Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m

Reviewed · CORFU SELF-DRIVE & SKIPPERED BOAT HIRE

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m

5.0 · 69 reviews 4 to 7 hours (approx.) From $193 Operated by Corfu Surf Club · Bookable on Viator
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You can steer your own Corfu day on water. This motorboat rental lets you explore the east coastline at your pace, with snorkeling equipment ready when you spot a good cove. It’s built for small groups (up to 6), so you spend less time in crowds and more time swimming and looking around.

I also love the clear, step-by-step instruction from the team, especially the way George helps you get comfortable before you head out. And yes, the cooler for drinks and snacks is the kind of small thing that makes the whole day feel easier.

One consideration: fuel is not included, and you’ll pay a fuel charge (listed as 30 to 50 € per booking, with a real-world range depending on use) at the end. Also, the meeting point and pickup options can be a bit confusing if you don’t read carefully.

Key highlights I think you should care about

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - Key highlights I think you should care about

  • Self-paced east-coast exploring so you pick the swim and photo stops
  • Snorkeling gear included for quick water time without extra rental hassle
  • Cooler provided so your drinks and snacks stay chilled during the rental
  • Free pickup option noted as Luis kerkyra blue hotel (and other pickup choices may exist)
  • Very clear boat tuition for first-timers, with instructors like George mentioned often
  • Fuel paid separately which you’ll want to plan for before you go

Why this Corfu boat rental feels like a real vacation move

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - Why this Corfu boat rental feels like a real vacation move
Corfu by boat is one of those choices that changes the whole rhythm of a trip. Instead of lining up behind a standard tour script, you follow the coast—stopping when the water looks inviting, speeding up when you want views, and slowing down when you spot a small bay that feels worth it.

What makes this rental practical is the setup for day comfort. You get a boat that fits up to 6 people, and you’re given a basic plan plus enough guidance to make the route feel manageable. The team also provides snorkeling equipment, plus a cooler so you can bring your own food and drinks. That combo matters because it turns the day into something you can actually sustain—rather than “snack later” or “buy something quickly somewhere.”

Fancy your own boat? More Corfu hire trips, self-drive or skippered

Entering the day: Gouvia marina, pickup, and getting onto the boat smoothly

The activity starts at D-Marin Gouvia Marina in Gouvia (491 00, Greece). The end point is back at the same meeting location, so you’re not dealing with complicated one-way logistics.

Pickup is offered, and one of the named options is Luis kerkyra blue hotel. In practice, you may find there are a couple of ways the handoff works, including a pickup option near the cruise port area (a fishermen’s marina was mentioned as a point you can use). The tip here is simple: message the operator and confirm which exact pickup spot applies to your booking.

If you’re arriving by cruise or using public transport, this area still tends to be workable. You’ll mainly want to show up early enough to handle the handoff, and keep your phone handy in case you need quick coordination.

The boat tuition: what you get before you go out on your own

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - The boat tuition: what you get before you go out on your own
This is the part that makes or breaks a self-drive boat day. The good news: the process is described as straightforward, with detailed instructions before you head out.

George is specifically mentioned as a helpful instructor who gives a thorough tutorial on operating the boat. The vibe from the experience you’re aiming for is: learn the controls, understand safety basics, get told what areas to aim for, and then go. Multiple people highlighted that the instructions were clear enough for first-time skippers, which is exactly what you want if you’re renting your own motorboat for the first time.

Here’s what I’d treat as your checklist mindset before departure:

  • Ask about how to control speed and steering confidently
  • Listen for the “watch-outs” (what to avoid and where to turn back if needed)
  • Use the provided guidance to figure out your first couple of coves so you don’t waste the first hour wandering

Also worth noting: one review called out tracking GPS as part of the safety setup, with the reassurance that you stay within the right zone. You still drive carefully, but it’s comforting to know there are guardrails.

4 to 7 hours on the east coast: a simple plan you control

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - 4 to 7 hours on the east coast: a simple plan you control
There isn’t a rigid stop-by-stop itinerary here. The whole point is that you explore the waters around Corfu at your own pace. The general pattern looks like this:

1) Cruise out along Corfu’s east coastline

From Corfu city’s port area, you’ll head along the east side of the island. This is where the “choose your own pace” concept works best. You can maintain a relaxed cruise if you want big views, or shorten the cruising time if you want to start swimming sooner.

2) Pick your swimming and snorkeling time

When you spot crystal-clear water or a cove that looks good, you stop. That’s where the included snorkeling gear becomes useful. Even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler, the gear means you can try it without extra errands.

Practical tip: pick at least one stop early in the day so you’re not stuck trying to fit in swimming right before return. If you’re bringing your own camera, this is also the time to make sure your settings are ready—because these coves are the kind of places where the best photos happen fast.

3) Lunch and bays: aim for a water-accessible meal

One of the best parts of a self-drive day is lunch flexibility. You can bring food and drinks from your cooler, but many people also plan a lunch stop along the coast. Recommendations from the team are mentioned as a big help, including a stop described as a lovely bay ending at a seafood restaurant.

If you’re the type who wants a more relaxed day, do this: choose your lunch stop as your main “anchor.” Everything before it is for cruising and swim breaks, and everything after it is for one last cove and then heading home.

4) Return to Gouvia marina

At the end of your rental window, you return to D-Marin Gouvia Marina. The reviews consistently point to this as a smooth wrap-up, especially because you’ve got maps and references during your time out.

What you should bring (and what you can stop worrying about)

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - What you should bring (and what you can stop worrying about)
This rental is built around convenience. Some things are handled for you, and some are on you.

Included and easy

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Cooler for your drinks and snacks

That cooler detail is bigger than it sounds. Instead of buying snacks, then sweating through your food, you can pack a sensible lunch and keep it at a comfortable temperature for hours.

Things you should definitely bring

The most repeated advice is practical: bring your own drinks and snacks, pack a decent camera, and be ready to enjoy the water. If you’re planning lunch, you can either bring supplies for a picnic vibe or use restaurant recommendations and time it around your cruising.

Also plan for sun and water. Even if the boat has seating in sun and shade, you’ll still want sunscreen and a light layer for the boat ride.

Choosing 4 hours vs 7 hours: how to pick the right rental length

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - Choosing 4 hours vs 7 hours: how to pick the right rental length
The duration listed is 4 to 7 hours (approx.), and both lengths can work. The “best” choice depends on what kind of day you want:

  • 4 hours: Great if you want an afternoon loop with time for at least one swim stop, maybe two if you’re efficient. Ideal for couples and small groups who don’t want a full-day time commitment.
  • 7 hours: Best if you want slower cruising, more swimming breaks, and time to fit in lunch at a coast spot without feeling rushed. More people regret not booking longer than they regret booking shorter.

If you’re visiting Corfu for a week and want one signature experience, the full 7 hours is a strong value because it buys you flexibility—more exploration time, not just more “time sitting on the water.”

Price and fuel: where the real math happens

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - Price and fuel: where the real math happens
The price is listed at $193.09 per group (up to 6). That’s attractive because you’re paying for a private, flexible outing rather than a per-person package that still herds you on a schedule.

But here’s the part you can’t ignore: fuel consumption is not included. It’s listed as 30 to 50 € per booking (and in real use, it can vary based on how much you cruise and where you stop). Reviews include an example of a charge around 40 euros for about two-thirds of a tank, described as fair.

So how do you keep the cost predictable?

  • Plan for fuel as an added line item
  • Don’t assume the boat will be “free to roam” if you cruise a lot
  • Treat your fuel experience like a meter: if you want lots of stops and long distances, budget closer to the higher end

Even with fuel added, this often still beats the cost of multiple people paying for separate tours, especially when you factor in snorkeling gear and the cooler.

Logistics that can trip you up (so you don’t get annoyed)

Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m - Logistics that can trip you up (so you don’t get annoyed)
This is a smooth experience most of the time, but there are a couple of common friction points:

  • Meeting point precision: One review said the meeting point could be more precise. Translation: double-check your exact location for the marina and pickup so you don’t waste time hunting.
  • Pickup option confusion: Since pickup can be tied to the named hotel (Luis kerkyra blue hotel) and there are other possible pickup points near the cruise port area, you’ll want to confirm which plan applies to you.
  • Fuel is separate: This isn’t hidden, but forgetting it happens when people skim. Make sure you’re comfortable paying fuel at the end.

If you handle those three things, the experience tends to run like a well-oiled day on the water.

Who this Corfu motorboat rental suits best

This is ideal if you want:

  • Privacy and flexibility over a crowded group tour
  • A day built around swimming and snorkeling breaks
  • A small-group outing for friends or family (up to 6)

It’s also a good fit for first-timers because the team provides clear instruction and guidance like maps and reference points. If you’re anxious about driving, you can ask about extra support. One review specifically mentioned that while a skipper wasn’t automatically included, they arranged a skipper for an additional 50 euros when requested.

If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers a fully guided narrative at every stop and wants your day planned hour-by-hour, you might miss that. But if you like making choices in real time, this setup rewards you.

Should you book this Corfu boat hire?

I think you should book if your main goal is a flexible, small-group Corfu day on the water—one where you control the speed, choose the swimming spots, and don’t feel trapped by a tour schedule. The combination of snorkeling gear, a cooler, and strong tuition from the team (including George in multiple accounts) makes it feel less intimidating than many self-drive rentals.

I’d pause and reconsider if:

  • You strongly prefer fuel included in the price
  • You hate any uncertainty around pickup points
  • You want a strict guided itinerary rather than choosing your own coves

If you fall in the first group, this is the kind of experience that turns Corfu from a beautiful island you visit into one you actually spend time on.

FAQ

How many people can the motorboat hire accommodate?

The motorboat has space for up to 6 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the rental.

Is a cooler provided for food and drinks?

Yes. A cooler is included so you can bring your own drinks and snacks.

Where does the rental start and end?

It starts at D-Marin Gouvia Marina in Gouvia and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, including a noted pickup from Luis kerkyra blue hotel.

How long is the boat rental?

You can choose a half- or full-day rental, listed as approximately 4 to 7 hours.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel consumption is not included, and the listing notes a charge of 30 to 50 € per booking, paid at the end.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. A mobile ticket is provided.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.