Here’s a practical and up-to-date guide to yachting in Greece tailored for American citizens (e.g., from New York or nearby U.S. cities) — including travel requirements, charter options, license rules, best regions, and tips for planning your trip.

🛫 Entry & Travel Requirements for U.S. Citizens

✈️ Visa & Entry

• U.S. citizens can enter Greece (Schengen Area) for tourist visits of up to 90 days without a traditional visa. This includes travel by yacht or plane.  
• Starting in 2025, American travelers will need an ETIAS travel authorization (a simple online permit similar to the U.S. ESTA) before entering Schengen countries like Greece.  

🛥️ Yacht Entry

• Yachts arriving in Greece from abroad must clear customs and immigration at an official port of entry. Passports or IDs are checked, and boat documentation is presented.  

⚓️ Yacht Charter Options in Greece

1. 

Bareboat Charter (You Skip the Boat)

• Great if you’re an experienced sailor and want full control.
• Most charter companies require:
   
  • A recognized sailing license (see License section below).
  • At least one experienced crew member (co-skipper).  
•  

2. 

Skippered Charter

• A professional skipper does the navigation while you enjoy the cruise.
• Ideal for travelers without extensive sailing experience or wanting a relaxing holiday.  

3. 

Crewed or Luxury Charter

• Fully staffed yachts with crew, catering, and services.
• Perfect for families, larger groups, or special celebrations — but is higher budget.  

📆 Charter Duration & Costs

• Weekly charters are most common; daily options are also available, especially near Athens.  
• Prices range from moderate bareboat deals to premium luxury yachts (€25,000+ per week) depending on size and season.  

📍 Best Yachting Regions & Routes in Greece

🌊 

Aegean & Cyclades (from Athens / Lavrion)

• Classical Greek islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos.
• Dramatic landscapes, beaches, nightlife & ancient sites.
• Meltemi winds can be strong in summer — ideal for experienced sailors.  

🍀 

Ionian Islands (from Lefkada, Corfu)

• Calm waters, lush landscapes, and sheltered sailing — excellent for beginners & families.  
• New marina in Nydri (Lefkada) increasing access and berths.  

 

Saronic Gulf (from Athens)

• Short distances, easy stops at Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses.
• Perfect for a shorter or first-time yacht trip.  

🍃 

Sporades & Dodecanese

• Lesser-traveled but scenic — great for nature lovers and quieter sailings.  

🎓 Sailing Licenses & Regulations

🇺🇸 What You Need to Charter

• For bareboat charters, Greek authorities usually require:
   
  • A recognized sailing license or certificate (e.g., ASA, US Sailing), plus an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).  
  • Some companies will accept ASA certificates with ICC or ask you to hire a skipper.  
•  

📑 Safety & Local Rules

• All yachts cruising Greek waters pay a cruising tax based on length and stay duration.  
• If your license isn’t recognized locally, charter companies will require a skipper or qualified crew onboard.  

🛥️ Practical Planning Tips

🗓 Best Time to Go

• May to September is peak yachting season.
• July & August offer warm weather but stronger winds (Meltemi) in the Aegean.  

📍 Where to Start

• Athens (Alimos Marina) — biggest choice of yachts and easiest flight access from the U.S.  
• Corfu or Lefkada — excellent starting points for calm Ionian adventuring.  

🛟 Safety & Comfort

• Greece is considered a very safe travel destination for Americans. Yachting typically includes strong safety briefings and English-speaking crews.  
• Make sure your travel insurance covers international yachting and medical care.  

📞 Recommended Charter Companies (Examples)

Here is a reputable option you can explore further:

• Alpha Yachting — Broker with U.S. support office (Florida).   

📌 Quick Summary

✔️ No Greek visa needed for U.S. tourists up to 90 days (ETIAS required). 

✔️ Charter via bareboat, skippered, or luxury yacht — pick what fits your group & budget. 

✔️ ICC or recognized sailing certificate recommended for bareboat. 

✔️ Best regions: Aegean/Cyclades, Ionian Sea, Saronic Gulf. 

✔️ Safety: Very good, with English-speaking crews and solid services. 

If you want, I can help you plan a specific itinerary (e.g., two weeks around the Cyclades or Ionian islands) — just tell me your dates, group size, and budget!