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

Set sail before Mykonos heats up. This five-hour catamaran trip gives you a pleasant mix of Aegean sailing, Delos views, and swimming at Rhenia, with a cooked meal and drinks included. I like that you can choose a morning outing or a sunset departure, and I like the small maximum group of 18 people.

The main catch is the wind. Mykonos can be rough offshore, and some people have felt seasick or cold. Food quality and boat condition also seem to vary, so I would book this for the crew, scenery, and relaxed day on the water rather than for a fine-dining meal.

What makes this Mykonos cruise worth considering

• Two sailing times: Pick a morning cruise or an afternoon trip that finishes with sunset views.
• Delos from the sea: You stop near the archaeological island for photographs and a short spoken introduction, but you do not go ashore.
• Rhenia swimming stop: The catamaran anchors in a clear-water cove for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.
• Meal and drinks included: Expect lunch or dinner, wine, soft drinks, water, and raki, the traditional Cretan spirit.
• Small-group feel: The maximum is 18 people, which is more sociable and less crowded than a large day boat.
• Hotel transportation: Air-conditioned van pickup and return are offered for hotels in Platis Gialos.

Sailing from Mykonos New Port

Your day begins with pickup by air-conditioned minivan, followed by a transfer to Mykonos New Port. The exact pickup arrangement matters, since one morning departure had a last-minute change in the meeting time. I would keep your phone close on the day and be ready earlier than expected.

At the marina, you meet the skipper and crew, then choose a place on the modern sailing catamaran. There is room to sit, stretch out, and take photographs, although the best spot depends on the wind and how quickly you board.

The opening sail gives you a different view of Mykonos. The familiar white houses recede behind you, and the island begins to look less like a party destination and more like a dry, rocky Aegean outpost. The sea breeze is refreshing, but it can turn chilly quickly, especially during a cloudy afternoon.

Wine, water, soft drinks, and raki are available during the trip. The raki is a fun local touch, but remember that alcohol and rough seas are not an ideal combination if you are prone to motion sickness.

Passing Baos, the old pirates’ island

The route heads across the northern part of Mykonos and passes the small island of Baos, described by the crew as a former pirates’ island. This is a short scenic section rather than a formal stop, so you will not explore Baos on foot.

It is still useful context. Mykonos is famous for its whitewashed streets and beach clubs, but its surrounding islands tell a quieter story of sailors, raiders, trade routes, and isolated coves. Listen for the crew’s commentary here, since the quality of the historical explanation can depend on who is working that day.

Some crews have been warm and active, with people such as Adonis, Fanis, Matt, Dimitris, Stefanos, Giannis, Juglio, and Sotos singled out for friendly service. Other passengers have found the commentary limited. I would expect basic orientation rather than a full guided history tour.

Seeing Delos without leaving the catamaran

The boat pauses in front of Delos, one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades. You get time to photograph the ruins from the water while the hostess explains some of the island’s past.

This is a scenic introduction, not an archaeological visit. The price does not include a landing on Delos, and the trip specifically does not drop you off at the site. If walking among temples, statues, and ancient streets is high on your Mykonos list, you need a separate Delos excursion.

Still, seeing Delos from the sea has its own appeal. The island feels spare and remote, and the ruins appear against the open water rather than behind the usual line of tour buses. Bring a phone or camera, but do not expect close architectural detail from the catamaran.

This stop also helps you understand the route. You are not simply taking a short harbor cruise. You are crossing open water toward smaller islands, with the main attraction being the combination of ancient sites and an easygoing day at sea.

Swimming and snorkeling at Rhenia

After Delos, the catamaran continues to Rhenia and anchors in a small cove. This is the active center of the trip. The water is clear and turquoise, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

The stop is designed for swimming rather than island exploration. You jump from the boat, cool off, and return for food or more time on deck. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included. That small detail matters because you will be wet for the return sail, and Mykonos wind can make wet swimwear feel cold.

The water has received some of the strongest praise. Several passengers enjoyed the clarity and beauty of the cove, while others described the swimming location as the best part of the day. The standard plan appears to include one main swimming stop, despite some expectations of several stops.

If you do not swim, the stop still gives you time to sit, photograph the cove, and enjoy the boat. But this cruise suits you best if you want to get into the water. It is less suitable if you prefer a sightseeing boat that keeps moving from one landmark to another.

Lunch on board: a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book

The crew prepares a full meal on board while the boat is anchored. Menus described by passengers have included salad, pasta, bread, grape leaves, meat, seafood, and sliced fruit such as pears and apples. Wine and other drinks are served with the meal.

At its best, this is a generous and enjoyable lunch in a memorable setting. Some people especially liked food cooked by the captain or first mate, and the shared meal helped people from different countries talk and mingle. That social side is one of the pleasures of a semi-private cruise.

The food is not consistently praised, though. Some found it delicious, while others considered the pasta overcooked, the sausages oily, or the reheated prawns disappointing. One passenger who did not eat prawns found the alternatives limited. The wine selection has also drawn criticism.

My advice is simple: treat the meal as a useful part of the package, not as a restaurant-quality dining experience. At $192.23 per person, food quality affects the value, but the price also covers the boat, crew, fuel surcharge, transport, snorkeling equipment, and roughly five hours on the water.

The return route past Little Venice and the windmills

On the way back, the catamaran passes Little Venice and the famous Mykonos windmills. This is a strong closing section because you see the old town from a position that is hard to match from land.

Have your camera ready as the boat approaches the coast. The windmills, white houses, and waterfront buildings line up well from the sea, especially in late afternoon light. The sunset option adds another visual reward, with the return voyage timed around the golden light.

A sunset departure is not automatically better. The sea may be cooler later in the day, and wind can make the ride uncomfortable. The morning option gives you a brighter, earlier start and may suit you better if you want a longer-feeling day or prefer not to return after dark.

How comfortable is the catamaran?

The boat is described as modern, clean, and comfortable, with enough space for a small group. An 18-person maximum keeps it far more personal than a large excursion vessel, though the experience is not a private charter. You may share the boat with couples, families, and solo passengers.

The atmosphere has often been a major strength. People have enjoyed lounging on deck, meeting others, listening to music, and sharing the meal. The crew has generally been described as friendly and attentive, with several captains and mates helping sick passengers quickly and handling minor equipment problems professionally.

There are limits. One account noted that the boat is beginning to show its age, with two things breaking during the trip. The crew worked around the problems, but you should not expect a flawless luxury yacht. Another passenger wished the paddleboard had been made available.

The word semi-private is important here. It means a limited-size shared outing, not a boat reserved only for you and your party. If you want total privacy, flexible stops, or control of the itinerary, a private charter would be a different product.

Wind, waves, and motion sickness

Mykonos is famously windy, and that is not just a detail for sailors. Open water can be choppy, especially during the crossing toward Delos and Rhenia. At least two people on one outing became sick, while another passenger needed immediate help from the crew.

If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead using whatever seasickness remedy you normally trust. Sit where the movement feels gentler, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid drinking much alcohol before the boat settles. The crew can help, but they cannot make a windy day calm.

Bring a light jacket even in warm weather. One passenger found the boat cold because of the wind, and a sunset trip may feel cooler still. Add a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, phone protection, and a towel to your day bag.

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Is $192.23 a fair price?

The price is high for a five-hour shared excursion, but it covers more than transportation on a boat. You receive hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned van for Platis Gialos hotels, a skipper and crew, fuel surcharge, lunch or dinner, wine, soft drinks, raki, and snorkeling equipment.

That package can be good value if you want a full half-day with very little planning. You do not need to arrange transport to the port, find a lunch stop, or rent snorkeling gear. The small group also adds comfort and makes it easier to talk with the crew and other people on board.

The value is weaker if your priorities are a polished yacht, several swimming locations, a large meal with broad choices, or a full Delos visit. You also need to account for the fact that some outings feel closer to four hours in practice, even though the advertised duration is approximately five hours.

I would compare the cost with your overall Mykonos plans. If you have only one day and want sea views, a swim, food, and sunset photographs in one package, it makes sense. If you already plan a separate Delos tour and spend your time at the best beaches, this may duplicate part of your holiday.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it for couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who want a social day on the water without paying for a fully private boat. It is also a good fit if your ideal Mykonos memory includes swimming in clear water, sharing lunch on deck, and seeing the island from offshore.

The cruise is less suitable for you if you get seasick easily, dislike wind, need a quiet luxury setting, or expect restaurant-quality food. It is also not the right choice if setting foot on Delos is essential, since the boat only stops offshore for photographs and commentary.

The English-language tour is practical for international visitors, and confirmation is provided at booking. You can use mobile tickets, so there is no need to print paperwork.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group sailing day built around scenery, swimming, drinks, and a shared meal. The most reliable strengths are the beautiful Rhenia cove, views of Delos from the water, the Mykonos coastline on the return, and the crew’s often warm service.

I would choose the morning departure for a straightforward day at sea, or the sunset option if photographs and atmosphere matter most. Confirm your pickup time, pack a towel and warm layer, and prepare for waves. With those expectations, the cruise can be a very enjoyable way to see Mykonos beyond its crowded beaches and narrow lanes.

Cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The stated duration is approximately five hours. One reported outing lasted closer to four hours, so the exact time on the water can vary.

What departure times are available?

You can choose between a morning cruise and an afternoon or sunset cruise when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return transportation are offered from hotels in Platis Gialos. Transport is provided by air-conditioned van.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 18 people. It is semi-private, meaning you share the catamaran with a limited number of other passengers.

Does the cruise visit Delos?

The catamaran stops in front of Delos so you can take photographs and hear an explanation of the site. You do not get off the boat, and drop-off at Delos is not included.

Is lunch or dinner included?

Yes. The morning cruise includes lunch, while the sunset option includes dinner. Drinks include wine, soft drinks, water, and traditional alcoholic drink called raki.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the swimming stop at Rhenia.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to a different date or a full refund.