Motorboats for rental

Motor boat and RIB charters offer holidaymakers a fast and flexible way to explore coastlines, islands, and hidden coves. In recent years, motor boat rental and motorboat charter options have surged in popularity as travellers seek alternatives to slower sailing yachts. Unlike sailboats, which average around 7 knots and rely on the wind, motorboats can visit several beautiful spots in a single day. This makes them ideal for short trips or spontaneous island hopping. Meanwhile, RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) are lightweight powerboats known for their stability, speed, and versatility – perfect for quick coastal adventures. Below, we break down the advantages of motorboats, the differences between cabin motorboats and RIBs, who these charters are best for, and the types of charters available.

Advantages of Motor Boat Charters

Speed and Efficiency: One of the biggest advantages of a motor boat charter is speed. Powered by engines, motorboats cruise significantly faster than sailboats, allowing you to cover long distances or hop between multiple destinations in a single day. If you have limited vacation time, a motorboat lets you make the most of every hour on the water.

Flexibility: Motorboats give you the freedom to set your own schedule. There’s no dependence on the wind or strict sailing routes – you can depart whenever you please and change course on a whim. Even if the weather shifts, a reliable engine means you can still travel safely to your next stop. This flexibility is a huge perk for those who want a stress-free, go-where-you-want experience.

Ideal for Day Charters: Thanks to their speed and ease of use, motorboats are perfect for day trips and weekend outings. A motor boat rental is simple to arrange for just a day of fun – you can explore a new bay, visit a nearby island, or enjoy watersports and be back by evening. In fact, motorboats are easy to navigate and can even tow water skis or wakeboards, adding extra excitement for families and friends on a day charter.

Motorboats vs RIBs: What’s the Difference?

When choosing between a standard motorboat and a RIB, it helps to understand their key differences in design and usage.

Motorboats with Cabins: Typical motorboats (often called power boats or cabin cruisers) have a rigid hull and usually come with some indoor space. They may feature a cabin or covered area with amenities like a bed, small kitchen, or toilet. This means motorboats with cabins are suitable for overnight trips and multi-day charters, as you have sheltered space to sleep and store luggage. They prioritize comfort – offering protection from sun or rain and a smoother ride in choppy seas due to their heavier build. If you want a leisurely cruise with the option to stay aboard at night, a cabin motorboat is the way to go. These boats can range from small 20-foot weekenders up to large luxury motor yachts, but all provide some level of comfort and shelter that RIBs lack.

RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats): A RIB is a type of motorboat built with a solid hull and inflatable tubes along the sides. Most RIBs have an open deck layout with no cabin, which means they are almost always used for day trips rather than overnight voyages. What RIBs lack in onboard amenities, they make up for in performance and fun. Thanks to their lightweight design, RIBs can zip across the water at high speeds and are extremely maneuverable. They handle waves well – the inflatable collar absorbs shocks, giving a stable, smooth ride even in rougher water. RIBs are essentially sporty runabouts; you can rent a RIB for a few hours to explore hidden coves, visit beaches, or even use it for thrilling activities like snorkeling and diving. Just remember, with no cabin or toilet, RIBs are best for short excursions. They’re often used as tenders for bigger yachts or for quick island transfers, but many travellers also enjoy RIB charter trips as a highlight of their holiday due to the excitement these boats offer.

Who Are Motorboat and RIB Charters Ideal For?

Short Trips and Day Adventures: Both motorboats and RIBs excel at short-duration trips. If you only have a day or an afternoon free, a RIB rental or small motor boat hire is the perfect solution for a quick adventure on the water. RIBs in particular can be hired just for a half-day or full day to zoom around scenic coastlines. Their agility lets you pack in a lot of sightseeing – imagine zipping from one bay to the next, stopping for a swim or snorkel, and then moving on to a seaside restaurant for lunch. For a weekend getaway or a day off during a longer trip, chartering a motorboat gives you a refreshing change of pace without a long-term commitment.

Groups of Friends and Families: Motorboat charters are very popular with groups and families because they offer a private space and flexible itinerary. Instead of joining a crowded tour boat, you and your group can have the vessel to yourselves. A medium-sized motor boat often accommodates 6–12 people comfortably, making it great for a family outing or a trip with friends. RIBs, despite their compact appearance, also boast surprising capacity – many are rated to carry more passengers than a hard boat of the same size. You might find RIBs that can take 8–10 passengers (with everyone in lifejackets, of course). This makes RIB hire a fun option for small groups looking for an exciting ride. Keep in mind, though, that space on a RIB is more limited and everyone will be out in the sun and spray. If grandparents or very young kids are coming along, a motorboat with a shaded deck or cabin might be more suitable for comfort. For energetic groups ready to bounce over waves, a RIB will deliver an unforgettable experience.

Coastal Exploring and Island Hopping: Motorboats and RIBs truly shine for exploring coastlines with lots of points of interest. In regions with many islands or hidden coves, being able to chart your own course is a huge advantage. A motorboat’s powerful engine gives you the range to cover multiple spots in one trip – you can cruise to a secluded beach, then a harbour town, then a snorkeling reef all in the same day. And because many motorboats have a relatively shallow draft, you can often anchor closer to shore to access quiet bays and beaches that bigger yachts or sailboats can’t reach. Similarly, RIBs are fantastic for poking into narrow inlets, sea caves, and shallow lagoons. Their maneuverability lets you get up close to cliffs and coastlines, which is ideal for photographers or adventurous explorers. If your goal is to discover off-the-beaten-path spots along the coast, a nimble RIB or a compact motor cruiser is the ideal charter choice. For instance, in places like Croatia or Greece, RIB charters are commonly used by local guides to show visitors secret beaches and grottoes that larger tour boats skip. Whether you’re island-hopping or hugging the shoreline, these powerboats give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Popular Destinations for Motorboat & RIB Charters

Motorboats and RIBs can be rented in most major boating destinations worldwide. Here are a few hotspots where these charters are especially popular:

• Caribbean: A motor boat charter in the Caribbean is perfect for those seeking a tropical escape. With its calm turquoise waters and countless islands (from the Bahamas to the British Virgin Islands), the Caribbean is a playground for motorboats. You can anchor off white-sand beaches, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and then speed off to the next island on the itinerary. Many visitors opt for a crewed luxury motor boat charter here, complete with captain and chef, to indulge in the ultimate island-hopping adventure. (Imagine cruising around St. Martin or the Grenadines in style, with every cove and beach at your fingertips.) The Caribbean’s mix of reliable warm weather and short distances between picturesque islands makes it ideal for both motorboats and RIBs. For a curated list of options, check out Boataround’s offers for motor boat charter Caribbean.

• Croatia: The Adriatic coast of Croatia has over 1,000 islands and is one of Europe’s top boating destinations. A motor boat charter in Croatia lets you explore at your own pace – from the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik to the secluded coves of the Kornati archipelago. Because many of Croatia’s islands lie close together, travellers often rent a RIB for day trips to secret bays and beachside villages that larger ferries can’t reach. Zooming between the Dalmatian islands on a RIB or small motorboat is an exhilarating way to sightsee. If you prefer a bit more comfort, you can hire a cabin motorboat to island-hop over several days, anchoring in quiet fishing harbours each night. The waters are generally calm in summer, and there are plenty of marinas and ports for overnight stops. For current deals and a wide selection of boats, see Boataround’s motor boat charter Croatia page.

• Greece: With thousands of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece is another paradise for motorboat and RIB charters. A motor boat charter in Greece opens up destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and countless lesser-known isles. You can cruise along dramatic coastlines, drop anchor at uninhabited islands, or dock in lively ports to experience Greek culture and cuisine. RIB hire is especially popular among Greek locals and tourists alike – the Greeks often use RIBs as a quick way to hop between nearby islands or reach secluded beaches that are inaccessible by land. For example, from Crete you might take a RIB out to Balos Lagoon or the isle of Gramvousa for a day of exploration. Whether you choose a bareboat motor yacht around the Cyclades or a guided RIB tour in the Ionian, Greece offers something for every taste. To compare options, you can browse Boataround’s motor boat charter Greece listings, which include everything from small RIBs to lavish motor yachts.

  ---

  Ready to Cast Off? Book with Boataround

Motor boat and RIB charters provide an exciting and convenient way to enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of a speedy RIB ride or the comfort of a cruiser with cabins, there’s a charter to suit every style. Best of all, arranging your motor boat hire is easier than ever. Online platforms like Boataround allow you to browse a vast range of boats, compare prices, and book securely in just a few clicks. With Boataround, you can find verified boats and trusted charter companies around the world, from Caribbean motor yachts to Croatian RIBs. So why wait? Take the helm of your own adventure and set sail on your terms. Your perfect motorboat rental is out there – and Boataround will help you find it. Happy boating!

Motorboats for rental

Experience the thrill of water sports with a Motor Boat, also known as a Speed Boat. These nimble crafts, perfect for activities like water skiing and wakeboarding, typically range from 2 to 22 meters, with one or two powerful engines from 1 to 2700 hp. As they are primarily used for water sports, fishing or transfer from motor yachts to land, they usually do not provide overnight accommodation or toilets.

Our fleet includes motorboats from the most popular yards, such as Quicksilver, Jeanneau and Capelli.

These are some of the best places to charter a motor boat:
• Motorboat rental Croatia
• Motorboat rental Spain
• Motorboat rental Italy