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How to Rent a boat in Santorini with or without a license

How to rent a boat in Santorini Tips

Chartering a Boat

for a day or a half day

However many people don’t know that they can rent a boat in Santorini WITHOUT POSSESSING A  BOAT OPERATOR’S LICENSE. Continue reading this article in order to learn how you can rent a boat in Santorini if you don’t have a license, what to expect and what you should have in mind before exploring the coast of Santorini by yourself!

What Are The Requirements

For Renting A Small Boat In Santorini?

Firstly and most importantly , you don’t need a license to rent a boat with an engine of less than a 30 hp in Greece!  So if you know your way around, you can charter a small motorboat and enjoy maximum privacy.  In that way, you can also avoid the cost of hiring a crew and lower the final cost of your boat rental.

All that you need to do is:

The following

1.Contact a boat rental company

2.Choose your boat.

3.Choose the date, departure time and the duration of the charter.

4.Next, you should pay a deposit to book your boat.(Most companies require you to pay 20-30% of the total cost of the boat rental)

5. On the day of the trip, before taking possession of the boat, you will be given a detailed briefing on how to drive the boat, where to go, how to anchor and how to use the safety equipment in case of emergency.

6. Finally, you will have to sign a contract for the bareboat charter.

However, if you want to rent a motorboat with an engine larger than 30 hp, you need a valid powerboat license (RYA level 2 or ICC).

How Can I Find The Best Boat Rental Companies

In Order To Rent A Boat Without A License In Santorini?

The best way to rent a boat without  having a boat operator’s  license in Santorini is to CONTACT A LOCAL BOAT RENTAL COMPANY.

You can manage that in the following ways:

Google search with the keywords “rent a boat without a license near me” or “boat rental in Santorini”. To be more specific, add the location where you will be staying such as Oia, Perissa, Kamari, Akrotiri, Vlychada.

Visit a local boat rental company near you to get immediate information about renting a boat without a license in Santorini.

Ask your hotel concierge to book for you directly or ask for recommendations about the best boat rental companies.

Take a walk to the closest port near you,  find by yourself all the” Boats for Rent” companies in the area and speak directly to the owners or the employees of the companies. 

Which Is The Best Season To Rent A Boat Without A License In Santorini?

boat rental season in Santorini starts with Easter

Some say the boat rental season in Santorini starts with Easter, but it’s better to check with the city’s tourist office of the town where you want to rent a boat. If you plan to travel around Santorini by boat, you should be aware that sea traffic around the island is at its busiest during  July and August (Santorini’s high season), but rest assured that even during high season you will enjoy more in privacy by exploring the coast by boat than by traveling by car to any famous destinations in Caldera.

What Should I Have In Mind Before

Renting A Boat Without A License In Santorini?

Before renting a boat by yourself, you should have in mind the following:

First Critical Point – CHOICE OF BOAT RENTAL COMPANY

CHOOSE a reliable and experienced company that has been operating for quite some time and enjoys a good reputation. 

Second Critical Point-WEATHER CONDITIONS

It is also very important to check the weather conditions from reliable websites, such as windyposeidonwindfinder and meteo. In addition, also take into account the opinion and advice of the employees of the local boat rental company.

Third Critical Point-SAFETY

Finally, pay attention to the captain’s briefing regarding the boat safety. Be sure that the secondary engine works, and that you know how to use it before you start your trip. The boat should be equipped with lifejackets,  a First Aid kit, fire extinguishers, marine safety equipment, anchor ropes, e.t.c. A gps tracker is also a “must”, so you can be traced in case of an emergency. Be sure to provide your phone number to the rental company.

 

Fourth Critical Point-PRICE vs QUALITY 

While looking into the different options for boat rentals, make sure to clarify with the companies the different charges. Choose companies that have their price list on their website. The prices may vary depending on season, destination and quality. 

A small boat for rent usually costs 300-500 euros per day and 200-300 euros per half day in Santorini. Depending on the payment policy of every company,  you will either have to pay an extra cost for the fuel, or you can agree upon a total price which includes fuel.

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Santorini Boat rental without license

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