Boat Rental in Athens

Are you looking to rent a boat in one of the planet's oldest cities? Boat rentals in Athens offer an alternative angle to view such a historic city. Along with the sandy beaches and coves mentioned earlier, the Athenian coastline is a fantastic place to escape from the ancient city's heat and traffic. If being shoulder to shoulder with strangers in the city, as you pick your way through the remnants of an ancient world, doesn't quite get you going, then perhaps a cruise along the coast will. Trade city slicking for an evening on your rental boat in the Saronic Gulf, watching the sunset with a glass of local wine, I don't think anyone would blame you! It's not just the coast that brings the beauty factor when you rent a boat in Athens. The nearby islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina all have a heavy dose of Mediterranean charm and character. These islands will be quieter, cleaner, and sleepier than Athens itself and are worth a visit on your rental boat.

Boat rentals in Athens come in various forms, and can reach $15’000 per day. As such an important, historic city with immense tourist pulling power, there's quite a diverse crowd in Athens' marinas. You may see some incredible super yachts moored up outside of the city, but don't let that put you off. There are many affordable options out there, with speed boat rentals starting from around $250. Of course, luxury boats are available to rent from the many boat rental companies along the coast, with prices reaching thousands of dollars. Still, smaller, more affordable rental boats are perfect for island hopping and exploring the Saronic Gulf. Many of Athens' rental boats can be rented with or without a captain, allowing you to take the helm and chart the course to your destination. However, an experienced skipper may help you make the most out of your boat rental by taking you to some of the best local spots. Most Athens boat rentals include onboard facilities, such as tables, coolers, sunshades, and cabins. Those with a desire for adventure and fun will also be relieved as some rental boats have water sports equipment on board, so you can explore the island from below the surface.

If you are not sure about getting a boat rental in Athens for yourself or your group, consider joining a public boat tour instead. The Athenian coast has a lot to offer, as do the amazing Saronic Isles just across the water; it's not something you want to miss. Although a rental boat will allow you freedom, flexibility, and privacy, there remains something to be said for these very affordable and well-organized tours. The most popular boat tours in Athens are cruises down the coast. These take place in the day and also around sunset. Although they are affordable, these coastal cruises use a variety of different boats. Some opt for smaller vessels to achieve a more private feel while others use majestic sailboats with roomy decks for their passengers. Much like private boat rental in Athens, these tour boats usually have snorkeling and water sports equipment on board and stop swimming or fishing. Unlike a rental boat, these cruises usually provide you with mouth-watering Greek food on board and wine to wash it all down.

Most boat rentals in Athens usually last the whole day. But with so many things to explore in the Saronic Gulf, it's important to have a plan to get the most out of your rental boat experience. Hydra is an island about an hour away from Athens by boat. This island is more than just a cool name; it's bursting with beauty and character and is one of the top locations for boat rental day trips from Athens. The charming little island is a stunning sight from the ocean, and it only gets better once you go inland. Firstly, Hydra has no cars on the island, other than emergency and sanitation vehicles. Most of the travel around the interior is conducted on the back of donkeys or mules, so you can forget about any of the pollution problems you may have experienced in Athens. The water is clear, the beaches are sandy, and the town is often home to famous VIP visitors. There is also a fantastic hiking trail to a hilltop monastery along the coast. Hydra is a must-see when you rent a boat for a day in Athens.

If the day-long boat rental wasn't enough to quench your thirst for ocean exploration, then perhaps renting a boat for the weekend in Athens would be more your style? With all the Saronic Islands boasting beauty just like Hydra, it wouldn't be a bad idea to just cruise around them for the entire weekend, eating at the best restaurants and watching the sunsets from the deck of your rental boat. However, with so much time on your hands, a boat rental won't just be a fun, stylish way to get around but also a fantastic mode of transport. Should you opt for a larger, more spacious Athens boat rental, there will be plenty of room for you and your family and friends to comfortably sleep aboard. Within a day's travel, you could be enjoying the whitewashed villages and peacefully pristine beaches of Santorini.

If you want to rent a boat for diving in Athens, your best bet is to head over to the nearby town, Nea Makri. The town is known for its exceptional dive tours and boat rentals, with many expert divers calling it home. The diving there can be done from the shore or by renting a boat and taking it out into the Aegean's deeper, darker waters. With something for all levels, sea beds decorated with ancient artifacts, and plenty of interesting wrecks to look around, this is one of the best places on the planet for diving. You can rent a dive boat for a day, take the plunge and go for a week-long excursion to some of the most highly sought after dive spots on Earth.

Summer in Athens can be red hot! Especially if you are sticking to the city, it's a great time to rent a boat and enjoy the sea breeze. June, July, and August are all very popular times for tourism; you may see the beaches filling up around then. However, the less popular, but cooler spring and autumn months are a lot more comfortable. Just remember to check out any potential weather hazards when looking to rent a boat in the off-season.