You want to motor boat hire Crete, and you want it sorted without the usual holiday admin. BoatHire24 connects you with motor boats, yachts and speedboats in Crete, all with a licensed skipper included. No licence needed, no hidden extras, just a day on the water with someone else doing the navigating. You pick the boat, we handle the rest.
Crete is a solid choice for a motor boat day. The coastline is long, the water is clear, and there are plenty of coves and beaches you can only reach by boat. Whether you want a fast RIB for a blast along the coast or a comfortable motor yacht for a family day out, the options are there. We work with local operators in Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno, so you can launch from wherever you're staying.
Every charter includes fuel, insurance and a professional skipper. You don't need to worry about mooring fees or navigating unfamiliar harbours. Just turn up, step aboard and let the skipper take you where you want to go. Prices start from around EUR 400 for a half-day on a smaller motor boat, up to EUR 1,500 or more for a full-day luxury motor yacht. Exact prices depend on the boat, season and duration. Check the search page for current availability.
What You Get with a Motor Boat Hire in Crete
A motor boat charter in Crete includes the boat, a licensed skipper, fuel, insurance and basic safety equipment. You don't need a boating licence or any previous experience. The skipper handles navigation, mooring and any paperwork. You just decide the itinerary. Most operators offer half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) hire. Some also do sunset cruises or multi-day charters. The boat is cleaned and fuelled before you arrive. You bring your own food and drink unless you arrange catering separately. Some larger yachts have a fridge and ice maker. Smaller RIBs have a cooler box. Ask the operator when you book.
Crete's Ports and Departure Points
Motor boat hire in Crete departs from several ports. Heraklion is the main commercial port and has the widest range of boats. Chania has a smaller harbour with a few operators, good for trips to Balos and Gramvousa. Agios Nikolaos is quieter and closer to the eastern coves. Rethymno has a marina with a handful of charter companies. If you're staying in a resort away from these towns, you might need to drive to the departure point. Most operators offer free parking near the marina. Check the location on the booking page before you confirm.
Types of Motor Boats Available in Crete
You can hire several types of motor boat in Crete. RIBs and speedboats are the cheapest option. They are fast and nimble, good for a small group of up to 6 people. They have a basic toilet and a small cabin, but no real living space. Motor yachts are larger and more comfortable, with a saloon, galley, cabins and a proper bathroom. They suit families or groups of up to 12. Superyachts are available for hire but are rare and expensive. Most operators in Crete focus on the 8 to 15 metre range. Fishing boats are also available if you want to combine a day out with some angling. Each boat has a maximum capacity, so check before you book.
Motor Boat Hire Crete Prices and What They Include
Prices for motor boat hire in Crete start at around EUR 400 for a half-day on a small RIB. A full-day on a mid-size motor yacht (10 to 12 metres) is typically EUR 800 to EUR 1,200. Larger yachts with more cabins and a flybridge can cost EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,500 per day. Superyacht charters are price on request. The price includes the boat, skipper, fuel, insurance and VAT. It does not include food, drink, marina fees (usually EUR 20 to EUR 50 per day) or tips. Some operators charge extra for water toys like a paddleboard or snorkel gear. Ask when you book. Payment is usually 50% deposit at booking and 50% on the day. Most operators take credit card or bank transfer.
The season affects prices. July and August are peak season, so expect a 20-30% premium. May, June and September are shoulder season, cheaper and less crowded. October is low season, but the weather is still good for motor boating. Book early in peak season to get the boat you want. The BoatHire24 homepage shows current availability for Crete.
Best Itineraries for a Motor Boat Day in Crete
From Heraklion, a popular route is east to the island of Dia. It is a nature reserve with no permanent buildings, just a few beaches and a chapel. The water is clear and calm. From Chania, the trip to Balos lagoon is a classic. The lagoon is shallow and turquoise, but it gets busy in summer. Gramvousa island with its Venetian castle is nearby. From Agios Nikolaos, head south to the coves around Ierapetra or east to the island of Chrissi. Chrissi has a cedar forest and white sand beaches. From Rethymno, the coast west towards Plakias has several sea caves and secluded beaches. Your skipper will know the best spots for swimming and anchoring. You can also visit the island of Spinalonga from Elounda, but it is better known for history than swimming.
What to Expect from the Weather and Sea Conditions
Crete has a Mediterranean climate. Summer temperatures are 28 to 35 degrees C. The sea is warm from June to October, around 22 to 26 degrees C. The meltemi wind can pick up in July and August, especially in the north. It is a north-westerly wind that can make the sea choppy in the afternoon. Most motor boats handle it fine, but you might get a bumpy ride on a RIB. Morning departures are calmer. The south coast is more sheltered, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider a south coast itinerary. Your skipper will check the forecast and adjust the route if needed. In spring and autumn, the weather is more variable. Always bring a light jacket and sunscreen.
Who Should Hire a Motor Boat in Crete
Motor boat hire in Crete works for families, couples and groups of friends. Families with children appreciate the stability of a motor yacht and the ability to stop at beaches the kids can swim from. Couples might prefer a smaller RIB for a more active day. Groups of friends can split the cost of a larger yacht. The skipper handles everything, so you can relax. If you want a party boat, some operators allow music and alcohol, but check their policy. Business groups sometimes charter a motor yacht for a client day or team building. The boat is a private space, so you can work or socialise without interruptions.
How to Book Motor Boat Hire Crete with BoatHire24
Booking is straightforward. Go to the search page, enter your dates and group size, and filter by motor boats. You will see available boats with photos, specifications and prices. Each listing shows the departure port, capacity and included items. Click on a boat to see more details and book. You pay a deposit online, and the balance is due on the day. The operator will confirm the booking by email. If you have questions, use the contact form on the site. We recommend booking at least a week in advance in peak season. For last-minute bookings, check the availability on the search page. The operator might have a cancellation that frees up a boat.
If you are not sure which boat suits you, read the blog for tips on choosing a motor boat in Crete. We have articles on the best itineraries, what to pack and how to get the most out of your day.
What to Bring on a Motor Boat Charter in Crete
Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a light jacket and a camera. Bring food and drink unless you arranged catering. Most boats have a fridge or cooler. Some operators provide snorkel gear, but check. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication an hour before departure. Bring cash for marina fees and tips. Leave valuables at home or in a waterproof bag. The skipper will store your bags in a dry place. Wear non-slip shoes on the boat. Sandals with a strap are fine. Flip-flops are not ideal on a moving deck.
Frequently Asked Questions about Motor Boat Hire Crete
Why Crete Works Better for Motor Boat Hire Than the Cyclades
Crete is bigger and more diverse than islands like Mykonos or Santorini. The coastline is about 1,046 km, so you have more options for a day trip without feeling crowded. The Cyclades are more exposed to the meltemi wind, which can cancel a small motor boat charter. Crete's north coast gets some wind, but the south coast is often flat calm. If you want to guarantee a smooth day on the water, pick a south coast departure like Ierapetra or Plakias. The water visibility is also better in Crete because there is less sand and silt. You can see the seabed at 15 metres depth in many spots. The Cyclades have more sand, so the water can look milky after a windy day. For motor boat hire, Crete is the safer bet for a reliable day out.
Licence-Free Motor Boats in Crete: What You Need to Know
Some operators in Crete offer licence-free motor boats up to 30 hp. These are small RIBs or day boats that you can drive yourself without a licence. They are cheap, from around EUR 200 for a half-day, and you get a quick briefing on how to handle the boat. You are restricted to a small area near the port, usually within 1 to 2 NM. You cannot go to distant beaches or islands. The boats are basic, with no toilet or cabin. They work for a short trip to a nearby cove for swimming. If you want to explore further, book a boat with a skipper. The skipper knows the local hazards, like rocks and shallow patches, and can take you to the best spots. Licence-free boats are a good option if you are on a tight budget or just want a few hours on the water.
Motor Boat Hire Crete for Fishing Enthusiasts
You can combine motor boat hire with fishing in Crete. Some operators have dedicated fishing boats with rod holders, a fish finder and a live bait tank. The skipper knows the local fishing grounds. Common catches in Crete include sea bream, grouper, red mullet and tuna. The best fishing is from March to June and September to November. Summer is okay but the fish are deeper. You can also troll for tuna and mahi-mahi in the deeper water off the south coast. The price for a fishing charter is similar to a standard motor boat hire, around EUR 500 to EUR 1,000 for a full day. The boat will clean and pack your catch. You can take it to a taverna in the evening and they will cook it for you. Check the operator's policy on catch and release if you prefer not to keep the fish.
The Best Time of Day for a Motor Boat Charter in Crete
Most people book a full-day charter from 9 am to 5 pm. That gives you time to reach a good spot, swim, eat lunch and return. If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, consider an early departure at 7 am. The sea is calm, the light is good for photos, and you have the beaches to yourself until around 10 am. Sunset cruises are popular from June to September. You leave at 4 pm, watch the sun go down over the sea, and return at 8 pm. The temperature drops, so bring a jacket. Sunset cruises are cheaper than full-day charters, usually EUR 300 to EUR 600 for a small group. They work well for couples or small groups who want a relaxed evening on the water. Some operators include a glass of wine or a light meal.
Motor Boat Hire Crete for Large Groups and Events
If you have a group of 10 to 20 people, you need a motor yacht or a catamaran. Catamarans are more stable and have more deck space, but they are slower. Motor yachts are faster and more luxurious. Prices for a group charter start at around EUR 1,500 for a full day on a 14-metre motor yacht. That works out to EUR 150 per person for a group of 10, which is cheaper than a day on a commercial boat trip. The boat is private, so you can play your own music, bring your own food and drink, and choose your own itinerary. Some operators allow events like birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and corporate days. They usually require a deposit and a signed agreement about behaviour and damage. The skipper has the final say on safety, so keep it sensible.
How to Save Money on Motor Boat Hire in Crete
Book in the shoulder season, May, June or September. Prices are 20-30% lower than July and August. Book a half-day instead of a full day. You still get a good experience but pay less. Share the cost with a group. A EUR 1,000 charter split among 6 people is EUR 167 each. That is less than a day on a commercial boat trip, which costs around EUR 80 to EUR 120 per person and you share the boat with strangers. Look for last-minute deals. Some operators discount boats that are not booked a day or two in advance. Check the search page on BoatHire24 for availability. Avoid extras like catering and water toys if you are on a budget. Bring your own food and drink. Use the boat's basic snorkel gear or bring your own. Marina fees are usually included in the price, but confirm when you book.
What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on Your Charter Day
Motor boat charters in Crete are weather-dependent. If the forecast is bad, the operator will cancel or reschedule. You get a full refund or a new date. Do not try to force the charter in bad weather. The skipper knows the limits of the boat and the sea. If the weather turns during the day, the skipper will head back to port early. You might lose an hour or two, but safety comes first. Some operators have a "weather guarantee" that lets you cancel up to 24 hours before departure without penalty. Check the terms when you book. In July and August, weather cancellations are rare, maybe 1 in 20 charters. In spring and autumn, it is more common, maybe 1 in 5. If you are visiting in a variable season, book a flexible charter.
Motor Boat Hire Crete for Solo Travellers
Solo travellers can hire a motor boat in Crete, but it is expensive because you pay for the whole boat. A RIB or small day boat costs EUR 300 to EUR 500 for a half-day. That is a lot for one person. A better option is to join a shared charter. Some operators offer group trips where you pay per person, around EUR 80 to EUR 150. You share the boat with other travellers, usually 6 to 12 people. The itinerary is fixed, but you get the experience without the full cost. Shared charters are common from Heraklion and Chania. They are not private, so you cannot choose the route or stop whenever you want. But for a solo traveller on a budget, it is a good way to see the coast from the water. Check the search page for shared charters in Crete.
Local Customs and Etiquette on a Motor Boat in Crete
Greek hospitality applies on the water. The skipper will offer you a drink and maybe a snack. Accept it, it is part of the experience. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A tip of 10-15% of the charter price is normal if the service was good. Hand it to the skipper . Do not bring glass bottles on the boat. They can break and cause injuries. Use plastic or metal containers. Smoking is usually allowed on deck but not in the cabin. Ask the skipper. Do not play loud music near other boats or beaches. Keep it at a reasonable volume. Respect the marine environment. Do not throw rubbish overboard. Do not touch marine life like turtles or fish. The skipper will enforce these rules. Follow them and you will have a good day.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to hire a motor boat in Crete?
No. Every charter includes a licensed skipper. You do not need a licence or any experience. The skipper handles all navigation and mooring.
How much does motor boat hire in Crete cost?
Prices start from around EUR 400 for a half-day on a small RIB and go up to EUR 2,500 per day for a large motor yacht. Exact prices depend on the boat, season and duration. Check the search page for current rates.
Can I choose my own itinerary?
Yes. You decide where you want to go. The skipper will advise on safe routes and suggest popular spots. You can change the plan during the day if the weather allows.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The skipper will check the forecast. If conditions are unsafe, the charter will be rescheduled or cancelled with a full refund. You will not be charged for a weather cancellation.
Is food and drink included?
No. Food and drink are not included unless you arrange catering separately. You can bring your own. Most boats have a fridge or cooler.
How many people can fit on a motor boat?
It depends on the boat. RIBs typically take 6 to 8 people. Motor yachts can take up to 12. Check the boat's capacity on the listing before booking.
Can I book a motor boat for a sunset cruise?
Yes. Many operators offer sunset cruises, usually 2 to 3 hours in the evening. Prices are lower than full-day charters. Check the search page for sunset options.