Boat Rental Athens | BoatHire24

You want to get out on the water in Athens, but you don't have a licence or a boat. That is where a boat rental Athens from BoatHire24 comes in. Every single charter includes a professional skipper, so you can focus on swimming, sunbathing, and drinking cold beers while someone else handles the ropes. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. Just pick your boat, your port, and your date.

The Saronic Gulf is your playground. From the Athenian Riviera you can reach islands like Aegina, Hydra, and Poros in under an hour. Or stay closer to the coast and anchor off Vouliagmeni or the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. The water is warm from May through October, and the meltemi wind keeps things breezy even in August.

We work with local boat owners and charter companies in Athens, Piraeus, and the southern suburbs. All boats are insured, maintained, and ready to go. You book online, we confirm within 24 hours. Simple.

What Is Included in a Boat Rental Athens

When you book a boat rental Athens through BoatHire24, the package is straightforward. You get the boat for the agreed period, a licensed skipper, fuel for the itinerary, and basic safety equipment. Most charters also include a cooler with ice, a Bluetooth speaker, and snorkelling gear. Some skippers will even bring a packed lunch from a local taverna if you ask nicely.

What is not included: food and drinks (unless specified), port fees for overnight stays, and tips for the skipper. The industry standard is 10-15% of the charter price, but that is entirely at your discretion. You will also need to pay for any damage caused by negligence, though the boat owner will explain the terms before you set off.

All skippers speak English. They know the best spots for swimming away from the crowds, where to find octopus for lunch, and how to avoid the wind if the forecast changes. You do not need a boating licence, a VHF radio certificate, or any prior experience. Just show up with sunscreen and a towel.

Departure Ports for Athens Boat Charters

The main departure points for a boat rental Athens are clustered along the southern coast. The most popular is Alimos Marina, about 20 minutes from the city centre by taxi. It has 24-hour security, parking, and a few decent cafes for a pre-sail coffee. Kalamaki Marina is next door, smaller but quieter. Both are within a short drive from the airport.

Further south, Vouliagmeni Marina is the most upmarket option. It is surrounded by pine trees and expensive villas, and the water is noticeably clearer than in the city ports. If you are staying at the Four Seasons or the Astir Palace, this is your best bet. There is also Flisvos Marina in Paleo Faliro, which is closer to the centre but can be busy on weekends.

For a longer trip, you can depart from Piraeus, the main port. That makes sense if you want to head straight for the Cyclades or the Argolic Gulf. But for a day trip, the southern marinas are much more convenient. Check our boat search to filter by departure port and see what is available.

Types of Boats Available in Athens

Catamarans are the most popular choice for groups. They are stable, spacious, and have a shallow draft, meaning you can anchor close to beaches. A 40-foot Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot sleeps six to eight people and costs from around EUR 800 for a full day. The skipper usually stays in a separate cabin or sleeps on deck.

Motor yachts are faster and more luxurious. A 50-foot Sunseeker or Azimut can hit 25 knots, so you can cover more ground. Expect to pay from EUR 1,200 for a day charter, depending on the model and season. These boats have a flybridge, a sun pad at the bow, and a cabin for the skipper if you want to stay overnight.

Sailing yachts are cheaper and more authentic. A 40-foot Bavaria or Jeanneau costs from EUR 500 for a day with a skipper. The pace is slower, but you get the full sailing experience. RIBs and speedboats are available for small groups who want to go fast. A 6-metre RIB with a 200hp engine starts at around EUR 350 for a half-day. Fishing boats are also an option, with basic tackle included.

For something completely different, try a licence-free day boat. These are small motorboats that you can drive yourself without any paperwork. They are limited to 30hp and a 2-nautical-mile radius, but they cost only EUR 200 for a half-day. Perfect for a couple or a small family who just want to putter around a quiet bay.

Pricing Guidance for Boat Rental Athens

Prices for a boat rental Athens vary by boat type, season, and duration. A half-day (4 hours) on a small RIB starts from around EUR 250. A full day (8 hours) on a 40-foot catamaran in high season is roughly EUR 800 to EUR 1,200. A luxury motor yacht can easily hit EUR 2,500 or more. Superyachts are price on request, but you can expect EUR 5,000 and up.

The low season (April, May, October) is cheaper by about 20-30%. June and September are shoulder months. July and August are peak, especially around the Assumption holiday on 15 August. Book at least two weeks ahead in summer. You can also negotiate a discount for multiple days or last-minute bookings in shoulder season.

Fuel is included in the price for standard itineraries. If you ask the skipper to go further, like to Hydra or Spetses, you may pay a fuel surcharge. Port fees for overnight stops are extra, usually EUR 20-50 per night depending on the marina. The skipper's tip is separate, as mentioned.

For a precise quote, use our BoatHire24 homepage to compare boats side by side. We show you the total price including all fees, so there are no surprises.

Best Time for a Boat Rental Athens

The sailing season in Athens runs from April to October. The best months are May, June, and September. The water temperature is 22-25 degrees C, the air temperature is a comfortable 28-32 degrees C, and the meltemi wind is moderate. July and August are hotter (35 degrees C plus) and busier, but the sea is calm in the mornings and the evenings are long.

April and October are cooler, around 20 degrees C air temperature. The water is still swimmable for most people. You will have the anchorages mostly to yourself, and prices are lower. Just bring a windbreaker for the afternoon breeze.

Winter charters are possible but rare. Most boats are hauled out for maintenance from November to March. If you really want to go out in December, you can find a few hardy operators, but the weather is unpredictable.

How to Book a Boat Rental Athens

Booking with BoatHire24 is done entirely online. Go to the search page, select your dates, group size, and preferred boat type. You will see a list of available boats with photos, specs, and prices. Click on one to see the full description, cancellation policy, and skipper details. Then you can request a booking.

We will confirm within 24 hours. You pay a deposit of 30% to secure the booking, and the balance is due 7 days before departure. Payment is by credit card or bank transfer. If you need to cancel, you get a full refund up to 14 days before the charter. After that, it is 50% refundable.

On the day, you meet the skipper at the marina. They will give you a safety briefing and explain the boat. Then you cast off. Most charters start at 10:00 and return by 18:00, but you can customise the schedule. The skipper will suggest an itinerary based on the weather and your preferences.

Who Is a Boat Rental Athens For

A boat rental Athens is for anyone who wants to see the city from the sea without the hassle of owning a boat. It works for couples, families with children, groups of friends, and corporate events. The skipper handles the navigation, so you can relax. You do not need any boating experience, and the minimum age is usually 18 to book, though children are welcome on board.

If you are a solo traveller, you can join a shared charter on some boats. That is cheaper, but you will be with strangers. Check the listing details for shared options. If you have a special request, like a wedding proposal or a birthday party, let us know in the booking notes. The skipper can arrange decorations, catering, or a photographer at an extra cost.

For more tips on what to expect, read our blog about day trips from Athens and the best swimming spots in the Saronic Gulf.

Saronic Gulf Itineraries from Athens

The Saronic Gulf is the default playground for any boat rental Athens. Within 30 minutes of departure, you can be swimming in water that looks nothing like the city beaches. The standard day trip heads east towards the island of Aegina. The skipper will anchor at Perdika, a fishing village on the south coast, where you can swim off the boat and eat grilled octopus at a taverna on the sand. The return leg usually passes the Temple of Aphaia, visible from the water.

If you have a faster boat, you can push further to Hydra. That is about 2.5 hours from Alimos at 20 knots. Hydra has no cars, just donkeys and stone streets. You dock at the harbour, have lunch, and swim at a cove called Vlychos on the way back. The fuel surcharge for Hydra is typically EUR 50-80 extra, depending on the boat. For a shorter trip, the island of Agistri is only 45 minutes from Piraeus. The water at Skala beach is absurdly clear, and the pine forest comes right down to the shore.

Another popular route is the Athenian Riviera heading south. You cruise past Vouliagmeni, the Cape Sounion road, and stop at the Temple of Poseidon. That is a 6-hour round trip from Alimos, including a swim stop at a beach called Legrena. The temple looks best in the late afternoon light, so aim for a 14:00 departure if you want sunset photos.

Vouliagmeni Marina Specifics

Vouliagmeni Marina is worth a separate mention because it is the most scenic departure point for a boat rental Athens. It sits inside a natural bay, protected from the meltemi wind. The water inside the marina is clean enough to swim in, which is rare for a working port. The marina has a fuel dock, a chandlery, and a restaurant that does a decent club sandwich. Parking is EUR 10 per day, and taxis are easy to find.

Boats based here tend to be newer and better maintained than those in Alimos. The owners are often private individuals who charter out their weekend toy, so the interior is usually spotless. Expect a higher price point, maybe 10-15% more than Alimos for the same boat. But the convenience is real: you are 5 minutes from the Astir Palace beach, and the first swimming spot is 10 minutes from the marina exit.

From Vouliagmeni, a good half-day itinerary is to head to the islet of Fleves, a rocky outcrop with a small beach and a cave. Then cross to the coast of Anavyssos for a second swim. The total distance is about 6 nautical miles, so even a slow boat can do it in 4 hours. The water depth here drops quickly, so you can anchor in 10 metres and jump off the bow.

Athens Boat Rental for Fishing

Fishing from a boat rental Athens is a specific niche, but it is well served. The Saronic Gulf has decent fishing for bream, sea bass, and the occasional amberjack. Most fishing boats come with basic tackle: rods, reels, and lures. The skipper will know the reefs and drop-offs where the fish hold. A half-day fishing charter starts at around EUR 300 for up to 4 people. You keep what you catch, and the skipper can clean it for you.

The best fishing grounds are off the coast of Salamina island, about 30 minutes from Piraeus. The water is deeper there, up to 50 metres, and the currents bring in baitfish. Another spot is the area around the islet of Patroklos, east of Sounion. That is a longer trip, so you need a full day. If you want to try trolling for larger fish, you need a motor yacht with a bit of speed. A 30-foot RIB with twin 250hp engines can troll at 6 knots and still have enough power to chase a school.

Fishing charters are less popular in July and August because the water is warm and the fish go deep. Spring and autumn are better. Also, note that you need a fishing licence in Greece if you are fishing from a private boat without a skipper. But since you have a skipper, they handle the paperwork. Just ask when you book.

Overnight Charters from Athens

An overnight boat rental Athens is a different experience. You leave in the afternoon, anchor in a quiet bay for the night, and return the next day. Most catamarans and motor yachts have cabins for 4-8 guests. The skipper sleeps in a separate cabin or on deck. Overnight charters cost roughly 1.5 times the daily rate, plus port fees if you dock at a marina.

The best overnight anchorages are on the east coast of Aegina, near the town of Souvala. The water is calm, and there are a few tavernas that will send a boat to pick you up. Another option is the bay of Vathi on the island of Agistri. It is a narrow inlet with a beach at the end, surrounded by trees. No restaurants, so you need to bring your own food. But the stars are incredible because there is no light pollution.

For a two-night trip, you can go to Poros or Spetses. Poros is a small island with a lively waterfront. Spetses is more upmarket, with old mansions and a car-free centre. The distance from Alimos to Spetses is about 40 nautical miles, so a motor yacht can do it in 2 hours. A catamaran takes 3-4 hours. The fuel cost for the round trip is usually EUR 100-150 extra for a motor yacht, less for a catamaran.

Weather and Wind Considerations

The meltemi wind is the main factor in any boat rental Athens. It blows from the north in July and August, often reaching 25-30 knots in the afternoon. That can make the Saronic Gulf choppy, especially in the open channels. Experienced skippers will plan the itinerary to stay in the lee of the coast. For example, if the meltemi is strong, they will keep to the west side of Aegina, where the water is flat.

In spring and autumn, the wind is lighter, usually 10-15 knots from the south. That is perfect for sailing yachts. The sea state is calm in the morning, and the afternoon breeze is just enough to keep you cool. If you are prone to seasickness, take a pill before you leave. The Saronic Gulf is not rough by Mediterranean standards, but a 30-knot meltemi can be uncomfortable on a small boat.

Check the weather forecast on Windy or Poseidon before you go. The skipper will do the same, but it helps to know what to expect. If the forecast is bad, you can reschedule for free up to 48 hours before departure on most boats. BoatHire24 has a flexible cancellation policy for weather-related changes.

What to Bring on an Athens Boat Charter

Packing for a boat rental Athens is simple but specific. Sunscreen is essential, and it should be reef-safe to avoid damaging the marine life. A hat, sunglasses, and a rash guard or light long-sleeve shirt will save you from burning. Towels are usually not provided, so bring your own. A dry bag for your phone and wallet is a good idea, because splashes happen.

Food and drink are not included, so bring whatever you want to eat and drink. Most boats have a fridge and a cooler. The skipper will usually have bottled water on board, but confirm that. If you want to eat at a taverna on shore, bring cash. Many of the smaller island tavernas do not take cards. Also bring a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and a light jacket for the evening breeze.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication. The skipper will have some on board, but it is better to have your own. A small first-aid kit is also useful, though the boat will have a basic one. Finally, bring a sense of humour. Things go wrong sometimes: a late start, a sudden wind shift, a broken fridge. The skipper will handle it, but a flexible attitude makes the trip better for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boating licence to rent a boat in Athens?

No. Every boat rental Athens from BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper. You can sit back and enjoy the ride without any paperwork or experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

You get a full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before the charter. Between 7 and 14 days, you get a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Most boats have a cooler with ice. You can bring whatever you like. Some skippers will also arrange a lunch from a local taverna for an extra fee.

How many people can fit on a boat?

It depends on the boat. A 40-foot catamaran typically holds 8 to 12 guests. A RIB holds 4 to 6. Check the specific listing for the maximum capacity.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. The price shown on BoatHire24 includes the boat, skipper, fuel, and basic equipment. Port fees for overnight stays and tips are extra, but those are optional.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The skipper decides if it is safe to sail. If the charter is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund or can reschedule. You do not lose your money.

Can I stay overnight on the boat?

Yes, for multi-day charters. The boat will have cabins and a bathroom. Overnight port fees are extra. Day charters return to the marina in the evening.

Boat Rental Athens with a Licensed Skipper