Hire a boat in Greece with or without a licence

Discover Greece by boat 

Situated along the Mediterranean Sea and nestled between the Ionian and Aegean Seas sits one of the most popular sailing destinations in Europe: Greece. With over 6,000 islands, Greece is a dream destination for yacht charters. Famous around the world for its paradisical islands, sparkling blue water, delicious cuisine and rich culture, renting a boat in Greece offers s diverse sailing experience allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Greek islands and coastlines. 

The tranquil waters, steady winds, and well-established routes ensure an enjoyable sailing trip. For those seeking a more relaxed journey, the Ionian Sea offers gentle breezes, and lush green landscapes. For example, boat rental in Kefalonia, Mykonos, and Corfu offers the perfect opportunity for enjoyable sailing. Also, renting a boat in Kos or Lefkada to sail among the Dodecanese Islands guarantees an unforgettable experience!

What type of boat is best for Greece?

The best type of boat for hire in Greece depends on your preferences, budget, and planned activities. Here is a quick overview of the available boats on Click&Boat:

How much is it to charter a yacht in Greece?

The cost of boat charters in Greece will vary depending on the exact location you want to sail, the time of year, how many people are on board, and the size and type of vessel you choose. The average price of boat rental in Greece is £350 per day

Below are some starting prices by boat type:

• Motorboat: Prices start at £44 a day / £521 a week.
• RIB: Prices start at £130 a day / £910 a week.
• Jet Ski: Prices start at £50 a day / £350 a week.
• Boat without licence: Prices start at £80 a day / £560 a week.
• Yacht: Prices start at £1,200 a day / £8,400 a week.
• Sailboat: Prices start at £200 a day / £1,600 a week
• Catamaran: Prices start at £400 a day /£2,800 a week.
• Gulet: Prices start at £200 a day / £1,400 a week

What is included in the cost?

Typically, the rental price covers the boat itself, but additional expenses such as fuel, skipper, crew, and water sports equipment may or may not be included. 

The average cost of skipper in Greece is £170. However, a skipper is included with some boat rentals.

It is important to verify the specifics on the Click&Boat platform or with the boat owner to ensure you have a clear understanding of the total cost and any extra fees you may need to budget for during your sailing adventure.

When is the best time to go to Greece?

The sailing season in Greece generally lasts from May to October with mild weather and little to no precipitation, making for perfect sailing conditions. The best time to charter a boat in Greece depends on your preferences.

Most people prefer to set sail on a Greek yacht charter in July and August on account of the ideal water and air temperatures. However, these high season months tend to be crowded with tourists, so may result in higher prices for accommodations and boat rentals.

For slightly cooler temperatures and better prices, consider booking a cheap yacht charter in Greece during the tail ends of the sailing season, such as May or September. These months offer a more tranquil experience and potential cost savings.

Where to sail in Greece?

Take advantage of exploring the hidden beauty of Greece with your luxury yacht charter by ensuring to visit places only accessible by boat. There are so many islands surrounding mainland Greece, that coming up with a short itinerary for your boat hire can be difficult. Wherever you decide to set sail, there are many international airports located around Greece with plenty of direct flights to and from the UK.

Here are some popular places to set sail to on your yacht charter in Greece:

Athens

One of the oldest cities in the world. Athens is a must during your stay in Greece. Here you can see the famous Parthenon, the remains of the ancient Agora, the Port of Piraeus and the Acropolis of Athens, a place steeped in history that rises in the city's heart.

The marinas in Athens, such as Alimos Marina and Marina Zea, offer a convenient starting point for exploring the Saronic Gulf and for island hopping. The distance from Athens International Airport to both marinas is approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Mykonos

This famous island is one of the most visited in Greece. If you’re a bit of a party animal, head on over to Mykonos. While there is still plenty to see here in terms of natural beauty, Mykonos is known mostly for being full of beach clubs and a vibrant nightlife! The Tourlos Marina in Mykonos offers a perfect base for exploring the Cyclades Islands. It is about 10 minutes from Mykonos International Airport.

Santorini

For a trip where you can admire sensational sunsets and an impressive underwater volcano, you should visit Santorini, the honeymoon capital of the Mediterranean. The Athinios Port in Santorini allows you to explore the beautiful Cyclades. It is approximately 15 minutes from Santorini International Airport. Visit the ruins of the ancient cities of Thera and Akrotiri. The volcano of Santorini will give a volcanic touch to your excursion to the Hellenic lands.

Rhodes

You can visit Rhodes, an ancient medieval city. At the entrance to its port was once the majestic Colossus of Rhodes, a gigantic statue (over 30 meters high!) of the Greek sun god Helios, considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Mandraki Marina in Rhodes provides easy access to the Dodecanese Islands. It is approximately 25 minutes from Diagoras International Airport.

Island-hopping

When you charter a yacht in Greece, you will also have the opportunity to go on an epic island-hopping adventure while enjoying maximum comfort on board. There are plenty of different sailing areas in this country. Some of the main Greek islands that you can visit during boat hire include:

• The Ionian Islands
• The Cyclades
• The Sporades
• The Dodecanese
• The North Aegean Islands
• The Saronic Islands

Renting a boat with or without a skipper?

It is possible to charter a yacht in Greece without a skipper, as long as you meet the legal requirements and the boat owner allows you to. This being said, many people choose to book a skippered yacht charter, even if they can navigate on their own. When deciding whether to rent with or without a skipper on your sailing holiday in Greece, consider the following:

With Skipper:

• Experience the voyage without navigation concerns.
• Benefit from local expertise and insider recommendations.
• Relax and soak in the scenery while your skipper handles the helm.

Without Skipper:

• Explore at your own pace, charting your course.
• Enhance sailing skills and take on the challenge.
• Potentially lower overall cost by excluding skipper fees.

Finally, if you wish to add a touch of luxury to your trip, you can also opt for a crewed yacht charter in Greece. The crew will be here to make sure that you have a relaxing trip and take care of all daily tasks, such as dining and cleaning. Let Click&Boat help you make the most of your holiday with a crewed yacht charter or a self-skippered adventure in Greece!

Frequently Asked Questions about Greece

How much does it cost to hire a boat in Greece for a day?

The average cost of hiring a boat in Greece is around £676 per day. Various factors can influence the cost of a boat charter, such as the season, the year the boat was built, and the equipment. The prices can vary between £50 and £14,709 per day.

How much does a skipper cost per day in Greece?

The price of a skipper varies depending on the destination and the owner of the boat. In Greece, you can expect to pay an average of £185 per day for a skipper.

What are the most popular boat manufacturers in Greece?

The most popular boat manufacturers in Greece are Marinello and Dufour.

Can you hire a boat in Greece without a license?

In Greece there are 2410 boats that you can hire without a license. You can also hire many boats with a skipper.

Can I add equipment like snorkel gear, SUP boards or a wakeboard to my boat charter in Greece?

Many owners offer various extras that you can add to your booking in Greece. This can be for example Bimini, GPS or Bathing.

Good to know