Five hours at sea beats any checklist. This Mykonos catamaran run from Ornos pairs the big-ticket scenery of Delos and Rhenia with real downtime on the water: swimming, snorkeling, and even SUP. I especially love two things: the crew’s calm, watchful care under skipper Demitris, and the onboard Greek meal with generous wine pours from Emil’s cooking days. One thing to consider: Delos is mostly a scenic pass and photo stop, not a full onshore ruins visit.

You’ll sail out in a small group (up to 10), so the vibe stays friendly instead of chaotic. You also get the practical stuff that makes the day feel smooth: snorkeling gear, beach towels, fruit, water plus soft drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker if you want to set the mood. If you hate sun-on-your-face time, plan on bringing a hat and shade strategy, because the decks are the place to be.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Skipper Demitris and Emil’s crew style: genuinely attentive, focused on making you comfortable in the water and on deck
• Rhenia Island stop: a sheltered cove where you can swim, snorkel, or just hang out in the calm
• SUP is included: you’re not renting gear or hunting for an add-on once you’re already on the boat
• Greek lunch + wine onboard: food isn’t an afterthought, and drinks are part of the flow
• Small group pacing: more personal service and less waiting around for everyone

Entering Ornos: The Calm Start to a Busy Island

Ornos is a gentler base than the busiest corners of Mykonos, and that matters because it sets the tone. You meet at ORNOS NTOKOS right at the dock, with a base manager waiting there so you’re not wandering with a suitcase and a confused look. From there, you get your spot on the modern catamaran and settle in quickly.

The boat setup feels built for lounging. The decks are spacious, and that’s where you’ll want to spend time even if you’re planning to snorkel. You’ll be watching the coastline slide by, feeling that salt air, and getting the kind of views that don’t come from standing in a line on land.

Getting Set Up on the Catamaran Without Overthinking It

This is a small-group cruise limited to 10 participants, so you don’t feel like you’re in a moving crowd. The crew keeps things organized, and English-speaking staff are on hand as a host or greeter. That helps when questions come up, especially around water time and timing for the meal.

Included gear takes away effort. You’ll have snorkeling equipment and beach towels provided, plus seasonal fruit and drinks. There’s also a Bluetooth speaker, which sounds small until you’re on open water with a good breeze and you realize you’d rather have music than silence.

Because the cruise is only about five hours, pacing stays tight and enjoyable. You’re not stuck commuting for ages before the fun starts, and you’re back at Ornos at a realistic hour.

Delos From the Water: Photos First, Ruins Later

Delos is famous, and you’ll feel that even from offshore. The cruise passes by Delos and gives you a deck photo moment, so you can frame the island and get that iconic look without committing your whole afternoon to land time.

Here’s the key practical point: a Delos visit or tour isn’t included. So if your top goal is walking among archaeological sites, you’ll need to plan that separately. If your goal is mainly sailing views plus a stop for water activities, the onboard Delos moment works well because it keeps the day flowing.

This also means the day stays low-stress. You won’t have to worry about tickets, long transfers, or dragging yourself through museum pacing once you’re already on a boat. You get what the sea does best: quick, beautiful framing and a breeze in your face.

Rhenia Island: The Swim-Cove Stop You’ll Actually Use

Rhenia is the heart of the experience, and you feel that in how the day is structured. After the Delos pass, you head to Rhenia, where the catamaran drops anchor in a secluded cove with clear turquoise water. This is where the cruise stops being scenic and starts being physical, in the best way.

The big win is flexibility. You can swim at your own comfort level, snorkel with the provided gear, or just hang out on the boat and let the water do its thing. If you’re the type who gets antsy sitting still, this stop gives you enough time to actually reset your body—saltwater does that.

SUP is included too, which turns a standard swim break into something more active. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need a willingness to wobble for a minute and then find your balance. It’s the kind of extra that makes the cruise feel like a full experience rather than a simple sightseeing ride.

One consideration to keep in mind: not every cove feels equally special in every weather pattern. If you’re hunting for the most Instagram-perfect beach scene, you may find that the cove experience is more about the water time than a dramatic, unique shoreline view. Still, the whole point here is the water—clean, calm, and easy to enjoy.

Lunch, Wine, and Emil’s Cooking: Where the Day Turns Into a Treat

Onboard meals can be hit or miss on day trips. Here, it’s a highlight. Fresh Seasonal Fruit shows up along with water, wine, and soft drinks, and then the main meal is served onboard while you’re enjoying the Rhenia area.

The strongest praise is for the food. Emil’s cooking gets called out as exceptional, with Greek dishes that taste fresh and feel thoughtfully prepared. That lines up with what you’d want on Mykonos: not just a lunch to fill time, but a real meal that matches the effort of being out on the water.

Wine is part of the rhythm too. You get unlimited pours of traditional Mykonos wine as you sail, which helps explain why this trip feels social. You’re eating and drinking with your group on deck, watching the sea, and not treating the meal like a chore.

Also worth noting: crew care shows up in the details. Skipper Demitris is mentioned as professional, friendly, and focused on safety and comfort, so you’re not constantly on edge about water conditions. That matters because this cruise invites you into the sea—if the crew is relaxed and organized, you can be too.

Back to Mykonos: Windmills, Sun, and a Wind-Down Sail

On the way back, the cruise heads toward Mykonos and you get a classic payoff. You’ll see the picturesque windmills as the catamaran approaches, and you’ll likely catch that last stretch of light that makes everything feel more cinematic.

This is also where you decide how you want to end your day. If you’re taking a sunset option, the timing can be gorgeous, with the sky shifting over the horizon. Even when you’re not on a sunset schedule, the return sail still feels like a proper wrap: the sea breeze, the last photo moments, and the satisfaction of not rushing through everything.

Price and Value: What $165 Gets You (and Why It’s Not Just “a Boat Ride”)

At around $165 per person for a five-hour cruise, you’re paying for more than transport and scenery. You’re buying: water activities (snorkeling plus SUP), included gear (so you don’t rent or improvise), and food and drinks onboard (so you’re not spending your vacation budget on a hurried lunch).

That bundled value is what makes the price feel fair. You’re also in a small group of up to 10, which usually means better service and less waiting around. In practical terms, it often works out better than piecing together separate rentals or food stops if you want a day that’s truly on the water.

The good sign is the consistent praise for service and meals. When the crew and the lunch both land well, the cruise feels like money spent on your experience rather than on convenience only. Reviews also give the overall rating a strong 4.6, which matches the way the day is designed: structured, but not stiff.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Should Reconsider)

This is a great match if you want a Mykonos day that’s relaxed but still active. If you like swimming, want a real snorkeling moment, and enjoy the idea of SUP without extra hassle, you’ll probably have a strong time here.

It’s also a good choice for couples, small friend groups, and solo travelers who want a friendly atmosphere. The small group size makes conversation easier, and the onboard meal plus wine helps keep the day from feeling like a strict schedule.

A few people should consider other options. The cruise isn’t suitable for mobility impairments, and it’s not for people over 95 years. Also, if your ideal day is walking around historical sites for hours, remember Delos is not a full onshore tour here—it’s more of a scenic pass and photo opportunity.

Practical Tips Before You Go: Small Things That Matter at Sea

Bring what makes sense in the sun and around water: sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a camera. The included snorkeling gear and towels take care of some of the heavy lifting, but you still want to protect yourself from strong Greek sun.

Shoes usually don’t matter much because you’re living on the boat decks and water breaks, so wear something sensible for getting on and off. If you plan to do SUP, consider what you’ll wear under it too—staying comfortable and not freezing from spray is half the fun.

Music is possible via Bluetooth speaker, but I’d keep it polite and low if there are people who want quiet. Part of the charm here is the sound of wind and water, not just a playlist.

Should You Book This Mykonos Delos Catamaran Cruise with Meal and SUP?

If you want a half-day that feels like Mykonos in its best forms—sea views, a proper swim break, a real onboard meal, and a crew that makes you feel taken care of—this is an easy yes.

Book it if:

• You want Delos visuals without a land tour marathon
• You’ll actually use the water time (snorkel, swim, and SUP)
• You care about food quality, not just getting fed

Consider a different plan if:

• Your priority is a full Delos archaeological visit
• You’re traveling for an all-day, onshore-focused itinerary
• Water activities don’t match your style

For most people, though, the combination of included snorkeling gear, SUP, generous drinks, and Emil’s cooking makes the $165 feel like a solid value. And with skipper Demitris and the crew keeping things organized, you get the kind of day at sea that’s more about enjoying than figuring things out.

FAQ

What islands does this catamaran cruise include?

You’ll cruise to Rhenia Island and pass by Delos. Delos is primarily a scenic stop for photos from the deck, while Rhenia is the main swim and activity stop.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about 5 hours.

Is a Delos guided visit included?

No. A visit and tour on Delos are not included. You’ll get a photo opportunity while passing by.

What water activities are included?

You get snorkeling equipment and paddle boards (SUP). You can also swim in the anchored cove during leisure time.

What food and drinks are provided?

You’ll have fresh seasonal fruit, plus water, wine, and soft drinks. Lunch is served onboard as a fresh meal.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. If not selected, you meet at the dock in Ornos.