Several people have singled out Emil’s cooking, with particular praise for fresh, flavorful Greek dishes. Another strong point is the service from Demitris, who is described as professional, friendly, and reassuring at sea. Those details matter because the crew shapes the mood of a small boat far more than it would on a large vessel.

The meal also improves the value calculation. At $165 per person, you are paying for five hours on the water, not just transportation between islands. The price includes the captain and crew, food, drinks, fruit, towels, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard use, fuel, and tax. For someone who would otherwise pay separately for lunch, beach gear, and a boat trip, the package is reasonably strong.

Still, you should not book it mainly for a gourmet menu. The food has received excellent praise, but no detailed menu is provided and preferences are not explained. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the meal can be changed.

The return route and the sunset choice

After the Rhenia stop and meal, the catamaran turns back toward Mykonos. The return takes about an hour, with more views of the island from the sea. Look for the familiar white buildings and windmills as the boat approaches Ornos.

A daytime cruise gives you clearer daylight for the water activities and photographs. A sunset option changes the mood. You can watch the sun lower over the horizon, with the sky changing color as the boat heads back. The sunset is a major draw for couples and anyone who wants the cruise to feel like an evening outing rather than a practical half-day excursion.

The tradeoff is simple. A sunset departure may give you less bright swimming time, depending on the exact start time and season. If swimming and snorkeling are your priority, check the available departure schedule carefully. If the view and relaxed meal matter most, the later trip may be the better choice.

The boat also carries a Bluetooth speaker, so you can have music onboard. The information does not promise a particular playlist or a party atmosphere. Think of it as a small extra that lets the group add music to the ride, not as a nightclub at sea.

What the five-hour timing feels like

Five hours is long enough to make the cruise feel like a real outing but short enough to fit into a Mykonos stay. The route divides naturally into three parts: sailing and views around Delos, a longer Rhenia stop, and the return to Ornos.

The approximate timing is two hours connected with the Delos portion, two hours at Rhenia, and one hour returning to Mykonos. That gives you more than a quick photo stop. You have genuine time to get into the water, try the paddleboard, eat, and sit back without constantly watching the clock.

A small catamaran also changes how you use those five hours. You can spread out on the deck, move around for photographs, and speak with the crew. The limited group makes the boat feel calmer than an excursion carrying dozens of people, although it also means spaces are limited and popular dates may fill quickly.

The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, according to the activity information. It is also not suitable for people over 95. You should be comfortable boarding the catamaran, moving around the deck, and getting in and out of the water if you want to use the swimming equipment.

Is $165 a fair price?

At $165 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. It is priced as an all-in half-day experience, and that distinction makes the value reasonable for the right person.

Your fare includes the catamaran cruise to Rhenia, an experienced crew, paddleboard, snorkeling gear, beach towels, lunch, seasonal fruit, water, wine, soft drinks, fuel, and tax. Hotel transfers can be added, but they are not part of the base offer unless you choose that option.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging several separate activities. A basic boat trip may cost less, but you could then pay extra for food, drinks, equipment, and transport. This cruise combines all of those pieces and keeps the group to 10 people, which is a meaningful advantage.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a proper Delos visit. You pay for a pass-by view, not entry to the archaeological site. It is also less compelling if you dislike swimming, sun, or open-water time, since much of the cruise centers on being outside and using the sea.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 23 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the crew, food, relaxed service, swimming, and sunset. Those are exactly the features that should guide your decision. Book it for a friendly day on the water with a good meal, not as a full history tour of Delos.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a polished sea day without joining a large boat party. The small group is also useful if you prefer to speak with the skipper and crew or want a little more room on deck.

It suits people who value good food as much as scenery. Emil’s cooking and the included drinks make the day feel generous, while the swim stop gives you a clear break from sightseeing.

Families may find it appealing if everyone is comfortable around water and can manage the boat safely. The available information does not give a minimum age or child policy, so confirm those points before booking with young children.

I would not choose it for a serious archaeology visit, a long beach day on land, or a mobility-friendly excursion. You should also think twice if you want a completely private charter, since this is a small-group experience rather than a private boat booking.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

Book this cruise if you want five easy hours at sea, a calm Rhenia swim, fresh Greek food, and a small group rather than a crowded excursion. The combination of included equipment, drinks, lunch, and attentive crew gives the $165 price solid value for a full half-day.

Choose the sunset option if the evening view matters most. Choose a daytime departure if you care more about bright-water swimming and snorkeling. Skip it if your priority is exploring Delos on foot, because the island is only viewed from the boat.

For many Mykonos visitors, this is a pleasant way to add time on the Aegean without filling an entire day. Just bring sun protection, accept that Rhenia is a quiet cove rather than a spectacular beach resort, and confirm hotel transfer needs before paying.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours. The route includes sailing near Delos, a stop at Rhenia Island, and the return to Ornos.

Does the cruise visit Delos?

The catamaran passes Delos and provides a photo opportunity from the deck. A visit or guided tour on the island is not included.

What can I do at Rhenia Island?

You can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard, relax on the catamaran, take photographs, and enjoy the onboard meal.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh meal is prepared onboard, and seasonal fruit is included as well.

Are drinks included?

Water, wine, and soft drinks are included during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and beach towels are included.

How many people are in the group?

The experience is limited to 10 participants.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and returns to Ornos Ntokos dock in Ornos. A base manager waits for you at the dock, and hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you select that option.