REVIEW · MYKONOS

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks

5.0 · 500 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $181 Operated by The original and most renowned Catamaran company in Mykonos · Bookable on Viator
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Leave the busy island behind for a few hours. This five-hour catamaran cruise combines open-water sailing, quiet coves near Rineia, a freshly prepared Greek meal, and an open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks. You can choose a daytime departure or a sunset sailing, with the exact route shaped by wind and sea conditions.

I especially like the small maximum group of 16 and the unusually generous food and drink package. The crew serves a full Mediterranean spread onboard, not just a sandwich, and you can use snorkeling gear, a paddleboard when conditions allow, and two supervised sea scooters. The main consideration is the weather: strong wind can replace the Rineia and Delos route with a south-coast cruise around Mykonos.

Key points at a glance

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - Key points at a glance

  • Two peaceful Rineia stops: Swim from the catamaran in clear water near secluded coves and golden sand.
  • A proper Greek meal onboard: Expect several fresh dishes, including tzatziki, salads, grilled prawns, calamari, baked feta, bread, and vegetables with balsamic vinegar.
  • Unlimited drinks included: Beer, white wine, soda, bottled water, and a welcome prosecco are part of the price.
  • Delos from the sea: In calm conditions, the captain pauses offshore for views of the ancient sanctuary and a short explanation of its past.
  • Daytime or sunset choice: The day cruise gives you more bright-water swimming time, while the sunset option adds golden evening views.
  • Water equipment included: Snorkels, paddleboards when weather permits, and two sea scooters provide options beyond sunbathing.

Why this Mykonos sailing trip is worth considering

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - Why this Mykonos sailing trip is worth considering

At $181.39 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. It is priced as a full half-day outing with food, drinks, equipment, crew service, and a relatively small group. If you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, a beach visit, and a short boat trip, the price becomes easier to justify.

I like that the experience is not built around racing from one photo stop to another. The point is to spend time on the water. You sail for about an hour, stop for swimming, eat onboard, and have another chance to get in the sea before returning to Ornos Bay. That slower rhythm makes this a useful break from packed sightseeing days in Mykonos.

The drawbacks are practical rather than serious. The itinerary is not fixed, and Delos is only viewed from offshore when the sea is calm enough. If you have your heart set on stepping onto the archaeological site, this excursion will not provide that. You see the ruins from the water, and the stop may be skipped in rough conditions.

More Catamaran Cruises with Lunch and BBQ in Greece

Starting at Ornos Bay

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - Starting at Ornos Bay

The meeting point is at Ornos Bay marina, listed as C8CG+Q2 Ornos. You meet the captain and crew there, receive a safety briefing, and board the catamaran. The activity ends at the same marina.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Bus transfers to the marina may be arranged for an extra fee on request, but you should plan your route to Ornos before booking. This matters especially for the sunset trip, when arranging a return taxi at the last minute may be less convenient.

The boat can carry up to 16 people, though the number on a particular departure may be lower. A smaller group gives you more room to spread out on deck and makes it easier to talk with the crew. It also helps at lunch, since everyone is sharing food prepared in a compact galley rather than moving through a large buffet.

The crew has earned especially strong praise for being warm, attentive, and careful around the water. Names appearing in the feedback include Captain Paris, Mario, and Katerina. The crew’s approach seems to be friendly without turning the trip into a forced party, which suits couples, families, and small groups traveling together.

Sailing across the Aegean

Once the sails go up, you get a wide view of the Aegean rather than a standard motorboat ride. The first sailing section lasts about an hour, with the boat heading toward Rineia and the waters near Delos.

A catamaran gives you several ways to spend this time. Sit on the front deck for the wind and open views, find a more sheltered seat, or use the inside area if the breeze becomes too strong. The reviews describe the boat as clean and well kept, with enough seating for both active passengers and people who simply want to rest.

The sea can change the character of the ride. On a calm day, the sailing should feel smooth and easy. When the wind picks up, the catamaran may move more sharply, and swimming toys such as the paddleboard may be harder to use. One useful point from the feedback is that the crew still tried to make the equipment useful in windy conditions, even when the paddleboard was better suited to lounging than standing.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit in a central, lower area rather than at the very front, and avoid drinking heavily before the boat gets underway. The open bar is a pleasant extra, but the sea should come first.

Rineia’s coves and swimming stops

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - Rineia’s coves and swimming stops

Rineia, also spelled Rhenia, is the main setting for the water portion of the trip. The catamaran visits two locations around the island, where the focus is swimming, snorkeling, resting, and enjoying the sea.

The water is described as clear, turquoise, and calm in favorable conditions. You can jump from the boat, use the provided snorkeling gear, or stay on deck with a drink. The crew also provides floats and a paddleboard when weather allows. Two sea scooters are available under crew supervision, and these were a particular favorite for people who wanted a little more fun than ordinary snorkeling.

The stops are not designed as long beach visits. You spend time anchored near coves and access the water from the catamaran. That is convenient because you avoid hauling towels and bags across a beach, but it also means the experience is less suitable if you want a long walk on shore or a traditional beach lunch.

For cautious swimmers, the setup can be reassuring. The crew helps with the equipment and pays attention to people who are less comfortable in the water. One piece of practical feedback came from a passenger with water anxiety who felt well supported by the crew. Still, you should tell the staff about any concern before entering the sea and use the available flotation equipment.

The two Rineia stops usually account for about three hours of the signature voyage, including sailing and time at anchor. The pace is relaxed. You are not expected to swim continuously, and you can simply sit in the shade or on deck while others use the water toys.

The Greek meal prepared at sea

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - The Greek meal prepared at sea

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. A sailor-chef prepares the meal onboard, and the menu is described as an eight-flavor Mediterranean feast. The exact serving order may vary, but the food includes a creamy tzatziki starter with fresh herbs, salads, bread, dips, grilled prawns, calamari in white wine sauce, baked feta, zucchini, and meat and vegetables sautéed with balsamic vinegar.

This is more substantial than the usual boat excursion meal. The portions are described as plentiful, with enough variety for a mixed group. The meal also creates a natural pause after swimming, giving you time to dry off, eat, and let the boat settle before the next stop.

I appreciate the local character of the menu. You are not being served generic picnic food. Tzatziki, feta, seafood, herbs, and simple vegetables fit the setting and give you a taste of the Greek table without leaving the boat.

There is one point to keep in mind: the supplied menu lists a starter and examples rather than a guaranteed item-by-item menu. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask the operator before booking. The information provided does not promise a specific vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-safe menu.

The open bar and sunset atmosphere

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - The open bar and sunset atmosphere

The drink package includes unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, bottled water, and a welcome prosecco. That makes a real difference to the overall price, since drinks at popular Mykonos beach areas can add up quickly.

The bar is best enjoyed as part of the meal and the sailing, not as the sole focus of the trip. You still need to swim safely, follow crew instructions, and stay aware of the boat’s movement. Bottled water is included, which is useful in the strong Greek sun.

The sunset departure has a different mood from the daytime version. You still get the swimming stop and meal, but the final sailing is timed around the evening light. The best sunset views depend on the route and weather, so there is no guarantee of a cloudless horizon or a particular viewing position.

The boat’s relaxed social atmosphere is another part of the appeal. The small group encourages conversation, and people often end up sharing stories across nationalities and age groups. If you want a completely private boat, this is not that experience. If you enjoy meeting a few people without being placed on a crowded cruise ship, the group size is a good middle ground.

Delos from offshore

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - Delos from offshore

Delos is included as a short offshore stop when the sea is very calm. The catamaran pauses for about 20 minutes, giving you panoramic views of the ruins and the ancient port area from the water.

Delos is linked in Greek mythology with Apollo and Artemis, and the island is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The captain gives a short explanation while you look toward the archaeological remains. This adds context to the sailing and helps you understand why the low, dry island is so important.

You should set expectations correctly. This is not a guided walking tour of Delos. You will not go ashore, explore the sanctuary, or visit the museums. The value is the view from the sea and the chance to see the site as part of a wider Aegean route.

The Delos stop is also the least certain part of the advertised plan. Calm seas are required, and the captain has control of the route. If conditions are not suitable, the boat may skip Delos for safety.

The south-coast backup route

Mykonos Catamaran Premium Day-Sunset Tours 8-flavor Meal & Drinks - The south-coast backup route

Wind does not necessarily cancel the day. When the original route is too exposed, the catamaran often sails along Mykonos’s protected south coast instead.

This alternative itinerary can include views of famous beaches, sheltered coves, and large yachts anchored offshore. It offers a different look at Mykonos, shifting from quiet island coves to the polished beach scene associated with the island’s summer reputation.

For some people, this backup route may be just as enjoyable as Rineia. You still get time on the water, swimming if conditions allow, food, drinks, and the catamaran itself. The trade-off is that you may not reach Rineia or see Delos, so book this as a sea day rather than as a guaranteed archaeological excursion.

The captain can change the plan when wind and sea conditions are not good enough. That is a strength from a safety point of view, though anyone seeking a rigid schedule may find it frustrating.

Day cruise or sunset cruise?

Choose the daytime departure if you want the clearest light for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs. You will have more of the classic bright Aegean look, and the practical activities are easier to enjoy when the sun is high.

Choose the sunset departure if the final light matters more to you than maximum daylight. The sunset sailing can feel more special for couples, families finishing a Greece trip, or anyone who wants a memorable final evening in Mykonos.

The sunset version does not mean you lose the meal or open bar. It follows the same general pattern of sailing, swimming, eating, and returning, with the timing adjusted for evening views.

Who will enjoy this excursion most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several Mykonos experiences in one outing:

  • A relaxed half-day on the sea
  • Swimming from a clean, comfortable boat
  • Fresh Greek food without arranging a restaurant
  • Drinks included in the upfront price
  • A small group rather than a large party boat
  • Gentle historical context about Delos
  • Equipment for snorkeling and water play

It suits families with older children and young adults particularly well, since the sea scooters and paddleboard add activity beyond sunbathing. Couples may prefer the sunset departure, while groups of friends may enjoy the social atmosphere and open bar.

It is less suitable if your main goal is a full visit to Delos, a private charter, or a long beach stay. It may also be a poor fit if you dislike boats, strong wind, or changing plans at sea.

Most people can participate, but the crew should know about mobility concerns or water anxiety in advance. The boat has been described as accommodating, yet the information does not promise full wheelchair accessibility.

Price, booking, and cancellation details

The listed cost is $181.39 per person. I see the value in that price if you plan to use the meal, drinks, swimming equipment, and several hours on the boat. The package removes many small expenses that can otherwise make a Mykonos day surprisingly costly.

The experience is often booked about 34 days ahead, so advance planning is sensible during busy periods. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. You must provide each participant’s passport number, full name, year of birth, and country at booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cruise also requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants for the semi-private option. If the operator cancels for weather or insufficient numbers, you are offered another date, an alternative experience, or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this Mykonos catamaran cruise if you want the best mix of food, swimming, scenery, and easygoing time at sea. The fresh meal, attentive crew, small group limit, and included equipment give it more substance than a basic sightseeing cruise.

Pick the daytime trip for water time and clear views. Pick sunset for atmosphere. Just remember that Rineia and Delos depend on the wind, and Delos is viewed from offshore only. If you can accept that flexibility, this is one of the stronger all-around sea excursions in Mykonos.

FAQ

Where does the Mykonos catamaran tour start?

It starts at Ornos Bay marina in Mykonos, at the meeting point listed as C8CG+Q2 Ornos. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. The Rineia sailing and stops take about three hours, followed by an offshore Delos stop of about 20 minutes when conditions allow, plus the remaining sailing time.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Bus transfers to the marina may be arranged for an additional fee upon request.

Is food included?

Yes. The tour includes an eight-flavor Mediterranean meal prepared onboard. Examples include tzatziki, salads, grilled prawns, calamari in white wine sauce, baked feta, bread, zucchini, and meat and vegetables with balsamic vinegar.

What drinks are included?

You receive a welcome prosecco and unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. A stand-up paddleboard is available when weather permits, and two sea scooters are provided under crew supervision.

Will the catamaran stop at Delos?

The boat may stop offshore near Delos when the sea is very calm. You see the ruins from the water and hear information from the captain, but you do not go ashore for a walking visit.

What happens if the weather is too windy?

The captain may change the route for safety. The boat often sails along Mykonos’s protected south coast, visiting famous beaches and a sheltered cove instead of following the Rineia and Delos route.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient numbers cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date, an alternative experience, or a full refund.

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