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Yacht Charter Corfu, Compare Boats with Skipper
Costa del Sol, Spain

Yacht Charter Corfu, Compare Boats with Skipper

You want a yacht charter Corfu, and you want it sorted without the usual holiday faff. Corfu has over 200 kilometres of coastline, turquoise coves and a hinterland that smells of olive groves and cypress. But renting a boat here can be a minefield of hidden fees, dodgy operators and boats that look nothing like the photos. BoatHire24 lists only verified vessels with licensed skippers, so you know exactly what you are getting.

Whether you want a sleek motor yacht for a wedding proposal, a catamaran for a family day out, or a RIB to chase the sunset along the north-east coast, we have options from EUR 450 for a half-day to several thousand for a superyacht. All charters include a professional skipper, fuel is usually extra, and you can depart from Corfu Town, Gouvia Marina, or smaller ports like Kassiopi and Petriti.

This page covers everything you need to know about booking a yacht charter in Corfu: boat types, ports, pricing, seasons, and how to book without getting stung. No fluff. Just the facts.

What Is Included in a Yacht Charter Corfu

Every boat listed on BoatHire24 comes with a licensed skipper. That means you do not need a boating licence, and you do not have to navigate the Ionian Sea yourself. The skipper knows the local waters, the best swimming spots, and where to find the quieter bays away from the day-tripper crowds. Most charters include the skipper’s fee in the base price, but always check the booking details because some operators charge extra for longer trips.

Fuel is typically not included. For a half-day charter (4-5 hours), expect to pay around EUR 80-150 in fuel for a motor yacht or RIB. Catamarans and sailing yachts use less fuel, often EUR 50-100. The skipper will refuel at the end of the trip, and you pay the actual cost. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own or ask the operator to arrange catering (EUR 25-50 per person for a decent lunch).

Standard inclusions: life jackets, basic safety equipment, snorkelling gear (often), and a cooler with ice. Some boats have a Bluetooth speaker, a sun deck, and a small kitchenette. If you want extras like a water slide, paddleboard, or jet ski, those come at an additional cost, usually EUR 100-300 per item per day.

Corfu Departure Ports for Your Charter

Corfu has several departure points, and your choice affects the itinerary. The main port is Corfu Town (the New Port or the Old Port). From there, you can head north to the Diapontia Islands (Othonoi, Erikoussa, Mathraki) or south to the beaches of Agios Gordios and the southern tip. Gouvia Marina is the largest marina on the island, about 6 km north of Corfu Town, with plenty of parking and facilities. It is the most common departure point for motor yachts and catamarans.

Kassiopi, on the north-east coast, is a smaller port with a handful of charter operators. It is ideal if you are staying in the north and want quick access to the Albanian coast or the island of Corfu’s rugged north coast. Petriti, on the south-east coast, is a fishing village with a few RIB and speedboat rentals. It is quieter and cheaper, but boat options are limited.

For a full list of available boats and ports, check our search page and filter by location. You can also read our blog for detailed guides on each port.

Types of Boats for a Yacht Charter Corfu

Motor yachts are the most popular choice for a yacht charter Corfu. They range from 30 feet (around 9 metres) to 80 feet (24 metres). A 40-foot motor yacht sleeps 6-8 guests comfortably for a day trip and costs from EUR 800 for a half-day to EUR 1,500 for a full day. Larger yachts with flybridges, sun decks, and more powerful engines cost EUR 2,000-5,000 per day.

Catamarans are a good option if you value stability and space. A 40-foot catamaran has a wide beam, so it does not roll as much as a monohull. Perfect if anyone in your group gets seasick. Prices start from EUR 900 for a half-day and go up to EUR 2,000 for a full day. Sailing yachts are cheaper, from EUR 500 for a half-day, but they are slower and require more wind. If you just want to relax and let the skipper handle the sails, a sailing yacht is a romantic choice.

RIBs and speedboats are for the adrenaline seekers. A 7-metre RIB with a 200 HP outboard can hit 40 knots. Half-day from EUR 450, full day from EUR 700. They are open boats, so expect to get wet. Fishing boats are available for anglers, from EUR 600 for a half-day, with tackle and bait included. Licence-free day boats (under 10 HP) are also available from EUR 300 for a day, but you drive them yourself and they are limited to calm bays.

Pricing Guidance for Yacht Charter Corfu

Prices vary wildly depending on the boat, season, and duration. As a rule of thumb, a half-day (4-5 hours) on a motor yacht starts from around EUR 800. A full day (8 hours) from EUR 1,200. Catamarans are slightly more expensive: half-day from EUR 900, full day from EUR 1,500. Sailing yachts are the cheapest: half-day from EUR 500, full day from EUR 800.

RIB/speedboat charters: half-day from EUR 450, full day from EUR 700. Fishing boats: half-day from EUR 600, full day from EUR 1,000. Superyachts (over 80 feet) are price on request, but expect EUR 5,000-15,000 per day. All prices are for the boat and skipper only. Fuel, food, drinks, and mooring fees are extra. Mooring fees at popular spots like the Blue Lagoon or Paxos can be EUR 20-50.

BoatHire24 does not add booking fees. You pay the same price as booking directly with the operator, and you get the security of our verification process. For exact prices on specific boats, check the search page.

Best Time of Year for a Yacht Charter Corfu

The season runs from April to October. May and June are the best months: warm (25-30 degrees C), low wind, and the water is clean. July and August are peak season: hot (35 degrees C), crowded, and prices are 20-30% higher. September is also good: still warm, fewer crowds, and the sea temperature is at its highest (26 degrees C). October is a gamble: you might get perfect weather or a storm.

If you are on a budget, book in May or late September. The water is still swimmable (20-22 degrees C), and you will have the coves mostly to yourself. Avoid August if you hate crowds, unless you want to party in the beach bars of Kavos or the north coast.

Wind conditions: the Meltemi wind can blow in July and August, making the sea choppy on the east coast. The west coast is usually calmer. Your skipper will adjust the route accordingly.

Popular Itineraries for a Yacht Charter Corfu

Most charters start from Corfu Town or Gouvia and head south or north. A typical half-day itinerary: depart at 10:00, cruise south to the beaches of Agios Gordios or the tiny islet of Vidos, swim and snorkel, then stop for lunch at a seaside taverna in Benitses or Perama. Return by 15:00.

A full-day itinerary: head north to the Diapontia Islands, about 1.5 hours from Corfu Town. Visit Othonoi (the westernmost point of Greece), swim in the Blue Cave of Erikoussa, and have lunch at a fish taverna on Mathraki. Return by 18:00. Alternatively, go south to the island of Paxos and Antipaxos, about 2 hours from Corfu. Swim in the turquoise waters of Antipaxos, explore the caves of Paxos, and eat in Gaios. This is a longer day, usually 9-10 hours.

For a shorter trip, stay on the east coast: visit the old fortress of Kassiopi, swim at Avlaki beach, and see the Albanian coast from the water. Your skipper will suggest a route based on the weather and your preferences.

Who Is a Yacht Charter Corfu For

Couples looking for a romantic day out, families with kids who want a safe and fun boat trip, groups of friends wanting to party on a catamaran, and corporate clients needing a professional event. The skipper handles everything, so you can relax. If you have a specific request, like a wedding ceremony at sea or a birthday celebration, let us know when you book.

BoatHire24 also caters to experienced sailors who want a bareboat charter (no skipper). But for a yacht charter Corfu, we recommend a skipper unless you know the Ionian waters well. The coast has hidden rocks, strong currents near the straits, and busy shipping lanes in the summer.

How to Book a Yacht Charter Corfu with BoatHire24

Go to BoatHire24 and enter Corfu as your destination. Use the filters to choose boat type, number of guests, and budget. You will see a list of boats with photos, specifications, and prices. Click on a boat to see the full details, including the cancellation policy, what is included, and the operator’s reviews.

Once you find a boat you like, select the date and duration, and proceed to checkout. You pay a deposit (usually 30-50%) to secure the booking, and the balance is due on the day of the charter, paid directly to the skipper. We send you a confirmation email with all the details. If you have questions before booking, use the contact form on the boat’s page to message the operator directly.

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance for July and August. For May and June, a week is usually enough. Last-minute bookings (1-2 days) are possible but limited.

Why Use BoatHire24 for Your Yacht Charter Corfu

We are a marketplace, not a charter company. We list boats from multiple operators, so you can compare prices and boats in one place. Every operator is vetted: we check their licences, insurance, and safety equipment. If something goes wrong, we mediate. We do not add booking fees, and we do not sell your data.

We also have a blog with detailed guides on Corfu, including the best beaches, restaurants, and hidden coves. Check it out for tips on planning your trip.

Licence-Free Day Boats in Corfu

If you want to drive a boat yourself without a licence, Corfu has a few options. Licence-free day boats are typically small motorboats under 10 HP, limited to calm bays and slow speeds. They cost from EUR 300 for a full day, and you get a quick briefing from the operator. You cannot go far from the departure port, but you can explore the coves around Gouvia or the east coast. These boats are popular with families who want a private picnic day. Book through BoatHire24 to see what is available in Corfu.

Corfu West Coast Charters

The west coast of Corfu is wilder and less developed than the east. Departing from Corfu Town, you can head west to Paleokastritsa, a resort with six beaches and a monastery on a cliff. The water is deep blue, and there are sea caves to explore. A half-day charter from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa costs around EUR 800-1,000 for a motor yacht. Further south, you reach Agios Gordios, a long sandy beach with a rock formation called the "Ortholithi." The west coast has more swell than the east, so check with your skipper if you are prone to seasickness.

Diapontia Islands Itinerary Details

A full-day trip to the Diapontia Islands (Othonoi, Erikoussa, Mathraki) is a popular choice for a yacht charter Corfu. From Gouvia Marina, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Othonoi at 20 knots. Othonoi has a Blue Cave that you can swim into, and a small village with a taverna serving fresh fish. Erikoussa is flatter, with a long sandy beach and a shipwreck. Mathraki has a single beach with a bar. Fuel for this trip is around EUR 100-150 for a motor yacht. The total cost for a full day is from EUR 1,200 plus fuel and food.

Paxos and Antipaxos Extended Trip

If you have a full day and want to see the famous turquoise waters of Antipaxos, you need a boat that can cruise at 25 knots or more. From Corfu Town, it is a 2-hour run south. Antipaxos has three main beaches: Voutoumi, Vrika, and Mesovrika. The water is so clear you can see the bottom at 10 metres depth. Paxos has the port of Gaios, with tavernas and shops. This trip is longer, usually 9-10 hours, and costs from EUR 1,500 for a motor yacht, plus fuel (EUR 150-200). Catamarans take longer but use less fuel. Check the search page for boats that offer this itinerary.

Evening Cruises and Sunset Charters

Sunset charters are a popular option in Corfu. A 3-hour evening cruise from Corfu Town or Gouvia costs from EUR 500 for a motor yacht. You cruise along the coast, watch the sunset over the Ionian Sea, and stop for a swim if the light allows. Some operators include a glass of wine or a light snack. For a more romantic experience, book a sailing yacht for EUR 400 for 3 hours. Sunset charters are available from May to September, with the best light in June and July. Bring a jacket, as it gets cooler after dark.

Booking Tips for Peak Season

In July and August, demand for a yacht charter Corfu is high. Book at least 3 weeks in advance for the best selection. Prices are 20-30% higher than in May or June. If you are flexible, consider a half-day charter instead of a full day, as many operators have availability for shorter trips. For last-minute bookings (1-3 days), call the operator directly through the contact form on BoatHire24. Some operators offer discounts for bookings made within 48 hours, but this is rare in August.

What to Bring on a Yacht Charter Corfu

Pack sunscreen (SPF 50, as the sun is strong), a hat, and sunglasses. Bring a towel, swimwear, and a change of clothes. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful for the evening. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own mask if you have one, as the ones provided are basic. For food and drinks, most operators allow you to bring a cooler. Some have a small fridge on board. Alcohol is fine, but do not overdo it, as the skipper may refuse to sail if anyone is dangerously drunk. For more tips, read our blog on preparing for a day at sea.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boating licence for a yacht charter Corfu?

No. All charters on BoatHire24 include a licensed skipper, so you do not need any licence. You just show up and enjoy.

Can I bring my own food and drink on the boat?

Yes, you can bring your own. Most boats have a cooler and a small kitchen area. Some operators offer catering at an extra cost.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?

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.

How many people can a typical yacht charter Corfu accommodate?

Motor yachts and catamarans usually take 6-12 guests. RIBs take 4-8. Check the boat’s capacity on the listing page.

Is fuel included in the price?

No, fuel is extra. Expect to pay EUR 80-150 for a half-day on a motor yacht, less for a catamaran or sailing boat.

Can I choose my own itinerary?

Yes, within reason. The skipper will suggest a route based on the weather and your preferences. You can request specific beaches or islands.

How far in advance should I book?

For July and August, book at least 2 weeks ahead. For May, June, and September, 1 week is usually fine. Last-minute bookings are possible.

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