Page 8 - Boat rental & yacht charter in Dodecanese, Greece

Rent a boat in the Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese islands are a group of Greek islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Consisting of twelve large islands, the rich culture and beautiful beaches and ocean make it not only a popular destination for those who want a laid-back Greek holiday, but also for those looking for a great route to explore through the popular experience of Island Hopping in Greece.

Pricing and Info on renting in Dodecanese

Renting a motorboat in the Dodecanese islands will average £150-£300 for the day, with a sailboat costing a similar amount on average. For a weeklong charter, sailboats will cost around £2000, while motorboats average slightly more at around £2400. However, these numbers are not fixed and are subject to change due to several factors such as the type of boat and time of year.

Boat Availability in the Dodecanese

It is recommended that the best time to visit the Dodecanese Islands is during either the spring or the autumn. The weather is good, and the tourist season is during the summer months, which means you benefit from the smaller crowds as well, which means more availability and lower prices. During these months, temperatures average in the high 20s degrees Celsius, and several local festivals also fall during these months including the fest day of the Dormition of the Virgin in August. If you plan to visit during the summer, make sure you book far in advance and be aware that the Dodecanese islands are a popular tourist destination so crowds will be large.

Do I need a license to rent a boat in the Dodecanese?

The legislation for renting a boat in the Dodecanese Islands is the same as it is for the rest of Greece, depending on what type of boat you would like to rent. If you are looking to hire a motorboat, a license is required if the boat has more than 30hp, if less, no license is needed. If would like to charter a yacht, you will need a valid license as well as a nautical CV detailing the previous boats you captained as well as the different waters you navigated. 

Overview of the Dodecanese

The Dodecanese Islands are a group of incredible islands to visit, with each island offering a unique experience but also a familiarity. The number of harbours and ferry services makes visiting the islands easy, even if rather than island hopping all you are looking at is a couple of islands to visit during a day trip.

The most famous island is Rhodes, which is a centre of culture and history, with the medieval town having a story for every part of the island. The perfect place to go as a history buff, build on your knowledge of Ancient Greece while exploring the alleys and castle walls, and the attractions such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the Boulevard of the Knights. Not only is Rhodes a great place for the history-lover, but if you would rather relax on the beach then you can enjoy the shores of the island, as well as the natural beauty of areas such as the Valley of the Butterflies.

A smaller but one of the more popular Dodecanese Islands is that of Leipsoi, which is known for its authentic Greek Island experience. The beaches of Leipsoi are some of the best in Greece, with wide popular stretches of sand and clear water, as well as quiet and naturally stunning coves. The closeness to the water means Leipsoi has an array of delicious seafood to offer, such as grilled octopus and mussels, which makes Leipsoi one of the best islands to travel to, if you are looking for a laidback holiday.

For the party animals looking for a place to go, Kos is the island to explore. Not only does Kos have a great nightlife scene, full of bars, nightclubs and beach parties, but the island also has a lot to do during the day, from beaches to relax on to ruins and attractions to explore. Kos is the best of both worlds and is known for the range of water sports offered, as well as the thermal springs to relax in.

Wherever you choose to go in the Dodecanese Islands, there is no limit to things to do and explore. We recommend island hopping around the islands to get the most out of the islands, from Symi to Karpathos, you don’t want to miss out on these islands and places to adventure. With airports on six of the islands, it is an easily accessible area.

Sailing Areas around the Dodecanese

• Rhodes

• Kos

• Leipsoi

• Halki

• Symi

• Tilos

• Patmos