From Ornos: Mykonos Delos Catamaran Cruise with Meal & SUP

The best part of Mykonos may be offshore. This five-hour catamaran cruise gives you a relaxed way to see the Aegean, with a photo stop near Delos, swimming and snorkeling around Rhenia, and a fresh Greek meal served onboard. I especially like the small group of up to 10 people and the warm service from Captain Demitris and Emil. The main catch is that you pass Delos rather than visit its ancient ruins, and the Rhenia stop may feel less special if you expect a completely deserted beach.

The cruise also gets the basics right: towels, snorkeling gear, a paddle board, fruit, water, soft drinks, wine, and fuel are included. At $165 per person, it is not a cheap boat ride, but the food, open space, equipment, and five hours on the water make it a fair choice for a comfortable day at sea. I would not pick it mainly for archaeological sightseeing. I would pick it for swimming, fresh food, and a calm break from Mykonos Town.

Key points at a glance

• Rhenia is the main stop: You get time to swim, snorkel, use the paddle board, or simply sit in the sun near a quiet cove.
• Delos is viewed from the boat: The cruise passes the island and allows time for photographs, but admission and a land tour are not included.
• The meal is a major strength: Fresh Greek food is prepared onboard, with fruit, water, soft drinks, and wine included.
• The group stays small: With no more than 10 participants, the boat should feel more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Sunset departures add atmosphere: If you choose the later sailing, the return to Mykonos comes with sunset views and sightlines toward the island windmills.
• It is built around water time: Bring swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a camera. This is not the right outing if you want a full day of sightseeing on land.

Leaving Ornos on a small catamaran

You meet the base manager at the dock in Ornos, at the point identified as Ornos Ntokos. From there, the crew helps you find a place on the catamaran before the boat heads out into the Aegean.

The first few minutes are a pleasant change from Mykonos streets. You see the white houses from the water, feel the breeze, and get broad views of the coast. A catamaran gives you more than a simple transfer boat: there are spacious deck areas where you can sit in the sun, look toward the islands, and move around during the crossing.

The group limit matters here. Ten people is small enough for the crew to keep service personal, and it should be easier to find a comfortable place on deck. You still need to expect sun exposure and open-water movement, so anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. The supplied information does not specify the catamaran’s exact size, seating layout, or shade arrangement, so ask the base manager about those details if they matter to you.

Music is also part of the setup. A Bluetooth speaker is available for your own music, which can make the sailing feel casual and social. The tone is more day on the water than formal sightseeing cruise.

Passing Delos without going ashore

The first major section of the trip is the cruise past Delos. This part lasts about two hours within the stated route timing and combines sailing, scenic views, snorkeling opportunities, and, for suitable departures, sunset viewing.

Delos is one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades, but this boat trip does not include a landing or guided visit. You see the island from the deck and can take photographs as the catamaran passes. That is useful if you want a taste of the setting without spending several hours walking among ruins, but it is not a replacement for a proper archaeological visit.

This distinction is important when you compare prices and plans. If your priority is temples, statues, and the ancient streets of Delos, book a dedicated Delos boat and tour instead. If your priority is the sea, this passing view gives you a pleasant island setting without taking time away from swimming and lunch.

The crew serves wine during the sailing, along with water and soft drinks. The information describes unlimited pours of traditional Mykonos wine, so pace yourself, especially in strong sun. You will have a better afternoon if you treat the wine as part of lunch and the sailing rather than the main event.

Rhenia’s clear water and quiet cove

Rhenia is the heart of the excursion. The catamaran anchors in a secluded cove, where the water is described as clear and turquoise. You can swim, snorkel, paddle board, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The appeal is simple. You get a stretch of sea time away from the crowded parts of Mykonos, with no need to carry beach equipment or arrange a separate rental. Snorkeling equipment and beach towels are supplied, and the paddle board gives you another way to use the cove.

I would set your expectations at a beautiful swimming stop rather than a once-in-a-lifetime beach discovery. One person who booked the trip felt the destination could have been more unusual and hoped for a more distinctive beach. That is a fair point. Rhenia offers clear water and peace, but the exact character of the cove can vary with the day’s route and conditions.

You should also remember that a boat stop is different from a beach day. The catamaran anchors near the shore, but the supplied details do not promise a particular beach landing, facilities, or long walk on land. The main pleasure is being in the water and relaxing on deck.

For the best use of this stop, bring a sun hat and sunglasses along with your swimwear. The sun can feel strong on the water, even when the breeze makes the air seem mild. A camera is worthwhile for the coastline and the changing views from the boat.

Greek lunch prepared onboard

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The crew prepares a fresh Greek meal onboard, with seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, and wine included.

That arrangement saves you from the usual problem of a boat excursion: a long swim stop followed by a disappointing packaged lunch. Here, the food is part of the experience and arrives in the same relaxed setting as the sailing. You can eat with the sea around you rather than lose time returning to shore.

The details of the exact menu are not fixed in the information provided, so do not book expecting a particular dish. The meal is described as fresh and typical Greek food. Feedback from the trip has been especially strong on this point, with praise for the flavor, freshness, and preparation. Emil has received special credit for the cooking, while Captain Demitris has been praised for professional and reassuring service.

That combination helps explain the price. At $165, you are paying for more than a boat seat. The cost includes five hours, crew, fuel, equipment, towels, food, drinks, and a small group setting. A cheaper boat may cover the islands, but you could then pay separately for lunch, snorkeling gear, a paddle board, or drinks.

Still, value depends on how much you use the inclusions. If you do not drink wine, do not swim, and mainly want a quick look at Delos, the price will feel high. If you spend time in the water and enjoy a proper meal onboard, it becomes easier to justify.

Returning toward Mykonos

The final hour brings the catamaran back toward Ornos and Mykonos. The route includes views of the island, its white buildings, and the famous windmills near town.

This return is not just dead time. After the swim and meal, it gives you a quiet chance to dry off, look back at the coast, and take more photographs. The return views also help you see Mykonos from a different angle. The island’s bright buildings and windmills look more unified from the sea than they do when you are moving through busy streets.

If you select the sunset option, this is the most dramatic part of the trip. The sun drops toward the horizon, and the sky changes color as you sail back. Sunset timing depends on the departure and season, so check the available starting times before booking. The sunset version may be especially appealing if you want a romantic or scenic evening, but it can leave less daylight for swimming depending on the schedule.

The stated total duration is five hours. The route description divides the time into roughly two hours around Delos, two hours at Rhenia, and one hour around Mykonos, though actual timing can shift with sea conditions, the chosen departure, and the sunset schedule.

Crew service and the feel onboard

The human side of this outing has been a clear strength. Captain Demitris and Emil are specifically praised for attentive, genuine service, good safety management, and strong cooking. You should expect an English-speaking host or greeter and an English-language crew experience.

A small group makes that service easier. With up to 10 people onboard, the crew can help with equipment, food, and general questions without the rushed feel of a large boat. The atmosphere should suit couples, friends, and solo people who enjoy meeting a few others but do not want a crowded party cruise.

The cruise does not promise a silent or luxury-yacht setting. There is a Bluetooth speaker, wine is included, and the mood may be social. If you want a very private charter, this is not the same product. If you want a friendly shared sailing with room to relax, it is a better fit.

Who should book this five-hour cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several Mykonos experiences in one day: open-water sailing, a Rhenia swimming stop, Greek food, and views of Delos and Mykonos. It is also a good choice if you value having the practical extras included rather than arranging them yourself.

It suits active people who plan to swim, snorkel, or use the paddle board, but you can also spend the stop relaxing on deck. The broad mix of activities means you do not need to be an expert swimmer or paddle boarder. You can simply enjoy the boat, food, and scenery.

The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, according to the supplied information. It is also not suitable for people over 95. Since the activity involves boarding a boat, moving around a deck, and getting in or out of the water, you should ask the operator about your specific needs before paying.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you select that option. Otherwise, make your own way to the Ornos dock and look for the base manager. Starting times vary, so check availability rather than assuming a fixed departure.

The cancellation policy is useful for uncertain plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mykonos schedule is still changing.

Is the Delos and Rhenia cruise worth $165?

For the right kind of day, yes. The strongest value comes from the complete package: a small group, five hours on a catamaran, crew service, fresh lunch, wine and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, towels, a paddle board, and fuel. The meal and crew appear to be the parts most likely to make the trip feel special.

The price is harder to justify if you want an archaeological tour of Delos or a truly unusual beach. This cruise only offers a view of Delos from the water, and Rhenia is a scenic swimming stop rather than a guaranteed once-in-a-lifetime shoreline.

I would book it if you want a comfortable sea day with plenty of time in the water and very little planning. I would skip it if Delos is your main reason for going, if you dislike shared boat trips, or if you are looking for the lowest-cost way to reach the islands. Choose the sunset departure when the return views matter as much to you as the swim, and choose a daytime departure when you want the fullest use of the cove.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours, including the sailing from Ornos, the Delos section, the Rhenia stop, and the return to Mykonos.

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is at the Ornos dock, identified as Ornos Ntokos. A base manager waits for you there.

Does the cruise visit Delos?

The catamaran passes Delos and stops for photographs from the boat. A visit and tour on Delos are not included.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $165 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh Greek meal is prepared onboard, with seasonal fruit, water, wine, and soft drinks included.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and beach towels are included, along with a paddle board.

Can I swim at Rhenia Island?

Yes. The Rhenia stop allows time for swimming and snorkeling in a clear-water cove. You can also use the paddle board or relax on the catamaran.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only when you select the transfer option. They are not included with every booking.

Is there a sunset option?

Yes. A sunset cruise option is available, subject to the departure times shown for your date.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a camera. The cruise supplies towels and snorkeling equipment.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.