Mykonos Cruise: Prosecco, BBQ, Sailing Demo & Delos Stop

History meets the open sea. This six-hour Mykonos cruise combines a proper stop at Delos with swimming, a Greek BBQ, and a hands-on sailing lesson aboard the spacious Avra, a two-level Lagoon 560 catamaran. I especially like the chance to take the helm beside the captain, and I like that Delos is more than a passing view from the water.

The main drawback is access. Boarding and return use a short tender transfer, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Delos can also feel hot and exposed, so bring water, sun protection, and sensible footwear.

Key Points Before You Book

• Take the helm beside the captain: The sailing demonstration is interactive, with a chance to help raise or retract the main sail and steer the catamaran.
• Delos gets real time ashore: Avra anchors so you can disembark and explore, while those who prefer to stay aboard can swim at a nearby bay.
• Rhenia is the swim stop: Expect turquoise water, snorkeling, sunbathing, and time to relax before lunch.
• The BBQ is a major part of the day: Chicken souvlaki, meatballs, salad, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, rice, bread, feta, and fruit are served with unlimited drinks.
• The boat gives you room to spread out: The Lagoon 560 has wide sun decks, shaded lounges, and an upper level with broad views.
• Transfers make the day easy: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup arranged at the nearest vehicle-accessible point when needed.

Why This Mykonos Cruise Is Worth Considering

At $170 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. It is priced as a full-day-style experience packed into six hours, with hotel transfers, a welcome glass of Prosecco, a semi-private catamaran, a sailing activity, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, sunscreen, Wi-Fi, and music included.

I see the value in the combination. A basic boat outing may give you a swim stop and a drink, but this cruise adds Delos, a proper meal, and the chance to learn how the boat works. You are paying for comfort and variety, not simply for transport across the Aegean.

The included drinks also matter. Wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are served throughout the outing, with unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water during the meal. That means fewer extra costs once you are aboard. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary choices can be requested, which is useful for a long lunch at sea.

The boat is described as semi-private, but no exact passenger number is provided. If you want a completely secluded yacht day, confirm the group arrangement before booking. If you mainly want more space than a crowded excursion boat and a polished setting, Avra should fit the bill.

Starting Smoothly From Mykonos

The day begins with pickup outside your hotel or accommodation. If your lodging sits in a lane that vehicles cannot reach, the operator will give you a nearby pickup point in advance. That small detail can save confusion in Mykonos, where narrow streets and restricted vehicle access are common.

At Platis Gialos port, you board Avra by a short tender transfer. This is important for anyone who has trouble with steps, balance, or moving between boats. Boarding is not a direct walk from a dock onto the catamaran.

Once aboard, you receive a chilled glass of Prosecco. The crew gives a short safety briefing, then you can choose between the sun decks, shaded lounge areas, and the upper level. I would start by finding your preferred spot early, especially if you want a particular view or a quieter corner.

Avra’s two levels are a practical advantage. You can sit in shade when the sun is strong, move upstairs for open views, or stretch out on the broad deck. A catamaran also tends to offer a stable platform, though no boat is completely still on open water. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the center of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Learning the Basics of Sailing

The sailing demonstration gives the cruise a bit more purpose than a ride with lunch. The crew explains how the main sail is opened or retracted depending on the conditions, and you can help with the process.

You may also take the helm beside the captain. This is a simple activity, not a sailing course, but it gives you a better sense of how the catamaran moves and responds. I like this feature because it welcomes curious beginners without requiring sailing experience.

The first sailing portion lasts about an hour, with time for safety instructions, scenery, drinks, and the demonstration. The South Aegean provides the setting: open water, Cycladic views, and the steady movement of the boat under sail when conditions allow.

Do not expect the boat to sail under full sail every minute. Wind and port conditions determine how much sailing takes place. The crew’s explanation of when to open or retract the sail is part of the experience, so changing conditions are not necessarily a problem.

Delos: A Mythic Island With Real Ruins

Delos is the cultural heart of the trip. In Greek mythology, it is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island’s significance is not only mythical. It is also an archaeological site with a strong sense of place, surrounded by open sea.

The cruise allows about 90 minutes at Delos. Avra anchors so you can disembark and explore at your own pace. You can walk along the coastline, take photographs, or spend your time among the remains. The crew can share local legends and background as you approach the island.

That freedom is useful, but you should set realistic expectations. Ninety minutes is enough for an introduction, not a complete archaeological study. You will need to keep an eye on the return time and follow the crew’s instructions for getting back to the boat.

Delos is exposed, so sun and heat can change how much you enjoy your visit. Wear a swimsuit under light clothing, bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and use sturdy shoes rather than flip-flops if you plan to walk around. A waterproof jacket is suggested for breezy days at the beginning or end of the season.

You can also stay aboard instead of going ashore. In that case, the crew takes the boat to a nearby bay for swimming and relaxation. This is a sensible choice if you have already visited Delos, dislike archaeological sites in strong sun, or simply want a slower morning on the water.

One detail worth clarifying before departure is what is included for entry to the archaeological site. The supplied information confirms the stop and the option to disembark, but it does not specify an admission arrangement. Ask the operator if that affects your plans.

Rhenia for Swimming and Snorkeling

After Delos, the boat continues toward Rhenia Island. The cruise allows about 90 minutes here, with the focus shifting from archaeology to the sea.

The catamaran anchors in a quiet bay with turquoise water and golden sand. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or use the water toys provided. Towels, snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, and Wi-Fi are included, so you can pack a little lighter.

Rhenia is the part of the day for people who want time in the water rather than a short photo stop. You are not rushed through a quick dip before moving on. The crew has time to prepare lunch while you swim and relax.

Conditions can still vary. Water temperature, wind, and sea movement are not guaranteed, and the activity does not promise a particular marine sighting. Dolphin watching is listed among the possible activities, but you should treat it as a lucky bonus rather than an expected feature.

If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask only if you prefer a personal fit. Equipment is provided. A waterproof phone pouch is also useful for photographs, though it is not listed among the inclusions.

Greek BBQ Lunch on Deck

The lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a simple sailing outing. The crew prepares the food aboard while you swim, then serves it on deck.

The menu includes marinated chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad with basil pesto, handmade tzatziki, grilled vegetables, aromatic rice, fresh bread, feta cheese, and seasonal fruit. It has the familiar flavors you hope for on a Greek island day, with enough variety for a full meal rather than a few snacks.

Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are served. Coffee and tea are also available during the wider cruise. That setup is convenient, particularly if you do not want to carry drinks or calculate the cost of each refill.

Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available on request. Make that request before the cruise rather than waiting until lunch. The menu is substantial, but the exact substitute dishes are not specified.

The meal also gives the day a social rhythm. You swim, dry off, sit down to eat, then have time to enjoy the return sail. The strongest praise given to this experience centers on the food, hospitality, and relaxed pace, and I can see why those elements matter. A good boat and pretty water are easy to find around Mykonos. A well-run lunch can determine how the whole outing feels.

The Return to Platis Gialos

After the Rhenia stop and lunch, the catamaran spends about an hour sailing back toward Mykonos. This is your chance to settle into the boat, take photographs from the upper deck, or enjoy one last drink.

The return is not just a transfer. The cruise highlights panoramic views of the Cycladic islands and energy-efficient navigation methods intended to reduce environmental impact. The information does not provide technical details about the boat’s fuel use or emissions, so I would view this as a positive operating aim rather than a measurable environmental claim.

At the end, you use the short tender transfer again before returning to the Mykonos pickup area. Hotel drop-off is included. If your hotel is not reachable by vehicle, the driver will use the agreed accessible meeting point.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Most

I would recommend this cruise to couples who want a polished day on the water, friends who want food and drinks included, and families who value a flexible mix of swimming and sightseeing. The choice between visiting Delos and remaining aboard is especially helpful when people in the same party want different kinds of days.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to combine several Mykonos highlights without arranging separate transport, a boat trip, and a Delos visit. The pickup service removes one logistical chore, while the crew handles the sailing, lunch, equipment, and route.

It may not suit you if your priority is a long archaeological visit. Delos receives about 90 minutes, and the cruise has to balance the island with sailing and Rhenia. It is also not the right choice for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility because of the tender transfer and boat access.

People seeking a quiet, dry, purely sightseeing outing should think twice. This is a swim-friendly day, and the boat environment includes sun, wind, movement, and a transfer between vessels. Bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, a beach towel, and a waterproof jacket in cooler months.

The cruise has a strong service record, with a 4.9 rating from 16 reviews and praise focused on the friendly crew, plentiful food and drink, comfortable catamaran, and relaxed operation. One useful signal is that a couple of people booked again, which points to the day’s easygoing appeal rather than a rushed checklist of sights.

Should You Book the Avra Cruise?

Book it if you want one well-organized day that blends Delos, sailing, swimming, and lunch. At $170, the price is fair when you use the included hotel transfers, drinks, meal, equipment, and semi-private catamaran setting.

Skip it if your main goal is an in-depth Delos visit, a private yacht charter, or a low-cost boat ride. For the best experience, request dietary needs in advance, carry your ID or passport, wear secure footwear, and decide before boarding whether you want the island walk or the onboard swim option.

For most people, the appeal is the balance. You get a little mythology, a little sailing, plenty of water time, and a generous Greek meal without having to organize each part yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours, including the sailing sections, the Delos stop, the Rhenia swimming stop, lunch, and the return to Mykonos.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included. You should wait outside the main entrance of your accommodation. If vehicles cannot reach your hotel, pickup takes place at the nearest accessible point communicated in advance.

Where does boarding take place?

The experience uses Platis Gialos port, with a short tender transfer between the docking or meeting area and the catamaran.

Can I get off the boat at Delos?

Yes. You can disembark at Delos and explore at leisure. You can also remain aboard and go to a nearby bay for swimming instead.

Is the sailing demonstration suitable for beginners?

Yes. The crew explains how to open and retract the main sail, and you may have the chance to take the helm beside the captain. No sailing experience is stated as a requirement.

What food is served for lunch?

The Greek BBQ includes chicken souvlaki, meatballs, Greek salad with basil pesto, handmade tzatziki, grilled vegetables, rice, bread, feta cheese, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included with the meal. Coffee and tea are also available during the cruise, along with the welcome glass of Prosecco.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, towels, sunscreen, and water toys are provided for the swimming stop at Rhenia.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimsuit, beach towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A waterproof jacket is useful during cooler periods at the start or end of the season.