Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Athens. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don't forget to pack a copy to take with you.
Plan
Before you go
Our Greek base is located in Athens at Zea Marina. Zea Marina is conveniently located in the port of Piraeus, around one hour from Athens International Airport. Zea Marina lies on the northeast coast of the Saronic Gulf.
Phone Number: + 30 210 45 30 911
Fax: + 210 45 30 911
As you prepare for departure, please reference the Athens Cruising Guide to learn more about chartering in this destination.
Time zone
GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 hours from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Language
The official language in Greece is Greek.
Cost of living in Greece
The cost of living in Greece is approximately 10 percent less than the UK. Prices in Greece usually include service charges although it is normal to leave loose change as well.
What to bring
Passport and visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid. It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
If your child is not already included on a valid British passport, they are required to hold their own passport.
EU passport holders do not require a visa.
Non-British passport holders should check with their local consulate direct.
It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. We cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you're in any doubt, please contact your embassy for full details.
Customs + immigration
All visitors must have a valid passport or an IC for European citizens and onward ticket.
Travel formalities for non-EU citizens: For the citizens of the EU, no passports are required. An ID is enough. There are no currency limits, customs formalities or vaccines required.
Travel formalities for non-EU citizens: a valid passport is required for citizens from countries other than the EU. Visitors of some countries a visa is obligatory. There are currency limits and customs formalities. For more information, contact your embassy.
There is no departure tax for Athens.
Sailing licences
Click here to view the sailing requirements in Greece.
The Greek Maritime Authorities have recently changed their sailing license requirements for 2022 and 2023 and have confirmed that they will no longer accept the RYA Day Skipper qualification for Yacht Chartering in Greek waters.
All RYA Day Skipper Qualification holders are able to convert their current qualification to the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) qualification. This can be done online through the RYA website or via a paper form which can be downloaded from the website and printed. If you are a RYA member, an ICC can be issued free of charge, please visit the website and complete the application form.
The conversion period may take several weeks, therefore please plan ahead to ensure you receive the ICC certificate in time. The skipper must bring a physical copy of their sailing qualification - a photocopy or picture on a phone will not be accepted by the marine authorities.
Why do I need an ICC with Sunsail when other companies don't ask for it?
By Greek Law, Port Police officials require a ‘Solemn Declaration’ to be signed and presented on request alongside the official boat papers, stating that you hold the relevant qualifications to sail in their waters. With 40 years’ at the forefront of the sailing holidays industry, we pride ourselves on being the best. Our valued reputation is second to none and we conduct all operations with great diligence, and according to the current laws and regulations of each destination. This is why we ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and paperwork to fully enjoy every sailing destination, and that you are made aware of any clauses or terms and conditions that may affect your holiday.
To charter a yacht in Greece, there must be at least one certified skipper and one experienced crew member, both over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time. The Skipper should be accompanied by at least one crew member (First Mate) of “Competent Crew” level (ASA 103 or RYA Competent Crew Course) or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association.* As a yacht skipper, you are required to have a sailing license or a certificate from a recognized sailing association AND/OR an ICC or IPC as detailed below:
Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
• US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or above
• Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association
AND/OR
Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
It is imperative that you bring these sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you.You will not be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base. The sailing experience you provide on your booking confirmation is required as proof of sailing experience for the Greek Port Authorities. Please bring any sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you. If you do not have a recognized certificate, you should obtain one before your departure.
What's on board
Cool Boxes
Cool boxes are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign for these and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.
Mobile phones
Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote, Q-Telecom. Stet Hellas, and Vodafone. Please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You may need to activate international roaming on your contract.
Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.
Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-greece/
Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Greece is 220 volts and uses the standard European 2-pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.
Internet
You will require a 3G key to get internet onboard. This can be purchased from the airport Germanos shop, located in the arrivals hall.
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Go
How to get there
Airport
Athens Elefterios Venizelos Airport, opened in 2001, is approximately 19 miles east of Athens. The journey time from Athens International Airport to Syntagma in the centre of Athens, is approximately 25 minutes. To Pireaus ferry port it takes approximately 60 minutes.
Airport parking
Save up to 30 percent when you book your airport parking through us. Please call the team for more details.
Airport hotels
We have preferential rates at many hotels at the UK’s major airports. Please call us for more details.
Flights
Gatwick information: 0844 335 1802
Heathrow information: 0870 000 0123
Manchester information: 0871 271 0711
Luton information: 0158 240 5100
Glasgow information: 0870 040 0008
Pre-booking
If you're taking our Thomson Airways flights and wish to enquire about pre-booking seats, please call the airline direct on 0844 871 1603. Group seats are available for pre-booking through us. Please call us for more details.
Please note: Thomson Airways are unable to provide a priority check-in service for your inbound flight. This service operates at London Gatwick outbound only. Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.
Transfers
Transfers from Athens Airport to the Sunsail Base are approximately 60 minutes.
Upon your arrival at Athens Airport there are several ways to get to Zea. Options include:
- Athens Metro – take the Metro from the airport until the last station which is called Public Theatre in Piraeus.
- Bus – Route X96 to Pireaus
- Taxi – The easiest way to reach the marina is to take a taxi from the airport (plenty of taxis waiting just outside the airport). A taxi transfer takes about 60 minutes. Our base staff is happy to organize a taxi transfer for you. Please email Athanasia at [email protected].
Transfer by taxi (1-4 persons)
- Airport - Marina Zea: 60.00 €
- Marina Zea - airport: 60,00 €
Transfer by minibus (5-10 persons)
- Airport - Marina Zea: 90.00 €
- Marina Zea - airport: 90,00 €
Boarding time + checking out
On arrival
Your yacht will be ready for boarding at 6pm. Chart and boat briefings will be scheduled. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.
The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.
Out of hours
The base personnel will wait for you until 9pm. After 9pm, you will find an information sign at our reception office with a message for you indicating the location of the boat, cellphone number, facilities, etc. An emergency number will also be provided. Your boat will be open and indicated by a sign with your name. The boat's equipment will be ready for the night. The base personnel will be available the next day at 9am.
On departure
All charterers must return to base by 5:00 pm the night before disembarkation for debriefing and checks. Disembarkation is at 9:00 am the following morning.
Please return to the base by 5pm on the day before your departure. You will need to check out by 9am on the day of your departure.
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Sail
About the marina
Zea Marina facilities
- Electricity
- Water
- Supermarket
- Chandlery
- Restaurant
- Cafes
- Bars
- Toilets
- Showers
- Wireless internet access
- ATM
- Bank
- Free parking in the marina
- Wifi is not free in Marina
Our boats are on Quay C.
The marina has its own swimming pool. You have to pay for a ticket, which is 5.00 euro per person. Children under 14 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool.
Sailing licences
Sailing experience: Level 3
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.
Get more information on Athens sailing conditions.
Sailing grounds
Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12pm-12pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 6pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you've reserved a skipper for a later date on your charter they will start at 12pm on that day.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the contract with you.
For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.
The skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. We suggest that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht. We also suggest that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover: anchoring, docking, etc.
The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you'll provide cash for meals, whether you've included him or her in your provisioning or whether you'll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore.
The skipper must have his or her own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect your skipper to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.
For one-day check out skippers, it's your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15-20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
Sailing area restrictions
This information is covered in the chart briefing.
Night sailing
Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.
Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.
Charts and pilot books can be purchased by mail order from the UK chandler Kelvin Hughes by contacting 02380 634911.
Sailing permits + taxes
In Greece it's essential that we have all of the following details in advance: full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and passport number or ID card number for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared. You won't be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base.
It's also essential that you bring any RYA certificates or other sailing qualifications with you.
Moorings fees + taxes
Greece does levy mooring fees in some harbours, and these are not included in the price of the charter.
Most overnight stops in this area will be ‘bow to’ Mediterranean mooring on town quays. This will cost approximately 10 euro per night to be paid at each town locally. Marina prices are considerably higher, depending on the size of your yacht.
If you stop free of charge at a private jetty, it is expected that you will eat at that taverna.
Shower facilities are available at most restaurants for a small charge.
Health + safety
Illness or injury
If you get ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either your lead boat or at our base. If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
Swim Safe
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.
Children
- Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
- Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
- Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended.
- Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.
Be aware of your surroundings
- Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
- Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
- Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
- Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
- Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
Look out for others
- Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
- Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.
Do not overestimate your ability
- Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
- Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding - If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.
We have a very limited supply of children's life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.
Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck.
Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.
Eat
Provisioning
This destination offers online provisioning. Visit store.sunsail.com to order.
Supermarket
The supermarket Sklavenitis is situated 5 minutes walk from the Sunsail yachts
Open hours:
MON-FRI: 9:00- 21:00
SAT: 9:00-20:00
SUN: CLOSED
There is only one small supermarket which is open on Sunday and it is 10 minutes walk from the office.Opening hours are 9:00-23:00.
Dining
Restaurants
There is a good choice of tavernas and restaurants throughout our cruising areas, our local staff will advise you of their whereabouts.
Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants/bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15 percent of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.
Tip according to quality of service.
Shop
Around the base
Hotels
Savoy Hotel
Iroon Politechniou 93
Piraeus 185 36
Tel: +30 2104 284 580
[email protected]
Theoxenia hotel
Tel: +30 2104112550
Phidias Hotel
Tel: +30 2104296480
Currency
Local currency – Eur (EUR). You can exchange money at the departure airport, but the exchange rate is often better once you are in Greece. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger restaurants, marinas, supermarkets and at the base, however, it is advisable to have cash as many places are still unable to accept credit card payments.
Please note: base is unable to accept cash or personal cheques, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.
Credit card information
Travellers cheques and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops in the major towns.
Please note: bases are unable to accept personal cheques and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.
Currency can be exchanged commission free at any high street TUI retail travel agent on production of your Sunsail invoice. You can pre-order your currency from a TUI travel agent by telephoning them in advance on 0870 9005154 to find your nearest branch.
Banking
Banks are open Monday-Thursday from 8am-2.30pm, and on Friday from 8am-2pm.
There are often small exchange offices in town offering a better exchange rate than the bank. They are open from 8am-8pm.
Banks are available in Piraeus close to Zea Marina, Epidavros, Ermioni and also on the larger islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Spetsai.
Shopping
Supermarkets: the supermarket Sklavenitis is situated five minutes by foot from the base.
Shops in Greece tend to be open from 9am-1pm and in the evening from 5pm-8pm.
Special purchases include lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, flokati rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the centre for luxury and designer goods and local handicrafts.
Hydra and Spetses offer a wide variety of jewellery, art, and boutique shops catering for sophisticated tastes. Regional specialties can include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region.
Visitors should be aware that many ‘antiques’ sold to tourists are fake; it is illegal to export any item of real antiquity without a special permit from the Export Department of the Ministry of Culture.
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Play
Things to do
Car and Jeep Hire
Car hire is available at Athens Airport and throughout Greece. All international rental companies are available.
Water toys + sports
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in the Greek Islands' crystal clear waters offers an excellent opportunity for both beginners and experienced divers. There are a number of diving centres throughout Greece.
Snorkelling
We have a range of snorkelling gear (fins only) which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.
Standup paddleboards
The newest way to experience the water. Experience gliding on the water's surface; this is as close as it gets to 'walking on water' and is suitable for all ages.
Kayaks
Explore our world of water by kayak and reach places that you never even knew existed. Check our website for more details.
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For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
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