By AURA Private Yachting ·
No boat license is required to join an AURA private cruise — the licensed captain handles everything. For self-drive rentals near Preveza, small vessels under 30HP don't require a personal license. Book your cruise from __FROM_PRICE__.
The Question Everyone Asks
Before booking a boat trip in Greece, most visitors ask the same thing: do I need a license? The answer, for both of AURA's services, is simple: No. You don't need a boating license for anything we offer.
But understanding why — and understanding Greek maritime law in general — is worth a few minutes of your time, especially if you're considering any kind of boat rental in the Ionian.
How Greek Maritime Law Actually Works
Greek law ties the license requirement to two variables: engine power and distance from shore. The basics:
- Vessels up to 30 horsepower, operated within 3 nautical miles of the coast: no license required.
- Vessels over 30HP, or operating beyond 3 nautical miles: a Greek or internationally recognized recreational boating certificate (ICC/RYA equivalent) is required for the person at the helm.
- For commercially licensed day-cruise vessels carrying passengers: the license applies to the captain only. Passengers need nothing.
That third category is exactly what AURA's private cruises are.
Option 1: Self-Drive Rental Near Preveza (No License Needed)
AURA offers small vessels for independent exploration around the Preveza coastline — for fishing, swimming in nearby coves, or exploring the Ambracian Gulf at your own pace. These boats operate within the legal 'no-license' framework: low-powered, coastal-range vessels that any adult can handle.
Before you head out, you get a full briefing from us: how to operate the engine, safety equipment, map of the area, rules of the water. No paperwork, no exam — just common sense and 15 minutes of orientation. Self-drive rentals are available from Preveza port and Nydri, Lefkada.
Best for: couples or small groups who want to explore independently, on their own schedule, without a captain on board.
Option 2: Captained Private Cruise (Totally Hands-Free)
For destinations like Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, or Paxos — multi-hour open-water cruises — AURA provides a licensed, experienced captain who handles all navigation. You're a passenger. You're not expected to know anything about boats.
The question 'do I need a license?' doesn't even apply here, because you're not operating the vessel. The boat is commercially licensed, the captain holds full maritime qualifications, and your job is to enjoy the journey.
What's included: licensed captain, private vessel, Wi-Fi, private-label wine (700ml), drone video and aerial photography, port fees.
Common Questions
Can I take the wheel during the cruise? In calm conditions and with the captain's supervision, yes — many guests enjoy a few minutes at the helm in open water.
Is my foreign boating license valid in Greece? European and ICC-standard recreational certificates are generally recognized in Greece for private vessels. But you don't need one to join an AURA cruise.
What if I want to rent a boat somewhere else in Greece? Rules vary by company and vessel type. Always ask specifically whether a license is required before signing anything.
Is it safe without a license? On our captained cruises, yes — completely. The captain has years of experience in the Ionian and knows these waters in all conditions. On our self-drive rentals, we only allow departure in calm conditions and provide full safety equipment.
The Simplest Answer
If you don't want to think about license rules, vessel classifications, or maritime regulations at all, a captained AURA private cruise removes the question entirely. You show up, the captain handles everything, and you spend your day exactly how you planned — on the water, without any of the logistics.