Reviewed · CORFU BOAT TRIPS
Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,Asso 5.10, Next 5m
Corfu from the water changes everything. I like the freedom to explore Corfu’s east coastline at your own pace, plus the fact that snorkeling equipment and a cooler are included, not an extra purchase. The tutorial is clear and patient with George and the team at Corfu Surf Club, which makes a boat day feel doable even if you have never done it. One thing to plan for though: fuel is not included, and you’ll pay based on what you used.
This is priced for a group (up to 6), so the math works when you fill the boat. You get a real “be the captain” experience, with seats in the sun and shade, maps and restaurant ideas, and even tracking GPS mentioned by one rider. If you want a carefree day on the water with minimal waiting around, this is the kind of rental that fits.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- Getting on the water: D-Marin Gouvia pickup and first briefing
- What’s on the boat: seats, cooler, and snorkeling gear that you actually use
- Learning to drive with George and Vasilis, without the stress
- Exploring Corfu at your pace: east coastline swims, coves, and lunch by the water
- Leaving port and getting oriented
- Choosing swim and snorkel spots
- Lunch stops and water-access meals
- Returning to base
- Price and fuel: how to estimate your real cost before you go
- Who should book this motorboat rental in Corfu (and who might not)
- Should you book? My honest take before you commit
- FAQ
- How many people can the motorboat rental accommodate?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- Do I get a cooler for food and drinks?
- Is fuel included in the price?
- Where does the rental meet, and is pickup available?
- How much time do I get on the water?
Key highlights worth your attention

- Self-paced east-coast cruising so you choose the swim stops and timing
- Snorkeling gear + a cooler included, handy for your own drinks and snacks
- Pickup options near Corfu City, including Luis Kerkyra Blue Hotel
- Clear instruction from George and Vasilis, even for first-time skippers
- Fuel paid at the end, so budget for it up front and you won’t be surprised
Getting on the water: D-Marin Gouvia pickup and first briefing

Your day starts around D-Marin Gouvia, at the Marinamarina area in Gouvia (that’s where the boat rental meets). The activity also notes a pickup option, with pickup details listed for Luis Kerkyra Blue Hotel. In practice, this matters because Corfu can be busy, and the less time you spend figuring out taxis and timelines, the more time you have for the coast.
Expect to receive detailed guidance before you head out. Multiple people highlighted that the handover is thorough, and names that came up include Vasilis (the owner) and George (the person who gives instruction and points out what to do and where to go). The vibe is simple: you learn the basics, you get your bearings, then you’re free to explore.
One logistics note to keep in mind: one rider said there can be more than one drop-off or pickup point depending on your selection, including a fisherman’s marina near the cruise port, and it can be a little confusing if you do not read your instructions end-to-end. My practical advice, use WhatsApp or the contact method they provide, and confirm the exact place and time before you show up. When you do that, the whole thing tends to run smoothly.
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What’s on the boat: seats, cooler, and snorkeling gear that you actually use

This rental is designed for small groups, up to 6 people. You’ll have seats in both the sun and the shade, which sounds minor until you’re sitting in full sun for hours. That shade option helps a lot if your group includes someone who wants to relax between swims.
Included items are the heart of the value here:
- Snorkeling equipment
- A cooler
The cooler is there so you can bring your own drinks and snacks, not so you can buy overpriced “boat day snacks.” People specifically suggested bringing what you want for lunch and keeping it chilled, plus having a camera ready. If you like the idea of swimming in coves and then eating somewhere quiet, this setup supports that kind of day.
Also, the boat comes with safety equipment and tracking GPS was mentioned in at least one experience. That GPS detail might sound techy, but the practical outcome is reassurance that you stay within safe cruising areas.
Learning to drive with George and Vasilis, without the stress
If you’re nervous about driving a motorboat for the first time, you’re not alone. The standout theme from the experiences is that the instruction is clear, patient, and geared to real use on the water, not a vague lecture.
George came up repeatedly as the instructor who explains how to operate the boat, with a focus on what you need to know for a fun and safe outing. One person described the experience as very straightforward, even though they were initially hesitant as first-time skippers. Another key point: you’re not just told what to do, you’re given reference points and maps for where you can go, what to avoid, and where swimming or lunch fits naturally along the coastline.
A useful piece of practical guidance from a rider: listen carefully during the navigation and control instructions. It sounds obvious, but it directly affects how relaxed you feel once you’re out cruising. The more you understand the basic “how,” the faster you start thinking about the “where.”
If you prefer to skip the self-drive part, there is also an option that was mentioned: you can ask for a skipper upgrade, and one case quoted an extra 50 euros for that. That can be a good fit if your group wants the scenery and swimming, and you just want someone else handling the boat.
Exploring Corfu at your pace: east coastline swims, coves, and lunch by the water

The core experience is simple: cruise the east coastline near Corfu City and stop when you want. This is not a rigid, clock-driven tour. You’ll start from the Corfu City area by heading along the east side, and then you choose your moments for swimming and snorkeling.
Here’s how the day typically feels, and what to plan for based on what people experienced:
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Leaving port and getting oriented
Right after the briefing, the big goal is confidence. Once you know how the boat handles and how to follow the reference points shown to you, you can start exploring with a lot less guesswork. People praised getting maps and restaurant recommendations, which matters because you’re not stuck searching your phone while you’re already on the water.
Choosing swim and snorkel spots
The included snorkeling gear is there for a reason. The water around Corfu is clear, and the rental is set up for quick dips and longer swims depending on your group. One person described the chance to swim in private coves, and another highlighted snorkeling in nearby coves during their outing.
In practical terms, you’ll want to decide early if your group is more into:
- short swims between viewpoints
- or a longer snorkeling session somewhere calm
If you bring your own snacks and drinks and you have a cooler on board, you can also stretch the time you spend at each stop. That often turns a “4-hour rental” into a full-feeling half day.
Lunch stops and water-access meals
Food is one of the strongest parts of the whole experience. Several experiences mentioned that the team recommended a place to eat along the route, including a lunch stop where the restaurant was accessible by water. One rider described docking at a bay with a quiet beach and then finishing the trip at a seafood restaurant.
This is where the self-paced format really pays off. On a fixed tour, lunch can feel like a rushed compromise. With your own boat, you can time lunch around the nicest water stop you pick, and the team’s restaurant suggestions give you a head start.
Small drawback to know: because your route is flexible, the “perfect” lunch spot depends on the weather and the exact direction you choose that day. If you’re traveling during a busy season, it can help to be open to the recommended option rather than hunting for the “best possible” place yourself.
Returning to base
At the end, the activity finishes back at the meeting point. That means you do not need to worry about trains, buses, or transfers at the last minute. One of the more reassuring details: the experiences note smooth communication with the provider and easy return timing, especially when pickup and return instructions are followed carefully.
Price and fuel: how to estimate your real cost before you go

The published price is about $193.09 per group, up to 6 people, for a rental window of roughly 4 to 7 hours. If you fully fill the boat with 6 people, you’re looking at roughly $32 per person for the rental itself. That’s the main reason this can feel like a good value compared to per-person boat tours.
But fuel is the part you must budget for, because fuel consumption is not included. The listing text states fuel costs extra, and one clear example given was around 40 euros for a 2/3 tank. Another note listed fuel as a range, so you’ll want to expect a separate payment at the end based on what you used.
Here’s how I’d plan it for a calm budget:
- Treat the published price as your base rental cost.
- Add an extra fuel amount to your group budget, and discuss it before you start.
- If your group is likely to cruise a lot farther than the “simple route,” assume fuel will be higher.
That small planning step prevents the “wait, what?” moment at the end. And multiple experiences indicated that fuel charging was fair, and it was mentioned upfront in the booking info.
Also consider time. If you’re debating 4 hours vs 7 hours, more time usually means fewer “we should leave soon” moments. One person even said their only regret was not booking the full 7 hours, basically because the day felt so good on the water.
Who should book this motorboat rental in Corfu (and who might not)

This fits best if you want:
- control of your schedule, not a bus-timetable version of Corfu
- a small-group day with swimming and snorkeling
- an experience that works for friends and family
It also seems to work well for first-timers. The repeated theme is that the boat handling is taught in a clear way, with George and others available for questions. Add the fact that it’s described as suitable for most travelers, and you can see why so many people rated it highly.
Where you might reconsider: if you want a “guided by a skipper who handles everything” experience, you could ask about an optional skipper upgrade. The self-drive setup is the main event, so if you strongly prefer not to learn the basics at all, factor in the extra skipper cost.
Another “fit” question is your group’s style. If you love planning every minute, you may find the flexibility harder to manage. If your group loves stopping wherever the water looks inviting, that freedom is exactly what this rental is built for.
Should you book? My honest take before you commit

If your ideal Corfu day includes time on the water, easy swimming, and a meal that feels tied to the scenery, this rental deserves a spot on your list. The combination of included snorkeling equipment, an on-board cooler, and strong instruction from Vasilis and George is what makes it work in real life, not just on paper.
I’d book it if:
- your group can fill seats (up to 6)
- you want to explore the east coastline at your own rhythm
- you’re okay paying fuel separately when the day ends
I’d skip it if:
- you want a fully guided itinerary with fixed stops and timing
- you do not want to handle any boating basics at all (unless you plan for a skipper)
One last practical tip: bring your own drinks and snacks, and have a decent camera ready. Also keep your phone handy for communication, especially if there are different pickup or meeting references depending on where you’re coming from. Get that right, and this is one of the simplest ways to turn Corfu into a personal coastal adventure.
FAQ

How many people can the motorboat rental accommodate?
The motorboat has space for up to 6 people.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the rental.
Do I get a cooler for food and drinks?
Yes. A cooler is included, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks.
Is fuel included in the price?
No. Fuel consumption is not included, and you will pay for it after the rental based on what you used.
Where does the rental meet, and is pickup available?
The meeting point is D-Marin Gouvia Marinamarina, Gouvia 491 00, Greece. Pickup is offered, and one listed pickup detail is Luis Kerkyra Blue Hotel.
How much time do I get on the water?
You can choose a half-day or full-day rental, with durations listed at approximately 4 to 7 hours.
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