Kos: Private Speedboat Rental – No License Required

The best part of this Kos outing is simple: you are in charge of the pace. With a small Blue Water 170 motorboat and a motor under 30 horsepower, you can leave the crowded beach behind, cruise the warm Aegean, and choose your own mix of swimming, sun, and island views. I especially like the easy self-drive setup and the chance to reach places such as Pserimos or Kefalos without joining a large boat group.

I also like that snorkeling masks and fins, a mobile phone, life jackets, oars, and other safety equipment come with the boat. Staff members Athena and captain Dimitris have each made strong impressions, with Athena praised for her patient instruction and Dimitris for taking groups to beautiful spots and photographing them. The main drawback is that fuel costs extra and must be paid in cash, so the $271 group price is not the final cost.

Key points to know before you book

• No license required: The boat has a motor under 30 horsepower and is intended for first-time drivers.
• Private space for 2 to 6 people: You share the boat only with your own group.
• Choose three or six hours: The shorter rental works for a quick swim and cruise, while six hours gives you more time for distant stops.
• Routes include Pserimos, Kefalos, Therma, Agia Fokas, Plati, and Kardamena: Your available plan depends on the rental length and conditions.
• Fuel is not included: Pay the fuel charge in cash after the outing.
• Useful extras come along: Snorkeling gear, Bluetooth music, life jackets, an emergency kit, and a cool box with ice upon request are included.

Taking the controls off Kos

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fixed script. It is a private boat rental designed to give you a small slice of the Aegean for your own group. You receive basic instruction, get comfortable with the controls, and set out in a boat that is deliberately mild rather than powerful.

That matters if you have never driven a boat before. The Blue Water 170 uses a motor under 30 horsepower, and the activity is offered without a boating license. You still need to listen carefully to the instructions and follow the safety rules, but you are not expected to arrive with professional boating skills.

The boat carries two to six people. For a couple, it offers privacy and plenty of freedom. For a family or group of friends, the cost can be good value because the $271 price is for the boat, not for each person. Six people sharing the base price works out far better than two people splitting it, though you should add the fuel charge before comparing it with other Kos excursions.

The working period is from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can rent the boat for three or six hours, with starting times shown during booking. A three-hour rental gives you a compact outing, while six hours makes more sense if you want to reach a farther stop, spend time in the water, and avoid rushing back.

What Athena and Dimitris add to the experience

The boat is designed for self-drive, but staff support still matters. Athena is noted for being polite, patient, and helpful, a useful combination if this is your first time at the controls. A calm briefing can make the difference between spending the first hour worrying about the boat and spending it enjoying the coast.

Captain Dimitris is available when you choose skipper service at an extra cost. His role is a good option if nobody in your group wants to drive, or if you would rather concentrate on swimming and taking photos. He has also been praised for choosing attractive swimming spots and taking photos of the group.

You should clarify the skipper price before departure. The base rental does not include this service, and the advertised rate covers the boat rental only. If you want a completely hands-off day, include both skipper and fuel when working out the total.

A possible route toward Pserimos and Plati

Pserimos is one of the most appealing choices for a longer rental. The island is known for its rugged, bare terrain and open sea setting, which gives the ride a more remote feel than staying close to Kos. The route is as much about the view from the boat as the destination itself.

Plati is also listed as a possible stop. Small islands and low-lying coastal places such as these are best suited to a relaxed day of swimming, sun, and short shore visits. Do not expect a packed sightseeing program. The attraction is the ability to pause where the water and weather look inviting.

The practical question is time. A six-hour rental gives you room to cruise farther and still enjoy a swim without watching the clock. On a three-hour rental, a nearer route may be more comfortable. Ask the staff what is realistic for your departure time rather than assuming every listed stop fits into one outing.

Kefalos for swimming and lunch

Kefalos gives you a change of pace from simply staying aboard. The area is presented as a place where you can sail, stop for a swim, and potentially have lunch. That makes it a good choice for a group that wants a full half-day feel rather than a quick ride along the coast.

I like this option because lunch gives the day a natural break. You can spend part of the rental on the water and part of it on shore, instead of packing every minute with swimming. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money and plan to purchase them separately.

The boat includes a cool box with ice if you request it before departure. That is useful for keeping your own water and snacks chilled, although the rental information does not include food or drinks. Ask in advance if you want the cool box ready when you leave.

Therma and Agia Fokas for a shorter outing

Therma and Agia Fokas are among the possible destinations listed for the rental. They are practical choices if you want to spend more time swimming and less time reaching a distant island. The exact experience depends on the route selected with the staff and the length of your booking.

A three-hour rental suits this style of outing. You can get on the water, learn the boat, stop for a swim, and return without turning the day into a major expedition. It is also a sensible choice for anyone unsure how much time they want to spend in the sun.

Remember that the boat is open to the elements. The warm sun is part of the appeal, but it can become tiring quickly. Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and clothes that can get dirty, as the activity instructions recommend. Sun protection is a sensible addition, even though it is not listed among the included items.

Kardamena and Antimachia Castle

Kardamena is another listed route, with the chance to combine time on the water with a visit to the ruins of 14th-century Antimachia Castle. This gives the outing a little more variety than a pure swimming trip.

The castle ruins offer a historic stop above the coastal scenery. You can see old stone remains and enjoy a different view of Kos after spending time at sea. The activity information does not provide a detailed castle visit schedule, so ask how much time the route allows before you set out.

This option is best for a six-hour rental. A longer booking gives you more flexibility for the boat ride, a shore stop, and time to return. If you choose three hours, keep your plan modest and confirm the timing with the staff.

What comes with the boat

The included equipment is practical rather than fancy. Every rental has life jackets and an emergency kit, along with oars, a fire extinguisher, and a mobile phone. The information also lists safety equipment described as including fireworks, though you should follow staff instructions for every item and treat the kit as emergency gear, not entertainment.

Bluetooth music is included, so you can play your own music while cruising. Keep the volume sensible so you can hear instructions and remain aware of the boat and other users on the water.

Snorkeling masks and flippers are provided at no extra charge. This is one of the better inclusions because it saves you from buying or packing your own basic gear. The rental does not promise a particular marine site or guarantee water visibility, so think of the equipment as a useful option rather than a promise of a specific underwater view.

A cool box with ice is available on request before departure. That small detail can make a hot outing much more comfortable, especially for a six-hour rental.

Pickup, meeting point, and the daily timing

Van pickup and drop-off are included from Kos city center to the meeting point and the Psalidi area. The instructions also ask you to message if you need an extra pickup from Kos city center, so do not assume that every hotel transfer happens automatically. Contact the provider before the day of the rental and confirm where you will be collected.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. That makes planning easier because you do not need to arrange a separate return from a distant beach or island.

The stated working hours are 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This narrow daytime window is worth noting if you are trying to fit the boat around another Kos activity. It also means you should plan around the heat, since the rental takes place during the sunniest part of the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. These terms help if your schedule is still changing, but fuel remains a separate cash expense at the end.

The real cost and who gets the best value

At $271 for up to six people, the base rate is strongest for a full group. Six people sharing the boat pay much less per person than a couple booking the same private vessel. For two people, the price buys privacy and independence, but it is not a budget activity once fuel is added.

The fuel charge is not listed in advance in the supplied information. You pay it in cash after the outing, so bring enough cash and ask how the charge is calculated before leaving the beach. This is the most important cost detail to clarify.

You also need to add the cost of any skipper service. Food and drinks are separate too, although the cool box and ice can help if you bring your own refreshments. The included transfer, snorkeling equipment, and safety gear add value, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for transport and water equipment.

I would choose the six-hour rental for a group of friends who want the boat to be the main event. I would choose three hours for a couple, a first-time boat driver, or anyone who mainly wants a swim and a taste of self-driving.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This experience suits people who want control over the day. You can choose a route, stop to swim, play music, sunbathe, and spend time with your own group instead of following a large excursion schedule.

It is also a strong fit for first-time boat drivers. The motor is modest, no license is required, and Athena’s patient instruction can help you get comfortable. If the idea of driving still makes you uneasy, you can request a skipper for an added fee.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with motion sickness. An open motorboat can feel bumpy, and the listing gives no promise of calm water. If anyone in your group is prone to nausea, think carefully before booking and ask the provider about conditions on the day.

You should also be comfortable with sun, wind, and the possibility of getting dirty. Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothing that can handle spray or boat grime.

My verdict on this Kos speedboat rental

I would book this if I had at least four people, wanted a private day on the water, and liked the idea of choosing between Pserimos, Kefalos, Therma, and Kardamena. The strongest points are the license-free boat, flexible route, included snorkeling gear, and friendly staff support.

I would be more cautious with only two people because the base price is harder to spread, and I would confirm the fuel cost and skipper fee before paying. Choose six hours for a full sea day, or three hours for a shorter outing near Kos. If you want independence and do not mind handling the practical details, this is one of the more flexible ways to see the Aegean around Kos.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license?

No. The boat has a motor under 30 horsepower and can be rented without a boating license.

How many people can use one boat?

The private boat is available for groups of two to six people.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is not included and must be paid by the renter in cash after the outing.

Can I hire a skipper?

Yes. Skipper service is available on request for an additional cost.

What equipment is included?

The rental includes life jackets, an emergency kit, a mobile phone, oars, a fire extinguisher, Bluetooth music, and snorkeling masks and flippers. A cool box with ice is available if requested before departure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.