Mykonos: Catamaran Cruise With Meal and Drinks

Exploring the Best of Mykonos by Catamaran: A Deep Dive into the Cruise Experience

Taking a boat trip around Mykonos is often considered a highlight of any visit to this iconic Greek island, and the Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks from Dolphin Navigation promises a memorable way to do just that. Though we haven’t personally set sail on this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries give us a clear picture of what travelers can expect. From cruising along the coast, discovering the archaeological wonder of Delos, to relaxing on pristine Rhenia beaches, this experience offers a well-rounded mix of sightseeing, swimming, and lounging.

One of the standout features of this cruise is the combination of scenic sailing with cultural stops and plenty of time for swimming and relaxing. The onboard hospitality—especially the traditional meal and homemade wine—receives glowing feedback, making it ideal for those wanting to indulge a little while enjoying unbeatable views. That said, a potential consideration is the lack of a guided tour on Delos, which might leave history buffs wanting more context. This tour seems best suited for travelers who love being on the water, enjoy good food and wine, and prefer a flexible, small-group atmosphere over large, crowded excursions.

Key Points

• Scenic Sailing: Glide along Mykonos’ coast and enjoy picturesque views of whitewashed houses and iconic windmills.
• Cultural Highlights: A photo stop in front of the archaeological site of Delos offers a snapshot of history without a guided tour.
• Water Activities: Ample time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters—perfect for water lovers.
• Authentic Food & Drinks: A traditional onboard meal paired with homemade wine provides great value and a true taste of Greece.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a shared group or private cruise, catering to different preferences.
• Relaxed Pace: The itinerary balances sightseeing with leisure, avoiding rushed schedules.

The Experience: What to Expect on Your Mykonos Catamaran Cruise

The journey begins with a convenient hotel pickup—an especially nice touch for those staying in Mykonos town, saving the hassle of finding the port. Once at the vibrant new port, you’ll meet your crew, including a professional skipper and a friendly hostess, ready to set sail on a modern catamaran designed for comfort and stability.

The vessel itself seems to impress guests—reviewers describe it as “so much better than expected,” and notably clean and well-maintained. With just a small group (sometimes only six others), you’ll feel a bit more like a private charter than a crowded tour, which makes for a relaxed atmosphere. As the boat pulls away from the dock, you’ll start to appreciate the charm of Mykonos’ white houses and blue domes as the coastline slips by.

Relaxing on the Water

Most travelers love the sensation of sailing along the island’s coast, feeling the sea breeze, and snapping photos of iconic windmills and the charming town. The crew’s hospitality shines through here, with reviewers praising the “friendly and attentive” staff who ensure everyone is comfortable. Unlimited traditional Mykonos wine keeps the mood lively, and you might find the onboard drinks selection to be quite generous.

The Stop at Delos

A major highlight is the brief stop in front of Delos, the archaeological island known for its ancient ruins. While there’s no guided tour included, the view from the boat is picturesque, and your guide offers some historical insights. Guests have remarked that this stop, though brief, is “great for photos,” and provides a unique perspective on this UNESCO-listed site. Since the boat doesn’t dock here, you’ll need to make the most of this brief photo opportunity.

Discovering Rhenia

Next, the boat heads to Rhenia, a less crowded, peaceful island famed for its crystal-clear waters. Once anchored in a small, secluded cove, you’ll have around two hours for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun on the deck. Reviewers consistently mention how much they appreciated the free time to relax, with one noting, “We loved how much time we had to swim and hang out once we got to the island.”

The crew prepares a delicious onboard lunch—often described as “fantastic”—which includes local ingredients and flavors. The food is served in a relaxed setting, and many travelers comment on the quality and authenticity of the homemade meal. Beverages like beer and wine are also available, making this a true feast for the senses while taking in Rhenia’s untouched beauty.

Sunset and Return

On the return leg, you’ll cruise past Mykonos’ iconic windmills and along the coastline as the sun starts to set—an especially enchanting part of the experience if you’ve booked the sunset cruise. Several reviewers, including Alex, mention that the sunset views are “beyond beautiful,” creating stunning photo opportunities. As the cruise winds down, you’ll head back to the port, with drop-off back at your hotel, completing a full 5-hour adventure.

The Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup & Transfer
The tour starts with a hotel pickup, which may be especially convenient if you’re staying in Mykonos town. The air-conditioned van ride to the port takes around 20 minutes, giving you a little preview of the island’s scenery before setting sail.

Safety & Welcome
Once at the port, there’s a quick safety briefing and a chance to enjoy some light refreshments. This is a good opportunity to ask the crew questions and get oriented before heading out.

Cruising to Delos
The sail to Delos takes about an hour and a half across the northern coast of Mykonos. During this time, you’ll enjoy unlimited traditional wine and the chance to relax. The highlight here is the photo stop in front of the archaeological site, with the guide sharing some contextual information.

Visit to Rhenia
The boat then anchors off Rhenia, where you’ll have around two hours to dive into the turquoise waters for swimming or snorkeling, or simply lounge on deck. Lunch is served onboard, offering generous portions of local cuisine paired with drinks—an aspect many reviewers found excellent value for money.

Return & Sunset
On the way back, expect about an hour and a half of cruising, during which you’ll see the windmills, hear stories from the crew, and soak in the evening light. If you’ve opted for the sunset cruise, this portion becomes even more magical.

Drop-off
Finally, the tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, wrapping up a memorable voyage.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authenticity and Value

Many guests felt that the quality of the food and drinks was a major highlight—homemade, generous, and perfectly paired with Mykonos wine. The small group size, as one reviewer pointed out, “made it feel more like a private trip,” which adds to the overall value. The price of around $136 per person seems reasonable considering the inclusions of food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and hotel pickup.

Scenic and Cultural Balance

While the stop at Delos isn’t guided, the view from the boat offers a compelling glimpse of the island’s archaeological significance. The cruise itself showcases the stunning scenery of Mykonos’ coastline, windmills, and traditional architecture—a feast for the eyes.

Flexibility and Comfort

Options for private or shared tours mean you can customize your experience, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends. The boats’ modern design and small group size contribute significantly to comfort and intimacy.

Review Highlights

Guests consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff who make the experience smooth and enjoyable. The crew’s knowledge, especially of local sights and the best swimming spots, enhances the trip. The unlimited wine adds a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends.

Considerations

The main drawback for some might be the absence of a guided tour at Delos, which could be a missed opportunity for history buffs. Also, travelers should bring essentials like sunhat, sunscreen, towel, and swimwear, as towels are not provided. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women, aligning with safety and comfort considerations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want to combine scenic sailing with a relaxed day on the water. It’s perfect if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun in secluded spots. Food and wine lovers will appreciate the authentic meal and local drinks, making this a fantastic value for a half-day adventure. It’s especially suited to those who prefer a small, intimate group setting over large, crowded tours.

If you’re interested in a balance of sightseeing and leisure, with the bonus of stunning views and good food, this cruise will fit the bill well. However, history buffs looking for an in-depth exploration of Delos might need to supplement their experience with a guided tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel lobby, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, with different stops and cruising time. Check availability for specific starting times.

What should I bring?
It’s best to pack a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Can I choose a private tour?
Yes, private groups are available, providing a more personalized experience if you prefer a quieter, more exclusive trip.

Is there a guided tour at Delos?
No, this tour doesn’t include a guided tour of Delos. You’ll see the island from the boat and hear brief explanations from your guide.

Are children allowed on this cruise?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years or pregnant women, for safety and comfort reasons.

Final Thoughts

This Mykonos catamaran cruise offers a balanced blend of scenic sailing, cultural glimpses, water fun, and excellent local food and wine. Its small group setting and flexible options make it a popular choice for travelers wanting an intimate and authentic experience. The chance to see Delos from the water, enjoy Rhenia’s tranquility, and relax with good company and great meals makes it a memorable addition to any Greek island itinerary.

While it might lack a detailed archaeological tour of Delos, the overall value is undeniable—especially considering the quality of the food, the friendliness of the crew, and the stunning views. It’s perfect for those who love being on the water, savoring local flavors, and soaking in the Greek sunshine in a laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a scenic escape from busy island life, this cruise ticks many boxes for a rewarding Greek adventure. Just pack your sunscreen and prepare for a day of laid-back luxury on the Aegean Sea.