Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI

★ 4.5 · 59 reviews 1 day (approx.) From $261 Operated by Notos Mare Marine Adventures · Bookable on Viator
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This experience is interesting because you get to captain a 30 hp motorboat for a full day in Crete without needing a licence. You’ll start in Marathi at Notos Mare Marine Adventures, get a solid briefing, then head out along the coast under your own control.

Two things I like a lot are the practical on-the-water training plus the phone navigation app, which helps you plan and also makes it easier for the team to support you if needed. I also like that the boats are set up for summer comfort, with a sunroof for shade during the hottest hours.

One possible drawback to consider is that you’re responsible for the navigation and basic seamanship. You also have fuel and optional damage insurance costs on top of the rental price, so it helps to budget a little extra.

Key Things That Make This Boat Day Work So Well

  • Licence-free 30 hp power: easy for non-licence drivers, but still “real boat” capability for exploring.
  • Up to 6 people per boat: spreads the cost, so it can pencil out well for small groups.
  • Sunroof shade: a simple comfort upgrade for Crete’s midday heat.
  • Guided briefing and route recommendations: you are not just handed keys and sent away.
  • Phone app with real-time mapping: helps you understand where you can go and where you should not.
  • Optional damage insurance available on the day: lets you decide how risk-tolerant you want to be.

Meeting Notos Mare in Marathi, Then Being Ready at 9:00 am

RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI - Meeting Notos Mare in Marathi, Then Being Ready at 9:00 am
The day starts at 9:00 am at Notos Mare Marine Adventures in Marathi, Crete. The meeting point is at Notos Mare – Marine Adventures Marathi on the unnamed road in Marathi 731 00. You’ll return back to the same place to finish, which makes the whole plan feel clean and simple.

If you’re arriving by cruise, plan for a short taxi ride to the marina area. One smart way to think about your timing: show up early enough to slow down. On a boat day, that calm first half hour makes everything smoother later.

You’ll need a valid ID or passport on the day of rental. That’s not the kind of detail you want to discover at the last minute, so I’d keep it in an easy pocket or bag.

The Briefing That Makes a Licence-Free Day Feel Straightforward

RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI - The Briefing That Makes a Licence-Free Day Feel Straightforward
You’re not expected to be a captain from minute one. The rental experience includes a detailed briefing, plus information on where to go along the coast. This matters because a “licence-free boat” is still a motorboat, and Crete’s coastline has plenty of cliffs, coves, and sudden turns.

The briefing also sets expectations about what you can and can’t do, and it prepares you for the practical flow of the day. You’ll get training on how to drive the boat and how to handle stops, especially if you plan to anchor or tie off near calm water.

Boats like this can be easy to drive, but what you really want is confidence. The teams approach here is designed around helping you build that confidence quickly, not dragging it out.

Your Captain Day Includes a Phone App, Not Just a Guess

One of the standout pieces for me is the navigation app setup. You’ll use it on your phone, and it shows a real-time map of where you can and cannot go. That is a huge help when you’re figuring out coastal navigation for the first time.

It also works as a safety net. If something goes off plan, the app helps the team find you if they need to. In plain terms, you get independence, but you’re not disappearing into the horizon with zero support.

What this means for you as a driver: you can focus on enjoying the coast instead of constantly scanning for details you might miss. You’ll still need to drive carefully and keep your eyes open, but you’ll feel less stressed.

Exploring Crete’s Coast: Coves, Cliffs, and Crystal-Clear Water

RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI - Exploring Crete’s Coast: Coves, Cliffs, and Crystal-Clear Water
Once you head out, your day is built around cruising the coastline and choosing stops where conditions feel right. The experience is designed so you can reach coves that are usually tough to access any other way. That’s where the magic tends to happen: short hops from open water to places sheltered by cliffs and steep rock.

A clear theme from real boat days here is how easy it is to find places that feel picture-perfect. People describe anchoring or tying off in crystal-clear water surrounded by cliffs, caves, and mountain scenery. That’s the kind of view that makes you glad you came by sea.

A practical note: the coastline can look calmer than it feels. Even in warmer months, water temperatures can surprise you depending on season. If you’re going in May or cooler shoulder months, expect a quick dip might be more “brisk” than “spa.”

Same stretch of Crete, a different kind of day:

Swim Breaks and Shore Stops Where Food Is Actually Close

One reason this boat rental works well for a one-day plan is the chance to combine sailing with simple shore time. There’s a swim beach and restaurants right at the shore where you can grab a meal without making the day complicated.

This is the advantage of doing a flexible rental. You do not have to wait for a fixed group schedule. You can decide when you want your swim break, when you want shade, and when you want food.

Still, you should think like a captain, not a passenger. Before you plan a shore stop, check:

  • how exposed the spot is to wind,
  • how easy it will be to reboard,
  • and whether you have enough time to return comfortably.

You’ll want to keep your day balanced: don’t burn all your energy early, because Crete’s best light and calmest water can shift during the day.

Boat Comfort: Sunroof Shade, Space for Up to 6, and Real Independence

RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI - Boat Comfort: Sunroof Shade, Space for Up to 6, and Real Independence
The boat is about as straightforward as a rental gets. It’s a 5.5 m, 30 hp motorboat (built for a day of coastal exploration) and it holds up to six passengers.

The sunroof is a big practical win. Crete can be bright and hot, and you’ll appreciate having shade when you are motoring between coves or waiting out the sun for a comfortable swim.

Space planning matters too. Six people on a small motorboat is manageable, but it will feel more comfortable if you travel light and keep movement simple. Bring swimwear, water, and essentials, but try not to bring half a suitcase.

Also remember: you are renting the boat, not a guided skipper experience. A skipper is not included, so you’ll captain your own course.

Fuel, Optional Damage Insurance, and What Your Budget Should Cover

The price is listed as $261.88 per group (up to 6) for about one day. All fees and taxes are included in that rental price, which helps. The two main items not included are fuel and optional damage insurance.

So what does value look like in real terms? If you fill the boat with a full group of six, the rental works out to roughly $44 per person for the day, before fuel. If it’s fewer people, the per-person cost rises, but you still may come out ahead compared with adding a skipper or paying for other transport plus boat access.

Optional insurance is available for damage at an additional cost per day. You can decide this on the day of rental. My advice is to take a moment before you drive: if you’re nervous about tight maneuvers, rocks, or crowds near coves, insurance can be worth considering. If you’re a confident driver and pick calm stops, you might feel comfortable skipping it.

Fuel is the other big line item. Since it’s not included, you should expect to pay separately for the fuel you use during the day.

Logistics That Keep the Day from Getting Messy

RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI - Logistics That Keep the Day from Getting Messy
This is a mobile ticket experience. Confirmation comes at the time of booking, and you’ll receive the details you need electronically.

The start and end are the same, returning you to the meeting point. That matters because one-day sea plans can get stressful when you have to figure out a pickup or transfer after you’ve already been on the water.

It also helps that the activity is near public transportation, so if you are not renting a car, you still have a realistic way to get there.

And since service animals are allowed, the setup should be flexible for those who need that support.

Weather Is Part of the Deal on a One-Day Boat Rental

This kind of boat day depends on weather. The experience notes that it requires good weather, and if it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s the right approach. It’s better to lose a day and reschedule than to force an uncomfortable or unsafe outing.

My practical tip: before you commit the day, check the forecast for both wind and visibility. You want calm enough conditions that you can enjoy coves and do an easy reboard after swimming.

Who This Boat Day Is Perfect For, and Who Should Skip It

This rental makes the most sense if you want freedom and you’re comfortable driving. It’s a great match for:

  • couples and small groups up to six,
  • people who hate rigid tours,
  • and anyone who wants to reach coves with their own pace.

It’s also ideal if you want a hands-on day with a strong briefing and a navigation app. You get independence, plus structure that helps you not feel lost.

Skip it if:

  • you want a full guided itinerary with a skipper doing all the driving,
  • you get stressed easily in new situations,
  • or you’re not ready for the responsibility of operating a motorboat.

Booking Tips to Get the Best Deal

One practical tip I’d actually use: if you can book directly with Notos Mare, you might save around 30 to 40 euros compared with other booking routes. The difference is enough to matter if you are already budgeting fuel and any optional insurance.

Also, it’s smart to book ahead. The experience is commonly reserved about 17 days in advance. If you’re traveling in peak season, earlier booking gives you more chance at the time window you want.

Should You Book This Licence-Free Boat Rental from Marathi?

I think you should book this if you want a true coastal day, not just a boat ride from point A to point B. For the price, you’re getting real motorboat capability, shade on board, and the kind of support that makes licence-free driving feel manageable.

The biggest reason to say yes is value paired with independence. Up to six people can split the cost, and the briefing plus navigation app reduces the usual stress of first-time boating in a new area.

Book it with clear expectations: you are driving, you’ll pay for fuel, and weather can affect plans. If that fits your style, this is a very satisfying way to experience Crete’s shoreline in one day.

FAQ

Do I need a boating licence to captain the boat?

No. This experience is designed for people who do not have a motorboat licence, using 30 hp boats that are described as simple and easy to drive.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The 30 hp boat can accommodate up to six passengers.

What is included in the rental price?

The package includes all fees and taxes and the boat rental itself.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is not included.

Is a skipper included?

No. A skipper is not included, so you captain the boat yourself.

Is optional damage insurance available?

Yes. The boats can be insured for damage for an additional optional cost per day, which you decide on the day of rental.

What do I need to bring on the day?

You need a valid ID or passport to present on the day of rental.

Where does the experience start and end?

It starts at Notos Mare – Marine Adventures Marathi at the listed address in Marathi, Greece, and it ends back at the meeting point. The start time is 9:00 am.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes. This experience features a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

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