Boat Rental in Lefkada: Licence-Free Boats, Sailing & Catamarans
Lefkada se vede cel mai bine de pe apă. Coasta de est este orientată spre o mare interioară protejată, presărată cu insulițe – Meganisi, Skorpios, Madouri, Kalamos – astfel încât, chiar și cei aflați la prima experiență pot închiria o barcă mică cu motor din Nidri și își pot petrece ziua ancorând în golfulețe pustii. Acest ghid prezintă opțiunile disponibile: bărci care nu necesită permis, ambarcațiuni cu skipper, iahturi cu pânze și catamarane – unde le puteți închiria, care sunt costurile aproximative și ce rute le recomandăm oaspeților noștri.
Can you rent a boat without a licence in Lefkada?
Da. În Grecia, puteți închiria o barcă mică cu motor fără a avea nevoie de permis de conducere a ambarcațiunilor, cu condiția ca puterea motorului să se încadreze în limita legală (în prezent, până la 30 CP). Aceste bărci au, de obicei, o lungime de 4,5–6 metri, pot transporta între 4 și 7 persoane și sunt ideale pentru plimbări relaxante de-a lungul coastei. Înainte de plecare, compania de închirieri vă va oferi un scurt instructaj, o hartă a zonei și echipamentul de siguranță necesar.
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 | Nu | 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 |
Prețurile variază în funcție de sezon, de dimensiunea bărcii și de consumul de combustibil. Orientativ, închirierea unei bărci mici (pentru care nu este necesar permis) costă mult mai puțin decât un iaht cu skipper; în plus, dacă împărțiți costurile unei bărci între două familii, ieșiți adesea mai ieftin decât dacă ați opta pentru o excursie organizată. Contactați-ne și vă vom transmite prețurile actualizate de la partenerii noștri de încredere.
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
On a calm day, boats from Vasiliki run along the cliffs of Cape Lefkatas to Porto Katsiki and Egremni. Seeing these beaches from the sea is unforgettable, but this coast is exposed to wind, so it is best with an experienced skipper or a scheduled boat trip.
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
Dacă plimbările cu barca reprezintă o parte importantă a vacanței dumneavoastră, vă recomandăm să vă cazați pe coasta de est. Din Nidri, puteți ajunge pe jos la locul de unde se închiriază ambarcațiunile, în timp ce Nikiana și Perigiali sunt zone mai liniștite, aflate la doar câteva minute de mers cu mașina. De asemenea, ne putem ocupa noi de închirierea bărcii prin intermediul serviciului nostru dedicat.
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.
