The Best Boat Rentals in Rhodes

Expect easy-to-understand ranges. Small self-drive motorboats (no skipper) typically run about €200–€350 for a full day, plus fuel. Shared day cruises are often €45–€90 per person and usually include lunch, soft drinks or wine/beer, swim stops, and snorkel gear. Private sailing boats for a day are commonly €400–€900 depending on size and season, while private catamarans are often €800–€1,500 per day with food, drinks, and equipment included. Private motor yachts for groups usually start around €1,500–€3,000+ per day, with crew included and fuel depending on route. Many tours bundle snorkel gear, floating aids, and basic refreshments; longer private charters may price fuel to itinerary and offer catering as an add-on.

You’ll find a wide mix to fit your plan: easy-to-handle self-drive motorboats for coastal cruising, swift RIBs and powerboats for covering more coastline, classic monohull sailboats for relaxed days under sail, spacious catamarans ideal for groups with shaded lounging and easy swim access, and crewed motor yachts for a more luxurious day. Traditional wooden boats also run comfortable coastal cruises with multiple swim stops.

Both options are available. In Greece, you can usually operate a small motorboat up to 30 hp without a license, which makes self-drive days simple for calm coastal exploration. For anything more powerful—or for bareboat sailing—Greek Port Authorities typically expect recognized skipper qualifications (such as an ICC or equivalent). If you’d rather not worry about paperwork or local navigation, captained charters are widely available across all boat types and are the easiest, most relaxing way to go.

The most common meeting point is Mandraki Harbor by Rhodes Old Town, where many day cruises and private charters start and finish. You’ll also see departures from Faliraki Harbor for east-coast bay-hopping, from the Rhodes Marina/Akandia area for larger yachts, and from Kamiros Skala on the west coast for quick hops to Chalki. Some local trips also depart near Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay for exploring the south-east coastline. Your booking will confirm the exact pier or kiosk and the best arrival time.

Coastal routes showcase glassy coves and historic scenery. Popular swim stops include Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko, the caves and art-deco spa setting of Kallithea Springs, and the sea caves by Afandou. Cruising further south reveals dramatic cliffs near Lindos and postcard views of the Acropolis above St. Paul’s Bay. Departing or returning to Mandraki, you’ll pass the medieval walls, St. Nicholas Fortress with its lighthouse, and the iconic deer statues at the harbor entrance. Island-hopping days bring pastel harbors on nearby Symi or Chalki into view.

Yes. Most boats welcome families and provide life jackets for all ages, plus snorkel sets and floating noodles at swim stops. Crewed trips typically choose calm, sheltered bays and use swim ladders for easy re-boarding. If you need infant or child-size PFDs or prefer extra floatation aids, just mention it when you book so the crew can set them aside. Captains will adjust plans for sea conditions to keep the day comfortable for younger guests.

It depends on the experience. Private charters often allow you to bring your own food and beverages, and many can arrange catering on request. All-inclusive shared cruises usually include lunch and an open bar of soft drinks, beer, and wine, and they may not allow outside items for safety and hygiene. Glass is discouraged on deck, and red wine may be restricted on some boats to protect cushions. Check your booking notes for the exact policy.

Policies vary by boat. Some private charters are pet-friendly when arranged in advance, especially for small dogs on a leash. Many shared cruises do not allow pets for comfort and safety of all guests, though service animals are sometimes accepted. If traveling with a pet, book a private boat and confirm cleaning and pet rules ahead of time.

Summer is reliably sunny, but the Aegean’s seasonal “meltemi” winds can freshen in July and August, especially in the afternoons. Captains often recommend morning departures for the smoothest rides and will tailor routes to sheltered east-coast bays when winds pick up. If the Port Authority issues a no-sail advisory or conditions are unsafe, operators will typically reschedule or refund according to their policy. Many day cruises offer free changes or cancellation up to about 24 hours before departure; your confirmation will list the exact terms.

Absolutely. Boats make celebrations effortless: you can set a relaxed schedule with swim stops, play your music via the onboard sound system, toast at sunset off Kallithea or Lindos, and add extras like cakes, decorations, or photo stops. For groups, catamarans and mid-size motor yachts provide space to mingle in shade and sun. If your date falls in peak season, reserve early so you get the boat size and timing you want.

The sweet spot is May, June, September, and early October for warm seas and lighter crowds. July and August are peak season with the longest days and the strongest afternoon breezes. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, and mornings are calmer and less busy than afternoons. U.S. holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day can drive demand from international visitors even though they’re not Greek public holidays; in Greece, August 15 (Assumption) is especially busy island-wide. Rhodes also hosts summer sailing events like the Rodos Cup in July, which can make marinas lively—another reason to book ahead.

Classic days from Rhodes Town cruise the east coast with swims at Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and the Afandou caves. Southbound itineraries include time at Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay, plus photo passes beneath the Acropolis. Island-hopping is easy too: Symi’s colorful harbor is typically 50–90 minutes by fast boat from Rhodes, while Chalki is about a 45‑minute crossing from Kamiros Skala. Most trips blend coastal sightseeing with two to three relaxed swim/snorkel stops and a leisurely lunch on board or ashore.

Keep it simple. Your confirmation will specify the exact pier or kiosk—arrive 20–30 minutes early so you can check in, meet the crew, and stow your gear. Mandraki Harbor and Faliraki Harbor are the most common pickup points for day cruises; larger yachts often stage from the Rhodes Marina/Akandia area, and west-coast day boats to Chalki leave from Kamiros Skala. If you’re coordinating a group, share the meeting pin in advance and settle food, drink, and music preferences with your captain when you book so the day runs itself once you’re on board.