Review · LUXURY CATAMARAN CRUISES

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation.

4.5 · 41 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $192 Operated by Mykonos Cruises, Yacht Sailing Tours, Mykonos Catamaran, Dolphin Navigation · Bookable on Viator
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The best Mykonos views come from the water. This five-hour catamaran cruise combines a look at Delos, a swim near Rhenia, a freshly prepared meal, and hotel transport from Platis Gialos. I especially like the relaxed mix of sightseeing and free time, plus the friendly crews led by captains and mates such as Adonis, Fanis, Matt, Dimitris, Stefanos, Giannis, Juglio, and Sotos.

I also like that you can choose a morning or sunset departure, and that the boat carries no more than 18 people. The main caution is the Aegean itself: wind and waves can make the ride rough, and the quality of the food, wine, and crew commentary has not been perfectly consistent.

Quick points to know

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Quick points to know

  • Delos is viewed from the boat: You stop in front of the archaeological site for photos and a short explanation, but you do not go ashore.
  • Rhenia provides the main swim stop: The catamaran anchors in a clear-water cove where you can swim and use the supplied snorkel equipment.
  • The meal is cooked onboard: Lunch or dinner includes drinks, wine, soft drinks, and raki, the traditional alcoholic drink associated with Crete.
  • Sunset departures add scenery: The afternoon option passes Little Venice and the Mykonos windmills with sunset views on the return.
  • Pickup is limited: Air-conditioned van transport is provided to and from hotels in Platis Gialos.
  • The group remains fairly small: The maximum is 18 people, though some departures have had around 10 or 11.

Setting out from Mykonos New Port

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Setting out from Mykonos New Port

Your day begins with pickup by air-conditioned minivan, then a short transfer to Mykonos New Port. The boat crew welcomes you aboard a modern sailing catamaran, where you can settle into a comfortable place before the boat moves away from shore.

The opening views are pleasant rather than dramatic. You watch Mykonos’ white houses recede as the boat heads across the north side of the island. The breeze, open water, and low-key pace make this a good break from the crowded streets and beach clubs.

The boat serves homemade wine and raki during the cruise, along with soft drinks. That creates a social mood, especially on departures where people begin chatting with one another. The experience works best if you enjoy sharing a boat with a small mix of couples, families, and solo visitors rather than expecting a fully private charter.

The title calls this a semi-private cruise. That means a limited shared group, not a boat reserved only for you. The maximum group size is 18, and some departures have been closer to 10 or 11 people. That is small enough to avoid the feel of a large excursion boat, but you should still expect other people around you.

Passing Baos, the so-called pirates’ island

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Passing Baos, the so-called pirates’ island

After leaving the port, the catamaran passes the small island of Baos, described during the trip as the pirates’ island. This is one of those brief points of interest that adds local character without turning the cruise into a formal history lesson.

The crew may explain the places you pass, but the amount of commentary depends on who is working that day. Juglio has been praised for giving an interesting historical presentation, while other departures have had less interaction from the crew. If learning about ancient sites is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations moderate.

The sightseeing is best understood as a coastal overview. You get a sense of the scattered islands and open Aegean setting, but you are not taking a guided archaeological tour.

Seeing Delos without leaving the catamaran

The cruise next heads toward Delos, one of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades. The catamaran pauses offshore, giving you time to photograph the archaeological remains from the water while a hostess explains some of the island’s background.

This stop is useful for seeing Delos without committing several hours to a land visit. The ruins appear from a distance, so you can appreciate the island’s setting and take photographs, but you will not walk among the temples, streets, or monuments.

That distinction matters. Admission to Delos is not included, and the tour does not drop you at the island. The experience offers a photo stop and a short introduction only. If Delos is a major priority, book a dedicated shore excursion instead. If you mainly want to see it as part of a day on the water, this stop fits nicely.

The boat’s position also gives you a different view of Delos than you get from land. The island’s isolation makes more sense from the sea, with the ruins set against the wide horizon and nearby Cycladic islands.

Swimming and snorkeling near Rhenia

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Swimming and snorkeling near Rhenia

The strongest part of the cruise for many people is the stop near Rhenia. The crew anchors in a small cove with clear turquoise water, and you can swim or snorkel directly from the catamaran.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. Towels are not included, however, and that small omission matters after a swim. Bring your own towel, especially if you choose the morning trip and the wind makes the air feel cool once you climb back aboard.

The cove is described as beautiful and almost untouched, but the exact conditions depend on wind and sea state. On rougher days, the trip to the swimming spot can be uncomfortable. At least two people on one departure became seasick, and another person needed quick help from the crew when the waves became too much.

If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before boarding. Sit where the boat moves least, keep your eyes on the horizon, and be cautious with alcohol before the crossing. The cruise includes wine and raki, but a rolling sea and generous drinks are not a great combination.

The swimming stop is generally one main stop, not a string of several swim locations. The published description can sound like a fuller series of stops, but you should plan on one primary cove for swimming and snorkeling. That is enough time for a good swim, though it may disappoint you if you expect to explore several bays.

A freshly cooked meal on the boat

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - A freshly cooked meal on the boat

The meal is served while the catamaran is anchored. It may be lunch on a morning cruise or dinner on an afternoon departure. The crew prepares the food onboard, which gives the meal a pleasant homemade feel and keeps the day from turning into a search for a restaurant between stops.

Praise for the food has been strong on several departures. One meal included meats, salad, pasta, bread, grape leaves, and sliced pears and apples. Other passengers have described the lunch as delicious, with enough food to share around the table. Fresh salad and good portions were also singled out as positives.

Still, the food is not guaranteed to impress everyone. One departure served reheated sausages, prawns, and overcooked pasta, while another found the meal disappointing for the price. The wine selection has also drawn criticism. I would view the meal as a welcome part of the cruise, not the reason to pay for it.

Dietary needs are not described in the available information, so you should ask the provider before booking if you have allergies or strict food requirements. The listed meal may include meat and seafood.

Drinks include wine, soft drinks, and raki. Several people appreciated having wine available throughout the trip, while others felt the selection did not match the cost of the cruise. The balance here is simple: you receive drinks as part of the package, but this is not a wine-tasting voyage.

Returning past Little Venice and the windmills

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Returning past Little Venice and the windmills

On the way back, the catamaran passes Little Venice, the famous waterfront quarter, and the Mykonos windmills. Seen from the sea, the white buildings and windmills line up in one of the island’s most recognizable views.

The return route is especially attractive on the sunset departure. You can take photographs as the light changes over the old town and watch the sun set from the boat. A lucky afternoon may even bring a dolphin sighting, though that is never something to count on.

The sunset option is not only about the view. It also changes the mood of the trip. The morning departure gives you daylight for swimming and a traditional lunch, while the later sailing adds softer light, evening scenery, and dinner onboard. Choose based on what you value most.

Mykonos can be windy even on a sunny day. Bring a light layer for the boat, particularly for the sunset trip. One couple found the wind and cool air uncomfortable for much of the cruise, and that is worth remembering when packing swimwear alone.

Crew service and the feel onboard

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Crew service and the feel onboard

Crew service is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Captains and mates have been praised for being warm, attentive, and quick to help. Adonis and Fanis handled a seasick passenger with care, while Matt and Dimitris helped create a friendly day for a mixed group.

Stefanos and Giannis have also been praised for their welcome and transport help. Juglio and Sotos were described as attentive, and Juglio added useful historical information during the cruise. These details matter because a five-hour boat trip depends heavily on the people running it.

The service can vary. One departure had a crew that seemed disengaged and offered little commentary. Another had a boat with two things that broke, although the crew handled the problems professionally with workarounds.

That gives you a fair picture: do not expect a polished luxury yacht operation at every moment. Expect a pleasant shared cruise where the crew can make the day much better, especially when the sea turns rough or equipment needs attention.

Boat comfort and practical limits

Luxury Catamaran Semi private cruise with meals & drinks and transportation. - Boat comfort and practical limits

The catamaran has been described as comfortable and clean, though one person felt the boat was beginning to show its age. A few mechanical issues have appeared on individual trips. They were handled, but they are a reminder that this is an active sailing boat, not a flawless floating hotel.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied. A paddleboard may be onboard, but you should not assume the crew will always set it up for use. One person specifically found this disappointing.

You also need to manage expectations around the word luxury. The boat provides transport, food, drinks, a smaller group, and a dedicated crew. It does not guarantee high-end cuisine, premium wine, multiple swim locations, or a fully private setting.

The cruise lasts about five hours, though one departure was closer to four hours. That difference may reflect weather, timing, or the day’s operation. Allow some flexibility after the tour rather than booking a tight connection or fixed activity immediately afterward.

Is $192.23 a fair price?

At $192.23 per person, this is not a cheap way to see the Mykonos coast. You are paying for the catamaran, fuel surcharge, air-conditioned transport, crew, meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a small shared group.

The price makes more sense if you value convenience. Pickup and drop-off at a hotel in Platis Gialos save you from arranging transport to the port. The meal removes the need to find food during a half-day outing, and the boat lets you combine Delos views, Rhenia swimming, and Mykonos shoreline scenery in one package.

The value weakens if food quality is your main concern, if you want several swim stops, or if you expect a luxury yacht and premium drinks. It also offers less value if you plan to visit Delos on foot, since this cruise only stops offshore.

For a couple, the total cost becomes significant. For a family, the price adds up quickly. For someone who wants a special sea day and would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, and a boat trip, the package can be reasonable.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to people who want an easy half-day on the water without organizing every detail themselves. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who enjoy meeting other people and want swimming, food, and sightseeing in one outing.

It is also a good choice if you have already seen Mykonos town and want a change of pace. The views from the sea show the island differently, and the Rhenia stop provides a welcome break from busy beaches.

You may want another option if you need a truly private boat, high-end dining, multiple swimming stops, or guaranteed calm water. You should also think carefully if you are sensitive to seasickness or dislike wind. The Aegean decides part of the experience.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. The cruise requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants, so a poor-weather or low-booking cancellation can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Final verdict: a good sea day with realistic expectations

I like this cruise for its simple formula: a small catamaran, a look at Delos, a clear-water swim near Rhenia, food onboard, and an easy ride back to your hotel. The best departures seem to depend on an attentive crew, calm enough seas, and realistic expectations about the meal.

Book it if you want a friendly shared sailing day with strong scenery and useful transport. Skip it if you want to walk through Delos, demand fine dining, or expect a private yacht experience. Bring a towel, pack a light layer, prepare for wind, and choose the sunset departure if photographs and evening views matter most.

FAQ

How long is the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

The advertised duration is approximately five hours. One departure was reported as closer to four hours, so allow some flexibility in your schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Air-conditioned van pickup and drop-off are offered for hotels in Platis Gialos.

Can I choose a morning or sunset cruise?

Yes. You choose between a morning sailing and an afternoon or sunset cruise when booking.

Does the cruise go onto Delos island?

No. The catamaran stops in front of Delos so you can take photographs and hear a short explanation. It does not drop you at the island.

Is admission to Delos included?

No. Admission is not included, and this experience does not provide a shore visit to the archaeological site.

Is lunch or dinner included?

Yes. A meal is provided onboard. Morning departures include lunch, while sunset departures include dinner.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Wine, soft drinks, raki, and snorkeling equipment are included. Towels are not provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled for that reason, you can receive a different date or a full refund. A full refund is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

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