6 Best Places to Rent a Boat in Greece

This article may contain affiliate links.

Updated: 13 January, 2025

All the details for renting a boat in Greece, places, prices, for sailboats, catamarans and boats without skipper, with many tips.

Greece is a wonderful country to go sailing and visit its Greek islands with paradisiacal beaches with turquoise waters, discover caves and coves which can only be accessed by sea.

This beautiful Mediterranean country has no less than 6,000 islands, many of them can be reached by ferry, which is the main means of transportation between the islands, because only a few have an airport.

However, the vast majority of the islands are uninhabited (there are 227 inhabited) and the only way to get there is with excursions or private boats.

If you travel with family or friends, rent a boat in Greece, the price per person can be very economical, cheaper than taking an excursion.

To give you an idea, a sailboat for 10 people you can get it for less than 200 euros per day.

But there are many more boat options, smaller, motorized, with a skipper if you don't have a license and some that do not require a boat skipper's license to rent them.

In this article I tell you all the details, the best places to rent a boat, price and recommendations so that you can enjoy a luxury vacation without spending a lot of money.

6 Best Places to Rent a Boat in Greece

1. Álimos – Athens

The Álimos marina, also known as Marina Kalamaki, is located just 15 km from Athens.

This is the largest marina in Greece with more than 1,000 moorings and a dry marina for another 600 boats.

If you intend to rent a boat in Greece, this is the best place where there is a wide variety of boats so you can find a boat that fits what you need and with better prices.

👍 Curious fact: the Greeks were the inventors of the dry navy in the 3rd century BC., during the Hellenistic period of Egypt.

What to see near Álimos by boat?

• Nearby beaches: One of the most popular and closest is Glyfada beach, which is south of Álimos and you can continue along the coastline to discover small hidden beaches of the Attic peninsula.
• Cape Sounion: It is about two hours by boat from the recreational port of Álimos, there, next to the cliff, is the Temple of Poseidon, one of the most important in Greece. You can take advantage of visiting it at sunset when the views are impressive.
• Saronic Islands: From this marina you can set sail towards the interesting Saronic Islands with crystal clear waters, traditional architecture and rich culture. Some of the most beautiful are Aegina, Hydra and Poros.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article where I talk about the 10 cheap, beautiful Greek Islands ❤ (and somewhat unknown) where I include Aegina and other islands that I mention in this article.

Where to rent a boat in Álimos?

To rent a boat in Greece I recommend this search engine that only works with serious people, prices are reasonable and the boats are in perfect condition.

Another advantage of Álimos is that it also you can rent the boats with skipper, this will be good for you if you don't have the license or prefer someone else to do it, so you can just enjoy yourself.

Below I leave you some of the best boats that you can rent in the Álimos marina:

• Sailboat Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 12 m long for 8 people, 3 cabins and bathroom with shower, from 171 euros (190.30 USD) per day.
• Lagoon 400 Catamaran 12 m in length for 10 people, with 6 cabins and 4 toilets with shower, the price starts at 264 euros (293.96 USD) per day.
• Compass 150 CC boat 4.6 m in length for 5 people, with prices starting at 195 euros (217 USD) per day and no need for a boat license.

2. Santorini

Santorini is the most famous Greek island and no wonder, its beauty is something unique, which is why many travel magazines have listed it as one of the 10 most beautiful places on the planet to travel to.

This very particular island is a small archipelago of volcanic origin where you will find many interesting places to see and the most beautiful sunsets in all of Greece.

What to see in Santorini by rental boat?

• The boilerThe current shape of Santorni was due to a colossal eruption more than 3,500 years ago, where the central part of the island collapsed and formed the caldera through which you can navigate.
• Thera: tour the crescent-shaped main island, the official name of the island (Santorini is the name for tourists) and see the typical Cycladic villages perilously perched along the cliff.
• Thirasia: It is another small island that remained after the eruption.
• Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni: They are the two islands in the center of the caldera and are of volcanic origin as a result of various eruptions, because the volcano is still active. This is an area where you can go down to visit, there is also an area where you can bathe in the hot sulfur waters.
• Santorini beaches: Explore the beaches on the other side of Thera, some of volcanic origin and all very unique such as the red beach (Kokkini) or Vlichada, as well as hidden bays that are difficult to access from land.

Where to rent a boat in Santorini?

This island is quite small and does not have a marina as such, but rather a couple of ports.

The largest is the port of Athinios and is where ferries mainly dock.

Then below Fira, the capital of Santorini there is a small port known as the Old Harbor where smaller boats dock.

Due to the lack of a marina you will not find much availability of sailboats and catamarans.

Instead, there is many boats available at a very good price (like this 👉 boat from 165 euros per day) to spend a great day at sea, swimming and discovering all the corners of the island.

In this link you can see availability, prices and book the boat rental in Santorini.

👍 Friend's tip: As there is no recreational port in Santorini, some owners have their boats moored on a beach or on land, instead of in the Old Port. The same thing happens on other Greek islands without a navy. If you are going to rent one, check carefully where the boat is. 😉

3. Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most popular islands in Greece and it is not only because of the party, but also because of its wonderful beaches with crystal clear water.

So, if you are looking for fun at night, this is an excellent island, which you can combine very well with relaxing days at sea to explore its coasts and get away from the hustle and bustle.

What to see in Mykonos by private boat?

• Mykonos beaches: Explore the beautiful coastline of Mykonos in search of quiet corners where you can dive into its blue waters. Although all of its beaches are accessible from land, some have difficult paths that make them more solitary.
• Islands and islets: take advantage of visiting the islands like Rinia and islets near Mykonos with their deserted beaches.
• Tinos: The Cyclades are probably the most beautiful group of islands in Greece, if you rent a boat you have the opportunity to visit other islands, such as Tinos, with attractive beaches and in general an island of beautiful landscapes.

Where to rent a boat in Mykonos?

In Mykonos there is a small marina with 50 berths near the main town, which is known as Puerto Nuevo. There is also the area where the ferries dock.

Although, there are many private boats on the beaches, especially in the south, in the bay where Platis Gialos is that are protected from the winds.

Here you can see all the availability and prices of boat rental in Mykonos.

4. Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece, although it is mainly known for its incredible history and places such as the Knossos Palace.

This island has a fantastic coastline with very unique beaches, to take exciting boat trips and discover its bays, beaches, caves and nearby islands.

What to see Crete by boat?

• Crete beaches: this island has quite particular beaches such as Elafonisi with its pink sand, Preveli where the river or the fabulous Balos with its lagoon which is one of the most famous postcards of Greece.
• caves: Renting a boat in Crete will allow you to explore the caves along the coast, including the underwater elephant cave near Chania (Chania).
• Deserted islands and islets: around the island there are several islets and islands to visit, the most popular is Koufonisi Island where you will not find sun loungers or umbrellas, just virgin beaches.

Where to rent a boat in Crete?

Crete, in its extensive territory (more than double that of Mallorca) has 12 marinas; However, the most important are 4, 3 of them in the main cities:

• Heraklion Marina: located in the capital of the island and one of the most important recreational ports in Greece. In addition, it is where you will find more offers of sailboats and catamarans at a good price, like this one sailboat Jeanneau Sun Shine 38, starting at 270 euros per day.
• Chania Marina: Next to this is the charming port city of Chania, located in the northwest of the island, perfect for sailing to the Balos and Elafonisi area.
• Rethymno Marina: It is between the other two and is perfect for exploring the area.
• Ágios Nikólaos Marina- Located in the Gulf of Mirabello on the east coast of Crete, this marina is known for its stunning scenery and crystal clear waters.

You will also find rental boats in small ports, where there are very cheap boats, such as this boat, that fit up to 8 people, and it only costs 100 euros per day and no license is needed.

The boat is anchored in the small marathi dock, near Chania.

Or in fishing ports like Makrí Gialós, which is good as a departure port to visit the southern part of Crete and the Koufonisi island.

In this link you can see the availability and prices of the boat rental in Crete.

5. Zante

Zante or Zakynthos in Greek, has become one of the most popular islands to visit for the shipwreck beach, with incredibly blue waters and an imposing cliff in the background that makes it inaccessible from land.

By renting a boat in Zante you will enjoy the beautiful Ionian Sea and its impressive landscapes.

What to see Zante by boat? (apart from Shipwreck Beach)

• Coasts of Zante: its coastline offers the most diverse beaches. On the one hand, wide beaches of golden sand and crystal clear waters and then coves between colossal rock walls.
• Sea turtle sighting: Laganes Bay belongs to the Zante Marine National Park and it is a protected reserve where you have the loggerhead turtle nesting area (Caretta Caretta species) that you can see them swimming, especially in the afternoon.
• sea caves: Some of the cliffs jut into the sea and over the years, the force of the waves have created impressive caves and arches in Zakynthos. The most beautiful are the Blue Cave and Keri Cave.
• Marathonisi Island: This island is close to Zante and offers unique landscapes, although it has only two beaches, both are very attractive, and the island has some interesting caves that are accessed by sea.

Where to rent a boat in Zante?

In Zakynthos there are several ports, the largest is Zakynthos City, next to the ferry arrivals area is the private boat port.

This is the best port to rent sailboats and catamarans in Zante, in this link you can see availability and book boats from all over the island of Zakynthos.

Then, there are other ports:

• Agios Nikolaos Marina: It is a small port with basic services and is in the northeastern part of the island.
• Keri Harbor: It is a small marina, ideal for renting small boats at a good price such as this boat with prices from 80 euros.
• Port of Laganas: just as the port of Keri is a good starting point to navigate the bay and the nearby islands, where you have motorboats like this one that is very comfortable, from 150 euros per day without the need for a boat license.

6. Rhodes

The island of Rhodes is one of the largest islands in Greece and it is among those with the most diversity of activities to do, therefore, it is an island that can be a unique destination.

Also, if you want to rent a boat in the Greek islands, Rhodes is one of the best to enjoy its beautiful landscapes, small bays and caves, with interesting places to visit within a very short distance.

What to see Rhodes by boat?

• Rhodes Coast: The area from Rhodes town to the south is fascinating, with rugged landscapes with small bays, caves and beaches. Some of the most beautiful are those in Kalithea, the Anthony Quinn Bay, the Traganou Caves and St. Paul's Bay next to Lindos.
• Symi Island: It is a small island that can be reached by ferry or excursion from Rhodes or by private boats, it has a picturesque town built by the Italians.
• Türkiye (Turkey): The island of Rhodes is next to the most beautiful coastal area in Turkey, known as the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast. If you rent a boat you can sail to places like Marmaris and Cleopatra Island or Fethiye and its blue lagoon.

Where to rent a boat in Rhodes?

You will find most private rental boats in the ports that are next to the town of Rhodes, which include the old port of Mandraki, the new ports and even at the ferry port there is an area for private boats.

These are the best ports in case you want to rent a catamaran or a sailboat to visit other nearby islands such as Symi or Turkey.

There you can find boats like this beautiful one Lagoon 40 catamaran 11.7 m in length from 486 euros per day.

In addition, there are other small marinas, for example in: Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos and Kamiros, in general more than ports, they are docks with the basics where you can find a boat.

👉 Here you can see all the availability and prices of the boat rental in Rhodes.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about What to see in Rhodes: 27 essentials and in this one about What to do in Marmaris: 19 essentials.

Video

In this video below you can see Cape Sounion and the nearby coast filmed with a drone. If you continue watching the playlist, there are more videos from the islands I mention in the article.

👍 If you want to buy a drone to film your vacation, I recommend this one, which is light, has excellent image quality and is well priced, for some reason, is the most popular at the moment.

Map

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

Recommendations for renting a boat in Greece

• Find out who you rent to To avoid bad experiences, the boats that I have left above are all from serious people, as are all of the this search engine.
• Verify that you have the proper boat skipper license or that it is not necessary for the boat you are going to rent.
• Take into account the additional costs such as fuel.
• Travel itinerary: Plan the route you are going to take, with the places you want to visit.
• Check weather conditions, in Greece the most accurate website is that of AccuWeather, which also have application.
• Provisions: Bring all the food and drinks you will need, especially if you are going to spend the day visiting uninhabited areas.
• Prepare everything you need for entertainment such as fishing equipment, snorkel goggles, fins or even a fun underwater scooter like the one in the link.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔝 If you want to sail around the Greek islands without worries and sharing the expenses, check availability and book this sailing tour of the Cyclades, It has the perfect balance between adventure and the peace that the sea gives. 😎🍹

Final Thoughts

These are the best places to rent a boat in Greece, where you will find sailboats, catamarans and motorboats at a good price.

In addition, they are areas with some of the most fabulous coastal landscapes in the country where you can relax, have fun swimming and exploring hidden caves and bays.

In case I have left any topic untouched, leave me a comment below and I will help you in any way I can. And if you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip!

More about Greece and Türkiye

• How to Get from Athens to Santorini: ferry or plane
• What to do in Marmaris: 19 essentials