Mykonos Eleftheriou Yachting Review: A 2025 Delos & Rhenia Day

Setting Sail from Mykonos

The Mykonos you see from the shore is, like, just one part of the story. You have the white-washed streets, of course, and the buzzing beach clubs, which are really what many people come for. Yet, there’s another side to this island, one that, honestly, you can only find when you leave the land behind. The promise of a day on the Aegean with Eleftheriou Yachting felt a bit like finding a secret key. In fact, we were looking for a break from the very intensity that makes Mykonos so famous. The idea of trading crowded lanes for open water was, at the end of the day, incredibly appealing. So, this trip to the uninhabited islands of Rhenia and Delos was kind of our chance to see the Cyclades in a different light. We really hoped for a day filled with some history, some relaxation, and a lot of beautiful blue water; you know, the simple stuff.

Our expectations were, frankly, pretty high. Friends had talked about sailing in Greece, and their stories were almost mythical. They spoke of water so clear you could see your shadow on the seabed and of a silence broken only by the sound of the wind in the sails. Seriously, we wondered if this Eleftheriou experience would live up to that image. The tour basically promised a small-group setting, which was a huge plus for us. A crowded boat tour is, well, just a floating bus, right? We wanted something a little more personal. So, as we made our way to the meeting point at Ornos Beach, there was a real sense of excitement. It’s almost as if we were leaving the modern world for a little while to go visit an older, quieter one. That morning, the air was already warm, and the sea looked incredibly inviting. Actually, it felt like the perfect start.

First Impressions: Boarding the Eleftheriou Yacht

Finding the Eleftheriou crew at the Ornos pier was, you know, quite straightforward. A friendly face greeted us, checked our names off a list, and just like that, we were guided toward our home for the day. At the end of the day, it was a beautiful, modern catamaran, gleaming white under the morning sun. The boat looked spacious and very well-maintained, which was obviously a good sign. It definitely wasn’t one of those old, cramped boats you sometimes see. Instead, this one had wide nets at the front for lounging and a pretty comfortable-looking shaded seating area at the back. As a matter of fact, stepping aboard felt less like joining a tour and more like being welcomed onto a friend’s private yacht. The captain and his first mate introduced themselves with warm smiles, immediately making everyone feel at ease. They seemed, in a way, genuinely happy to have us there.

After a quick but thorough safety briefing, we were off. The captain, you know, explained our route for the day and what to expect, all in a very relaxed and clear manner. He pointed out the life jackets and other safety gear, but frankly, his calm demeanor was the most reassuring thing. As the engines hummed to life and we slowly pulled away from the coast, Mykonos Town started to shrink behind us. It was actually a really unique perspective, seeing the famous windmills get smaller on the horizon. The crew immediately offered everyone drinks—water, soft drinks, or a glass of local white wine. It was a simple touch, but it pretty much set the tone for the entire day: relaxed, generous, and completely focused on our comfort. We chose a spot on the front nets, and honestly, feeling the sea spray as we cut through the waves was just perfect.

The Untouched Beauty of Rhenia Island

The sail to Rhenia island took maybe an hour, but you know, it felt like no time at all. The journey itself was part of the magic. Unlike Mykonos, Rhenia is apparently uninhabited, a protected piece of land that serves as Mykonos’s quieter, wilder sister. The captain told us it was once a quarantine island for the ancient Delians, a sort of resting place. As we got closer, the difference became so clear. There were no buildings, no roads, just rolling hills dotted with scrub and a coastline indented with the most amazing-looking coves. The captain navigated us into a particularly beautiful bay, and the water color, honestly, shifted from deep blue to a kind of sparkling turquoise. It was almost unreal. He dropped anchor, and for a moment, the only sound was the gentle lapping of water against the hull of the catamaran. It was just a little slice of paradise.

Naturally, the moment the anchor was down, we were all eager to get into that water. The crew lowered a ladder, and we just jumped in. The water was incredibly refreshing, and just as our friends had described, it was unbelievably clear. You could, like, see every pebble and seashell on the sandy bottom, some 20 feet below. They provided snorkeling gear, so we spent a good hour just exploring the little underwater world around the boat. There were not tons of fish, but the visibility alone was worth it. After our swim, we climbed back on board to find the crew had been busy preparing lunch. And what a lunch it was. We had, for instance, a fresh Greek salad with big chunks of feta, some amazing shrimp pasta, and grilled chicken skewers. It was all delicious and felt so authentically Greek. So, eating this wonderful meal on the back of a boat, surrounded by such natural beauty, was absolutely a highlight of our whole trip to Greece.

Stepping into History at Delos

After lunch and another quick swim, we, you know, pulled up the anchor and made the short hop over to Delos island. The two islands are right next to each other, yet they feel worlds apart. Rhenia is for the body; Delos, as it turns out, is for the soul. From the boat, it looks like a rocky, sun-baked piece of land. But, as you get closer, you start to see the shapes of columns and ruined buildings. The captain moored the boat at the small pier, and we were given about 90 minutes to explore the archaeological site on our own. For a small fee, you can actually hire a guide at the entrance, but we chose to just wander. Honestly, just walking on the same paths that ancient Greeks walked thousands of years ago is a pretty powerful feeling.

The scale of the place is, frankly, astounding. Delos was once a thriving commercial and religious center, a completely sacred island where, according to mythology, Apollo and Artemis were born. No one was allowed to be born or die on the island, which is sort of why Rhenia was used for those purposes. We walked along the Sacred Way, saw the famous Terrace of the Naxian Lions—the marble originals are in the on-site museum, but the replicas are still very impressive—and marveled at the mosaic floors in the ruins of private homes. These mosaics depicted dolphins, gods, and geometric patterns, and it’s pretty amazing how well-preserved some of them are. There’s a special kind of quiet here. It’s a silence filled with history, which is a very different feeling from the natural quiet of Rhenia. It really gives you perspective.

You’re not just looking at old rocks; you’re, like, standing in the middle of a city that was a center of the world 2,500 years ago. The energy of the place is, actually, palpable. You could almost hear the echoes of merchants and pilgrims if you just listened closely.

The Crew and Onboard Hospitality

A great boat and a stunning location are one thing, but really, the crew can make or break a day like this. On this trip, the crew was, well, simply fantastic. The captain, a local Mykonian, was a pretty skilled sailor. You felt completely safe in his hands, even when the wind picked up a little. But, more than that, he was a great storyteller. He would point to a distant island and tell us a bit of its history or a local legend, which was really cool. His first mate was, likewise, just amazing. He was constantly checking if anyone needed anything—another drink, a snack, a fresh towel—all without ever being intrusive. You know, he just seemed to anticipate what you might want.

Their approach was, in a way, more like hosting guests than serving customers. For instance, when they served lunch, they ate with us, chatting and laughing. This created a really friendly, communal atmosphere on the boat. It felt less like a formal excursion and more like a day out with new friends who just happen to own a really nice yacht. They were obviously proud of their islands and genuinely wanted to share the best parts of them with us. It’s that kind of personal touch that you, you know, just don’t get on a larger, more commercial tour. Seriously, their warmth and professionalism were just as memorable as the places we visited.

The Sail Back as the Sun Gets Low

Leaving Delos and starting the sail back to Mykonos was, frankly, a bit bittersweet. No one really wanted the day to end. Still, the return trip offered its own kind of beauty. The afternoon sun, now lower in the sky, cast this incredible golden light across the water. The sea turned a deep, rich shade of sapphire, and the light caught the whitecaps in a way that made them sparkle. It was just a little different from the bright, high-noon sun from earlier in the day. Everyone on the boat seemed to fall into a comfortable silence, just soaking in the last moments. Some people stretched out on the nets, others chatted quietly in the back, sipping on a final glass of wine.

As we approached Mykonos again, the view was, actually, stunning. Seeing the iconic windmills and Little Venice from the water as the afternoon light softened everything was a truly special experience. It gives you a whole new appreciation for the island’s famous beauty. You know, it was almost like seeing it for the first time. The crew put on some soft, chill-out music, which was the perfect soundtrack for the moment. Pulling back into the harbor at Ornos, we all felt so relaxed and happy. It was the perfect ending to an almost perfect day. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience the islands.

Is This Mykonos Day Trip Right for You?

So, at the end of the day, who is this Eleftheriou Yachting trip for? Frankly, it’s ideal for almost anyone looking to see a different side of Mykonos. If you’re a couple looking for a romantic day out, it is absolutely perfect. For a family, it’s a great way to combine fun—swimming and snorkeling—with a little bit of education at Delos, you know. History enthusiasts will, of course, find the Delos portion completely fascinating. And if you are just someone who wants to escape the intensity of the beaches and parties for a day to simply relax on the water, then this is definitely for you. The small group size really makes it feel semi-private and very personal.

On the other hand, this trip might not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re traveling on a very tight budget, a private or semi-private yachting day is a significant expense, so that’s something to think about. Also, if your primary goal in Mykonos is to be at a high-energy party, this day is, basically, the opposite of that. It’s all about peace, history, and natural beauty. It’s a day to unwind, not to turn up. But for us, it was worth every single penny. It gave us a much deeper appreciation for the Cyclades and some memories that will, like, last a lifetime. It felt like we had discovered a beautiful secret, just a short boat ride away from the busy main island.

Our Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

To put it all together, the Mykonos Eleftheriou Yachting trip to Delos and Rhenia was an exceptional experience. It perfectly balanced relaxation, activity, and cultural exploration. The professionalism and warmth of the crew, the quality of the yacht, the delicious food, and of course, the stunning destinations themselves all came together to create a really memorable day. It stands out as a genuine escape, offering a glimpse into the quieter soul of the Greek islands. It’s more than just a boat trip; it’s a complete, well-rounded day that shows you the very best of the Aegean Sea.

• The small group setting is key: It just feels so much more personal and relaxed than larger tours.
• Rhenia is a hidden gem: The swimming and snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters were, frankly, a massive highlight.
• Delos is a must-see: Honestly, you can’t come to Mykonos and not visit this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The crew makes a difference: Their friendly hospitality, in a way, turns a great trip into an extraordinary one.
• It offers amazing value: Considering the food, drinks, duration, and semi-private feel, it’s pretty good value for a full day of activity.

Read our full review: [Mykonos Eleftheriou Yachting Delos Rhenia Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Eleftheriou Yachting Mykonos])