Mykonos Catamaran Private Day Cruise, Full Lunch & Open-bar

The best Mykonos views come from offshore. This private catamaran cruise combines smooth Aegean sailing with swimming stops near Rhenia, a freshly cooked Greek lunch, and an open bar. I especially like the small-group privacy and the crew’s ability to adjust the route when wind makes the original plan uncomfortable. The main drawback is the price: at $796.48 per person, this makes sense mainly for a group sharing the boat and valuing comfort, food, and personal service.

You meet the hostess at Ornos Bay, then ride a tender boat out to the catamaran. From there, expect about five hours on the water, usually with two swimming stops, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks included. Bring a towel, and keep in mind that the boat does not actually land on Delos or Rhenia during the standard half-day outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Two island names, mostly a water-based experience: You sail near Rhenia and may see Delos, but the schedule centers on swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and lunch rather than shore visits.
• Fresh food is a major strength: The chef prepares an eight-flavor Greek meal aboard, with seafood, salad, feta dishes, chicken, calamari, shrimp, and other home-style plates depending on the day.
• The route depends on the wind: In rough conditions, the captain may stay along Mykonos’s south coast and use sheltered coves instead of heading toward the islands.
• Private means your group controls the atmosphere: This is not a shared excursion, so your party has the catamaran to itself and can discuss swimming stops and timing with the crew.
• The open bar is genuinely useful: Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included throughout the cruise, along with a welcome Prosecco.
• Bring your own beach towel: Snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and a Bluetooth speaker are provided, but towels are not.

Setting out from Ornos Bay

Your day begins at a dock on Ornos Bay, at the meeting point on Unnamed Road in Ornos. A hostess welcomes you, and the captain collects your party by tender boat. This matters because the catamaran does not simply pull up beside the road. Allow enough time to find the dock and be ready for the short transfer onto the boat.

Once aboard, the crew gives a safety briefing. Then the sails go up for roughly an hour of sailing across the Aegean. The pace is relaxed rather than rushed, and the first stretch gives you time to settle in, watch the Mykonos shoreline recede, and enjoy the famous Greek sun.

The catamaran has room for people who want sun and those who prefer shade. It is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained, with Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth speaker. Those are small touches, but they help on a private cruise where you may spend several hours aboard.

The crew setup varies. Captains and chefs named in the feedback include Paris, George, Michael, Alkis, Christos, Nadav, Kyrlos, Massimo, Argus, and Mikey. Many praise the crew for being warm, attentive, and safety-conscious. One group especially appreciated that the crew kept a close watch while everyone was swimming.

That said, service is not perfectly consistent. One family felt the crew was distant and had to handle its own drinks. They also felt rushed when the outdoor dining area was cleaned soon after lunch. I would treat this as a reminder to speak up early. Tell the crew where you want to eat, ask about drinks, and make clear if you would like more time at a swimming stop.

Rhenia’s coves and the quiet side of Mykonos

The usual route heads toward Rhenia, an island known here for clear water and quiet coves. The catamaran anchors in a sheltered spot, giving you a chance to swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The appeal is simple: you leave the busy Mykonos shoreline behind and spend time in water that looks almost too blue to be real.

The stops are not beach excursions in the usual sense. You should expect to swim from the boat rather than walk ashore. One account describes snorkeling toward shore from a cove in Rhenia, but the standard plan does not promise a landing. If stepping onto an island is important to you, ask before booking.

A second cove follows, usually with more swimming and lunch. Some groups describe having the water and pale beaches almost to themselves, which is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing instead of a crowded beach club. You get the pleasure of a quiet bay without giving up the comfort of a staffed boat.

The water can be cold, especially in early October or on a breezy morning. Strong wind can also change the feel of the day. Pack a light layer for the sailing portions, even in warm weather, and do not count on spending every minute in the water.

What happens with Delos

The experience is promoted as a cruise exploring Delos and Rhenia, but the detailed schedule focuses on sailing around the islands and stopping in coves. There is no stated archaeological-site visit, guided walk, or admission to Delos. In practical terms, you should book this for the sea views and swimming, not as a substitute for a proper Delos excursion.

That distinction is important. Delos is one of Greece’s great ancient sites, and seeing it from the water is a different experience from walking among its ruins. If your priority is mythology, archaeology, or a visit ashore, plan a separate trip to Delos. If your priority is a peaceful day on the Aegean with a possible view of the island, this cruise fits better.

The crew may provide background about the islands during the sailing. Several parties appreciated receiving just enough information without turning the day into a formal lecture. That balance works well here. You are on a boat for pleasure, not sitting in a museum.

The onboard lunch is more than a snack

Lunch is one of the clearest strengths of the cruise. The chef prepares an eight-flavor meal on board, including fresh seafood. The exact menu can vary, but the food described includes calamari, shrimp, chicken, Greek salad, feta dishes, tzatziki, and other Mediterranean plates.

Several people singled out the meal as among the best they had in Mykonos. George’s tzatziki, made from his mother’s recipe, received particular praise. Another account called the cooking an authentic home-style Greek meal, while a family with teenagers said the food became the best meal of its entire Greek Islands trip.

I like this part of the offering because lunch is not an afterthought. You are not handed a wrapped sandwich between swimming stops. The meal is cooked aboard, served as a spread, and paired with the scenery. For a family celebration, birthday, or final day in Mykonos, that can make the cruise feel like an occasion rather than simple transport.

The open bar includes unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water. You also receive a welcome Prosecco. It does not include every possible drink, so do not expect a full cocktail program, but the included selection covers the basics well. Bring your own towel, and remember that alcohol and swimming are a combination that calls for ordinary caution.

The wind can rewrite your day

Mykonos is famously windy, and that fact shapes this experience. If conditions are suitable, the captain follows the route toward Rhenia and the nearby islands. If the wind is too strong, the crew may take an alternative route along Mykonos’s south coast, visiting well-known beaches and a sheltered cove.

This is not automatically a lesser option. The south coast gives you a different view of Mykonos, and a protected cove can make swimming far more pleasant than an exposed island stop. The alternative route is designed to reduce waves and keep the boat comfortable and safe.

Still, expectations matter. One unhappy party felt the alternative plan involved too much time sitting in a cove and too little actual cruising. The captain’s response explained that the route was chosen to avoid rough water. Both things can be true: the choice may be sensible for safety, yet the result may feel quiet if you expected a lively sailing day.

Ask the captain what conditions mean for your route before leaving Ornos. If you have strong preferences, say so politely. The crew can explain the available options, but weather ultimately has the final word.

How private is a private catamaran?

Only your group participates, which changes the mood at once. You do not have to share the boat with strangers, negotiate loud music with another party, or follow a fixed crowd schedule. A couple, family, birthday group, or larger party of up to at least 13 people can use the space as its own floating base.

The private format also helps explain the cost. At $796.48 per person, this is a major expense for a couple or small family. It becomes easier to justify when divided among a larger group that would otherwise pay for several separate activities, meals, drinks, and transport.

I would look at the price as a full-day luxury outing compressed into five hours. You are paying for the boat, captain, chef, open bar, equipment, private use, and the chance to reach quieter water. You are not paying for a long archaeological tour or a full day of island landings.

Group discounts are available, but the exact savings are not specified. Child pricing applies only when a child shares with four paying adults, and children must be accompanied by an adult. That rule makes the trip more practical for a larger family than for a parent traveling with one child.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a strong choice for people who want a special day on the water without organizing every detail themselves. You will likely appreciate it most if you enjoy swimming, seafood, Greek cooking, open-air scenery, and a slower pace.

It suits:

• Families with older children and teenagers who want swimming and snorkeling
• Groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or milestone trips
• Friends who want a private boat rather than a shared party cruise
• Couples who place a high value on food and personal space
• People with limited time who want sailing, lunch, and swimming in one outing

It is less suitable if you want to walk around Delos, spend hours on a beach, or guarantee a particular route. It may also disappoint if you dislike wind, get cold easily, or expect formal waiter-style service throughout the day.

The boat is family-friendly, but children need adult supervision, especially around the water. Most people can participate, yet the supplied information does not promise special access features or a specific level of mobility support. Ask the operator directly if anyone in your group has particular physical needs.

Timing, transport, and small practical matters

The cruise lasts about five hours and ends back at the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though optional arrangements may be available. Transfer to Ornos Bay is your responsibility unless you arrange it separately.

One cruise group staying on a ship praised the transfer bus and the smooth connection to the catamaran. Since standard hotel transport is not included, confirm the pickup details before assuming a transfer is part of your booking.

You need to provide each participant’s passport number, full name, year of birth, and country when booking. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Because the cruise is often booked about 71 days ahead, I would reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially for a large group.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since the cruise requires good weather, a weather cancellation brings either another date or a full refund.

Is the crew the deciding factor?

Yes. The boat and scenery provide the setting, but the crew controls much of the day’s quality. The strongest accounts praise captains and chefs who explain the route, watch swimmers, keep drinks available, and make the meal feel personal.

Paris and George receive repeated praise for humor, hospitality, and food. George is also credited with preparing several Greek dishes and even entertaining one group with beatboxing. Captain Michael and his crew are praised for a polished experience, while other groups highlight Alkis, Christos, Nadav, Kyrlos, Massimo, Argus, and Mikey.

There is one useful lesson in the mixed feedback: service depends on the people assigned that day. Most of the available feedback is highly positive, with a 4.9 rating and 96 percent recommendation rate, but one three-star account and one one-star account show that the experience is not automatic.

If you want attentive service, ask questions early and make your preferences clear. If you want quiet privacy, say that too. A private boat gives you more control, but only if you communicate what you want.

Should you book the Mykonos catamaran cruise?

I would book this if you are sharing the cost with a group and want one memorable Mykonos outing built around sailing, swimming, and an excellent Greek meal. The strongest features are the private boat, quiet coves, fresh seafood, generous drinks, and the chance to let the crew handle the day.

I would not choose it as your only Delos experience, since the standard plan does not promise time ashore. I would also think twice about the price for a small party, particularly if you care more about ruins and beaches than about comfort and food.

For the best fit, bring a towel and light layer, expect the route to change with the wind, and ask about the day’s plan before the tender leaves Ornos Bay. If those conditions suit you, this can be one of the most memorable ways to see Mykonos.

FAQ

How long does the Mykonos catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours and ends back at the meeting point in Ornos Bay.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at the dock at Ornos Bay, at the meeting point on Unnamed Road, Ornos 846 00, Greece. A tender boat takes you from the dock to the catamaran.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. Transport to Ornos Bay is also excluded unless arranged separately.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes an eight-flavor lunch freshly prepared on board by the chef, including fresh seafood.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes unlimited beer, white wine, sodas, and bottled water. A welcome Prosecco is also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Beach towels are not provided, so you should bring your own.

Will the cruise visit Delos and Rhenia?

The cruise explores the waters around Delos and Rhenia, with planned stops near Rhenia for swimming and snorkeling. The supplied details do not promise a landing or walking tour on either island.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.