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

The best part of this Marathi boat rental is the freedom. After a briefing, you take the wheel of a 30-horsepower boat and follow Crete’s coast at your own pace, stopping in quiet coves, near cliffs, and wherever the water looks inviting. You do not need a boating license, and the boat carries up to six people.

I like the clear route app, which shows where you can and cannot go, and I like the practical setup at Marathi, where a beach and shore-side restaurants are close to the rental point. The main drawback is that fuel is not included, and you must be comfortable taking responsibility for the boat rather than hiring a skipper.

Key points to know before you book

• No boating license required: The 30hp boats are designed for visitors without a motorboat license.
• Fits up to six people: The price is per boat, not per passenger, making it good value for a small group.
• Marathi is your launch point: The boat begins and ends at Notos Mare Marine Adventures on the shore.
• The navigation app matters: It shows permitted waters and can help the staff locate you if assistance is needed.
• You set the pace: Stop at coves, cliffs, caves, and clear swimming spots rather than following a fixed sightseeing route.
• Budget for extras: Fuel, an optional damage insurance plan, transport, and a skipper are not included.

Taking the wheel from Marathi

This is a self-drive coastal outing, not a sightseeing cruise with a fixed route. You arrive at Notos Mare Marine Adventures in Marathi for a 9:00 am start, present a valid passport or ID, and complete the required briefing before leaving the shore.

The boat is 5.5 meters long and fitted with a 30hp motor. That size gives you enough room for a group of up to six without turning the outing into a crowded little runabout. It also remains simple enough for a first-time driver after instruction, which is the point of this rental.

The staff explain how to operate the boat and provide information about where to go. A navigation app is placed on your phone, showing real-time information about the permitted area. This is more than a nice extra. It keeps you from guessing about restricted waters and gives the rental team a way to find you if you need help.

You should pay close attention during the briefing. The whole appeal is being your own captain, but that also means you are responsible for following the rules, handling the boat sensibly, and keeping track of your group. If you want someone else to manage the boat, a skipper is not included and must be arranged separately.

What a full day on the Cretan coast feels like

The rental gives you a full day, approximately, rather than a short timed ride. That makes a real difference. You are not racing from one viewpoint to the next or watching the clock while someone else decides when to leave a cove.

Your route depends on the permitted boating area, weather, and the choices you make during the day. The experience is best understood as a flexible coastal outing. You can cruise along the shoreline, pause in a cove, anchor or tie off where allowed, and spend time swimming or simply looking back at the cliffs and mountains from the water.

Several parts of the coast are especially rewarding from a small boat. Cliffs rise differently when you see them from sea level. Caves and inlets that might be difficult to reach from land become possible places to explore, subject to the navigation limits given in your briefing. The water is described as crystal clear, and the scenery includes cliffs, caves, mountains, and even mountain goats visible from the shore.

That last detail gives you a sense of the outing’s character. This is not only about operating a boat. It is about seeing a more rugged side of Crete that is easy to miss if you stay on the roads and at busy beaches.

The swimming stops are up to you, but remember that water temperature can vary by season. A May outing may bring chilly water, even on a warm, sunny day. Pack a towel and swimwear if you plan to get in, but do not assume the sea will feel like a heated pool.

The boat, shade, and space for six

The boats have a sunroof, which is important in the Cretan summer. A full day on open water can be tiring under direct sun, especially for children or anyone who prefers not to sit in the heat all day.

The seating arrangement is suitable for up to six passengers, but the practical comfort of six people depends on how much personal space and gear your group wants. Six adults with bags, towels, food, and snorkeling equipment will feel more crowded than four people traveling light.

The supplied information does not list specific onboard equipment beyond the sunroof and motor, so avoid assuming that snorkeling gear, food, drinks, or other supplies are included. Ask the operator what you may bring and what is already on board before departure.

The boat rental includes the rental itself and all fees and taxes listed by the operator. It does not include fuel. Since fuel use depends on how far and how fast you travel, you should treat the advertised price as the starting cost, not the final cost of the day.

Why the group price can be good value

The listed price is $261.88 per group of up to six people. Split six ways, that is about $43.65 per person before fuel and any optional insurance. For four people, it works out to roughly $65.47 each before those extras.

That is a fair setup for a full day of private use. You are paying for control and flexibility rather than a seat on a standard cruise. A larger group gets the best value, while a couple should compare the total with a shared boat trip or a shorter rental.

The price also makes this a useful option for families and friends who want to stay together. Nobody has to split into different vessels, and you can choose your own rhythm. One person can drive while others relax under the sunroof, then you can change roles when you stop.

Fuel is the key unknown cost. The boat’s fuel bill will depend on your route and time under power, so ask how fuel is calculated at the end of the rental. Optional damage insurance is also available for an additional daily charge. You decide about that on the day, but ask what it covers before accepting it.

A practical booking note: one direct-booking tip associated with this experience suggests that contacting Notos Mare directly may save 30 to 40 euros. Prices can change, so compare the current direct rate with the online price before paying.

Marathi makes the start easy

The meeting point is Notos Mare Marine Adventures, on an unnamed road in Marathi, postal code 731 00. The activity ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup at another harbor.

Marathi is a useful launch point because the rental is right by the shore. A swimming beach and restaurants are close to the departure area, giving you somewhere to wait, eat, or cool off before or after the boat trip.

Private transportation is not included. The location is near public transportation, but the exact transport route is not specified, so check your route from your hotel or cruise port before booking. A taxi can be used from a cruise port, as one practical option, but you should arrange and budget for that yourself.

Arrive ready for a day outdoors. You need a valid passport or ID for the rental, and you should keep it available for presentation on the day. The operator confirms bookings at the time of reservation and provides a mobile ticket.

Using the navigation app and staying inside the permitted area

The navigation app is one of the most useful features of the rental. It displays a real-time map of where you may and may not go. That gives you a much clearer idea of your boundaries than a verbal explanation alone.

It also serves a safety purpose. The rental team can use the app to locate you if you need assistance. You should keep your phone charged and follow the instructions given at the briefing. The available information does not state whether a phone, charger, or waterproof case is supplied, so ask before you leave the beach.

Do not treat the app as a replacement for the briefing. Weather, sea conditions, and local instructions still matter. If the staff tell you to avoid a particular area, follow that advice even if the map appears to permit it.

This system is especially helpful if nobody in your group has driven a boat before. You still need to pay attention, but you are not trying to navigate the entire coast from memory. The result is a more relaxed day and fewer arguments about where you are allowed to go.

The best stops are the ones you choose

There is no fixed list of stops, and that is both the strength and the limit of this activity. You can spend more time at a cove that suits your group rather than leaving because a guide has announced the next stop.

The coast offers the kind of scenery that works well from a small boat: clear water, steep cliffs, caves, and mountain views. You might anchor or tie off where permitted, swim, and then continue when you are ready. You might also find that the most memorable moments come between the main points, when the boat is moving quietly along the shore and the usual road-based view of Crete has disappeared.

The lack of a fixed route means you should not book this expecting a guaranteed visit to a particular beach or cave. The exact day depends on the weather, the permitted zone, and the instructions given at departure.

I would also avoid trying to pack too much into the day. A boat outing can become tiring if you spend every minute moving. Pick a few places, leave time for swimming and lunch, and enjoy the simple pleasure of not having to hurry.

Weather, fuel, and other practical tradeoffs

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you receive the choice of a different date or a full refund. That policy protects you from being pushed onto the water on an unsafe day, but it also means your plans need some flexibility.

You may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the local start time are not accepted for a refund. That matters if your plans depend on a cruise schedule, rental car, or uncertain weather forecast.

The skipper is not included. This is a self-drive rental, so the person at the controls must listen carefully and remain responsible for safe operation. If your group prefers to relax without driving, ask about hiring a skipper before you book, since the listed experience does not include one.

Optional insurance for boat damage costs extra and can be decided on the rental day. Read the terms before choosing it. Insurance is not automatically part of the advertised price.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The operator also notes that the location is near public transportation. Specific information about accessibility aboard the boat is not provided, so ask directly if anyone in your group has mobility needs.

Who should book this Marathi boat rental

I would choose this for a group of friends or a family that wants a private day on the water and is comfortable sharing the driving. The price becomes more attractive with five or six people, and the flexible route works well for groups with different ideas about swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

It also suits independent visitors who dislike fixed tours. You receive instruction and route guidance, but you decide when to move. That balance gives you support without taking away the feeling of making your own day.

This is less suitable if you want a fully guided coastal tour, guaranteed visits to named beaches, or an all-inclusive price. It may also be a poor fit for anyone uneasy about operating a motorboat, even after a briefing. In that case, ask about a skipper or choose a cruise instead.

The 4.7 rating from 59 reviews and 93 percent recommendation indicate strong satisfaction, with the most praised points being the staff briefing, the easy-to-use map, the scenery, and the freedom to explore. Those are the parts I would value most, because they directly affect how relaxed and useful the day feels.

Should you book it?

Book this Marathi rental if you want a private boat, a flexible coastal route, and the chance to reach coves and views that are hard to experience from land. It is strongest for groups of four to six, when the shared price makes sense and you can trade driving duties.

Before booking, confirm the fuel arrangement, the current direct price, and the cost and terms of optional insurance. Check the weather forecast, bring identification, and keep your plans flexible. If those details suit you, this is a practical way to make one day in Crete feel genuinely your own.

FAQ

Where does the boat rental start?

It starts at Notos Mare Marine Adventures Marathi, on an unnamed road in Marathi, Crete, postal code 731 00.

What time does the rental start?

The listed start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Marathi.

How many people can fit on the boat?

Each 30hp boat can accommodate up to six passengers.

Do I need a motorboat license?

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

Is fuel included in the price?

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

Is a skipper included?

No. This is a self-drive rental, and a skipper is not included.

What identification do I need?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.