Reviewed · CRETE TOURS
RENT A BOAT 5,5m-30hp LICENCE FREE MARATHI
The best part of this Marathi boat rental is the freedom. You leave the shore as your own captain, then choose where to pause along Crete’s coast instead of following a fixed group route. The boats carry up to six people, and a sunroof gives you welcome shade during a hot summer day.
I like the license-free 30-horsepower boat and the clear briefing with a real-time map app showing where you can and cannot go. I also like the setting: Marathi has a swim beach and restaurants right beside the rental point, so you can make a full day of the outing. The main drawback is that fuel costs extra, and you need to feel comfortable handling a small motorboat after the briefing.
Key points for your day on the water
- Captain your own boat: No motorboat license is required for the 30-horsepower boats.
- Share the cost: One boat costs $261.88 for up to six people, not per passenger.
- Start from Marathi: The rental point sits beside a beach and shoreline restaurants.
- Follow the permitted route: A phone app shows the live map and areas you may or may not enter.
- Plan for add-on costs: Fuel, transport, and optional damage insurance are not included.
- Expect a full morning or day: The listed start time is 9:00 am, and the boat returns to the same meeting point.
Leaving Marathi with your own 30-horsepower boat

You meet Notos Mare Marine Adventures at the Marathi marina on an unnamed road in Marathi, postal code 731 00. The listed start time is 9:00 am, which gives you a useful early start before the strongest afternoon heat.
This is not a ride where you simply sit back while someone else handles the boat. After presenting a valid ID or passport, you receive instructions on how to operate it. The briefing is an important part of the morning, especially if you have little experience with small boats.
The boats are described as simple to drive and suitable for people without a motorboat license. That does not mean you should treat the outing casually. You still need to listen closely, understand the controls, and stay within the areas shown on the navigation app.
The staff provide a phone app with a real-time map. It shows the waters you can use and the areas you cannot enter. It also helps the staff locate you if assistance is needed. That is a practical safety feature, not just a route gadget, and it makes the first few minutes on the water less stressful.
No skipper is included, because you are the skipper. Private transportation is also not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Marathi. The meeting point is beside a beach and restaurants, giving you somewhere to wait, eat, or swim before or after the rental.
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What the boat is like for six people

Each boat holds up to six passengers. That makes the flat group price attractive for a family or group of friends, since $261.88 divided among six people works out to about $43.65 per person before fuel and any optional insurance.
The value changes if only two people share the boat. In that case, the cost per person is much higher, though you are paying for privacy and control rather than a seat on a larger shared cruise.
The sunroof is a small feature with a big effect. Crete’s summer sun can be hard on a full day at sea, and shade lets you enjoy the ride without sitting in direct sunlight the entire time. Still, a sunroof is not the same as full shelter, so bring sensible sun protection.
The boat is best viewed as a flexible coastal platform, not a luxury yacht. You get space for six, a motor, shade, and the freedom to stop. You do not get a skipper, fuel, private transfer, or included damage insurance.
That setup suits people who want control over the pace. You can spend longer at a quiet cove, pause for a swim, or head back when you have had enough. It is less suitable if you want a polished, guided commentary or do not want any responsibility for navigation.
Following the coast from Marathi
Once the briefing is complete, you can set out from Marathi and explore the permitted section of the coast. The exact route depends on the areas shown in the app and the instructions given at the marina, so you should not assume every nearby bay is open to you.
The scenery described for the outing includes clear water, cliffs, caves, and mountain views. Some routes may also bring you near mountain goats. These details give the day its appeal: you are not just crossing open water, but looking for small coastal places that are difficult to reach from land.
The strength of a self-drive rental is the ability to set your own rhythm. A fixed boat trip often gives you a set amount of time at each stop. Here, you can decide how long a cove deserves, provided you remain within the operating rules and return on time.
You may find the water inviting for a swim, especially during the hotter months. Conditions vary, and the water can be chilly in May. That is worth remembering if swimming is central to your plan. Bring a towel and swimming clothes, but do not assume the sea will feel warm simply because the air is hot.
The coast is best enjoyed slowly. Keep your eyes on the map and your surroundings, then use the engine to move between suitable areas. The staff’s recommendations matter here, since they can point you toward the places that make sense for the day’s conditions and your available time.
Coves, cliffs, and stops along the water

The coves are likely to be the main reason you book. From the boat, you can reach coastal spaces that are not part of a normal beach visit. Cliffs and caves add variety to the route, while the clear water makes stopping for a swim particularly appealing.
You should think of these stops as natural pauses rather than formal attractions. There may be no facilities at the water, no guide explaining geology, and no organized beach service. Bring what you need from Marathi and keep your plans simple.
Anchoring or tying off is possible in the way shown during your briefing and within the permitted areas. The exact method and locations should come from the staff, not guesswork. Your phone map helps with boundaries, but it does not replace careful handling of the boat.
The setting also creates good conditions for a private group day. Six friends or family members can share the same boat and choose a quiet stop instead of sitting with a larger crowd. You can talk, swim, sunbathe under the canopy, or simply watch the coast pass at a gentle pace.
At the same time, the trip’s freedom comes with responsibility. You must keep track of your position, manage the boat, and return to the marina. Anyone expecting a completely hands-off outing may find a guided cruise more relaxing.
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Why Marathi works well as a base
Marathi gives you useful support before and after the boat ride. A swim beach and restaurants sit at the shore near the rental point, so you do not need to turn the rental into a complicated logistical project.
You can arrive, complete the briefing, and start from the same place. After returning the boat, you have the option of eating by the water or taking a swim. This makes the outing easier to combine with a relaxed beach day.
If you are coming from a cruise port, transport planning matters. The rental does not include private transportation, but a taxi can bring you to the location. Allow enough time for the ride and check the meeting details carefully so you are not rushing through the briefing.
The return is at the original meeting point. That is helpful because you do not need to arrange a second pickup at another beach or marina. It also means you should plan your fuel, route, and return time with Marathi in mind.
Price, fuel, and the real cost of the day

The listed rate is $261.88 per boat for up to six people. That is a group price, not a per-person charge. For a full boat, it can be good value for a private day on the coast, especially when compared with paying six separate fares on a cruise.
Fuel is not included. The final cost therefore depends on how far you travel and how much you use the engine. Ask the operator how fuel is calculated and what payment is expected before setting off. That simple question avoids confusion when you return.
Optional damage insurance is also available for an additional daily charge. You can decide on the day of rental. I would consider it carefully, particularly if you are new to operating a boat or want extra financial protection. Read the terms before accepting it, since the supplied information does not specify the coverage or price.
Private transportation and a skipper are not included. These exclusions are easy to overlook when comparing the headline price. Add your transport to Marathi, fuel, and any insurance to get a fair total.
There is also a tip worth keeping in mind: booking directly with Notos Mare may save about 30 to 40 euros, according to the information provided with the rental. Check the direct rate and cancellation terms before paying, since prices can change.
How the briefing and map affect the day

The briefing is more than a quick handover of the keys. You are shown how to drive the boat and given information about where to go. For a license-free rental, that preparation is essential.
The phone app adds another layer of reassurance. It shows your position in real time and marks the waters where you can and cannot operate. It can also help the staff find you if you need assistance.
You should make sure your phone is charged before departure. The app is part of the navigation support described for the rental, so it makes sense to bring a charged device and keep it easy to access. The provided information does not state whether a phone, holder, or backup battery is supplied.
Listen for practical details during the briefing, including speed, anchoring, returning to the marina, and what to do if you need help. The staff are there to make the boat manageable, but the quality of your day still depends on paying attention.
This arrangement works well for confident beginners. You do not need a formal motorboat license, but you do need to take the instructions seriously and stay inside the mapped operating area.
Who should book this Marathi rental
I would recommend this to a group of up to six people who want a private day at sea and are happy to share the work of running a small boat. It is especially appealing if you like choosing your own stops instead of following a tour leader.
Families may appreciate the shade and the ability to return to the marina after a day on the water. Friends can split the base price and build a swim-and-lunch outing around the rental.
It also suits cruise passengers who can arrange transport to Marathi and have enough time for the 9:00 am start and return. The beach and restaurants by the meeting point make the location more useful than a bare marina.
I would be cautious if you dislike boats, feel uneasy about navigation, or want someone else to handle every detail. You may also prefer another option if your group is larger than six, since the boat’s stated capacity is six passengers.
Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, according to the supplied accessibility information, but the rental is still a boat operation, so raise any personal mobility questions with the operator before booking.
Booking, weather, and timing advice
Confirmation is received when you book, and the ticket is mobile. Keep the booking information available on your phone when you arrive, along with valid identification or a passport.
The rental requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful for a sea-based day, where wind and waves can affect safety and enjoyment.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.
Start at 9:00 am and treat the outing as a full-day plan, even though the duration is listed as approximately one day. The exact amount of time on the water should be confirmed with Notos Mare, along with fuel arrangements and any return instructions.
Pack for sun, swimming, and a cool sea. Bring water and anything your group needs for several hours away from the shore, since the supplied details do not say that food or drinks are included.
Should you book the Marathi boat rental?
Book it if you want a private, flexible day exploring Crete’s coast and your group can share the responsibility of driving a small boat. The strongest reasons are the license-free 30-horsepower setup, the six-person capacity, the useful navigation app, and the chance to stop near clear water, cliffs, caves, and coves.
Before paying, calculate the full cost with fuel, transport, and optional insurance. Confirm the permitted route, rental hours, and fuel procedure. If those details suit you, this is a practical way to experience the coast at your own pace, with Marathi’s beach and restaurants waiting when you return.
FAQ
Do I need a motorboat license for this rental?
No. The 30-horsepower boats are designed for people who do not have a motorboat license.
How many people can ride in one boat?
Each boat can accommodate up to six passengers.
What time does the rental start?
The listed start time is 9:00 am.
Where does the rental begin and end?
It begins at Notos Mare Marine Adventures in Marathi and ends back at the same 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. You captain the boat yourself after the briefing.
Do I need to bring identification?
Yes. You must present a valid ID or passport on the day of the rental.
What happens if bad weather cancels the rental?
If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.
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