The Best Boat Rentals in Greece

For a simple license‑free motorboat (up to 30 hp), expect around $200–$350 per day plus fuel. A faster RIB or day cruiser with a captain usually runs $600–$1,200 per day before fuel. Private sailing monohulls for day use commonly range $500–$1,000, while modern catamarans for private day trips are often $1,200–$2,500+. Shared catamaran cruises in popular spots like Santorini typically cost about $90–$170 per person. Luxury motor yachts start around $2,500–$6,000+ per day. Inclusions vary by listing, but many captained trips include the skipper, basic beverages and ice, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment; fuel, port fees, and catering are often additional. Always check the specific Getmyboat listing for what’s included and any add‑ons like transfers or open‑bar packages.

Greece offers everything from easygoing 30 hp motorboats and family‑friendly RIBs to classic sailing yachts, spacious catamarans, traditional wooden caiques, and luxury motor yachts. If you want swimming stops and relaxed comfort, catamarans are great. For speed and cove‑hopping, RIBs and motorboats shine. Sailboats suit travelers who love the journey as much as the destination, and caiques deliver a nostalgic, Greek‑isles vibe.

If you’re new to the area or want a stress‑free day, book a captained trip—your skipper handles navigation, mooring, and local rules and can tailor the route to your group. Confident boaters can rent license‑free boats up to 30 hp for close‑to‑shore exploring, or go bareboat on sailboats if they hold the required certifications. Keep in mind that summer Meltemi winds in the Aegean can be strong, so even experienced boaters often prefer a skipper during July–August.

Common departure points include Marina Alimos (Athens), Zea Marina in Piraeus, and Olympic Marine in Lavrion for the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades. On the islands, popular launch spots include Ammoudi Bay and Vlychada Marina in Santorini, Tourlos (Mykonos New Port), Gouvia Marina in Corfu, and Mandraki Marina in Rhodes. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed after booking, and many trips offer optional hotel pickup.

From Athens you can cruise the Saronic Gulf to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. In the Cyclades, caldera views in Santorini, the windmills of Mykonos, and turquoise anchorages around Paros and Naxos are highlights. In the Ionian, Corfu, Paxos, and Antipaxos are famous for jade‑green coves; in the Dodecanese, Rhodes offers medieval walls and photogenic harbors. Wildlife is possible too—loggerhead sea turtles are often spotted (responsibly) in Zakynthos’ marine park, and dolphins occasionally join in open water.

For small motorboats up to 30 hp, most places in Greece allow you to rent and operate without a license after a safety briefing, staying within the local cruising area set by the operator. For bareboat sailboats or higher‑horsepower powerboats, you’ll need recognized skipper qualifications—an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or an accepted national equivalent is commonly required—and a second adult to act as co‑skipper. If you don’t have the paperwork, book a captained charter and just relax.

Yes—families are welcome. Boats carry life jackets for every passenger and standard safety gear, and many provide children’s sizes on request. Let your captain know the ages and weights of kids in advance so they can have the right fit ready. Shade, swim ladders, and easy‑access decks are common on family‑friendly boats; for infants and toddlers, ask about extra shade and bring sun protection.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and drinks. Many captained trips include water and soft drinks; some offer BBQ or light lunch packages, and sunset cruises often include wine or beer. Glass is sometimes discouraged for safety, and red wine may be restricted due to staining. If you’d like full catering, ask at booking—many crews can arrange local specialties, birthday cakes, or special diets with notice.

Small, well‑behaved dogs are often permitted on private charters at the captain’s discretion; a cleaning fee or pet policy may apply. Pets are usually not allowed on shared group tours. If you plan to bring a pet, request approval in advance and pack a non‑slip mat, water bowl, and shade.

Captains constantly monitor wind and sea conditions. In the Aegean, the summer Meltemi can bring strong northerlies, especially in July and August; mornings are often calmer than afternoons. The Ionian Sea is typically more sheltered. If the captain or port authority deems conditions unsafe, charters are rescheduled or refunded per the listing’s policy. To maximize smooth seas, consider morning departures and shoulder‑season months (May–June and September–October).

Absolutely. Most day boats comfortably host 6–12 guests, with larger catamarans and yachts accommodating bigger groups. Crews can help with playlists, decorations, cakes, and photo‑ready swim stops. Share your headcount, vibe, and must‑dos at booking so they can match the boat and route to your plan, from chill swim‑and‑snack days to celebratory sunset cruises.

Peak boating runs May through October, with the warmest seas from late June through September. Weekdays and early‑morning slots are great for smoother water and lighter crowds; weekends and sunset slots book up fastest in July and August. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day don’t affect availability in Greece, but local dates do—Assumption Day on August 15 is a major holiday, and summer brings signature events such as the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta in late June and Santorini’s Ifestia volcanic fireworks in September. Book early if your trip overlaps these periods.

Classic day trips include Athens to Aegina–Poros–Hydra from the Saronic coast, Santorini caldera cruises with swims at Red and White Beach and the hot springs, Mykonos to the sacred ruins of Delos and the swimming coves of Rhenia, Corfu to Paxos and Antipaxos for electric‑blue bays, and Zakynthos routes that responsibly view loggerhead turtles in Laganas Bay and stop at Marathonisi and Keri Caves. Your captain will suggest the best route for the day’s wind and sea state.