Where can I rent a boat in Crete to visit Spinalonga?

Elounda is the closest harbour to Spinalonga Island — about 15 minutes by boat. You can either self-drive a small motorboat there or book a private skippered trip that combines Spinalonga with Kolokitha Beach and the sunken city of Olous.

Are boat rentals in Crete safe for families with kids?

Yes. Mirabello Bay is sheltered and calm in the morning, both self-drive boats and private tours carry child life jackets, and skippered tours add an experienced local crew. Families with young children often prefer a private skippered boat so adults can relax in the water.

Boat Rental in Crete: Self-Drive vs Private Skippered Tour (2026 Guide)

The two ways to get on the water in Crete

If you're searching for boat hire in Crete, you'll find two very different options at almost every harbour on the island. Both are excellent — they just suit different travellers. In Elounda, on the north-east coast inside the sheltered Mirabello Bay, both options give you access to Spinalonga Island, Kolokitha Beach and the sunken Roman city of Olous within a 20-minute boat ride.

Self-drive boat rental — you take the helm of a small motorboat (no license required up to 30 HP) and follow your own plan.
Private skippered tour — a local captain drives, you relax, swim and enjoy the day; the route is still tailored to your group.

The rest of this guide compares the two side-by-side so you can pick the right one before you arrive.

Side-by-side comparison

Option 1

Self-Drive Boat Rental (No License)

From €60 / hour · whole boat

You drive — total freedom on your route and timing.
No boating license needed for the small motorboats.
Best for couples and small families who love independence.
Fuel, safety gear and a quick briefing included.
Stay inside Mirabello Bay; calmer in the morning.

Browse the no-license fleet.

Option 2

Private Skippered Boat Tour

From €150 / 3 hours · whole boat

Experienced local skipper drives and guides.
Visits Spinalonga, Kolokitha, Olous and hidden coves.
Best for groups of 4+, first-time visitors and families with young kids.
Snorkel gear, cold drinks, fuel and route planning included.
Adults can swim and relax — no one is "the driver".

See the private trip packages.

Detail	Self-Drive Rental	Private Skippered Tour
Starting price	€60 / hour	€150 / 3 hours
License required	No (up to 30 HP)	No — skipper drives
Who drives	You	Local captain
Range	Inside Mirabello Bay	Bay + further coves
Best for	1–4 people, independent	4–10 people, families, first-timers
Local knowledge	Map + briefing	Built-in local guide
Effort	You plan & navigate	Just show up

Which one should you book?

Couple on a relaxed trip: Self-drive. A 2–3 hour rental of a small Olympic or Karel motorboat gives you total privacy, costs less than dinner for two, and lets you anchor wherever the water looks best. See the Olympic SX 490.

Family with young children: Private skippered tour. Adults aren't tied to the wheel, the skipper knows the calmest swim spots, and there's room for everyone's bags, towels and snacks. Spinalonga + Kolokitha private trip.

Group of friends (4–8): Private skippered tour or premium speedboat. A skippered trip works out cheaper per person than four jet-ski rentals and you cover much more ground. If you have an EU license, the luxury speedboat is the most fun way to island-hop.

Confident driver who's done it before: Self-drive a Semi-Rigid RIB. Stable, fast enough to reach further coves and snorkel spots, and still no license needed.

Why Elounda is the easiest place in Crete to rent a boat

Most boat rental questions on Crete come down to "where do I go?". Elounda answers that on day one:

Sheltered water. Mirabello Bay is protected by the Spinalonga peninsula, so even beginner drivers can enjoy a calm sea in the morning.
Short distances. Spinalonga Island is 15 minutes away, Kolokitha Beach 20, Olous sunken city 10 — you don't burn the day in transit.
Local expertise. Our family has been on this water since 1984. We know the wind times, the quiet coves, and where the fish actually are.
10 minutes from Agios Nikolaos and about an hour from Heraklion airport — easy to reach without a long transfer.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in Crete?

No license is required for the small motorboats (up to 30 HP) you can self-drive in Elounda and most of Crete. A valid EU or international license is only needed for premium speedboats above that engine power.

Is it cheaper to rent a boat or join a private skippered tour?

A self-drive no-license motorboat in Elounda starts around €60–€80 per hour for the whole boat. A private skippered tour starts around €150 for three hours and includes the skipper, fuel and route planning. For couples self-drive is usually cheaper; for groups of 4+ a private tour is often the best value.

Can I visit Spinalonga by boat from Elounda?

Yes — Elounda is the closest harbour to Spinalonga, about 15 minutes by boat. You can either self-drive there or book a private skippered trip that combines Spinalonga with Kolokitha Beach and Olous.

Are boat rentals in Crete safe for kids?

Yes. Mirabello Bay is sheltered, all boats carry child life jackets, and our skippered trips add an experienced local crew. Families with young children often prefer a private skippered boat so adults can swim too.