Mykonos Fjord 38 Yacht Cruise Review: Delos & Rhenia
So you’re thinking about a trip to Mykonos, and, you know, the idea of getting out on the water keeps popping into your head. It’s pretty much impossible to look at that sparkly Aegean Sea and not dream a little, right? I was in the exact same boat, literally. I mean, the island is gorgeous from land, but honestly, you get a completely different feeling from the sea. After looking at a ton of options, we decided to book the 5-hour private cruise on a Fjord 38, which is a tour that takes you to the islands of Delos and Rhenia. As a matter of fact, the pictures of the Fjord 38 just looked so clean and modern. To be honest, I was kind of sold on the boat itself before I even knew the full itinerary. We were looking for something that felt a little bit special, you know, a way to escape the busy beaches for a few hours and just have a space that was ours. So, was it actually worth it? Well, let me just walk you through how the whole day went down, from stepping on board to watching the sun dip low on the way back. It was, at the end of the day, an experience that really defined our Mykonos trip.
First Impressions: Stepping Aboard the Fjord 38
Alright, so showing up at the dock is sort of a mix of excitement and a little bit of nerves, you know? You’ve seen the pictures online, but you’re still wondering if it’s going to live up to the hype. Well, the moment we saw the Fjord 38, it was honestly a relief. The boat has these very, very sharp lines and a unique walk-around deck that, you know, just looks incredibly cool. It’s obviously not one of those huge, show-offy superyachts; instead, it’s something more sleek and, in a way, more personal. The captain, a super friendly guy named Iakovos, was right there to welcome us with a big smile, which really set a great tone for the day. Basically, he helped us aboard and immediately offered us a drink, which was, frankly, a perfect start. The boat itself felt so spacious; as a matter of fact, you have this huge sunbed at the back and another one at the front, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. You aren’t, like, bumping into each other all the time. Actually, the clever design of this boat is probably what stands out the most; more or less every inch is used thoughtfully, giving you a sense of open-air freedom that you can really appreciate on the water. We put our stuff down, and I just stood there for a second, feeling the gentle rock of the boat and watching the harbor buzz, you know, feeling like the adventure was really starting.
Anyway, as we pulled away from the Ornos Bay jetty, the feeling was just incredible. You know, you’re slowly gliding past all these other boats and the waterfront tavernas, and then the captain opens up the throttle a little. That feeling of picking up speed and seeing the Mykonos coastline shrink behind you is seriously something else. The boat handles the water so smoothly, so it’s not like you’re getting bounced around like crazy. Honestly, you can just sit back with your drink and enjoy the show. Iakovos was great, by the way; he pointed out a few landmarks as we headed out, but was also just happy to let us soak it all in. We decided to lay out on the big sunpad at the back, feeling the sun on our skin and the fresh, salty air. You know, you are just completely in the moment. It was a really different world from the busy streets and packed beaches we’d left behind just a few minutes ago. Frankly, this is exactly the kind of escape that makes a vacation feel truly special, and we were only just getting started. It was almost too perfect, just sitting there and watching the waves.
The Ancient Echoes of Delos Island
So, our first main stop, more or less, was the island of Delos. You can see it from Mykonos, this kind of rugged, quiet-looking piece of land just across the water. As a matter of fact, as you get closer, you start to see that it’s covered in ruins. It’s pretty amazing, honestly. The captain slowed the boat right down so we could get a really good look. Now, this is something you need to know about a five-hour cruise: you typically see Delos from the water. You don’t actually get off and walk around the archaeological site; that’s a whole different kind of tour that takes up a lot more time. Frankly, seeing it from the yacht was actually perfect for us. We got this incredible, sweeping view of the whole place without the crowds and the scorching heat. Iakovos sailed us slowly along the coast, and you could clearly make out the remnants of old columns, homes, and temples. It felt almost like we were getting a secret, private viewing of this ancient city. To be honest, this perspective offers a unique understanding of the island’s scale, something you might miss when walking through the ruins themselves.
As we were floating there, the captain started sharing some stories about the island, which was, you know, absolutely fascinating. He wasn’t like a boring tour guide reading from a script. It was more like he was just sharing local legends. For instance, he told us that in ancient Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and so no mortal was ever allowed to be born or die on the island. It was considered that sacred. Hearing this while looking at the crumbling stone landscape, with no one else around but us, was seriously powerful. You could almost feel the history in the air, you know? He pointed out what would have been the theater and the area with the famous Lion Terrace statues, even though you just see them from a distance. Anyway, it was a really special way to connect with the history of the area. We just sat there, listening and looking, and it really added a layer of depth to the day. It wasn’t just a fun boat trip anymore; it was sort of a trip back in time, and getting that history lesson from a local was a huge bonus.
Finding Serenity at Rhenia’s Untouched Beaches
Okay, so after our little history lesson at Delos, the captain steered us over to its sister island, Rhenia. And wow, I mean, the contrast is immediate. While Delos is all about ancient stones and history, Rhenia is pure, raw, natural beauty. Basically, the first thing that hits you is the color of the water. Honestly, I’ve seen a lot of blue water in my life, but this was something else entirely. It was this almost unbelievable shade of turquoise, so clear that you could see the sandy bottom perfectly, even from the boat. The captain knew exactly where to go, pulling into this little hidden cove that was completely empty. We were, literally, the only people there. As a matter of fact, having a pristine beach all to yourself in a place as popular as the Cyclades is an incredible feeling. You really get why people seek out these private boat experiences. The silence was just amazing, broken only by the sound of the water gently lapping against the hull of the Fjord. It was pure magic, you know?
The captain dropped anchor, and frankly, we couldn’t wait to jump in. He had all the gear ready for us—snorkels, masks, and even a couple of sea scooters, which were so much fun. The water was just as good as it looked: cool, refreshing, and incredibly salty, so you just floated effortlessly. I put on a mask and just drifted, watching the little fish dart around below. It was so peaceful. After our swim, we just relaxed on the yacht. Some of us stretched out on the front sunbed to dry off in the sun, while others sat in the shaded seating area at the back, just sipping a cold drink and staring out at the gorgeous scenery. At the end of the day, this was the part of the trip that felt like a true escape. You are totally cut off from the rest of the world, in your own little slice of paradise. You just can’t put a price on that kind of serenity and privacy, and it’s something you definitely won’t find on the main beaches of Mykonos. This stop alone pretty much made the whole trip worthwhile.
Life on Deck: Food, Drinks, and Pure Relaxation
You know, after swimming and snorkeling in that amazing water at Rhenia, you definitely work up an appetite. Anyway, just as we were starting to feel a bit hungry, our captain turned into the perfect host. He started preparing a little spread for us right there on the boat. To be honest, it was just perfect. He brought out a platter with some really good Greek cheeses, fresh bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, olives, and some local charcuterie. It wasn’t some huge, complicated meal, but it was so fresh and delicious, and honestly, it was exactly what you want to eat in that setting. There’s something pretty special about eating simple, tasty food while you’re anchored in a beautiful cove, you know? Of course, he also made sure our glasses were never empty. We had a choice of chilled white wine, beer, or soft drinks. Sipping on a cold glass of wine, with your feet dangling just above the water, is a feeling I won’t forget anytime soon. As a matter of fact, that simple, elegant hospitality really elevated the whole experience.
The vibe for this part of the trip was just total relaxation. Literally. The Fjord 38 is really well-equipped for just lounging around. We put some music on through the boat’s sound system—you can just connect your phone via Bluetooth, which is great. The sound quality was surprisingly good, by the way. So, we had our own little soundtrack playing softly in the background. Some of us were chatting and eating at the shaded table in the back, while others were just completely zoned out on the sunbeds at the front of the boat, dozing in and out of a light nap. It was the perfect balance. You could be as social or as quiet as you wanted. Actually, the captain was great at reading the mood; he was there if you needed anything or wanted to chat, but he also gave us our space to just enjoy the moment. At the end of the day, it was our boat for the afternoon, and we could just be. It wasn’t rushed; it wasn’t structured. It was just five hours of doing exactly what felt right, which is the whole point of a private cruise, you know? And finding a good charter with this level of comfort is key.
The Journey Back: Sunset Views and Final Thoughts
Eventually, it was time to start heading back to Mykonos. To be honest, we were all a little sad to leave our private little cove in Rhenia. But, you know, the return journey had its own kind of magic. The timing was more or less perfect. As we started cruising back, the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon. The light changed completely, turning from the bright white of midday to a soft, golden yellow. Everything just looked so beautiful and mellow in that golden hour light. The sea turned a deep, inky blue, and the coast of Mykonos in the distance was bathed in this warm glow. We all found a spot on the deck, some on the bow and some on the aft sunpad, and just watched the show. There really aren’t many things better than watching a Greek sunset from the water. There were no crowds, no distractions, just the sound of the boat cutting through the waves and the incredible view unfolding before us. It was an absolutely perfect way to end the afternoon, and, frankly, it was a moment of pure calm that many travelers come to Greece hoping to find.
So, looking back, who is this trip for? Honestly, I think it’s perfect for a lot of different people. It’s obviously incredible for a couple wanting a romantic and private day out. At the end of the day, it would also be amazing for a family or a small group of friends, just like we were. The boat has plenty of space for a group of up to 8-10 people to feel comfortable. Is it a splurge? Yes, of course. A private yacht for five hours is an investment. But was it worth it? For us, absolutely. You’re not just paying for a boat; you’re paying for the privacy, the personalized service from the captain, and the freedom to experience these beautiful islands on your own terms. My advice is to just go for it if it fits your budget. As a matter of fact, it’s one of those experiences that you’ll be talking about long after your tan has faded. It gives you a perspective on Mykonos that you just can’t get from the shore. It’s the feeling of freedom, of discovery, and of pure, unadulterated holiday joy. And seriously, seeing the shores of Delos and the clear waters of Rhenia is a must-do, and this is probably the very best way to do it.