Rhodes Rent a Boat

No License Required — Self-Drive Coastal Boats

Drive your own boat along the Rhodes coast — no licence needed for engines up to 30 HP.

No Licence Required

Greek law allows anyone 18+ to operate pleasure craft up to 30 HP without a formal boating licence.

Coastal Freedom

Explore east-coast bays at your own pace — Anthony Quinn, Ladiko, Kalithea and sheltered swims within the permitted zone.

Handpicked Operators

We work with trusted rental bases we know personally — briefing, fuel, map and safety equipment included.

Self-drive boats along the Rhodes coast
Self-drive · east coast

Self-drive boats along the Rhodes coast

Taking the helm yourself is the most independent way to see Rhodes from the sea — stop when you want, swim where you like and return when you are ready.

Before you leave the dock you receive a safety briefing and a chart of your permitted sailing area. We help you pick the right vessel and duration for your group honestly.

Available Self-Drive Boats

No licence needed — explore the coast at your own pace

Self-drive rentals without a licence — everything you need to know

A self-drive boat is the most flexible way to explore the Rhodes coast — your own vessel, your own timing and no fixed route. No boating licence is needed, fuel and equipment are included, and you book direct with no platform fees. Below is everything you need to know: prices, what is included, where you can go, and how to choose the right option for your group.

Do you need a licence to drive a boat in Rhodes?

No — our fleet is entirely licence-free. Under Greek law you can skipper a vessel with an engine up to a set power limit without a boating licence, which covers every self-drive option we offer. You just need to be over 18 and comfortable on the water; we give every renter a full safety briefing, show you the controls and mark the best routes on a map before you set off. No previous experience is required, and the boats are easy to handle in the calm morning sea. If anyone in your group already holds a licence, larger and faster vessels open up — ask us and we will match the hull to your experience.

Prices and durations

Self-drive options are priced by duration, so you only pay for the time you need. Choose from a 2-hour session (€140), 4-hour (€230), 6-hour (€330) or a full-day 8-hour outing (€380). Half-day options suit a quick swim and a couple of nearby bays, while the full day lets you reach further along the coast at a relaxed pace. Prices are per vessel, not per person — so for a family or group of friends the cost per head drops quickly. There are no booking-platform fees: you book direct with us and pay the price we quote. Tell us your group size and dates and we will recommend the duration that fits your plans.

What is included

Every self-drive vessel comes ready to go. Fuel is included — the boats carry a 25-litre tank plus a 10-litre reserve, enough for a full day of cruising the bays. You also get a mini refrigerator with ice, water and soft drinks on board, plus safety equipment and life jackets for everyone, and shade where fitted. The boats reach up to 28 mph, so you can cover distance when you want to and idle slowly when you find a quiet cove. We hand over a clean, well-maintained vessel, a route map and a contact number in case you need anything while you are out.

Where you can go

From our base you can reach the best swim and snorkel spots along the east coast at your own pace. Popular stops include Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko and the Traganou sea caves — calm, sheltered water that is ideal for self-drive. With a half-day session most people visit two or three bays; a full day lets you go further and linger longer. We mark the recommended route and the safe range for the day depending on wind, so you always know where to head and when to turn back. If you would rather not drive, see our skippered private excursions instead.

Self-drive or a skippered experience?

Going self-drive gives you total freedom and is the best value for a family or group who want to explore independently. If you would prefer to relax and let someone else handle the helm, a skippered option fits better: browse our guided tours, all-inclusive day cruises, or a fully private yacht charter for a longer voyage. Not sure which suits you? Tell us your group and what you want from the day and we will recommend honestly, without pressure.

Best time and weather safety

The season runs from late April to October, with the calmest seas and warmest water from June to September. Mornings usually have the lightest wind, so we recommend an early start for the smoothest ride and the clearest water. The east-coast bays are sheltered and well suited to self-drive even on breezier afternoons. We check the daily forecast and will tell you honestly if conditions are not right — and suggest an alternative rather than send you out in a strong meltemi. Your safety briefing covers what to do if the weather changes while you are out.

Who self-drive is for

Self-drive in Rhodes suits couples wanting a private day on the water, families looking for an affordable group outing, and first-time visitors who want to see the coast without a fixed tour schedule. Because no licence is needed and the boats are easy to handle, you do not need any nautical background — just a sense of adventure. Groups of friends often find it the most fun and best-value way to spend a day, swapping who drives between bays. If you have children, tell us their ages and we will make sure the vessel and route are a comfortable fit.

How to book

Booking is simple and direct — no third-party platforms and no hidden fees. Send us your dates, group size and preferred duration and we will confirm availability and the best vessel for you. We are based at Mandraki, in Rhodes Town, an easy walk from the old town and a short drive from the nearby resorts. In July and August the boats book up fast, so it is worth reserving ahead. Get in touch with your dates and we will sort the rest.

We have helped visitors explore the Rhodes coast since 1998 — licence-free, fairly priced and booked direct with no platform fees. Browse the available vessels below, compare a private skippered excursion or a guided tour, or tell us your dates and we will recommend the right option for your group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about license-free rentals. For booking see the full FAQ.

Do I really need no licence to rent a boat in Rhodes?

Yes, Greek law allows visitors to operate small motorboats up to 30 horsepower without a formal boating licence, provided you are over 18 and carry valid ID or passport. The license-free boats we offer fall well within that limit, typically four- to five-metre fibreglass boats with outboard engines designed for sheltered coastal cruising.

No licence vs with skipper, how do I decide?

Pick a license-free self-drive boat if you want independence, you are comfortable handling a small motorboat after the briefing, and you plan to swim in your own bay at your own pace along the sheltered east coast.

How far can I go with a license-free boat?

License-free boats are intended for coastal cruising within about one nautical mile from shore in good weather, along the east coast between Mandraki and bays such as Anthony Quinn, Ladiko and Kalithea Springs. That range covers plenty of swim spots, beach tavernas and photo opportunities without committing to an open-sea crossing.

What is included in the rental?

A standard license-free rental includes the boat, fuel for the agreed coastal range, safety equipment such as life jackets for all sizes, first-aid kit and anchor, plus a marine map of the local area and a fifteen-minute safety briefing before you leave the dock. A cooler with ice is usually included so you can bring drinks and snacks.

What if the weather turns bad?

Safety always comes first for self-drive rentals. If wind or sea conditions exceed safe limits for license-free boats on your booked day, we either move the rental to another suitable day during your stay or refund in full, we make the call early in the morning based on the official forecast and local knowledge, usually before you travel to the harbour.

Can I take children on board?

Yes, children of any age are welcome on rental boats with properly fitted life jackets; we provide child-size jackets free of charge and require everyone to wear them while underway according to Greek rules. For families with very young children or toddlers, we usually recommend a boat with skipper so both parents can focus on the kids rather than navigation and anchoring.

How do I book and what are the payment terms?

Send us a message, email or WhatsApp with your dates, group size and whether you prefer license-free or skippered, we confirm availability the same day during the season and send a written quote with everything included. A deposit secures the booking; the balance is typically paid on the day of the rental in cash or by card at the operator base, as confirmed in your voucher.

Not sure which vessel fits your group?

Tell us your dates and how many people — we will recommend the right option and base.

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