Rent a boat in Greece

Rent a boat in Greece

You can find boats available to rent with or without a skipper in Greece on the Nautal website. Search for sailboats, catamarans, motorboats and more in Greece and all over the world.  Selected boats allow flexible cancellation or date changes up to 15 days before check in. 

Sailing holidays in Greece promise to be simply divine, offering everything from lazy day excursions to full-blown month-long adventures exploring the Aegean islands. Whatever itinerary you choose and whichever part of Greece you decide to visit, you will be spoilt for choice throughout your journey. You may decide to base yourself in a particular Greek island region. Whether the idyllic and sun-soaked Ionian Islands, the rugged Cyclades or the authentically charming Sporades, you are in for a real treat.

Skippered charters are the best way to explore this vibrant region. There are plenty of off-the-beaten-track and adventurous locations to counteract the more touristic areas. Charter a boat in Greece and experience the gorgeous Mediterranean climate coupled with a day of fun in the warm, glistening sea on an idyllic sailing holiday.

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

The price of boat hire in Greece varies greatly depending on a number of different factors.  Some of these include whereabouts you want to find a boat charter in Greece, the size and model of the boat, the season, the number of people, the duration of the trip and the type of boat.  If you want to rent a boat in Greece with a skipper, this will also affect the price.  Below is a list of prices based on boat type.

Sailboat rental in Greece costs anywhere from $651 a week in low season, but rises up to $1752 a week in high season.

For yacht rental in Greece, prices will usually start at $1775 per day and $12428 per week in high season, but will drop in low season to $1184 per day and $8286 per week.

Motorboat rental in Greece typically costs around $50 for half a day, $77 for a full day, or $539 for a week in high season, but in low season, costs are a little lower, starting at $46 for half a day, $71 for a whole day, and $497 for a week.

To rent a RIB in Greece, you’re looking to pay at least $178 per day and $1243 per week in low season, but this will increase to $296 per day and $2071 per week in high season.

Gulet prices usually start at about $473 for a half day, $829 for a day and $5800 for a week.

To rent fishing boats in Greece, you should expect to pay anywhere from $237 per day or $710 per week.

For catamaran sailing holidays in Greece, you will usually have to pay at least $1686 per week in low season, and $3808 per week in high season.

For licence free boat rental, you will typically pay around $95 a day and $568 a week in high season or $71 a day and $426 a week in low season.

Is it possible to find bareboat sailing holidays in Greece?

Yes, in Greece you will find a wide selection of boats available to rent either with or without a skipper.  However, if you wish to go sailing bareboat in Greece, you will need to ensure you have the appropriate licence.  Otherwise, you can see if there are boats available to rent that do not require a licence. It is without a doubt a great idea to be the captain of your own boat if you are an experienced sailor.

It is ideal to charter a boat in Greece with a skipper if you want to be guided through the best places in the area and get the most out of your sailing experience. The skipper may cost around 200 $ per day.  Either way, whether you decide to hire with or without a skipper, it’s definitely true that Greek sailing holidays will always be fantastic and full of adventure.

What license do I need to rent a boat in Greece?

To sail without a skipper in Greece (except for small boats that do not require a license) you need to have a valid offshore navigation license, for over 12 m, and another experienced crew member. Licenses will be approved at the port before leaving. If in doubt, consult an advisor or the boat owner. 

Which are the most popular ports in Greece?

You can find sailboats, motorboats, catamarans, yachts, gulets, and RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) in our Greece boat charter locations. Choose the one that best suits your needs. Our boat rentals in Greece are based all over the country. From the historical city of Athens to island archipelagos dotted from left, right and centre.

There are three main places to rent a boat in Athens:

• Marina Kalamaki
• Flisvos Marina
• Agios Kosmas Marina

Other mainland locations include:

• Northern Greece
• Thessaly
• Attic Coast
• West Greece

We also rent boats in the Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese, and the Ionian Islands, as well as the Saronic Gulf. Mooring fees are almost non-existent in Greece compared to other European destinations. On the occasion that you’re asked to pay a fee, it’s often no more than $20.

Other nearby sailing areas 

Families and couples will want to charter a boat for a week or longer to explore Greece properly. No prior experience is needed to learn how to rent a boat, simply choose from a wide selection of chartered vessels with a skipper, and finalise your destination. With over 3,000 islands to explore, the choices are quite literally unlimited. 

Favourite itineraries include setting off from Athens and heading either for the Ionian or Saronic Islands, but the Peloponnese is also a fantastic region with bustling towns like Poros. Poros is one of Greece's prized archaeological wonders, with the Temple of Poseidon nestled close to a bucolic coastline.

Greece is the land of Homer and the Titans, with plenty of easy-access routes for calm sailing year-round. For the best in climate, head for the paradisaical beaches or The Dodecanese, an area consisting of such famed islands as Kos, Rhodes and Patmos, as well as smaller, more secluded gems. To chase Greece's mythology, sail to the Ionian Islands through Corfu and Lefkada. Closer to Athens, the Saronic Islands offer much to explore with calm and clear waters off Aegina and Hydra.

What to do in Greece?

Visiting Athens or sailing near the Attic Coast and Saronic Gulf? Your number one priority should be viewing the Acropolis and Parthenon. Athens is a historical landmark for Europe and still holds many of its ancient treasures and buildings. Its centre also has plenty of lovely bars, restaurants and cafes for refuelling after sightseeing!

For the Ionian Islands, you can find party destinations such as Kavos and Corfu Town for those willing to dance the night away or host a private boat party. Yet there are also stunning beaches and quiet coves where you can unwind in the peaceful harmony of light waves against the pearl white sand with the scent of fresh sea salt. Tip: Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia is a personal favourite of ours! 

Islands off the eastern coast of Greece, for instance, the Sporades Islands, are encompassed in gorgeous stretches of sand and pebbles where you can bathe and snorkel. The islands have their own fair share of historical buildings, churches and fortresses where you can lose yourself in Grecian archeology and architecture. 

The Cyclades possess vibrant towns with plenty of nightlife in the summertime, as well as unique landmarks such as the windmills of Kato Mili in Mykonos. Santorini’s blue-domed churches are postcard-perfect against the shimmering sea, though this island is also renowned for its wine, due to the fertile earth of the island. 

How is the weather in Greece?

You can sail in Greece from May and experience mild temperatures in the low twenties. The temperatures peak in July and August with various areas reaching up to 30°C during the daytime. Athens can sometimes be rather overwhelming in August with its hot weather and tourism in full swing. Therefore, this might be much easier to remedy if you have a tranquil boat rental waiting for you at sea! 

If you’re sailing during the peak summer seasons, the key wind to know about is the Meltemi wind. The Meltemi, a northerly wind, generally picks up by June/July time and blows at its strongest in August. Areas such as the Cyclades Islands have more forceful winds due to the lack of mainland encircling the archipelagos. The wind force in the Cyclades is normally 5-7. Whereas, for example, in the Ionian islands the wind force ranges from 2-5.  

Unless you are an experienced sailor, we usually recommend sailing with a skipper. Not only do you have to worry less about the weather and wind direction, but you can put your feet up and enjoy the view! A skipper is also a great way of learning more about sailing and can be a great option for beginner sailors willing to improve.

How to get to Greece?

The closest airports to the locations where you can rent a boat in Greece are linked for you below.  All of these airports receive direct flights from all over Europe, and some also receive direct flights from some places in the USA.

Athens, Attic Coast and Saronic Gulf:

• Athens International Airport (ATH) 

West Greece

• Port of Kyllini: Araxos Airport (GPA)
• Preveza, Palairos and Lefkada island: Aktion Airport (PVK)

Northern Greece

• Thessaloniki and Macedonia: Thessaloniki International Airport “Macedonia” (SKG)

Ionian Islands

• Corfu: Corfu International Airport (CFU)
• Kefalonia: Kefalonia International Airport (EFL)

Sporades Islands

• Skiathos and Skopelos: Skiathos International Airport (JSI)

Cyclades Islands

• Paros: New Paros Airport (PAS) - please note, this airport only flies to other Greek destinations.
• Mykonos: Mykonos International Airport (JMK)
• Santorini: Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)