Boat rental in Paros: how to choose and book
Choosing a rental boat starts with your group size and whether you want to drive yourself. Our self-drive rentals depart from Pounta on the west coast of Paros, opposite Antiparos. This guide compares the fleet’s rental options and the questions to settle before booking.
Pounta departure · No-licence and licensed-driver options
Self-drive rental or a skippered trip?
With a self-drive rental, you take the helm after an on-site briefing. Our fleet includes boats marked as no licence required and Serenity, which requires a licence to drive yourself and has an optional skipper. Skipper-included trips are a separate choice, not the same as a no-licence rental.
If you prefer a captain to handle the boat, see the private boat tour or ask about the skipper-led boats in the full fleet.
Which boat fits your group?
The table uses the specifications and licence categories shown in our fleet. Passenger figures are maximums, not a promise of availability. Tell us your full group size when you enquire.
| Boat | Engine | Up to | Driving requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranieri 520 | 30 / 60 HP | 6 people | No licence required |
| Marinello 550 | 30 / 60 HP | 6 people | No licence required |
| Karel / Nireas / Baf / Artemis 430–485 | 30 HP | 5 people | No licence required |
| Unique 5m — Maraki | 30 / 60 HP | 6 people | No licence required |
| Filia — Karel Paxos 500 | 30 / 60 HP | 6 people | No licence required |
| Man 535 | 30 HP | 6 people | No licence required |
| Serenity | 115 HP | 8 people | Licence required; skipper optional |
Compare the actual boat photos and descriptions on the self-drive rental page. Ask the team which boat best suits your group and experience; engine size alone does not decide suitability.
- For up to five people, compare the 30 HP Karel / Nireas / Baf / Artemis options with the six-person boats rather than choosing by engine size alone.
- For six people, compare Ranieri 520, Marinello 550, Unique 5m — Maraki, Filia and Man 535. Ask which is available for your date and best suited to your group.
- For seven or eight people, Serenity is the self-drive option in this comparison, with a licence required; request a skipper if you will not drive.
- For larger groups, ask about the separate skipper-led fleet rather than exceeding any self-drive boat’s passenger limit.
What should you confirm about your licence?
Use each boat’s stated licence category rather than assuming every rental has the same requirements. For Serenity, confirm with the team that your licence is accepted before booking to drive it yourself. If you need a skipper, request one and confirm availability and the additional cost.
For a no-licence boat, you still receive a safety briefing before setting off. Discuss your boating experience and any concerns with the team before choosing your boat.
Where do you meet, and where can you go?
Self-drive rentals leave from Pounta port on Paros. Confirm the exact meeting point, briefing time and return time for your booking before arranging transport. Do not use the timetable of a skipper-led tour as your rental schedule.
The rental page describes exploring Antiparos, hidden beaches and turquoise bays. Your route must stay within the operating area agreed with the team. Ask which destinations suit your boat, experience and the conditions on the day; a destination mentioned on a tour page is not automatically an approved self-drive route.
What does a boat rental cost?
Request a quote for your date and chosen boat. Before agreeing, ask what the total covers: rental duration, fuel, any optional skipper, the security deposit and any other charges. No fixed rental price or deposit amount is listed in this guide.
Also confirm check-in documents, fuel arrangements and the return procedure directly with the team. Read the rental terms and cancellation policy, and resolve any questions before confirming.
How do you book your boat?
- Choose a boat or send your group size and ask for a suitable option.
- Contact us by WhatsApp or phone with your date, boating experience and whether you have a licence.
- Agree availability, price, inclusions, departure and return arrangements, and any skipper request.
- Wait for written availability confirmation from the team. A WhatsApp enquiry is not itself a confirmed booking.