Do You Need a Licence to Rent a Boat in Rhodes?
No — not for boats up to 30 horsepower. Greek maritime law (Presidential Decree 23/1999, as updated) allows any person aged 18 or over to operate a pleasure craft with a motor up to 30 HP without holding a formal boating licence. The vast majority of licence-free rental boats in Rhodes fall in this category: fibreglass motorboats of 4–5 metres with 15–30 HP outboard engines.
Boats above 30 HP require a licence. If you hold a recognised boating qualification (ICC, RYA, ΕΛΟΙΝ or equivalent), you can hire larger boats and RIBs. Mention this when you enquire.
What Licence-Free Means in Practice
You will receive a briefing before you leave the dock. This covers starting and stopping the engine, steering, anchoring, what to do if the engine fails and the permitted sailing area. The briefing takes 15–20 minutes and is genuinely worth paying attention to — even experienced boaters pick up useful local knowledge about the currents, the shallows and the best anchorages.
The boat will come with a sea chart or map showing the permitted area, a set of life jackets (one per person), a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher and a rope and anchor. Check that all of this is present before you leave.
How Long Should You Rent For?
Typical rental periods in Rhodes are 2 hours, half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours). For a first-timer, a half-day is often enough to get comfortable with the boat and cover two or three bays. A full-day rental rewards confidence: if the first two hours go well, you can push further south along the coast and explore bays that shorter rentals cannot reach.
Prices vary by operator, season and boat size, but rough ranges are: €130–€180 for 2 hours, €180–€250 for half-day, €280–€380 for full day (petrol included or fuel deposit).
The Best Bays for First-Timers
If this is your first time renting a boat in Rhodes, here is a suggested route from Rhodes Town:
- Anthony Quinn Bay (Vagies) — 35 minutes south. Anchor in clear water, snorkel, have a swim. The first time you cut the engine in a calm Greek bay and hear silence, you will understand why people rent boats.
- Ladiko Bay — 5 minutes further south. A narrow inlet, fewer people, great snorkelling on the right-side rocks.
- Kalithea Cove — Just north of Kalithea Springs. A small pebble cove with excellent visibility. Easy to anchor.
Safety Advice
- Check the weather forecast before you go. Winds above Force 3–4 make a licence-free boat uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Your rental operator will tell you if the conditions are not suitable.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Do not anchor in shipping lanes. Stay well clear of the Mandraki Harbour entrance and the ferry routes.
- Carry a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof bag.
- If the engine fails, use the paddle or anchor, call your rental operator and wait for assistance. Do not try to swim back.
See all rent-a-boat options in Rhodes or contact us with questions.