Skip the license and spend four sunlit hours on a Blue Water 170 exploring Kos's beaches, thermal springs and hidden coves. Easy to handle and supplied with a safety kit and short training, this rental is ideal for families and first-time boaters.
Skip the license and spend four sunlit hours on a Blue Water 170 exploring Kos's beaches, thermal springs and hidden coves. Easy to handle and supplied with a safety kit and short training, this rental is ideal for families and first-time boaters.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Kardamena Rent a Boat · Kardamena
On Kos's southern shore, in the busy marina town of Kardamena, a half-day behind the wheel of a Blue Water 170 rewrites the usual beach day. Launch from 28is Oktovriou, Kardamena 853 02, Greece, and in four hours you can skitter across Aegean blue to quiet coves, thermal springs and small islets that sit like weathered stones off Kos's coastline. The Blue Water 170 is 4.99 m long, 30 HP and, critically, falls below the Greek licensing threshold - so no skipper certificate is required. That ease of access makes this rental ideal for families, couples and first-time boaters.
Kos Watersports outfits each boat with a full safety kit (lifejackets, flares, extinguisher), a sun tent, GPS tracker, Bluetooth radio and a cooler box. Staff provide a short hands-on briefing so you can handle the controls confidently; professional skippers are available to drive for an extra fee if you prefer. Boats carry reserve fuel and a tracker so the team can assist quickly if conditions change, and groups of up to six fit comfortably.
Choose a western loop to visit Helona, Blue Beach, Polemi (Magic Beach), Lagada and the small Kastri islet by Agios Stefanos, or head east toward Kardamena Bay, Agia Eirini and the hot-water Therma beach when winds allow. Expect crystalline Aegean water, patches of Posidonia seagrass visible under clear seas, and shoreline that alternates between sandy bays and pebbled coves carved from limestone and older volcanic deposits common in the Dodecanese. Therma's warm springs are a rare natural draw - bring a swimsuit and sense of curiosity.
Practical notes: fuel is not included - plan on roughly €30–€50 for a four-hour outing, depending on passenger load and sea state. Bring water, snacks, waterproof bags for electronics and a passport or photo ID for the captain. Snorkel gear is extra (€5 per mask) and ice for the cooler is not supplied.
This is more than a rental: it's a compact, self-led sea tour of Kos from the perspective of a small motorboat. For travelers based in Kardamena, it compresses exploration and relaxation into a single, sunlit half day. If you want a hands-on Aegean experience without the learning curve of larger craft—or the expense of a skippered charter—this Blue Water 170 rental is a practical, memorable way to see the Island of Hippocrates from the water.
Book online in advance for July and August to secure a morning slot when winds are gentler and water clarity is at its best; afternoons can be breezy. The check-in at 28is Oktovriou requires arriving 30 minutes early for instruction and safety briefing. Whether you pilot or request a skipper, this half-day rental delivers close-up views of Kos coastline, hidden coves and warm spring spots larger boats cannot reach.
No. Under Greek law, motorboats under 30 HP do not require a skipper license, so the Blue Water 170 can be driven without certification.
Each boat accommodates groups of up to six passengers comfortably.
No. Fuel is charged separately; expect approximately €30–€50 for a four-hour rental depending on conditions and load.
Yes. Kos Watersports can provide a professional skipper for an extra fee—request this at least three days in advance.
Boats come with lifejackets, flares, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, GPS tracker and a sun tent; staff also give a training session before departure.
Inform the operator in advance; lifevests are mandatory for non-swimmers and staff will advise safest areas to anchor and swim.
Kardamena Rent a Boat is a local boat rental operator in Kardamena, Greece, offering self-drive boat rentals that provide direct access to Kos’s coastline. The company uses the Blue Water 170 as its primary rental boat for both short and extended outings. No boating license is required for these rentals, making them accessible for families and couples seeking independent exploration of the Aegean Sea. Half Day Boat Rental (no license) offers a compact self-drive option on a Blue Water 170, ideal for short trips to nearby beaches, swimming stops, and discovering hidden spots along the coast. The Full Day Boat Rental (no license required-30hp Motor) provides an extended self-driven experience on a Blue Water 170 equipped with a 30hp motor. This full day option supports longer runs to top beaches and coves around Kos and includes expert guidance to assist with coastal planning. Offerings focus on uncomplicated, self-guided exploration rather than crewed charters, emphasizing easy handling of the Blue Water 170 for visitors without a license. Clear trip summaries outline boat model, motor power, no-license status, and trip durations so guests can compare the half-day and full-day options. Trips operate on the Aegean Sea around Kos and concentrate on beaches, coves, and coastal swimming spots, providing flexible ways to enjoy the shoreline. Kardamena Rent a Boat provides straightforward choices for visitors wanting independent boat hire in Kardamena, Greece. Trip descriptions emphasize accessibility, boat model details, motor specification, and suitability for families and couples visiting Kos beaches. Explore Kos by boat.
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