Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks

The best part of this Mykonos cruise is the change of pace: you leave the organized south-coast beaches behind and spend about two hours swimming from the yacht in the clear water around uninhabited Rhenia. The return trip brings the sunset, with the Aegean turning gold, orange, and red around you.

I like the combination of a proper Greek buffet and included drinks, and I like that snorkeling gear and floating noodles are supplied. The main caution is wind. Mykonos is famous for its strong Meltemi winds, and a rough return across open water can be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Rhenia by yacht: Reach a quiet islet that is accessible only by boat, with no organized beach facilities.
• Swimming from the ladder: Enter the sea directly from the yacht, since landing on shore is not part of the standard stop.
• South-coast beach safari: Cruise past Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise beaches.
• Greek food on board: Expect a Mediterranean buffet with dishes such as moussaka, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread, and tzatziki.
• Drinks included: White and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and a farewell shot are provided.
• Small-group feel: The yacht carries no more than 35 people, though the actual number depends on the boat and weather.

Sailing past Mykonos’s famous south-coast beaches

The cruise begins at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, where a Sunfos Alessia Yachting representative meets you at the yacht. The crew gives a short itinerary briefing and safety talk before the boat leaves its mooring.

The first stretch follows Mykonos’s southern shoreline. This side of the island is partly sheltered from the Meltemi, the strong north wind that gives Mykonos its nickname, the Island of Winds. You pass Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise, seeing the beaches from a useful angle that a land-based beach day cannot provide.

I like this opening because it gives you a quick visual tour of the island’s most famous shore without asking you to squeeze into several beach stops. You get the broad view first, then the quiet water and swimming time later.

Do not expect a full sailing lesson or a nonstop sail under canvas. The yacht may sail when conditions allow and motor when needed. That is normal for a cruise built around swimming, food, and sightseeing rather than sailing instruction.

The group size is capped at 35, but the boat assigned and the number aboard can vary. Some departures feel pleasantly roomy, while others may feel more social. If you strongly prefer a private yacht, this is not that sort of trip.

The one-hour run to quiet Rhenia

The boat takes about an hour to reach Rhenia, also called Big Delos. It is an uninhabited islet close to Delos, and its appeal comes from the absence of the beach clubs, umbrellas, and crowds found on much of Mykonos.

The yacht does not use a pier or tender to take you ashore. Instead, you enter the water from the swimming ladder at the back of the boat. That detail matters. Rhenia is not a conventional beach stop where you stroll onto sand and set up a towel. It is a boat-based swimming stop.

The water is the star here. It is clear, cool, and intensely blue, with snorkeling available directly from the yacht. Masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles are included, so you do not need to bring your own equipment unless you prefer to use personal gear.

Some people have enjoyed a second swim opportunity during the wider cruise, depending on the route and conditions. The exact number and location of swim stops can change with weather, so treat the listed plan as a guide rather than a rigid schedule.

Rhenia also has archaeological interest. One account describes seeing the foundations of an ancient hospital building near a cove. Still, this is primarily a sea outing, not a guided archaeological walk. If exploring ruins is your main goal, plan a separate visit to Delos.

Two hours of swimming, sun, and a late lunch

The planned stay around Rhenia lasts about two hours. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, float, sit on deck, and watch the water without feeling rushed through a ten-minute photo stop.

You should bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included, although one can be rented on board. A waterproof bag is also sensible for phones and passports, since the main way into the sea is from the yacht.

The lunch timing deserves attention. The early dinner or lunch is served on board during the Rhenia stop or around the return schedule, and some departures do not eat until roughly 2 p.m. Eat a good breakfast, especially if you are joining with children or do not enjoy waiting for a late meal.

The buffet has been described as a generous Greek spread. Dishes can include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, Greek salad, bread, and tzatziki. The food is prepared on board, which gives the meal a more personal feel than a prepacked excursion lunch.

Food quality can vary with the day and the crew, but the meal is a major part of the value. At $114.89 per person, you are not paying only for transportation to a swimming spot. You are also covering five hours on a yacht, crew service, equipment, fuel, taxes, a substantial meal, and drinks.

Wine, beer, and the sunset run home

White and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included. A farewell shot is also provided. The crew is attentive about drinks, although service may not feel like a constantly open bar where someone is standing beside you at every moment. You may need to ask when you want another drink.

The return to Mykonos is the scenic payoff. As the sun drops, the sea and surrounding islands take on warm yellow, orange, and red tones. The trip is designed to reach the home port around sunset, though timing can shift with wind, current, and the route chosen by the captain.

The sea can also become rough on the way back. Several people have described bumpy conditions that were exciting for some and unsettling for others. A calm day can make this a gentle, easy cruise. A windy day can turn the crossing into a wet and lively ride.

If you get seasick, sit where the boat moves least, watch the horizon, limit alcohol before the return crossing, and consider taking your usual motion-sickness medicine. The operator makes safety decisions based on conditions, and the disembarkation point can change without notice if weather requires it.

The crew makes a real difference

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Names appearing in the experience feedback include Costas, Joanna, Bobi, Foti, Fotes, Tarsos, and Sofia, though the crew depends on the departure. Joanna is praised for her cooking, while captains and deck crew are described as friendly, professional, and willing to explain the boat and the coastline.

Families may appreciate the relaxed tone. One captain allowed a child to learn about steering and the boat, while other families enjoyed swimming and snorkeling together. The crew also helps nervous passengers when waves rise, which matters on a small yacht in open water.

English is the offered language. The meeting point is near public transportation, but pickup is not automatically included. An optional shuttle can be arranged for an additional charge after booking, either from your hotel or from a designated meeting point, depending on where you stay.

At the dock, look for a representative wearing a Sunfos Alessia Yachting shirt or carrying a sign with the company name. Confirm the meeting details after booking, especially if you are arriving from a cruise ship or staying outside central Mykonos.

Who will get the most from this cruise

This cruise suits you if you want several Mykonos highlights in one half-day: beaches, open water, a quiet nearby island, swimming, Greek food, and sunset. It is especially useful for a short stay because you see a lot without giving up a full day to transport between separate beaches.

It also works well for families and mixed groups. Someone can snorkel while someone else relaxes on deck, and the meal gives the group a natural break. The included equipment removes some of the usual fuss.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, strong sun, or uncertain sea conditions. The yacht has a swimming ladder rather than a shore landing, so anyone who needs easy access from a beach may find the setup difficult. A moderate level of physical fitness is requested, and pregnancy, mobility concerns, or health issues must be disclosed before booking.

The excursion also requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If weather cancels it, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a short Mykonos visit, booking early in your stay is smart, since it gives you another chance if wind cancels the original date.

Is $114.89 a fair price?

For Mykonos, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the full package. A five-hour yacht trip, crew, fuel, safety equipment, snorkel gear, buffet meal, unlimited listed drinks, Wi-Fi, and taxes are all included.

The value is strongest when you would otherwise pay separately for a beach transfer, lunch, drinks, and a boat trip. It is less compelling if you only want a quick swim or if you will not drink alcohol and prefer to spend the day on a public beach.

The group limit of 35 keeps this from being a large ferry excursion, but it is not a private charter. You are paying for a shared social outing with a planned route. For many visitors, that is the right balance between comfort and cost.

Booking details worth knowing

Confirmation normally arrives at booking, except for reservations made within one day of departure, which are confirmed as soon as possible if space remains. Passport details for every participant are required for the passenger list, including full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Since weather is a real factor here, choose a date early in your stay when possible.

The starting and ending location is listed as C8F4+2QR, Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis, Mykonos. Because weather can affect the return point, confirm the final instructions before departure.

Should you book the Rhenia sunset sail?

Book this if you want a relaxed but active day on the water, with plenty of swimming, a home-cooked Greek-style meal, included drinks, and a sunset finish. The strongest reasons are the quiet Rhenia stop, the clear swimming water, and the crew’s warm service.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed calm sea, a proper shore beach, or a detailed ancient-site tour. The best version of this trip comes on a mild-weather day, when you can enjoy the yacht rather than worry about the waves.

For most visitors who want more than a standard beach day, this is a well-priced way to see Mykonos from offshore. Book early in your stay, eat breakfast first, and come prepared for sun, salt water, and a possible splash on the ride home.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

The listed meeting point and return point is C8F4+2QR, Ag. Ioannis Diakoftis, Mykonos. The disembarkation point can change because of weather.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are optional, available for an additional charge, and must be requested after booking.

Which beaches can I see from the yacht?

The route passes Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise beaches along Mykonos’s southern coast.

Can I swim at Rhenia?

Yes. You can enter the water from the yacht’s swimming ladder. Pier facilities and tender service ashore are not available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles are provided at no extra charge.

What food is included?

An onboard Mediterranean-style buffet is included. Dishes may include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, Greek salad, bread, and tzatziki.

Are drinks included?

Yes. White and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and a farewell shot are included.

Is a towel provided?

No. Beach towels can be rented on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather.