Hiring a motor boat on Paxos

There's no better way of exploring the hidden beaches and crystal clear sears around Paxos than hiring a small motor boat. There are several boat hire outlets at the main villages on Paxos - Giaos, Lakka and Loggos. No experience is needed as the boat owner will give you a quick lesson on how to handle the boat.

Types of boat

The most common type of boat available are small motor boats with an outboard engine. The outboard engines range from 10 to 50 horsepower (HP). The higher the HP, the more expensive the boat. If you only need a small boat to visit the local beaches, 10 HP is fine. If you want a larger boat to carry 4 or more people, you will need a higher HP. Discuss your needs with the boat owner.

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Costs of hiring a boat on Paxos

Hire cost - this is in the range of 30 to 50 euros per day, depending on the size of boat and the HP of the outboard engine. For example, in 2008, the cost of a basic 30 HP boat from Captain Nikos in Loggos is 40 euros per day, or 35 euros per day if you hire it for the week.

Petrol costs - you will need to pay for your petrol as well as the hire cost. Every time you take out the boat, the petrol tank will be full. When you get back after your day out, the petrol tank will be filled with petrol and the amount put in measured. This will indicate how much you have used. If you are hiring the boat for a week, the boat owner will keep a note of the amount of petrol used each day, and you will be charged at the end of the week.

Your boat will need to be tied up on the waterfront of the village where you hired it from every evening. Most boat owners ask for the boats to be returned by 6 o'clock every evening. It's not unusual for a local wind to blow each evening at about 4 o'clock - the sea can get quite choppy.

Where to go

You will need to check with the boat owner about where you can take your hire boat. Many hire boat owners will not allow you to take your boat to Anti Paxos or around the West side of the island.

If you want to go to Anti Paxos, or go on a round the island trip, you will need a boat with a high horse power engine (30 or above) and permission from the boat owner. If uncertain, always ask.

Snorkeling

It's well worth buying a snorkel set for your boating trips. The clear waters around Paxos are home to many different species of fish. Most boats come with a ladder at the back which can be lowered into the water to enable swimmers to get in and out of the boat.

Sun shades

Make sure you boat has a sun shade and use high sun protection sun cream when you go out on the boat. The sun can be fierce but the breeze can make you think that you are not getting burnt.

Here is a typical hire boat on Paxos with a 30 HP engine and a sun shade. This type of boat can take four people.

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