By AURA Private Yachting ·
In Greece you can legally operate a boat without a licence within 3 nautical miles of the nearest coastline — not 3 miles from your departure port, but from any coast. The rule applies to vessels up to 12m with engines up to 30HP. AURA's Self-Sail charter from Preveza is designed for exactly this: €200 per day, a pre-departure briefing, nautical charts, and a clearly marked sailing zone in the Ambracian Gulf.
The law most people don't know
Greece permits boating without a licence within 3 nautical miles of the nearest coastline. This is measured from any coast — meaning if you're sailing near an island or headland, the permitted zone follows you. The Ambracian Gulf, where AURA operates, is ideal for this: the coastline is always close, so the zone rarely feels constraining.
The technical specifications:
- Vessel up to 12 metres
- Engine up to 30HP
- Within 3 nautical miles of the nearest coast
- Operator must be 18 or over
This isn't a loophole — it's a deliberate provision in Greek maritime law for exactly this kind of day use. AURA's Self-Sail product is structured around it.
What AURA's Self-Sail charter includes
Before you depart, every group goes through a pre-departure briefing with our captain:
- Engine operation, throttle, reverse, docking
- Safety equipment demonstration
- Nautical chart walkthrough with marked sailing zone
- Emergency contact numbers
- Full-day vessel hire (departure 09:00, return 18:00)
- Fuel
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Nautical charts
- VAT included
- Maximum 6 passengers
Why the Ambracian Gulf works
The Ambracian Gulf is a semi-enclosed sea in northwestern Greece, entered through the Actium strait next to Preveza. What makes it ideal for no-licence boating:
- Protected water: The gulf is sheltered from the open Ionian. Even when it's breezy outside, inside the gulf is usually calm.
- Coast always nearby: The 3nm permitted zone effectively covers most of the gulf — you won't feel restricted.
- Clear zone: The chart we hand out at briefing has the sailing zone marked. There's no ambiguity about where you can go.
- Anchorages: Small beaches accessible only by boat, fishing hamlets, and the mouth of the gulf with views back toward Preveza.
Self-Sail vs Skippered — how to decide
Choose Self-Sail if:
- You have some (even basic) experience with a motorboat, dinghy, or jet ski
- Your group is small (2–4 people) and you want full autonomy
- You enjoy the idea of driving the boat yourself
- You're comfortable following a chart
- You have no prior boat experience and don't want to think about it
- Your group is larger (5–6) and everyone wants to relax
- You want the captain to take you to the best anchorages
- You're bringing young children
Neither is wrong — they're just different experiences.
Practical tips before you go
On handling:
A motorboat is not like a car — there's no brake. You use throttle and steering. Anchoring takes some practice, but the briefing covers it. Give yourself time to get comfortable before you're far from the dock.
On safety:
Wear closed shoes on deck. Bring sunscreen, hats, and more water than you think you'll need — the sun on the water is stronger than it looks. The life jackets are on the boat; the captain will show you where.
On anchoring:
The chart marks recommended spots. Anchor on sand, not on Posidonia seagrass. Rule of thumb: let out 3x the water depth in chain.
On food:
There's no taverna at sea — add an optional food package when you book, or bring your own; the boat has a cooler. A board-style spread (cheese, olives, bread, fruit) works perfectly and feels surprisingly good in a quiet Gulf anchorage.
What you can't do without a licence
For clarity: you cannot leave the Ambracian Gulf into the open Ionian, sail more than 3nm from the nearest coast, or operate a vessel over 12 metres without a licence. For longer cruises — Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia — you need either a licence or a private charter with captain.
Booking
Self-Sail operates May–October, departing from Preveza Port. Available daily, subject to availability.