Rent A Boat, No License

Rent a Boat, No License, 7 hours, rated 4.9 across 107 traveller reviews.

Overview

This is a self-drive boat rental from the port of Almyrida, at the end of Almyrida beach, with no licence required. The operator, Antonis Boats, uses Creta Mare 5.50 boats with Yamaha 30 or 40hp engines. Each group gets a full orientation before setting off, plus a map marking beaches and coves around Souda Bay and the Akrotiri peninsula. Rental options run 4 or 8 hours and the experience is private, so only your group is on board.

The boats carry up to six people, with a maximum combined weight of 500kg. A cooler, snorkelling gear, a USB socket, external speakers, maps and full safety equipment are provided. A skipper is optional, hired by the hour, for anyone who would rather have someone else handle the boat. One reviewer described a guided run with a swim stop and a meal, while others drove themselves after a briefing and spent the whole time sailing, swimming and snorkelling.

Budget for extras. Fuel is charged on consumption at the end of the day, and there is a fee of 100 euros covering taxes and management, payable at the base on arrival and non-refundable. Both costs sit outside the headline price. The listing states that most travellers can participate, though it advises against the activity for travellers with back problems or who are pregnant.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Almyrida portMeet at the port of Almyrida, at the end of the beach. Pay the taxes and management fee here before departure.
2. Orientation and briefingThe staff give a full orientation on handling the boat and hand over a map with recommended spots around Souda Bay and Akrotiri. One reviewer recalled the briefing taking roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Set off on the waterDrive your own boat, or hire an optional skipper paid by the hour, and head for the beaches and coves marked on the map.
4. Swim and snorkel stopsAnchor at private beaches away from the crowds. Snorkelling gear and a cooler are on board.
5. Return and refuel settlementBring the boat back to Almyrida port, where fuel consumed during the day is charged at the end of the trip.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day run smoothly, drawn from the listing and from what past renters have said.

• Getting the briefing. No licence is needed. Renters who skip the optional skipper get a full orientation, and one reviewer described receiving 15 to 20 minutes of instructions before taking the boat out themselves.
• Bring your own ice. A cooler is on board, but one reviewer noted you need to bring your own ice if you want it to work properly. Pack drinks and snacks accordingly.
• Watch the weather. The trip requires good weather. One reviewer had around 10 km/h winds with rough water midday and advised booking with conditions in mind, noting the morning and late afternoon were calmer.
• Shade and seating. Reviewers mention the boat has good shade and front seating that works for lying in the sun near the cliffs.
• Parking at Almyrida. The location is convenient, right at the end of Almyrida beach with restaurants and bars nearby, but one reviewer flagged parking as difficult.
• Who it suits. Most travellers can take part and the run is private to your group. The listing cautions against it for anyone with back problems or who is pregnant, and infants must sit on laps.

Common issues. The headline price does not cover everything. Fuel is charged on consumption at the end, and a non-refundable fee of 100 euros for taxes and management is payable at the base on arrival. One reviewer also mentioned the midday wind making the water rough on a small boat, so conditions matter. Parking near the port was difficult for one renter, and the activity is not wheelchair accessible.

Common Questions