Boat Rental in Lefkada: Licence-Free Boats, Sailing & Catamarans
Il modo migliore per ammirare Lefkada è dal mare. La costa orientale si affaccia su un bacino riparato, costellato di piccole isole – Meganisi, Skorpios, Madouri, Kalamos – il che permette anche a chi è alle prime armi di noleggiare una piccola imbarcazione a motore a Nidri e trascorrere la giornata gettando l’ancora in calette deserte. Questa guida prende in esame imbarcazioni noleggiabili senza patente nautica, barche con skipper, barche a vela e catamarani: indica dove effettuare il noleggio, fornisce un’idea dei costi e suggerisce gli itinerari che consigliamo ai nostri ospiti.
Can you rent a boat without a licence in Lefkada?
Sì. In Grecia è possibile noleggiare una piccola imbarcazione a motore senza patente nautica, a patto che la potenza del motore rientri nei limiti previsti dalla legge per la conduzione senza patente (attualmente fino a 30 CV). Si tratta solitamente di imbarcazioni lunghe tra i 4,5 e i 6 metri, con una capienza di 4–7 persone, ideali per tranquille escursioni lungo la costa. Prima della partenza, la società di noleggio fornisce un breve briefing, una mappa della zona e le dotazioni di sicurezza.
A few simple rules apply:
- The person driving must be an adult and is responsible for the boat and passengers.
- You must stay within the area agreed with the rental company, usually the inland sea between Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios.
- You must return before sunset and avoid going out in strong wind.
- Life jackets must be on board for every passenger, including children.
If you have a licence, you can rent bigger and faster boats, or a RIB with a stronger engine.
Where to rent a boat in Lefkada
Nidri is the boat capital of the island. Most licence-free rentals leave from the Nidri waterfront, and the calm bay and nearby islands make it the easiest starting point for beginners.
Lefkada Town marina is the main base for sailing yachts and catamarans. Most week-long charters start and end here.
Vasiliki in the south is the place for trips to the dramatic west-coast beaches, including Porto Katsiki and Egremni, which are hard to reach by small boat from the east.
Sivota is a tiny, sheltered harbour on the south coast, popular with sailing flotillas and great for exploring quiet southern coves.
Which type of boat is right for you?
| Option | Licence needed | Crew | Best for |
| Licence-free motorboat | No | You drive | Couples and families, one-day trips around Meganisi and Skorpios |
| Speedboat or RIB | Yes | You drive, or with skipper | Faster trips, longer distances |
| Skippered motorboat | No (skipper drives) | Skipper | Groups who want to relax and be shown the best spots |
| Sailing yacht | Yes, or with skipper | Bareboat or skippered | Week-long sailing holidays in the Ionian |
| Catamaran | Yes, or with skipper | Bareboat or skippered | Families and groups who want space and stability |
I prezzi variano in base alla stagione, alle dimensioni dell’imbarcazione e al costo del carburante. Per darvi un’idea, il noleggio giornaliero di una piccola imbarcazione che non richiede patente ha un costo decisamente inferiore rispetto a quello di uno yacht con skipper; inoltre, dividere le spese tra due famiglie risulta spesso più conveniente rispetto a un’escursione organizzata. Contattateci e vi forniremo i prezzi aggiornati dei nostri partner di fiducia.
Four boat routes we love
1. Skorpios, Madouri and the Meganisi caves
The classic first day out from Nidri. Cruise past the private island of Skorpios (you can swim in its bays but not land), see Madouri, and continue to the sea caves on Meganisi, including the famous Papanikolis cave. Stop for lunch in Vathy or Spartochori on Meganisi.
2. Kalamos and Kastos
For more experienced skippers or a skippered trip. These two quiet islands east of Meganisi have very few visitors, clear water and simple tavernas by the harbour.
3. The southern coves around Sivota
From Sivota or Vasiliki, explore the little bays of the south coast: Mikros Gialos, Ammousa and Agiofili, some of which are much easier by boat than by road.
4. The west coast to Porto Katsiki
Nelle giornate di mare calmo, le imbarcazioni in partenza da Vasiliki costeggiano le scogliere di Capo Lefkatas, raggiungendo Porto Katsiki ed Egremni. Ammirare queste spiagge dal mare è un’esperienza indimenticabile; tuttavia, trattandosi di un tratto di costa esposto ai venti, è consigliabile affidarsi a uno skipper esperto o optare per un’escursione organizzata.
Practical tips for a day at sea
- Start early. The sea is calmest in the morning. On most summer days the wind rises in the afternoon, especially on the west coast.
- Check fuel. Ask whether fuel is included or charged on return.
- Bring water, snacks, hats, reef-safe sun cream, a towel for each person and a waterproof bag for phones.
- Anchoring: drop anchor on sand, not on seagrass, and keep a safe distance from swimmers.
- Respect Skorpios. The island is private; you may swim in the bays, but you cannot go ashore.
- Children must wear life jackets while the boat is moving.
Where to stay for boat trips
If boating is a big part of your holiday, stay on the east coast. Nidri puts you a short walk from the rental boats, while Nikiana and Perigiali are quieter and only a few minutes away by car. We can also organise your boat through our boat rental service.
FAQ
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Lefkada?
No, not for small motorboats within the licence-free engine limit (currently up to 30 hp). For larger or faster boats you need a licence or a skipper.
How much does a boat rental cost per day?
It depends on the season, the boat size and fuel. Licence-free boats are the cheapest option; skippered yachts and catamarans cost more but can be shared by a group. Contact us for current prices.
Can I rent a sailing boat with a skipper?
Yes. Day trips and week-long charters with a skipper leave mainly from Lefkada Town marina and Nidri.
Is the sea calm on the east coast?
Usually, yes. The inland sea between Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios is sheltered, which is why it is ideal for beginners. Mornings are the calmest.
