Boat Hire In Crete

If you are looking for boat hire in Crete, the short answer is yes, you can charter a boat here with a licensed skipper included. BoatHire24 lists motor yachts, catamarans, sailing yachts and RIBs for day trips or longer cruises around the island. Departure ports include Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno and Elounda. You get the boat to yourself, a skipper who knows the coast, and no hidden extras. This page tells you what to expect, what it costs, and how to book.

What Boat Hire In Crete Means On BoatHire24

Crete is the largest Greek island, with over 1,000 km of coastline. Hiring a boat here is not about driving yourself unless you have a licence. Every charter on our platform includes a skipper. That means you sit back, drink something cold, and let someone else handle the navigation. You get a private boat, not a shared tour. The skipper takes you to coves, beaches and tavernas that are only reachable by sea. You decide the itinerary, within reason. If you want to spend the whole day anchored off Balos lagoon, that is your call.

Which Ports Can You Depart From

Crete has several marinas and harbours where boats are based. The main ones are Heraklion (the capital), Chania (west coast), Agios Nikolaos (east), Rethymno (north coast) and Elounda (east, near Spinalonga). Each port gives you access to different parts of the coast. From Chania you can reach Balos, Falassarna and the Samaria Gorge from the sea. From Agios Nikolaos you are close to the island of Chrissi and the Vai palm forest. Heraklion is central, good for day trips to Dia island or down to Matala. You can also start from smaller spots like Plakias or Paleochora, but the boat selection is smaller. Check the search page to filter by port and boat type.

Types Of Boats Available For Hire In Crete

Motor yachts are the most common option for boat hire in Crete. They range from 8 m RIBs with a 200 hp outboard up to 20 m flybridge yachts with cabins, a saloon and a sun deck. A 10 m motor yacht costs from around EUR 600 per day in low season. Catamarans are popular for groups, offering more deck space and stability. A 12 m catamaran sleeps 8 and costs from EUR 900 per day. Sailing yachts are available if you want the wind experience, but they are slower. A 12 m sailing yacht costs from EUR 500 per day. RIBs and speedboats are good for shorter trips or watersports. Fishing boats with gear are also listed. If you want something larger, superyachts up to 30 m are available on request. Every boat has safety equipment, insurance and a licensed skipper included.

What Is Included In The Price

The charter price includes the boat, the skipper, fuel for up to 8 hours of cruising, and basic safety gear. Some listings include snorkelling equipment, a cooler with ice, or a small welcome pack. You do not pay extra for the skipper. What is not included: food and drinks (you bring your own or order at a taverna), port fees if you stay overnight, and any extras like jet skis or paddleboards. Some boats have a refundable deposit for damage, usually around EUR 300 to EUR 500, paid on the day and returned after the trip. Tips for the skipper are not mandatory but are common, around 10% to 15% of the charter cost. Always read the listing details before booking.

Pricing Guidance For Boat Hire In Crete

Prices vary by season, boat size and duration. Low season (April to May, October) is cheaper. A half-day (4 hours) on a 8 m RIB costs from around EUR 350. A full day (8 hours) on a 10 m motor yacht costs from EUR 600 to EUR 800. A 14 m catamaran for a full day costs from EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800. High season (July to August) prices are 30% to 50% higher. For superyachts or week-long charters, you pay per day and accommodation is extra. Prices are in euros. You can compare multiple boats on the search page. Book early for July and August, as boats get reserved months in advance.

Best Time Of Year For Boat Hire In Crete

Crete has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best months for boating are May through October. May and June have pleasant temperatures around 25 degrees C, fewer crowds, and the sea is calm. July and August are hotter, up to 35 degrees C, with strong meltemi winds in the north, especially in August. September and October are still warm, with sea temperatures around 24 degrees C, and the crowds thin out. April and November are possible but cooler, around 18 degrees C, and some boats are not available. Winter charters are rare; most boats are out of the water for maintenance. If you want calm seas and lower prices, go in May or September. If you want guaranteed sun and don't mind the wind, July works.

Popular Destinations And Itineraries

From Chania, a typical day trip goes to Balos lagoon and Gramvousa island. The water is turquoise and shallow. Another option is Falassarna beach, with long sandy shores. From Heraklion, you can sail to Dia island, a nature reserve with hiking and clear water. From Agios Nikolaos, head to the island of Chrissi (Golden Island) with white sand and cedar trees. The trip takes about 45 minutes each way. From Elounda, you can visit Spinalonga island, the former leper colony, and swim in the coves around the peninsula. For a longer charter, some skippers will take you to Santorini, but that is a full day crossing each way, so better as a multi-day trip. You can also explore the south coast, which is less developed, with caves and remote beaches like Preveli beach and the palm forest. The skipper knows the best spots and can adjust the plan based on weather.

Who Should Hire A Boat In Crete

Boat hire in Crete works for families, groups of friends, couples and solo travellers who want privacy. If you are a group of 6 to 12 people, a catamaran or motor yacht is ideal. Families with children appreciate the space and the ability to stop whenever the kids want to swim. Couples can charter a smaller RIB or sailing yacht for a romantic day. It is not a good option if you want to drive the boat yourself without a licence. Some boats are available for bareboat charter if you have an ICC or equivalent, but those are not listed on BoatHire24. If you are on a tight budget, shared boat tours are cheaper, but you share the space with strangers. Private hire costs more but gives you control. If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or corporate event, a private charter is a strong choice.

How To Book Boat Hire In Crete

Booking is done online through the BoatHire24 website. You select your port, date, boat type and duration. You see available boats with photos, specs and prices. You send an enquiry or book directly if the listing allows instant booking. The platform does not charge booking fees. You pay a deposit (usually 30% to 50%) to confirm, and the balance is paid to the skipper on the day. Cancellation policies vary by boat; most offer full refund if cancelled 14 days before. We recommend you read the terms before paying. After booking, you receive contact details for the skipper. You agree on the meeting time and location at the marina. On the day, you meet the skipper, sign a liability waiver, and board. The skipper does a safety briefing. Then you go. For more tips, check the blog for articles on what to bring and how to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Hire In Crete

If you still have questions, the FAQ section below covers common queries. For anything specific, contact us via the website or email. BoatHire24 is a marketplace, not a charter company, so we connect you with local operators. We do not own the boats. We do not set prices. We do not take responsibility for cancellations by the skipper, but we help resolve issues. Always check the skipper's reviews and the boat's condition on the day. Crete is a large island with many options. Use the search filters to narrow down what you need. If you are unsure about the best port or boat type, read the blog or ask us. We have been doing this for a few years and we know which skippers are reliable.

Why Crete Is Different From Other Greek Islands For Boat Hire

Crete is not Mykonos or Santorini. It is bigger, rougher, and less polished. The coastline changes from long sandy beaches in the west to steep cliffs and hidden coves in the east. You get more variety in a single day. From Heraklion, you can be at Dia island in 30 minutes, a rocky nature reserve with no facilities, just clear water and silence. From Chania, you can reach Balos in 90 minutes, a lagoon that looks like the Caribbean but with fewer tourists if you go early. The south coast is wilder, with beaches like Preveli and Agia Roumeli that are only accessible by boat or on foot. The skipper knows the local conditions, which matter here because the wind can change fast. If you hire a boat in Crete, you are not just doing a beach hop. You are exploring an island that has its own weather systems and a history that shows up in the ruins and caves along the shore.

What To Expect From The Skipper On Your Charter

The skipper is a local, usually Greek, with years of experience in Cretan waters. They speak English well enough to explain the itinerary and point out landmarks. They do not join you for meals unless you invite them. They stay on the boat, keeping an eye on the anchor and the weather. Some skippers will grill fresh fish on board if you ask and bring the catch. Others will recommend tavernas on the coast that only serve locals. The skipper is not a tour guide. They do not narrate history unless you ask. They are there to navigate, anchor safely, and make sure you do not get seasick. If you want a more interactive experience, mention it when you book. Some skippers are happy to teach basic sailing or show you how to use the snorkelling gear. The key is communication. Tell them what you want before you leave the marina.

How To Choose Between A Motor Yacht And A Catamaran In Crete

The choice depends on your group size, budget, and tolerance for motion. Motor yachts are faster. A 10 m motor yacht cruises at 20 to 25 knots, which means you can cover more coastline in a day. From Agios Nikolaos, you can reach Chrissi island in 45 minutes, spend three hours there, and still have time for a swim stop on the way back. Motor yachts have a smaller deck space relative to length, but they have a saloon with air conditioning, which matters in July when the sun is brutal. Catamarans are slower, around 10 to 15 knots, but they offer more deck area. A 12 m catamaran has a front trampoline where you can lie down and a shaded cockpit. They are more stable, so if anyone in your group gets seasick, a catamaran is the better choice. For a group of 8 to 12, a catamaran works well because everyone has space. For a couple or a family of four, a motor yacht is more practical and cheaper.

What To Bring And What To Leave Behind On A Boat Hire In Crete

Bring sunscreen with high SPF, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a change of clothes. The sun in Crete is strong even in May. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker for the afternoon, especially in July and August when the meltemi wind picks up. Leave behind high heels, heavy luggage, and anything that cannot get wet. The boat has limited storage. Do not bring glass bottles. Most skippers provide a cooler with ice, but you fill it with your own drinks and food. Bring water, at least 1.5 litres per person for a full day. Some boats have a small fridge, but it is not always cold enough. If you plan to eat at a taverna on the coast, bring cash. Many remote beach tavernas do not accept cards. Do not bring drones unless you have permission from the skipper and know the local regulations. Some areas near airports or military sites are restricted.

How The Meltemi Wind Affects Boat Hire In Crete

The meltemi is a strong, dry north wind that blows in the Aegean from June to September. It is most intense in August. In Crete, the meltemi affects the north coast more than the south. From Chania to Agios Nikolaos, the wind can reach 30 to 40 knots in the afternoon, making the sea choppy. Skippers monitor weather forecasts and may suggest a different route or a later start. In July 2023, we had a week where all north coast charters left at 8 AM and returned by 2 PM to avoid the worst of it. The south coast is sheltered, so if you want calm seas in August, choose a port like Plakias or Paleochora. The meltemi is not dangerous if you have an experienced skipper. They know how to handle it. But it can make the ride uncomfortable for passengers. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before you board. The meltemi also means the sea is clearer, which is good for snorkelling.

How To Combine A Boat Charter With A Visit To The South Coast

The south coast of Crete is less developed and harder to reach by road. A boat charter is the best way to see it. From Heraklion, you can sail south to Matala, a village with caves that hippies lived in during the 1960s. The bay is sheltered and good for swimming. From Agios Nikolaos, you can go south to the island of Chrissi, which has a cedar forest and white sand. The water is shallow and turquoise. From Chania, the south coast is further, around 2 hours each way, but you can reach Preveli beach with its palm forest and freshwater lagoon. Some skippers offer multi-day charters that include an overnight stop in Loutro, a small village with no roads, only a few tavernas and rooms. The south coast has fewer marinas, so you anchor and come ashore by dinghy. It is worth the effort. The water is cleaner and the crowds are thinner. Book a full day or a two-day charter to make the most of it.

What To Do If You Have Never Been On A Boat Before

If you are new to boating, do not worry. The skipper handles everything. You just show up at the marina, step on board, and sit down. The skipper gives a safety briefing, shows you where the life jackets are, and explains how to use the toilet. On a motor yacht, the ride is smooth unless the sea is rough. On a catamaran, you barely feel the motion. If you get seasick, sit on the deck and look at the horizon. Do not stay inside the cabin. Drink water, eat something light, and avoid alcohol until you are anchored. Most people are fine after 20 minutes. The first stop is usually a calm bay where you can swim and adjust. By the second stop, you will wonder why you waited so long to try it. Boat hire in Crete is accessible to anyone who can step onto a boat. No fitness level required. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to follow the skipper's instructions.

How To Save Money On Boat Hire In Crete

Book in May or September. Prices are lower and the weather is still good. Avoid August if you can. That is when demand peaks and prices jump. Choose a half-day instead of a full day. A half-day is 4 hours, enough to visit one or two spots and have lunch. From Heraklion, a half-day to Dia island and back costs from around EUR 400 on a 8 m RIB. A full day costs from EUR 600. If you are a group of 6 or more, a catamaran works out cheaper per person than a smaller boat. Share the cost among friends. Do not book extras like jet skis or paddleboards unless you really want them. They add EUR 100 to EUR 200 per day. Bring your own food and drinks. Buying them at the marina is expensive. Some skippers offer discounts for repeat customers or for booking multiple days. Ask when you enquire. The worst they can say is no.

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