Reviewed · BOAT RENTALS
RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI
A licence-free 5.5m motorboat day in Crete is the kind of freedom that feels rare. You get a 30 hp setup that’s simple enough for first-timers, yet strong enough to reach coves along the coast on your own schedule. I love that the team gives clear guidance before you leave and I love the payoff: breathing space, clear water, and coastline you can actually choose.
The one real consideration is cost planning. Fuel is not included, so you’ll want to budget for the day, especially if you hop between several spots.
Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Licence-free control of a 30 hp boat if you want to drive yourself, not just ride along
- Sunroof on the boat for shade during hot midday hours
- Thorough briefing plus route guidance, including practical recommendations for where to go
- A navigation app with real-time mapping that helps you stay on track and helps the team find you if needed
- Up to 6 people per boat, making it easier to split the cost with friends or family
A Licence-Free 30 HP Boat Day Along Crete’s Coast
This is not a tour where you stay parked on someone else’s itinerary. It’s a boat rental built for people who want to captain their own day, with enough structure to keep things calm and safe.
The boat is 5.5m with a 30 hp motor, and it’s set up for up to six passengers. That size is a sweet spot: you can move between nearby coves without it feeling like a huge operation, and you still have space to hang out onboard.
If you don’t have a motorboat licence, that’s exactly what this experience is designed for. You’ll still get guidance, training, and recommendations, so you’re not guessing at the start.
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What You’re Really Paying For: Boat, Taxes, and Flexible Freedom

The price is $261.88 per group, up to six people, and it includes all fees and taxes plus the boat rental. That’s a strong value angle if you can fill the seats, because the cost per person drops fast once you share it.
What’s not included matters for budgeting. Fuel is extra, and optional damage insurance is available only if you choose to add it on the day. So the true cost is the rental plus whatever you spend on fuel, plus possibly insurance.
This pricing model fits a simple idea: you pay for the boat and the team’s preparation, then you decide how much boating you want to do. For many people, that’s more satisfying than paying extra for a guide to do all the route choosing.
Getting Started at Notos Mare in Marathi (9:00 am)

You meet at Notos Mare – Marine Adventures Marathi, at the unnamed road in Marathi 731 00, Greece. The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.
Bring a valid ID or passport on the day of rental. That step is non-negotiable, so get it into your daypack or carry it the same way you would for a hotel check-in.
The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which is handy if you’re not traveling by private car. If you’re coming from a cruise port, a quick taxi ride can be a practical way to reach the area, and you’ll likely find it faster than trying to solve local connections on a tight schedule.
The Boat Setup That Makes a Long Sea Day Work

The boat you drive has a sunroof, and you’ll feel why that matters once the Cretan sun ramps up. Shade isn’t a luxury on a hot summer day, it’s part of staying comfortable while you’re waiting between swims or steering during quieter water stretches.
It’s also described as simple and easy to drive. That doesn’t mean you skip attention. Instead, it means the mechanics are approachable, so your learning curve is more about confidence and rules of safe boating than about wrestling complex controls.
You can carry up to six passengers, so it works well for small groups rather than large crowds. If you’re traveling as a couple, you may still find it good value because you might share with friends from your hotel or a group you link up with that day.
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Your Captain Training and the Navigation App Advantage

The biggest quality-of-life feature here is the onboarding. You don’t just get a key and a wave. You get a detailed briefing plus recommendations for where to go, and the team makes sure you understand how to operate the boat safely.
In the reviews, people specifically highlight that training is thorough and that they help you get set up with a navigation app. The app includes real-time mapping, and it’s described as user-friendly. That’s useful for you because you can see where you are and plan your next stop without constantly asking what’s allowed or where you should turn.
It also adds a safety layer: the team can find you if you need help. In other words, you’re not completely on your own, even though you’re the captain.
How the Day Unfolds: From Morning Briefing to Coves and Swims
The day starts with check-in and briefing. From there, you head out to explore the coast at your own pace. This style is ideal if you like the rhythm of choosing your next swim stop based on water conditions and how the group feels.
A recurring theme is that the coastline offers easy-access coves and spots where stopping feels straightforward. People mention anchoring or tying off in clear water surrounded by cliffs and caves, with dramatic scenery that’s hard to match from shore.
You should expect time to include at least one swim break, and if the conditions are chilly (May water can be cold), plan for a quick dip rather than a long soak. Getting in and out fast is the move, especially early in the season.
Food can fit the day too. One review notes there’s a swim beach and restaurants right at the shore where they rented the boat. Even if you don’t go there for a meal, it’s a reminder that you can build in downtime that doesn’t require packing everything.
Choosing Stops: Cliffs, Caves, and Scenic Anchors Without Overthinking It
Once you’re out on the water, you’ll likely spend your time doing three things: reaching sheltered areas, finding clear water to anchor or tie up, and exploring the coastline from close range.
The reviews repeatedly describe scenery like cliffs, caves, and mountains. The point isn’t just that it looks good on camera. Close-range coast views change how you understand Crete, because you see how the land shapes the sea access and the natural hiding places along the shore.
The navigation app helps you do this without constant guesswork. For a first day on a rental boat, that matters. You want to concentrate on handling the boat and enjoying the ride, not on fighting a confusing map.
One practical mindset: don’t plan your day as a checklist. Plan it as a set of short bursts between stops. You’re more likely to end up with a relaxed day than a rushed one.
Fuel, Optional Damage Insurance, and Sensible First-Day Habits

Fuel is the one clear extra. Since fuel is not included, your total day cost depends on how far you go and how often you change locations. If you want a budget-friendly day, cluster your stops. If you want to chase the most distant coves, expect to pay more at the fuel stage.
Optional damage insurance is available for an additional and optional cost per day. If you’re nervous about first-time handling, it can be worth considering. That said, it’s optional, so if you’re confident in your ability to drive carefully, you might choose to skip it.
Here’s the first-day habit that pays off: go slow at the start. Give yourself time to get comfortable with throttle, turning, and situational awareness. Even if the boat is easy to drive, your brain needs a few minutes to switch from car driving to boat driving.
Also keep the group’s comfort in mind. One review notes chilly water in May, which is a cue to set expectations for swim time. If half the group is cold after a dip, you’ll all move faster back onboard, and the day feels smoother.
Weather Matters More Than You Think
This experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the rental, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
That’s not just policy language. On the water, wind and waves change everything: how comfortable driving feels, how easy it is to reach coves, and whether you want to anchor or just stay close.
So when you book, treat weather as part of your plan. If your schedule is flexible, you’ll have more chances to land on a day with calmer water and more pleasant swimming conditions.
Who This Licence-Free Boat Rental in Crete Is Best For
This works best if you meet at least one of these ideas:
- You want control over your route and timing, not a fixed tour schedule
- You want to see the coast from the water, with chances for coves and swim breaks
- Your group is small enough to make sharing a boat rental easy, up to six people
It’s also a good fit if you appreciate structured help. The team provides briefing and recommendations, plus a navigation app setup, so you’re not being left alone with uncertainty.
It may not be ideal if you want someone else to handle everything. Skipper service is listed as not included, so this is for people who are okay with taking the captain role seriously, even if the rental is licence-free.
Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which can make it easier for some travelers to manage logistics.
Should You Book This Licence-Free Boat Rental?
I’d book it if you want a practical, self-guided sea day with strong support at the start. The combination of licence-free access, a sunroof for comfort, and a navigation app plus thorough briefing makes this more manageable than many people expect.
I’d think twice if fuel surprises you or if your group prefers fully hosted experiences. If you are going to drive, plan for fuel and go steady at the start. If you do that, the payoff is exactly what people love here: clear water, dramatic cliffs and caves, and the feeling that Crete’s coast is yours to explore for the day.
FAQ
Do I need a licence to drive the boat?
No. This rental is specifically for people who do not have a motorboat licence, using the 30 hp boat setup.
How many people can be on the boat?
The 5.5m boat can accommodate up to six passengers.
What is included in the rental price?
The price includes all fees and taxes, and the boat rental itself.
Is fuel included?
No. Fuel is not included.
Can I buy optional insurance for damage?
Yes. The boat can be insured for damage for an additional optional cost per day, decided on the rental day.
What happens if the activity is cancelled due to poor weather?
If it’s cancelled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
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