delos archaeological site view from the sea

7 Best Delos Tours from Mykonos in 2024

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LOOKING TO BOOK THE BEST MYKONOS TO DELOS TOUR?

You’re in the right place because this article features 7 of the best Delos Tours from Mykonos to explore this famous Greek UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I’ve spent a solid two months exploring Greece, and you can bet I made a stop to party hard on the popular island of Mykonos, where most Delos trips start. During the days, I’ve still managed to wake up early enough to ride around and, you know, do the tourist stuff.

I’ve also carefully evaluated all the tours mentioned to ensure they’re highly rated with great feedback.

Ancient statue of apollo ruins at Delos island in Greece

In a rush? Reserve this all-inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands Tour for a Tripadvisor award-winning experience!

If you’re on the lookout for other options, check out these 7 top Delos Tours from Mykonos. They range from full-day to half-day trips, offering everything from a budget to luxurious yacht or private Mykonos experiences.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Mykonos Delos Tours

#1 Top Pick
bow of a sailboat on a sunny day out at sea against strong sun

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos

✅ Tripadvisor Award-Winner

✅ Lunch & (Non)Alc Beverages

✅ Snorkeling Equipment

#2 Pick
delos archaeological site view from land

Half-Day Delos Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

✅ 4 Language Choices

✅ Focused on Delos Site

✅ Customization Options

#3 Pick
Ancient and historical temple ruins with pillars and walls on top of delos

Private Delos Tour

✅ Flat Fee for up to 7

✅ Half-Day Tour

✅ Hotel Transfer


A Bit About Delos Archaeological Site

The sacred island of Delos is said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, two powerful siblings of Greek Mythology. Just off the coast of Mykonos, this island has been an important cultural and religious site since ancient times.

Delos’ archaeological legacy will take your breath away – from its iconic temple of Apollo to the Temple of Isis, the Sacred Lake, and the Terrace of the Lions.


Top Delos Tours from Mykonos

If you’re an independent traveler, you can purchase ferry tickets from the Mykonos old port to catch multiple daily boats in the summer season to Delos or book in advance here.

But going independently means you won’t have a tour guide or the added benefits of an organized tour, like hotel transfer, meals, a visit to nearby islands like Rhenia, or snorkeling stops.

Below are 7 of the best Delos Island Guided Tours from Mykonos so you leave the site with all your questions answered.

Tip! Most tours do not include the €12 entrance fee to the actual Delos site.

1. Mykonos: Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos

Best Group Full-Day Tour

sunset on sailboat

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | 🏝 Book it!

Awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2023, this Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Delos combines the best of both worlds.

This full-day tour combines a deluxe yacht cruise experience around the uninhabited islands of Rhenia with a guided tour of the archaeological site on Delos. Along the way, you can even lend a hand in learning some sailing techniques from the skipper.

After boarding near the old port, your captain will take you to nearby Rhenia Island for lunch and a swim; then, it’s on to Delos if you wish. You do have the option to choose another snorkel location if history is not for you.

As for lunch, enjoy a delicious Greek lunch onboard, with Italian pasta, Greek salad, and fresh fruits. Wash it all down with a complimentary wine, a cold beer, or your favorite soft drink.

For those who choose to explore Delos, a licensed English-Speaking guide will walk around the entire island, teaching you about this UNESCO-listed site over the course of 1.5 hours.

This experience was truly fantastic! The ride to Rhenia was smooth, and the waters were super clear. Lunch was great, and we learned so much at Delos!

– Isabella (Read more reviews)

The tour, with up to 35 people, includes almost everything – roundtrip transportation, food & drinks, a licensed tour guide, and more. But you’ll need to pay the entrance fees to Delos when you get there.

2. Mykonos Half-Day Delos Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Cheapest & Best Group Half-Day Tour

delos archaeological site view from the sea

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🏝 Book it!

For those looking for a shorter tour, this Half-Day Delos Guided Tour offers a guided exploration of the archaeological site at Delos, with skip-the-line tickets included to save you time waiting in line.

This tour is all about the Delos site. It’s a deep dive into the history of one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, no other distractions. You’ll admire stunning mosaics, marble columns, and wall paintings in sacred places like the Temple of Apollo and the House of Dionysus.

It also offers various customization options, letting you add one-way transfers for convenience. Since this is a large group trip, a private option is also available if you prefer a more exclusive experience.

Loved the tour, lots of information and guide was happy to answer questions as we went round. Really enjoyed it, would recommend

– Alice (Read more reviews)

Beyond the immersive historical experience, this tour has all the practical perks you’d need. Hotel pickup (if selected), roundtrip boat trip tickets (with a scenic 30-minute ride each way), and a knowledgeable local guide.

The tour is offered in four languages – English, Italian, French, and Spanish. So, no matter where you’re from, there’s a good chance you’ll feel at home.

3. From Mykonos: Delos Archaeological Site Guided Evening Tour

Same Cheapest & Best Group Half-Day Tour But in the Evening

boat passing in front of the setting sun by a greek island

⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 Hours | 🏝 Book it!

This half-day Evening Tour of Delos is the perfect way to end your day in Mykonos, plus you get to avoid the peak heat of the day.

Start at 5 pm and enjoy a magical sunset tour, with roundtrip boat tickets and skip-the-line entry included.

The offbeat experience of a nighttime visit brings a different perspective to ancient monuments like those of Apollo and Artemis, surrounded by warm orange hues.

Walking along the main street to the market and sanctuary zone, you’ll find the Stoa of Phillipe, the Propylaia, the Colossus of the Naxians, and other iconic sights.

The tour was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of island info and history. We got to see a side of Mykonos that we otherwise would have missed. A great value.

(Read more reviews)

The tour also includes a hotel pickup (if selected), roundtrip boat tickets, and a licensed guide. Unlike its daytime counterpart, private tours are the only option available in languages other than English. Do note that this is a large group trip.

4. Private Delos Tour To The Island of God Apollo

Cheapest Half-Day Private Tour to Delos

Ancient statue of apollo ruins at Delos island in Greece

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 Hours | 🏝 Book it!

Go private on this half-day Private Delos Tour to explore the well-preserved ruins of ancient Greece on the mystical island of Delos.

This trip takes up to seven travelers at a flat fee, which works out to be one of the more affordable private options out there.

Your day will begin with a convenient hotel pickup. Once on the island, explore the best parts of this ancient site – from mosaic floors and marble colonnades to cisterns and ruins. Plus, you’ll get to visit the theater district, ancient theater, and sanctuary of Apollo.

Your expert guide will accompany your group throughout the tour, giving you context and insight into the history of the site.

Had a great day visiting these ruins which were more extensive than I would have expected. We had a windy day, but the ride was not bad at all. Definitely worth the few dollars to have a guided tour. It would have been very difficult to sort out the place without a guide.

(Read more reviews)

5. Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Cruise w/Meat and Veggie BBQ

mykonos island's little venice during the sunset

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours | 🏝 Book it!

For a longer day out in the sun, this Delos & Rhenia Islands Cruise takes you to both islands for a full day of adventure. As you sail, enjoy breathtaking views of nearby beaches, coves, and uninhabited isles.

You can customize your tour with options for hotel transfer and guided tours led by a licensed guide of Delos. But you can also stay on the boat or wander around the site yourself.

If you’ve got a good group going, you can even book out the entire yacht for just you and your friends and family.

After touring the historical site, high-quality snorkeling equipment is included to explore the beautiful underwater wildlife around Rhenia.

Before heading back to the port, as the title says, a delicious BBQ lunch with meat and vegetarian options with unlimited drinks will be served.

Really beautiful day out. Pick up and drop off from our hotel was smooth and well organised. The lunch they cook and provide on the boat was so delicious and we would easily book this trip again next time we are in Mykonos!

– Kristy (Read more reviews)

The tour team will ensure your safety on board and provide all the amenities you need for a comfortable day out, which includes food and beverages, snorkel gear, and towels.

6. Private sailing cruise to Delos and Rhenia islands

Best Luxury Private Half-Day Tour

sailboat in front of setting sun in mykonos island greece

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Hours | 🏝 Book it!

Experience this part of the Greek Cycladic archipelago in comfort and style on a half-day private sailing cruise to Delos and Rhenia islands.

Your flat fee for up to a group of 14 can choose from two different daily departure times – early morning at 9 am or mid-afternoon at 3 pm.

Either way, the boat will go to Delos, but they offer options for just a private charter or a guided tour option with an English-speaking guide for an extra cost.

On the first leg of your journey, you’ll sail to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Delos, just off the coast of Mykonos. Here, you’ll get to explore ancient ruins and learn about this sacred place either on your own or with your guide.

Afterward, grab a delicious lunch onboard and drop anchor at a pristine white sand beach. You won’t find any crowds here, just the untouched islands of Rhenia waiting to be discovered. Explore hidden coves, take a refreshing swim, and snorkel to your heart’s content!

I highly recommend this experience, as it is one of the few things you can experience in Mykonos and you will never forget! As for the details, the yacht was spotless, the crew very kind and the food very tasty! I can’t wait to come again at the island and live again this wonderful experience!

(Read more reviews)

With fuel charges, snorkeling equipment, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic drinks included in the flat fee, all you need to worry about is having a memorable experience.

7. 8 hour Private Yacht Cruise in Delos Rhenia Mykonos Tesoro 40

Best Luxury Private Full-Day Tour

mykonos windmills and sea view from town

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours | 🏝 Book it!

Cruise in style on this luxurious 8-hour yacht around some of the most spectacular beaches of Mykonos south coast, Rhenia, and Delos with up to 10 of your best friends.

Aboard your Tesoro 40 yacht, you’ll find all the comfort and privacy you need. This particular yacht model stands out as an icon in its range, offering impressive features such as a spacious sun bed and a large swim platform. The deck provides ample space for leisure and relaxation.

You can either go straight to the meeting point at Ornos or request for pickup. Once there, ride straight to Delos to learn about the proud Greek history, visiting the site, the island’s museum, and the Agora of the Italians.

From there, the secluded beaches of Rhenia are just within sight, with waters practically begging to be jumped into.

Head to the south coast of Mykonos and hit up beaches like Kalafatis, Agrari, or Platis Gialos for some watersports fun! Your yacht has water toys like a sea bob, paddle board, and jet ski available for an extra charge.

Or stop for lunch at some recommendations at the Paraga, Kalo Livadi, or the famous nude beach, Super Paradise Beach.

It was a great experience. Amazing way to see south Mykonos beaches and Delos / Rhineia. YALOOU have the best yatch service I will highly recommend whenever in Mykonos.

(Read more reviews)

This private cruise ship includes beach towels and complimentary snorkeling equipment. You will also get WiFi onboard, snacks, and alcoholic beverages – all included in the package.


Where to Stay in Mykonos, Greece

Accommodation in Mykonos is pricey, particularly during peak season. Most likely you’re there to party, so you want to have a convenient place to stay and, you know, not drunk drive or go far distances to go out and die in bed. There are two main party places you want to stay around: 

  • Mykonos Town (Chora)
  • Paradise Beach

I recommend Mykonos Town, so you are close to everything, food and many bars. Surprisingly, Mykonos is quite spacious, so if you want to chill, there are plenty of quieter accommodations at beaches by Ornos or out east.

Some Top-Rated Accommodations in Mykonos City

📍Luxury: Vencia Boutique Hotel
📍Mid-range: Petinaros Hotel
📍Budget: Mykonosmarina


FAQs About A Delos Day Trip from Mykonos

How long is the boat ride from Mykonos to Delos?

The boat to Delos from Mykonos takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the Aegean Sea and weather conditions.

Is Delos’s guided tour worth it?

Yes, like most ancient ruins, a guided tour of Delos is highly recommended. The island is one of Greece’s most famous historical sites, and having insight into the ancient ruins makes your visit more meaningful.

How long do you need in Delos?

To fully explore Delos, it is recommended to spend at least 2 to 3 hours on the island. This will allow you to visit the main archaeological sites and learn about the ancient civilization that once thrived there.

How far is it from Mykonos to Delos?

The distance of the ferry ride between Mykonos and Delos is approximately 7 miles (12 kilometers).

What is the best way to get to Delos?

To go independently, the best way to get to Delos is by taking a ferry from the old port of Mykonos Town. There are daily ferry crossings in the summer. Otherwise, you can join an organized tour that will coordinate your boat transfer.

Can you stay overnight on Delos?

No, overnight stays are not allowed on the island of Delos. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important archaeological site, Delos is strictly a day trip destination.

Why is swimming forbidden in Delos?

Swimming is forbidden in Delos due to the preservation of the archaeological remains and to protect the fragile ecosystem of the surrounding waters.

How much does it cost to go to Delos?

Mykonos is known to be expensive, but a trip to Delos is affordable. Greece uses the euro, and boat tickets for the round trip from Mykonos to Delos costs €20. But, the ticket office charges a fee of €12 per person to Delos and the open-air museum. Guided tours start at around €65 per person for a half-day group trip.

Does Delos have a beach?

No, Delos does not have a beach suitable for swimming or sunbathing. The island is primarily known for its archaeological significance rather than its beaches.

Is Delos good for kids?

Delos might not be the best choice for young kids. The island is mostly for history buffs and archaeology lovers. But if you have older kids who like ancient history and mythology, they might find Delos interesting.

🤩 If you plan on hitting up Greece’s beaches, the #1 item I wouldn’t be without is shade Most beaches are 100% exposed, so get this packable pop-up shade shelter!


Final Thoughts: Best Tours to Delos from Mykonos

I had an absolute blast on Mykonos, and I love and hate to admit that I saw three sunrises in a row. And before moving on to the next Greek island like Koufinisia, Amorgos, or Ikaria, your Mykonos trip wouldn’t be complete without heading to the ancient site of Delos and a stop at the Rhenia islands.

It’s pretty easy to go there on your own (click here to book in advance and go yourself), but if you want to learn more with a guided tour or add extra activities, I hope you found a sweet tour package that suits your needs here.

In case you’re still not sure which to pick:

No matter which you choose, Delos is a great day trip away from all the lounging and partying. Just remember to take lots of pictures, and bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen!


TRAVEL RESOURCES
✈️ Find the best tours and activities with Viator to cross off your bucket list and create unforgettable memories

🏘️ Book your accommodation with Booking.com in advance and check availability on the days of your travels.

🧾 Rent a car in advance with Discovercars for those epic road trips at the best price.

📓 Safety first! Insure yourself with Safety Wings nomad travel insurance for $45/month for all your adventures and activities abroad.