Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks

The best Mykonos views come from the water. This five-hour sailing trip takes you along the island’s southern beaches, then across to quiet Rhenia for swimming, snorkeling, a Greek buffet, and a sunset ride home. I especially like the small-group feel, with no more than 35 people, and the generous package of food, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and snorkeling gear. The main caution is the wind: rough Aegean seas can make the return trip uncomfortable, so this is best booked with a little flexibility.

I also like that the cruise gives you more than a scenic boat ride. You see famous beaches such as Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise from the sea, then stop at an uninhabited island that can only be reached by yacht. The meal is one of the strongest parts of the experience, though you should eat breakfast because lunch, or early dinner, may not be served until around 2 p.m.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Rhenia is reached after about one hour of sailing, with roughly two hours set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Swimming is from the yacht, using the onboard ladder. There are no pier facilities or tender boats to shore.
• The food is a full Greek buffet, with dishes such as moussaka, chicken, potatoes, bread, tzatziki, salad, and vegetables.
• Drinks are included, including white and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea.
• The southern Mykonos coast is protected from the Meltemi, but wind can still make the return journey rough.
• Pickup costs extra and must be arranged after booking. The standard meeting point is at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis.

Why This Cruise Works So Well in Mykonos

Mykonos is famous for whitewashed lanes, beach clubs, and strong summer winds. From the water, you get a calmer and more open view of the island. This cruise makes good use of that setting by following the southern coast before crossing toward Rhenia.

The beach safari is not a series of long beach stops. Instead, you pass by several of Mykonos’s best-known beaches while the yacht moves along the coast. That makes the cruise useful if you want to see the shoreline without spending your entire day moving between crowded beach areas.

Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise each have their own feel on land. From the boat, you mainly enjoy the views and the contrast between developed beaches and open water. You may also get a good sense of why the southern side of Mykonos is so popular: it is scenic, easy to reach, and more sheltered from the island’s northern winds.

The experience is rated 4.7 out of 5, with 92 percent of customers recommending it. The strongest praise goes to the crew, food, swimming stops, and sunset. Those are the parts I would give the most weight to when deciding if the price is worthwhile.

Meeting the Yacht at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis

The cruise begins at C8F4+2QR in Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, where you meet the yacht and crew directly. Look for a Sunfos Alessia Yachting representative wearing a company shirt or holding a sign.

Pickup and drop-off are not automatically included. They can be arranged for an additional charge after booking, either from your hotel or from a designated meeting point, depending on where you are staying. If you are visiting from a cruise ship, clear directions to the port meeting point have been provided successfully for past departures, but you should still confirm the details before sailing.

Once aboard, the crew explains the route and basic safety information. The number of people can change according to the yacht assigned and the weather, but the maximum is 35. That is not a private charter, but it is much more manageable than a large excursion boat.

The yacht returns to the same general meeting point, although the disembarkation location can change without notice if weather conditions require it. Build a little flexibility into your plans afterward.

Sailing Past Five Famous Mykonos Beaches

The first section follows the southern coast. Ornos appears early, followed by Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga, and Paradise. This is a good moment to settle in, take photos, and watch the island recede behind you.

The views are the point here, not a guided visit to each beach. You will not be stepping ashore at every stop. Instead, the crew gives you a moving view of the coastline, with time to relax on deck and enjoy the open water.

The tour’s name includes a beach safari, but I would set realistic expectations. This is not a hop-on, hop-off beach tour. The stops are mainly for seeing the beaches from the yacht, while the actual swimming time comes later near Rhenia and at another swimming area mentioned by several participants.

You should bring sun protection and a swimsuit. There is plenty of sun on the water, and a beach towel is not included, although one can be rented onboard. A towel from your accommodation may be more convenient if you have room for it.

Rhenia, the Quiet Half of the Day

After about an hour of sailing, the yacht reaches Rhenia, also called Big Delos. Unlike Mykonos, Rhenia is uninhabited and accessible only by yacht. That difference gives the stop its appeal.

The water is clear and turquoise, and the setting feels far removed from the organized beaches of Mykonos. You enter the sea from the yacht’s swimming ladder. There are no pier facilities and no tender service to carry you ashore, so you need to be comfortable climbing down into the water and back onto the boat.

You can use the included mask, snorkel, fins, and floating noodles. Several people described swimming in clear water around 15 to 20 feet deep, with the sea temperature around 70 degrees on their sailing date. Conditions will vary, but the practical point is clear: this is a swim from the boat, not a shallow sandy beach stop.

The schedule allows about two hours at Rhenia. That gives you enough time to swim, snorkel, dry off, and relax without feeling rushed. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain aboard and enjoy the view, though the stop is built around getting into the water.

One detail needs careful clarification. The main plan describes swimming near Rhenia from the yacht, while one account describes reaching a cove where people swam toward shore and walked along foundations connected with an ancient hospital building. Because the itinerary specifically says there are no shore facilities, do not count on walking ashore or visiting ruins. Treat that as weather and route dependent rather than a guaranteed part of the trip.

The Greek Buffet Is a Real Strength

Food is served onboard during the Rhenia stop or before the return sailing. It is described as an early dinner, though many people experience it as a late lunch. Timing matters. One meal was served around 2 p.m., so eat breakfast and consider bringing a small snack if you tend to get hungry.

The buffet can include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, Greek salad, bread, and tzatziki. Some people described it as one of their favorite meals in Greece, while another found the food average but perfectly acceptable. That is a fair way to think about it: this is a generous, homemade-style boat meal, not a restaurant tasting menu.

The meal adds real value to the $114.89 price. You are not paying only for transport and a short swim. The fee also covers the crew, fuel, taxes, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, safety gear, and a meal with drinks.

Included drinks are white and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea. A farewell shot is also provided. The crew is often praised for keeping drinks available, though the service may not feel like an open bar where someone is constantly walking around with a tray. If you want another drink, you may need to ask.

Sunset on the Return to Mykonos

The return journey is timed around sunset, which is the emotional high point of the cruise. The sun drops over the Aegean, with the water taking on yellow, orange, and red tones. This is when you will want your camera ready, but do not spend the entire ride looking through a screen.

The return trip can also be the roughest section. Mykonos is known as the Island of the Winds for good reason. Several accounts describe a smooth and enjoyable day, while another describes a very rough ride back that changed the mood onboard. The crew handled the waves well, but passengers who dislike motion may find the experience stressful.

I would not book this cruise on your final day if missing plans would cause trouble. The operator recommends scheduling it early in your Mykonos stay so that you have a chance to move it if poor weather cancels the sailing.

The cruise requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If it is canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

Crew, Atmosphere, and Group Size

The crew receives the most consistent praise. Names that appear in the feedback include Costas, Joanna, Tarsos, Bobi, Foti, Sofia, and Bobbitos, with spellings varying. The common thread is attentive, friendly service, practical sailing skill, and a relaxed tone.

One captain showed a child how to steer and explained the boat. Another crew helped passengers stay calm when waves rose on the return. Those details matter because a good crew can turn changing weather from a worry into part of the adventure.

The atmosphere depends partly on the group aboard. You may share the yacht with families, couples, and groups from several countries. A maximum of 35 people leaves room to spread out, but this is still a shared cruise, not a private sailing day.

The tour suits people who enjoy casual company and do not need a tightly scripted program. It is also a good match for families, provided children are comfortable around open water and using a boat ladder. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and you should notify the operator about pregnancy, mobility concerns, or health issues before booking.

Is $114.89 a Fair Price?

At $114.89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Mykonos beaches. The value comes from combining several costs into one half-day outing.

You receive approximately five hours aboard a sailing yacht, a professional crew, two swimming opportunities or water stops depending on the route, snorkeling gear, floating noodles, a Greek buffet, unlimited listed drinks, Wi-Fi, fuel, taxes, and safety equipment. If you paid separately for a boat ride, meal, drinks, and water activities, the total could easily approach this amount.

The strongest value is for someone with limited time. You see much of the southern coast, reach Rhenia, eat onboard, and watch the sunset without arranging separate beach transport. It is also useful if you want a social day on the water but do not want the loud party atmosphere associated with some Mykonos boat trips.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want to sit on a sandy beach, explore Delos on foot, or avoid spending several hours on a boat. Pickup costs extra, towels cost extra to rent, and bad weather can affect the route.

Who Should Book This Sailing Day?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a blend of sightseeing, swimming, food, and scenery. It is particularly useful during a short Mykonos stay, when one well-planned outing can cover several interests at once.

It is also a good choice if you enjoy swimming from a boat and want a quieter setting than the island’s famous beach clubs. The Rhenia stop gives you clear water and a sense of escape without requiring a full island-hopping itinerary.

I would be cautious if you get seasick, dislike wind, or need guaranteed calm water. The itinerary depends on weather, and the return can be lively. Anyone with mobility concerns should ask about participation before paying, since boarding, moving around the yacht, and using the swimming ladder require care.

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, a light layer, and a small snack. Eat breakfast, keep your afternoon open, and check pickup arrangements after booking. Those simple steps will make the day easier.

Final Verdict: A Strong Mykonos Water Day

Book this cruise if you want a full half-day on the Aegean, not just a quick boat transfer. The combination of Rhenia, clear-water swimming, a generous Greek meal, included drinks, and a sunset return makes the price reasonable for many visitors.

The main question is your tolerance for wind and waves. On a calm day, this can be one of the most enjoyable ways to see Mykonos. On a rough day, the same open-water setting may feel demanding. Schedule it early in your stay, keep your plans flexible, and choose it for the sea experience rather than a guaranteed beach landing.

FAQ

How long is the sunset sail to Rhenia?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

The listed meeting point is C8F4+2QR, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis 846 00, Greece. The disembarkation point may change because of weather.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are optional, cost extra, and must be arranged with the operator after booking.

Is food included?

Yes. An onboard Greek buffet is included. Dishes may include moussaka, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, Greek salad, bread, and tzatziki.

Which drinks are included?

White and rosé house wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and a farewell shot are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, and floating noodles are available at no additional cost.

Can I swim from the yacht?

Yes. Swimming takes place from the yacht’s ladder. There are no pier facilities or tender boats to shore at the Rhenia stop.

Is a towel included?

No. Beach towels can be rented onboard.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can receive a full refund or choose a different date. The cruise also requires a minimum number of participants.