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

Take the wheel and leave the harbor behind. This Marathi boat rental gives you a full day on Crete’s coast without needing a motorboat licence, and I especially like the simple 30hp boats and the careful safety briefing before departure. You can explore at your own pace, stop for swims, and reach coves that are difficult to visit from land.

I also like the way the rental price works for a group of up to six people, rather than charging each person separately. The main catch is that fuel costs extra, and the boat rental does not include a skipper or private transport. You should also bring valid identification and expect the final route to depend on weather and the permitted boating area.

Key points to know before you book

• No motorboat licence required: The 30hp boats are designed for people without a boating licence.
• Fits up to six people: The price is per boat, which can make this good value for a family or small group.
• Marathi is the launch point: The boat starts and finishes at Notos Mare, beside a beach and shorefront restaurants.
• The briefing matters: Staff explain how to operate the boat and provide guidance about where you can go.
• A phone navigation app is used: The map shows the allowed area and can help staff locate you if needed.
• Fuel and insurance are extra: Optional damage insurance can be arranged on the day, but fuel is not included.

Taking the boat from Marathi at 9 a.m.

Your day begins at 9 a.m. at Notos Mare Marine Adventures in Marathi, on Crete’s northwest coast. The meeting point is on the shore, with a swimming beach and restaurants nearby, so you are not starting from an isolated industrial marina.

That setting makes the morning easier. You can arrive, get organized, and have food or a swim nearby before or after the rental. If you are coming from a cruise ship, transport is not included, but the location can be reached by taxi from the cruise port.

The exact order of the morning depends on the rental process, but you should expect three practical steps: check-in, presentation of your valid ID or passport, and the boat briefing. The staff explain the controls and basic handling before you leave. This is not a quick handover where you are simply pointed toward the water.

That instruction is especially useful if this is your first time operating a small motorboat. A 30-horsepower boat is manageable, but you still need to understand steering, speed, stopping, anchoring, and the limits of the permitted area. Take the briefing seriously, ask questions, and make sure every person who may handle the boat understands the instructions.

The staff also provide recommendations about where to go. A navigation app can be installed on your phone to show the permitted boating zone in real time. It can also help the team find you if you need assistance. Before pulling away, I would confirm how the app works, how to contact the base, and what to do if your phone battery runs low.

What a 5.5-meter, 30hp boat feels like

The boats are about 5.5 meters long and powered by 30 horsepower. They are intended for a maximum of six passengers, though six people will have less room to spread out than a smaller group.

For four to six people, the per-boat pricing is the main attraction. At $261.88 for the group, the base cost works out to about $43.65 per person if all six places are filled. That calculation does not include fuel or optional insurance, but it can still compare well with six separate seats on a guided cruise, especially if you value privacy and control over the day.

The boat includes a sunroof. That shade is not a minor detail in Crete, where a full day on open water can mean strong sun from morning onward. You can still enjoy the views and fresh air without sitting exposed for every minute.

You should not expect the comfort of a large excursion vessel. This is a small open boat, and space, shade, and storage are limited compared with a full-size cruise boat. The reward is freedom. You are not tied to a fixed sightseeing schedule or a group timetable.

You also do not have a skipper included. That means one person in your group takes responsibility for driving the boat and following the instructions. If that sounds stressful, this rental may not suit you. If you are comfortable learning simple controls and staying within the mapped area, it offers a more active day at sea.

Following the coast beyond Marathi

Once you leave Marathi, the experience is not built around a formal list of named stops. Instead, you use the staff’s recommendations and the navigation app to choose your route within the approved boating zone.

That flexible format is one of the best parts of the rental. You can travel along the coast, pause at a quiet cove, anchor for a swim, or continue toward cliffs and caves. The route belongs to your group, not to a guide trying to keep everyone on a tight schedule.

The coast around the boating area offers the kind of scenery that is hard to appreciate from a road. From the water, cliffs rise directly from the sea, caves appear along the shoreline, and mountains form the background. You may also spot mountain goats on the rocky slopes, an unusual detail that adds a little life to the view.

Keep your expectations sensible. The rental gives you access to coastal scenery and swimming areas, but it does not promise particular wildlife sightings or a specific cave visit. The day’s route depends on weather, the approved zone, and the choices you make after the briefing.

The real value is the ability to stop when you want. A standard boat cruise may pass a beautiful cove while you remain seated among other people. Here, you can pause in clear water and enjoy the setting for as long as your fuel and rental time allow.

Swimming in clear water and quiet coves

The swimming stops are likely to become the heart of your day. You can anchor or tie off, then get into the water surrounded by cliffs, caves, and mountain views.

The supplied experience details describe clear water, but water temperature can vary sharply by season. In May, it has been described as chilly, so do not assume the sea will feel warm simply because the air is hot. A quick swim may be refreshing, but some people will prefer to stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The boat’s sunroof helps during the pauses between swims. You can move from shade to open sun, but remember that reflected light from the water still reaches you. Pack sun protection, drinking water, and anything you need for several hours outside. These are practical needs for a boat day, not optional extras.

You should also treat swimming stops with care. The boat gives you independence, but there is no skipper watching every movement. Follow the safety instructions, keep track of your group, and do not leave the permitted area.

For families, the six-person limit can be useful, but the adults in the group should be comfortable supervising children around the boat and in the water. The activity is listed as suitable for most people, but the rental still requires basic attention and cooperation from everyone aboard.

Fuel, insurance, and the real price

The advertised price is $261.88 per group of up to six. That includes the boat rental and all fees and taxes listed for the experience. It does not include fuel, private transportation, a skipper, or optional damage insurance.

Fuel is the cost most likely to affect your final bill. Since you are renting for the day and choosing your own route, consumption will depend on how far you go and how long you run the engine. Ask how fuel is calculated before departure so you know what to expect when you return.

Optional insurance for boat damage can be arranged at an additional daily cost. You decide on this on the day of rental. I would ask for the exact price and what it covers before signing anything, then weigh that cost against your comfort level and boating experience.

The lack of a skipper keeps the base price lower, but it also places more responsibility on you. If you want to sit back without handling the boat, you would need to arrange a skipper separately, and that is not included in the stated rental.

A useful booking tip is to compare the third-party price with booking directly through Notos Mare. A booking note says direct reservations may save about 30 to 40 euros. Prices can change, so check the direct rate and compare the terms before paying.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this rental for a group that wants private time on the water and likes making its own plans. It suits couples traveling together, families, and friends who can share driving and boat duties.

It is also a good fit if you have already seen Crete’s coastal roads and want a different view of the island. The water gives you access to coves and cliff-lined sections that are not easy to reach by car.

You do not need a licence, but you do need a responsible driver. Pick the person in your group who is calm, attentive, and willing to follow the briefing. You can rotate duties only if the staff are comfortable with that and each person understands the controls.

This is less suitable for anyone who wants a fully guided sightseeing cruise, a guaranteed list of landmarks, or a crew member handling every detail. It is also not the right choice if poor weather is likely to spoil the day, since the activity depends on good conditions.

Service animals are allowed, and the experience is listed as accessible to most people. Still, the information does not describe boat boarding arrangements or facilities in detail, so anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm those points before booking.

Timing, transport, and what to bring

The rental lasts approximately one day and starts at 9 a.m. You return the boat to the same Marathi meeting point. That makes the experience easy to pair with a meal or swim at the shore after you come back.

Private transportation is not included. If you are staying elsewhere, you need to arrange your own way to Marathi. The location has nearby public transportation, but the exact route and schedule are not provided, so check your connection before setting off.

Bring your valid ID or passport for the rental check-in. You will also want a charged phone for the navigation app, along with sun protection, water, swimwear, and a towel. Keep personal items secure and avoid bringing anything you would regret getting wet.

A small amount of planning makes a big difference. Fill your phone before departure, learn the boundaries on the map, and agree on who will drive. Ask where you may anchor or tie off, and confirm the plan for returning the boat.

The cancellation terms are fairly forgiving if your plans change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

My call: book it for freedom, not a guided cruise

I would book this Marathi boat rental if I had a small group, wanted a private day on the water, and felt comfortable taking the controls after a proper briefing. The strong points are clear: no licence is needed, the boat holds up to six, the coast offers cliffs and caves, and you decide when to stop.

The best value comes when you fill most of the seats and share the cost. Remember to add fuel, consider the optional insurance, and compare the direct price with the online rate.

Book it if the idea of anchoring in clear water and choosing your own route sounds better than following a fixed cruise. Skip it if you want a skipper, a guaranteed sightseeing itinerary, or a completely hands-off day at sea.

FAQ

Do I need a motorboat licence?

No. The 30hp boats are intended for people who do not have a motorboat licence.

How many people can use one boat?

Each boat can accommodate up to six passengers.

What time does the rental start?

The scheduled start time is 9 a.m.

Where does the boat rental begin?

It begins at Notos Mare Marine Adventures in Marathi, Crete.

Does the rental finish at the same place?

Yes. The activity ends back at the Marathi meeting point.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is not included and must be paid for separately.

Is a skipper included?

No. A skipper is not included in the rental.

Is insurance included?

No. Optional damage insurance may be arranged at an additional daily cost on the rental day.

What identification do I need?

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