Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Greece?
For a weekly bareboat yacht charter in the low season prices can start from €2,000 while a peak period charter for a luxury catamaran can reach €17,500 plus any extras for a week of sailing in the Greek islands. Please check our 2025 pricelist for more details.
What Is the best place to Sail in Greece?
If you are new to sailing then the islands of the Saronic Gulf are close to Athens and offer shelter from the strong "Meltemi" summer winds. If you are more experienced or sailing with a skipper then the Cyclades feature many of the most famous islands in Greece. The islands of the Ionian Sea, the Dodecanese and the Sporades also all have amazing islands to visit, each of them unique in their own way!
Do I need a license to hire a boat in Greece?
At least one valid sailing license is obligatory to charter a bareboat yacht in Greece and the original must be presented to
the base or local port authorities.
Day Light skipper license and Croatian Type B (Adriatic Sea limitation) are not accepted by the port authorities.
For sailing our 44+ ft Catamarans, we need a sufficient sailing resume.
The Base Manager reserves the right to ask charterers to hire a professional skipper if their sailing skills are not judged
sufficient upon embarkation.
Is a bareboat or skippered charter best?
Assuming you and your crew have suitable qualifications you are free to proceed with a bareboat charter. If none of your group have a skipper's license or if you just want a helping hand and some local knowledge on the best places to visit then a professional skipper is advisable. Skipper rates are fixed per day - please note that a skipper needs his or her own cabin as they are required to sleep onboard.
What do I need for a greek sailing holiday?
You need to bring only your clothes and personal items. Do not forget cotton trousers, t-shirts, swimming clothes, deck shoes, shorts, casual evening clothes, large sea towels and a waterproof jacket. It is better to travel with soft bags instead of suitcases for easier onboard storage. Greece is hot and sunny in the summertime, do not forget sunglasses, suncream and hat!
What is included in the charter fee?
All charter fees given include the yacht rental fees for the period and ports agreed as well as equipment, linen & towels and port fees for the embarkation/disembarkation port and VAT.
What is not included in the charter fee?
Base charter fees do not include fuel consumption, water consumption, provisions, transportation to/from the yacht and any port fees in your itinerary (excluding the fees of your embarkation/disembarkation port). Any items stated as "extra costs" for example one-way fees, skipper's or hostess/cook's fees and extra equipment such as spinnaker/blister rental etc is also charged separately.
How can I secure food and provision for my sailing trip?
Supermarkets are within easy walking distance of all ports in Greece and are usually open 7 days a week in the summertime. If you are landing late on Saturday or if you just want to make things easier on your first day, we can organize your provisions in advance. Simply send us your provision list at least a week before your arrival and we will arrange for your supplies to be waiting for you at your boat.
What day and time do charters start?
All charters begin at 17:00 on the day of departure (normally Saturdays) and start with the check in procedure following the briefing of the crew from a qualified member of Ionian Charter. The charterer (skipper) of the yacht has to sign the inventory list upon embarkation after checking the equipment of the yacht. The Ionian Charter staff will be on hand to give you all the information you need and instructions for a safe and pleasant trip.
What day and time do charters end?
The yacht should be in the port of disembarkation latest by 17:00 on previous day of the end date of the charter (normally Friday evening). You need to return to the marina one day before the end of the charter so there is sufficient time to inspect and repair the boat in case of any accidental damage before the next charter. Early arrival also helps minimize the risk of having yachts returning late for check out due to unforeseen circumstances.
What is security deposit insurance?
All of our yachts are fully insured. Security deposit insurance covers any unfortunate damage or losses to the yacht and/or equipment that might happen during your sailing holiday. All damages or losses are covered apart from those occurring by gross negligence.
What is the payment procedure and accepted methods?
The first payment, 50% of the charter fee, should be remitted to our bank account after booking confirmation. The balance payment (the remaining 50% of the charter fee) should be paid on the same way four weeks prior to embarkation. Ionian Charter accepts payments via credit card, Visa or Mastercard.
