The Best Boat Rentals in Corfu

For a simple self-drive motorboat (up to 30 hp), plan on roughly €130–€200 for a full day in summer, with half‑day options from about €90–€160. Fuel is typically extra and depends on how far you go, but many day trips use €20–€50 of petrol. Skippered speedboats and RIBs for private coastal touring often run €400–€900 per day plus fuel. Sailboats usually range from about €350–€800 per day in shoulder season and €700–€1,200+ in July–August, while catamarans commonly start near €800–€1,800+ per day in peak months. Motor yachts for day charters around the island often start near €1,200–€3,000+, with fuel and provisioning additional. A professional skipper typically costs €150–€250 per day. Standard inclusions are safety gear, mooring lines, basic orientation, and often a sunshade and swim ladder; many day charters add soft drinks and snorkel sets, while fuel, gratuities, and catering are optional extras.

You’ll find easy self‑drive motorboats for exploring nearby bays, fast RIBs for covering more coastline in a day, classic motor cruisers and yachts for comfort, plus sailing monohulls and wider catamarans for groups who want space and stability. On the west coast, traditional wooden boats are popular for short trips into the sea caves, while larger day-cruise vessels depart the main ports for full‑day island excursions.

Many visitors happily drive a small boat themselves for a relaxed coastal day. In Greece, no license is generally required for conventional motorboats up to 30 horsepower; more powerful motorboats and all bareboat sailing charters require recognized proof of competence. If you want to reach farther‑flung spots, prefer a bigger vessel, or just want to relax while someone else handles the helm, book a skippered trip. Local captains know the forecasts, moorings, and swim spots, and they make timing easy for groups, celebrations, and photo stops.

For yachts and many private charters, Gouvia Marina just north of Corfu Town is a major base with full services and easy road access. In the Old Town, Mandraki Harbour beneath the Old Fortress is a scenic departure point for smaller yachts and evening cruises. On the south‑east coast, Benitses Marina is a growing charter hub. For west‑coast cave and beach runs, boats commonly depart from Alipa Port at Paleokastritsa, while the northeast coastline is often reached from Kassiopi’s harbor. Large day‑cruise boats to Paxos and Antipaxos typically use Corfu Port in town or Lefkimmi Port in the island’s south.

Gliding along Garitsa Bay frames Corfu’s twin Venetian fortresses and the UNESCO‑listed Old Town. South of town, you can admire Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and the white‑washed Vlacherna Monastery near Kanoni. The west coast is famed for Paleokastritsa’s blue caves, steep green headlands, and clear coves, with nearby Porto Timoni’s twin beaches making a dramatic swim stop. Up north, the sandstone cliffs of Canal d’Amour create a striking coastline. With a longer day you can reach Paxos and Antipaxos for turquoise anchorages and the celebrated Blue Caves; seasoned boaters also look to the quiet Diapontia Islands off Corfu’s northwest tip when conditions allow.

As a simple rule of thumb, you can typically rent and drive a conventional motorboat up to 30 hp without a license. For higher‑horsepower motorboats and any bareboat sailing yacht, plan to show recognized proof of competence such as an ICC, or an accepted national qualification (for example, RYA/ASA equivalents). For bareboat sailing in Greece, charter bases normally ask for one qualified skipper plus a competent adult co‑skipper. Always bring original certificates, and keep in mind that local Port Authority officials and individual operators have the final say on what they accept.

Yes—families are welcome. Boats include the required safety equipment and lifejackets, and most providers can supply child sizes on request. Captained trips are the easiest option with babies or toddlers because the crew can suggest calmer coves and shade-friendly routes. For self‑drive days, choose a boat with a bimini sunshade and swim ladder, bring hats and reef‑safe sunscreen, and consider shorter outings with snacks and water breaks.

Most private charters allow you to bring your own food and beverages, and many include chilled water or light refreshments. To keep decks tidy and safe, stick to cans and reusable bottles instead of glass, and avoid staining drinks like red wine. If you want a more seamless day, ask about pre‑ordered platters or lunch stops at waterfront tavernas along the route.

Many skippers are pet‑friendly, especially for small dogs, but policies vary by boat. Mention your pet when you inquire so the crew can plan for extra cleaning time, non‑slip mats, and a shaded spot. A well‑fitting pet lifejacket and a collapsible water bowl make the day more comfortable for everyone.

Summer in the Ionian is known for gentle mornings and a predictable north‑westerly afternoon breeze called the Maïstros. That pattern favors early starts for the calmest seas and photo‑friendly light, with lively sailing in the afternoon and a quieter ride home near sunset. Operators monitor forecasts closely; if the Port Authority restricts departures or the captain deems conditions unsafe, trips are rescheduled or refunded according to the boat’s policy. If your plans are tight, book earlier in your stay so you have flexibility to move the date if needed.

Prime boating runs from May through October, with the warmest sea and busiest calendars in July and August. For fewer crowds and easier dockings, late May–June and September are excellent. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day aren’t observed in Greece, but they fall inside the island’s summer season and can coincide with higher demand from international visitors. Locally, Orthodox Easter brings major processions in Corfu Town each spring, and August 15 (Assumption Day) is a nationwide summer holiday—both periods book up fast. Weekdays and morning departures generally secure better rates and calmer water than Saturday afternoons.

Absolutely. Captained boats make celebrations easy: you set the vibe, and the crew handles routing, anchoring, and timing. Share your headcount, preferred music and food plan, and any must‑see stops. For comfort, choose a vessel with shade, a head (toilet), and space to mingle. If your group is large or date‑specific, reserve early so you have the widest choice of boats and time slots.

The full‑day cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos is a favorite for its luminous Blue Caves and Caribbean‑colored swim stops, typically running 9–11 hours from Corfu or Lefkimmi ports. On the west coast, 2–4 hour outings from Paleokastritsa weave through sea caves and shelter for swims in clear coves; stretching the trip adds the twin bays of Porto Timoni. Up north, Canal d’Amour’s sculpted cliffs make a striking coastline run, while confident mariners eye a settled forecast to explore the quiet Diapontia Islands. If you prefer something effortless after a day in town, sunset cruises around the Old Fortress and Kanoni put you right in front of Corfu’s best skyline views.