If you are considering a holiday on the Ionian Island of Lefkas, of the many different activities open to you is to rent your own motorboat for the day or perhaps longer.

Unlike other islands in the Ionian Sea, Lefkas' east coast gives rise to generally calm conditions rather like an inland lake. From here you can venture out to the numerous small islands, sunbathe, snorkel, fish or even cook a small barbecue in splendid isolation. The day is yours and you have complete independence.

The archipelago of islands opposite the main resort of Nidri is especially attractive - perhaps one of the reasons why Aristotle Onassis chose to buy Scorpios as an island retreat in the early 1960s. For many, the Meganissi channel, lying between the island of the same name and Lefkas, provides one of the most spectacular views of the inland sea and is very popular with yachtspeople and other watersports afficionados. The Meganisi channel and the Inland Sea are favourite haunts of dolphins and a careful watch may result in seeing them. Please ask Dimitris for up to date information on recent sightings.

The choice of motor boat rental is extensive in Nidri and once arrived on holiday you may not have the time to investigate what is on offer in order to make an informed choice based not only on price (very important) but also safety (more important!).

At Dimitris Tsakalos' Rent-A-Motorboat, an independent hirer (so no commissions paid to agents), you will have the benefit of over 20 years' experience (the first and the longest established motorboat company in Lefkas). The company is a small family business and tries to provide more than just a boat rental service.

Based in Nidri, at the north end of the main harbour, Dimitris' "office" is hard to miss. Two parasols, a microlite airplane and two fast planing boats, (used by Dimitris to keep an eye on your safety if necessary!). Rental boats range from 8 horsepower (hp) to 35 hp and all have sun awnings, first aid kit, flares and lifejackets. This year, new boats have been purchased to meet European Community safety regulations. This, combined with full instruction and a useful nautical chart detailing most of what you will need to know, will help to ensure that your trip will be enjoyable and, moreover, safe!

The Mercury marine engines used by Dimitris are maintained regularly and undergo a full overhaul each winter when the boats are out of the water. (Dimitris is the Mercury dealer on Lefkas island and fortunately can expect prompt delivery of any spares in the event of them being needed).

Dimitris and his wife Zoi, take pride in offering motorboats with safety being paramount. This includes paying regular attention to the latest meteorological data from the BBC www.bbc.co.uk/weather/worldweather/europe/sat.shtml ,the University of Athens http://forecast.uoa.gr/obsnew.html  , and also the Institute of Oceanographic Studies in Greece www.poseidon.ncmr.gr/weather_forecast.html . As a qualified pilot, Dimitris clearly recognises the importance of having a flight plan and this he extends to the manner in which he rents his motorboats! Quite simply if it's not safe the boats remain in port. During the summer weather conditions are fortunately generally stable and predictable and this rarely occurs.
 

A tour of the inland sea.

There is so much to see and do. Click HERE for our one day tour

Other Information:

Insurance: This is fully comprehensive and includes any damage to your boat or any other craft.

Fuel: You pay only for what you use. A two-stroke mixture is used and provided by Dimitris. Expect to use about 14 litres during the course of the day although distance and speed will have a bearing on this.

Booking in advance: Generally, there is no need to book in advance. Although things can get busy during the summer, a visit the day before you intend to set out is usually sufficient to secure the boat.

This provides you with greater flexibility to take advantage of the many local events that take place on the island and also to check with the weather.

Nor is a deposit required at this point - merely your name and accommodation address.