From Ornos: Mykonos Delos Catamaran Cruise with Meal & SUP

The best part of this five-hour catamaran trip is the easy mix of sailing, swimming, food, and open sea. You pass Delos, stop near Rhenia, and have time to use the paddle board or snorkeling gear instead of spending the whole day in transit. I especially like the small group of up to 10 people and the onboard Greek meal with wine, fruit, water, and soft drinks included.

I also like the friendly, hands-on service from Demitris and Emil, who are praised for their care, cooking, and calm handling of the boat. The main consideration is that you only view Delos from the water. If you want to walk among its ancient ruins, you need a separate Delos visit.

Key points about this Mykonos catamaran cruise

• Rhenia is the main swim stop: You anchor in a quiet cove for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and paddle boarding.
• Delos is seen from the sea: You get a photo stop and coastal views, but no guided visit or shore excursion on the island.
• The food is a major part of the day: Emil prepares a fresh Greek meal onboard, with seasonal fruit and drinks included.
• The boat keeps the group personal: A maximum of 10 participants makes it easier to find space and speak with the crew.
• The sunset option adds atmosphere: On a later departure, you can watch the sun drop over the Aegean on the return sail.
• Ornos is the base: Meet the base manager at the dock, with hotel pickup and drop-off available only if you select that option.

Sailing out from Ornos

The day begins at Ornos dock, where the base manager waits for you. You meet the crew, find a place on the catamaran, and settle in as the boat leaves the harbor.

The first stretch gives you classic Mykonos scenery from the water. White houses, open sea, and the island’s familiar windmills appear from a different angle than they do from the roads. The sea breeze helps take the edge off the strong Greek sun, but you still need a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

The catamaran has spacious decks, so you can choose between sitting in the sun and finding a more sheltered place. A Bluetooth speaker is available for music, which adds a casual touch, though the main soundtrack is the sea and the wind.

You should expect a relaxed boat day rather than a fast sightseeing trip. The boat spends real time at sea, and the point is to enjoy the water as much as the destinations. If you want constant commentary or a tightly packed schedule of historic sites, this will feel too leisurely.

Passing Delos without going ashore

The route takes you past Delos, one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades. From the boat, you get a photo opportunity and a view of the island from the water. The timing allows roughly two hours for the Delos portion of the cruise, including sailing and the sea views around it.

This is useful if you want to add Delos to a scenic day on the water, but you should understand the limit. Admission, a shore visit, and a guided tour of Delos are not included. You will not walk through the ancient sanctuary, see the marble remains up close, or spend time in the archaeological site.

For many people, that is a fair trade. A full land visit to Delos requires a separate boat trip and several hours on the island. This cruise instead gives you a broad view while leaving more time for swimming and lunch. If ancient sites are your main reason for visiting the area, book a dedicated Delos excursion as well.

The boat also provides a good place for photographs. Delos from the water has a quiet, wide-open feel, and you can frame the island with the Aegean around it rather than with other visitors on a path.

Rhenia: the day’s main stop

After passing Delos, the catamaran heads toward Rhenia Island. This is where the cruise becomes less about looking and more about taking part.

The boat anchors in a secluded cove with clear turquoise water. You can swim, snorkel, use the paddle board, or stay on deck with a drink. Beach towels and snorkeling equipment are supplied, so you do not need to pack your own gear. You should bring your swimsuit and camera, since the stop is built around time in the water.

Rhenia is not presented as a major sightseeing island with a long walking tour. Its value is the calm setting and the chance to enjoy the sea away from Mykonos town. That also explains one possible disappointment: one person expected a more unusual or especially distinctive beach. If you are looking for a dramatic beach club or a famous sandy shore, this stop may seem simple.

I see that simplicity as part of the appeal. You are not rushing between several beaches. You drop anchor, get wet if you want, dry off on deck, and let the afternoon unfold. The exact feel of the cove can depend on sea conditions and the day’s route, but the plan gives you a solid block of time for swimming and snorkeling.

Greek food served on the catamaran

Lunch is prepared onboard rather than delivered from a restaurant. That matters because the meal becomes part of the sailing experience. You eat with the sea around you, after the swimming stop, while the boat is still in the quiet waters near Rhenia.

The food is described as a fresh Greek meal, with seasonal fruit also included. The strongest praise is aimed at Emil’s cooking, with specific approval for the flavor and freshness of the Greek dishes. You should not expect a published menu, so anyone with dietary restrictions should ask the operator before booking.

Water, soft drinks, and wine are included. The cruise also offers unlimited pours of traditional Mykonos wine, which suits the unhurried pace of the day. Drink sensibly in the sun, especially if you plan to swim afterward.

At $165 per person, the included food and drinks help explain the price. You are not paying only for transport to a swimming spot. The fare covers the catamaran, crew, fuel and taxes, equipment, towels, lunch, fruit, and listed drinks. Hotel transfers can be added with the appropriate booking option, but they are not part of every reservation.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a meal, drinks, and water equipment. It is less compelling if you mainly want a short ride past the islands or prefer to spend the day on a beach.

The return toward Mykonos

After lunch and time in the water, the boat turns back toward Mykonos. The final hour is spent sailing, with views of the island, the town, and the famous windmills.

This return leg gives you time to dry off, listen to music, and enjoy the changing light. If you choose the sunset departure, the end of the trip becomes the visual high point. The sun drops toward the horizon, and the open water gives you a wide view of the changing sky.

Sunset timing depends on the departure selected, so check availability carefully. A sunset cruise may be ideal for couples and for anyone who values atmosphere more than a long swim. A daytime trip gives you stronger light for photographs and may suit you better if swimming and snorkeling are the main goals.

The boat returns to Ornos dock. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only when included in the option you choose, so do not assume that transport from your accommodation is automatic.

Why the small group matters

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is a useful middle ground: you get the social feel of a shared boat, but the group should remain small enough for the crew to keep an eye on the activity and serve lunch without the feel of a large excursion boat.

Small groups also matter at the swim stop. You have a better chance of finding deck space, getting access to the paddle board, and speaking directly with the skipper. The experience is still shared, so it is not a private yacht charter. If privacy is your top priority, you should ask about private options before booking.

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular outing. Demitris is the captain, and Emil prepares the meal. Their friendly, attentive approach is a repeated strength of the experience. You can expect English service, and the host or greeter speaks English.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is at Ornos Ntokos, with the base manager waiting at the dock. Check the exact starting time when booking because the five-hour cruise has different availability depending on the date and option.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a camera. Towels and snorkeling equipment are supplied, along with the paddle board. You should still pack any personal sun protection or medication you need for several hours outdoors.

The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not suitable for people over 95. Access to a catamaran, movement around the deck, and getting in and out for swimming can be demanding. If you have concerns, contact the operator before paying.

The cancellation terms are practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while planning a Mykonos stay.

Who will enjoy this day on the Aegean?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several Mykonos experiences in one outing: sailing, a scenic view of Delos, a swim near Rhenia, Greek food, and a possible sunset. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a social setting without a large group.

It is also a good choice if you want a comfortable way to spend time on the water without organizing separate equipment, food, or drinks. The crew supplies most of what you need, and the five-hour length is long enough to feel like a proper day out without taking over your entire holiday.

I would hesitate if your priority is archaeology. You will see Delos but not visit it. I would also hesitate if you dislike swimming from a boat, since the main activity at Rhenia is time in the sea rather than a long shore walk.

At $165, the trip sits in the premium half-day excursion range, but the price includes substantial extras. The small group, onboard meal, wine, soft drinks, fruit, towels, snorkeling equipment, paddle board, crew, fuel, and taxes make it easier to judge the cost as a complete outing rather than a simple boat transfer.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a relaxed, food-focused day at sea with a real swim stop and a small group. The best reasons are the calm Rhenia anchorage, the included equipment and drinks, and the personal service from Demitris and Emil.

Choose a separate Delos tour if seeing the ruins up close is essential. Otherwise, this is a well-rounded way to experience the waters around Mykonos, especially if you choose the sunset option and like the idea of ending the day with wine, Greek food, and the island’s windmills coming into view.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

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

Does the cruise visit Delos?

The boat passes Delos and provides a photo opportunity from the deck. A shore visit and guided tour of Delos are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran anchors near Rhenia Island, where you can swim and snorkel. Snorkeling equipment and beach towels are included.

Is lunch included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you select an option that includes the transfer. Otherwise, meet the base manager at the dock at Ornos Ntokos.

How many people are on the boat?

The cruise is a small-group experience limited to 10 participants.