Boat hire in Ionian Islands

All about Boat Rentals in the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands lie off the west coast of Greece and range in size, features and attractions.  There are seven main islands in this group - Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Kythira, Lefkas, Paxos, and Zakynthos - and also several smaller islands, including Antipaxos and Antikythera.  Though all enticing in their own exotic manner, the beauty of a boat rental in the Ionian Islands means you can explore whichever island you desire and even access secluded bays, coves and beaches unavailable to those on land. Sample the finest Greek menus in small coastal towns and explore the underwater world in the pleasantly warm and glistening Ionian Sea.

Flexible cancellation or date changes up to 15 days before check in is allowed on selected boats, so be sure to check which ones this applies to if you’re worried about covid ruining your vacation plans.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in the Ionian Islands?

The cost of renting a boat in the Ionian Islands can vary a lot depending on a number of different factors.  Some of these include the number of people, the size of the boat, where in the islands you wish to rent, the season, the amenities on board and the type of boat.

For yacht charter in the Ionian Islands, you will typically pay around £3473 for a day or £24314 for a week in high season, while in low season prices start at around £3039 for a day or £21275 for a week.

To go sailing in the Ionian Islands in a sailboat, prices usually begin at around £2152 a week in high season or £669 a week in low season.

A catamaran charter in the Ionian Islands usually costs about £4325 per week in high season, but only £1731 per week in low season.

Ionian RIB charter costs start at around £182 for half a day, £243 for a full day and £1824 for a week and often remain fairly consistent all year round.

For a motorboat rental in the Ionian Islands, you should expect to pay at least £57 for half a day, £103 for a full day, and £723 for a week in high season, or £47 for half a day, £73 for a full day and £511 for a week.

Gulet prices also remain consistent in the months they are available, starting at around £729 for half a day, £1094 for a full day and £7294 for a week.

To rent a licence free boat, you will usually pay around £115 per day and £693 per week in high season, or £73 per day and £438 per week in low season.

Is a bareboat charter in the Ionian Islands possible?

Yes, it is possible to rent a boat in the Ionian Islands with or without a skipper and you won’t need a licence unless the engine power of your rental boat is 30 horsepower or more.

Renting a boat without a skipper is perfect for people who feel comfortable sailing without the aid of a skipper, with complete freedom to explore the islands as they choose.  If, however, you are inexperienced when it comes to sailing, or simply want a more relaxing style of holiday, you should rent with a skipper.

What are the weather and sailing conditions like in the Ionian Islands?

The weather in the Ionian Islands varies a lot throughout the year.  The summer months can get very hot as there is no Meltemi wind to cool them down, with average temperatures of around 35-36°C (95-96.8°F), which sometimes even exceed 40°C (104°F).  The winter temperatures on the other hand can drop quite low and although there will rarely be snow or frost on lower ground, snow does fall in the mountains.  

The coldest month in the Ionian Islands is January, with average low temperatures of 5°C (41°F), whereas the hottest months are July and August, when the average high temperatures reach around 31°C (87.8°F).  The sea temperature typically reaches its peak in August, when it is around 26°C (78.8°F), but drops down to around 15°C (59°F) in February and March.

Usually, the wettest month in the Ionian islands is December, with 110 mm (4.3 inches) of rainfall and the driest month is July, with just 5 mm (0.2 inches).  July also has the most hours of sunlight, with around 13 hours a day, while December usually has just 4 hours of sunlight a day.  In July and August, a slightly stronger wind known as the maestro can pick up, prevailing from a north to north-westerly direction. 

When is the best time for a boat charter in the Ionian Islands?

The best time for a boat charter in the Ionian Islands depends on what you want to do while there.  If you’re after a beach trip, the summer months are a fantastic time to go as the sea and air temperatures are perfect for swimming.  Although there will be more tourists, meaning that some of the more accessible beaches will likely be overcrowded, the beauty of these islands is that there are many beaches and coves that are only reachable by boat.  If you’re planning a boat charter, this puts you in the perfect position to access some of these hidden beaches to escape the crowds.  In fact, the only drawback of going during this time is that the boat prices will likely be higher.

If you plan on exploring the islands a little during your boat charter, maybe it would be better to go from March to May or October and November, when the temperatures are a little lower and may be more pleasant for walking.  There will also be fewer tourists and lower boat prices during this time.

What are the main ports and sailing areas in the Ionian Islands?

Our boat rentals are based mainly on the islands of Lefkas (Lefkada), Corfu and Kefalonia. We also rent boats on the west coast of Greece, meaning you can start your boat rental on the mainland and later set sail for the islands. Here is a list of our  main boat rental locations in and around the Ionian Islands.

• West coast of Greece - Port of Kyllini, Preveza Marina, Palairos Marina
• Lefkas - Port of Lefkas (also known as Port of Lefkada), Vasiliki Marina
• Corfu - Gouvia Marina, Kerkira Marina
• Kefalonia - Sami Port

We have sailboat rentals available in all of these locations (assuming they are available and not already booked) and our catamaran rentals are most popular on the islands Lekfas and Corfu, although we also have some available in other locations.

What to do in the Ionian Islands

There are a variety of different options for your itinerary and route in the Ionian Islands, so here are a few things we think make the Ionian Islands stand out and thus should visit during your boat charter.

Myrtos Beach is the perfect example of a paradisaical beach in Kefalonia, and a favourite among both locals and visitors. There is little access from the roads, so with a boat rental in the Ionian Islands, you are at an extreme advantage in terms of accessibility as well as comfort! 

Visit the Museum of Asian Art to see unique displays of Japanese, Chinese and Indian art amongst others. It is the only Asian art museum in Greece and a top attraction if you happen to be spending some time in Corfu city.

If you enjoy looking at ancient architecture or gaining some historical insight, there are two fortresses in the Ionian Islands that we would like to recommend. On the small and quaint island of Kythira, the fortress Kastro is an impressive 14th century structure, now slightly weathered and overgrown with wild flowers and shrubbery, although we think this gives you even more reason to appreciate this beautifully timeworn fortress. The other fortress is the Palaio Frourio in the city of Corfu. Also a 14th century build, this fortress has a bridge enabling you to cross the seawater moat and shares territory with a lighthouse, worth climbing up for the breathtaking views. 

How to get to the Ionian Islands

Corfu and Kefalonia both have their own island airports, making your starting destination really easy to reach!   Currently there are direct flights to Kefalonia from other places in Greece, such as Athens and Zakynthos, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and many cities across the UK, including London.  The airport in Corfu is bigger, with direct flights from most of the same places as Kefalonia airport, as well as France, Belgium, Barcelona in Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and other Greek cities, such as Thessaloniki.

If you want to start your holiday a little earlier, you could also take a boat from a nearby country or island, such as Italy or Albania.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ionian Islands

What is the daily cost to hire a boat in Ionian Islands?

In Ionian Islands, the average cost of hiring a boat is approximately 368£ per day. Several factors can affect the price, such as the season, the boat's year of manufacture, and the equipment included. The daily rates can vary from 105£ and 3,150£.

What is the cost per day to hire a skipper in Ionian Islands?

The cost of hiring a skipper varies depending on the destination and the boat owner. In Ionian Islands, the average price for a skipper is around 111£ per day.

What is the average length of boats in Ionian Islands?

In Ionian Islands, boats have an average length of 8 meters.

Is fuel included in the cost of hiring a boat in Ionian Islands?

Fuel is typically not included in the hire cost for most boats. However, in Ionian Islands, fuel is included in the price for 10 boats.

What is the sleeping capacity of a boat in Ionian Islands?

In Ionian Islands, a boat typically has an average of 2 berths. You can also find boats with up to 10 berths.

Good to know