Review · MYKONOS

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation.

4.5 · 41 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $192 Operated by Mykonos Cruises, Yacht Sailing Tours, Mykonos Catamaran, Dolphin Navigation · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the change of pace. You leave the island’s busy roads behind, sail past whitewashed houses and the small pirate island of Baos, then anchor off Rhenia for a swim in clear water. The small group and open-air catamaran make the day feel relaxed rather than packaged.

I like the choice between a morning sailing and a sunset departure, and I like that lunch or dinner is cooked on board instead of handed out in boxes. Crew members such as Adonis, Fanis, Matt, Dimitris, Stefanos, and Giannis have earned warm praise for their care and good humor. The main caution is the sea itself: Mykonos can be very windy, and several people became seasick or felt cold.

Key points to know

  • See Delos from the sea: You stop in front of the ancient island for photographs and a short explanation, but you do not go ashore.
  • Swim off Rhenia: The main swimming stop is in a cove with clear turquoise water, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
  • Maximum of 18 people: This is semi-private, not a private charter, but it is far smaller than a large sightseeing boat.
  • Food and drinks are included: Expect a full onboard meal, wine, soft drinks, water, and raki, with food quality varying by sailing.
  • Choose your mood: Morning trips suit swimmers and sun seekers, while afternoon trips add the chance of a Mykonos sunset.
  • Plan for wind: Bring warm layers, and bring your own towel because towels are not included.

Leaving Mykonos New Port by catamaran

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Leaving Mykonos New Port by catamaran

Your day begins with pickup by air-conditioned minivan and a drive to Mykonos New Port. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered for accommodations in Platis Gialos, which removes one of the island’s harder chores: arranging transport around narrow roads and busy holiday traffic.

The catamaran carries no more than 18 people. That number matters. You have room to sit, stretch out, and move between shaded and sunny areas without feeling packed onto a floating bus. Still, semi-private does not mean exclusive. You share the boat with other couples, families, and solo passengers.

Once underway, the first views are distinctly Mykonian. White houses climb the shore, and the catamaran leaves the harbor for the north side of the island. The boat passes Baos, sometimes described as the pirates island, before heading toward Delos.

The crew generally creates the social tone of the day. Captains and crew members named in the feedback include Adonis and Fanis, Matt and Dimitris, Stefanos and Giannis, and Juglio and Sotos. The strongest sailings seem to depend partly on who is working that day. Some crew members offered historical background and stayed attentive throughout the trip, while one account described a less engaged presentation.

Drinks begin early. Wine, soft drinks, water, and the traditional Cretan spirit raki are available. Raki is strong, so take it slowly, especially before the boat reaches open water. The music, shared tables, and open seating can make this a friendly outing, particularly if you are traveling alone or hoping to meet people.

Delos from the water, not from the ruins

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Delos from the water, not from the ruins

Delos is one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades, but this excursion only stops in front of it. You remain on the catamaran, take photographs, and listen as the hostess explains some of the island’s story.

That distinction is important when you compare this trip with a dedicated Delos excursion. You will not walk among the temples, see the famous mosaics up close, or spend time in the museum. There is no drop-off at Delos, and the admission ticket is not included because you are viewing the site from the water.

Even so, the boat approach gives you a useful sense of Delos as an island site rather than a collection of separate ruins. You get the broad view, the sea around it, and the chance to photograph the archaeological area without giving up the rest of the day to a shore visit.

The stop is short. Think of it as a scenic and historical pause, not a guided archaeological tour. If Delos is your main reason for visiting this part of Greece, book a land visit separately. If you mainly want a boat day with a glimpse of the ruins, this arrangement works well.

Swimming and snorkeling off Rhenia

After Delos, the catamaran heads to nearby Rhenia and anchors in a small cove. This is the heart of the excursion. The water is described as crystal clear and turquoise, and you have time to swim and snorkel while the crew prepares the meal.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but towels are not. Pack a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride back. A waterproof phone case is useful for photographs from the boat, though the supplied details do not promise any special underwater photography equipment.

The swimming stop is appealing because Rhenia is quieter than the main beaches of Mykonos. You are not moving from one crowded beach club to another. You simply jump from the catamaran into open water and swim near the anchored boat.

Keep your expectations sensible. The advertised program describes a swimming stop at Rhenia, not several separate swim locations. One unhappy account expected more stops and found only one. The exact amount of swimming time can also depend on sea and weather conditions.

The water may be inviting, but the route can be rough. Mykonos is known for strong winds, and the trip across open water can produce noticeable waves. At least two people on one sailing became sick, while another person needed help from the crew during the ride. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual precautions before boarding and choose your seat carefully.

An onboard meal with uneven results

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - An onboard meal with uneven results

The included meal is one of the reasons the price can make sense. You are not stopping at a restaurant or paying for lunch separately. The crew cooks on board and serves the food while the catamaran rests in the cove.

The exact menu can vary, but one meal included meats, salad, pasta, bread, grape leaves, prawns, and sliced pears and apples. Other accounts praised the food as delicious and plentiful. A fresh salad and a meal shared around a table fit the mood of a long day at sea better than a rushed snack from a harbor kiosk.

Food quality is not perfectly consistent. Some people found the meal excellent, while others described reheated sausages, oily prawns, and overcooked pasta. Another person felt the wine selection did not match the price of the cruise. If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied information does not promise special menus, so ask before booking rather than relying on the crew to adjust the meal at sea.

The drinks package includes wine, soft drinks, water, and raki. Wine is served with the meal and may be available throughout the cruise. This adds real value to a five-hour outing, but it also makes pacing important. Wind, waves, heat, and alcohol are a poor combination if you drink too quickly.

Passing Little Venice and the Mykonos windmills

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Passing Little Venice and the Mykonos windmills

On the return journey, the catamaran passes Little Venice and the famous windmills. This gives you a water-level view of Mykonos Town, with good opportunities for photographs of the waterfront, old town, and white windmills.

The view is different from seeing these sights on foot. From the sea, you get the full shoreline in one frame, and the boat offers a calmer place to take photographs than the crowded streets around the windmills. The route also gives you a pleasant final look at Mykonos before returning to port.

The afternoon sailing adds a special finish. As the sun drops, you may see the island turn gold from the water. The sunset departure is a strong choice for couples and photographers, while the morning cruise leaves more of the day free and may suit people who want a daytime swim.

Sunset is not guaranteed to be perfectly clear. Clouds, wind, or rain can change the mood quickly. One sailing had cloudy weather and showers, while the crew still managed to provide a good day. Bring a light jacket even in summer. The sea breeze can feel cold after sunset, and one person reported being cold for much of the cruise.

How good is the value at $192.23?

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - How good is the value at $192.23?

At $192.23 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. You are paying for about five hours on a small catamaran, hotel transport in Platis Gialos, crew service, fuel, snorkeling equipment, a full meal, and drinks.

The value improves if you use the inclusions. A separate taxi to the port, restaurant lunch, wine, and a boat rental would quickly add up. The small passenger limit also matters. You are paying for space and a more personal setting, not simply a seat on a large ferry.

The value drops if your priorities are excellent cuisine, several swimming stops, or a full guided visit to Delos. The food has received mixed reactions, and the boat has shown some age. Two mechanical problems occurred on one sailing, though the crew handled them professionally. If you expect a polished luxury yacht with restaurant-level food, this may disappoint.

The word luxury needs careful reading here. It refers mainly to the catamaran setting, limited group size, included food and drinks, and transport. It does not guarantee a new boat, a private charter, premium wine, or a fine-dining menu.

Morning or sunset: which sailing fits you?

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Morning or sunset: which sailing fits you?

Choose the morning cruise if swimming is your main goal. You get daylight for the Rhenia stop, and you finish with time left for dinner or an evening walk in Mykonos Town.

Choose the sunset cruise if you care most about atmosphere and photographs. You will still see Delos and swim at Rhenia, then return past Little Venice and the windmills as the light softens. The trade-off is cooler air on the return and less flexibility if weather changes.

Pay close attention to pickup messages. One sailing had a last-minute change, with passengers asked to be ready earlier than expected. Have your phone available on the morning of the trip and allow extra time. The booking can be stored on your mobile phone, so you do not need paper tickets.

Who will enjoy this Mykonos cruise?

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Who will enjoy this Mykonos cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, solo people, and small groups who want a relaxed day on the water without chartering a boat themselves. It also works well if you want a social outing, since the small group often eats and lounges together.

It suits you if you value scenery, swimming, wine, and time on the catamaran more than a formal guided tour. The crew can be warm and helpful, and the strongest accounts praise the personal service, good food, and easygoing atmosphere.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike wind, need a guaranteed warm meal, or want to spend meaningful time exploring Delos on land. People with food allergies or specific dietary needs should confirm arrangements before paying.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund. The tour is offered in English, and most people can participate, but the sea conditions remain the real practical limitation.

Should you book it?

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a small-group day with swimming, views, drinks, and a meal, and you are comfortable with the possibility of wind and waves. The best version of the experience combines an attentive crew, a calm sea, clear water at Rhenia, and a sunset or sunny return past Mykonos Town.

Skip it if you are mainly visiting Delos for its ruins, since you will only see the site from the catamaran. Also think twice if $192.23 feels high for a meal that may be merely average. For the right kind of day, though, the combination of transport, food, drinks, snorkeling, and a limited group makes this a sensible way to see Mykonos from the water.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Can I choose a morning or sunset departure?

Yes. You choose between a morning cruise and a sunset cruise when booking.

Does the cruise visit Delos?

The catamaran stops in front of the archaeological site of Delos for photographs and a short explanation. You do not get off the boat, and there is no drop-off at Delos.

Is lunch or dinner included?

Yes. The cruise includes a full meal, with lunch served on the morning sailing and dinner associated with the later sailing. Wine, soft drinks, water, and raki are also included.

Is hotel transportation included?

Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels in Platis Gialos. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned van.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient numbers cancel the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.

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