Why to Rent a RIB to Explore Crete & the Greek Islands
Updated: December 06, 2024
By PANOS BARDIS, Owner & Ceo of SEAZE THE DAY
“This post is currently in the works.”
Greece has always been a place with a deep connection to the sea. Many of its famous heroes and tales, like Odysseus from Homer’s “Odyssey”, are tied to maritime adventures. Mythology and history are filled with stories of the sea.
Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, with about 227 of them inhabited. Most of its mainland is also surrounded by sea. It’s no wonder Greece is known for its nautical history and traditions.
Greece is also famous for its blue waters, sunny summers, and stunning beaches. What better way to explore this beautiful country than by boat?
But what type of boat is ideal? The answer is simple: RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats). These boats are not just popular with tourists. They are also the top choice for locals.
In this blog, we’ll explain why RIBs are the ultimate way to explore Crete and the Greek Islands. Get ready to dive into the details of this exciting adventure!
What is a RIB Boat?
A RIB boat, short for Rigid Inflatable Boat, is a type of motorboat known for its stability, speed, and versatility.
While many people call them “RIB boats,” the correct term is simply RIB, as the name already describes its design.
RIBs combine a rigid hull with inflatable tubes (called sponsons) along the sides. This innovative design makes them lightweight, highly buoyant, and safe in all water conditions.
The History of RIBs
The story of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) begins in the 1930s, with the invention of early inflatable boats by Pierre Debroutelle, an engineer for the French Naval Air Force. Working under the Zodiac brand, Debroutelle designed lightweight, buoyant boats for rescue operations and military transport. These fully inflatable boats were a game-changer for their practicality and ease of use.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the concept of the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) emerged as a major innovation. At this time, a team at Atlantic College in Wales developed the first RIBs by combining a solid polyester hull with inflatable sponsons (sides). This design offered unmatched stability, speed, and safety, making RIBs ideal for use in rough seas and extreme conditions.
As a result, manufacturers like Zodiac and Avon quickly embraced the new design. Soon, RIBs became essential tools for militaries and coast guards worldwide, excelling in search and rescue missions, patrols, and challenging maritime operations.
By the 1980s, RIBs transitioned into the recreational boating market, gaining popularity for their versatility and reliability. They became a favorite for many activities, ranging from fishing and diving to luxury tenders and coastal exploration.
Today, RIBs are celebrated as one of the most innovative and practical boats, blending safety, performance, and versatility to meet the needs of professionals and adventurers alike. Whether used for work or leisure, RIBs continue to prove their worth on the water.
What Makes RIB Boats So Special
RIB boats, or Rigid Inflatable Boats, are celebrated for their unique combination of lightweight design, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re cruising open waters or navigating hidden coves, RIBs offer a host of advantages that make them stand out.
Lightweight and Fuel-Efficient
RIBs are built with inflatable air tubes and a rigid hull, making them significantly lighter than traditional motorboats. This design allows for greater speed and fuel efficiency, reducing costs and environmental impact. Their lightweight construction also makes them easier to handle on and off the water.
Smooth and Stable Ride
The inflatable air tubes on a RIB provide exceptional stability, even in rough waters. This results in a smooth ride with minimal rocking, offering comfort for families, first-time boaters, or anyone prone to seasickness.
High Performance and Maneuverability
RIBs excel in speed and agility, making them perfect for reaching places that other boats can’t. Their maneuverability allows them to navigate shallow waters, tight coves, and secluded spots with ease, ensuring a memorable exploration experience.
Versatile and Adaptable
RIBs are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of uses. From fishing and diving to luxury cruising and adventure tours, RIBs adapt effortlessly to meet your needs. Whether for recreational outings or professional use, they perform exceptionally in every scenario.
Stylish and Adventurous
With their sleek and modern design, RIBs bring together style and functionality. They offer a perfect balance between a rugged, adventurous spirit and luxurious, comfortable features, making them an appealing choice for any type of outing.
Easy to Launch and Retrieve
Launching and retrieving a RIB is straightforward and requires no special equipment or heavy-duty vehicles. Most RIBs are designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making them accessible for both experienced boaters and beginners.
Accessible and Convenient
Getting in and out of a RIB is simple, whether from a dock or in shallow water. This feature is particularly valuable for activities like swimming and snorkeling, where ease of access adds to the overall experience.
Exploring the Different Types of RIBs
RIBs by Size: Small, Medium, and Large
Small RIBs (3.6–5.5m): Compact and Convenient
Small RIBs range from 3.6 to 5.5 meters, accommodating 2–4 persons. They often feature inflatable designs without polyester hulls, making them lightweight and easy to transport without a trailer. These RIBs are ideal as tenders for yachts and sailing boats, offering quick mobility in harbors or marinas.
For those in need of a practical, portable option, RIBs in the 4.5–5.5m range are popular among commercial fishermen, spearfishers, and vacationers. These boats are perfect for shorter routes and easy handling, providing an efficient and versatile solution for those who want a reliable boat on the go.
Medium-Sized RIBs (6–8.5m): Versatile for Day Trips
Medium RIBs, measuring 6 to 8.5 meters, are the most common size due to their flexibility and practicality. These open-deck boats are ideal for up to six passengers, making them perfect for a wide range of uses, from fishing and diving to coastal exploration.
Their balance of size and maneuverability allows them to handle longer routes while still being easy to manage, providing a great option for those seeking versatility in their boating adventures.
Large RIBs (9–11m): All-Weather Performance and Versatility
Large RIBs, measuring 9 to 11 meters, are built for performance and endurance, making them the ideal choice for various occasions. Known for their excellent stability and reliability in all weather conditions, these boats are perfect for long-distance trips, offering comfort and safety even when venturing far offshore.
With spacious decks and seating, these RIBs can comfortably accommodate up to 8–9 passengers, making them a fantastic option for island hopping or exploring multiple destinations in a single day. Their large fuel tanks allow for extended cruising without frequent refueling, making them well-suited for journeys that require covering significant distances.
This size of RIB is also a favorite as a chase boat tender for larger yachts, providing quick transport for guests and supplies while complementing the luxury experience of yacht ownership. Whether for leisure, exploration, or support roles, large RIBs offer unmatched versatility and capability.
RIB Configurations: Open Deck vs. Cabin
Engine Types: Outboard vs. Inboard
Engine Setup: Single vs. Twin
Purpose-Driven RIBs: From Utility to Luxury
Renting a boat in Chania, Kissamos or Ierapetra is a way to start a whole new adventure. In fact, it is one of the unique ways to explore Crete like a local, and also mingle with the locals.
SEAze The Day specializes in RIB boat rentals, in Chania, Kissamos and Ierapetra. If you would like to learn more about our RIB rentals in Crete, we have gathered several Q&As.
Do you know what a RIB is?
The Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is an incredibly popular choice of motorboat due to its versatility, speed and ability to cope with challenging conditions.
Why are RIB boat rentals so popular in Crete?
The versatility and inherent stability of the design make RIBs a popular choice for many sailors [and for tourists to rent RIB boats]. [RIB boats] have excellent load capacity thanks to the added buoyancy of the sponsons and stay afloat in the event of the hull being compromised (rightboat.com).
Are RIB boat rentals good for fishing, diving and snorkelling?
Fishing and Diving: Those interested in fishing and diving will love their RIB boat. Due to their high versatility and maneuverability, you’re able to get out deep quick.[…]RIBs are ideal for the military due to their lightweight nature, high maneuverability, speed, and reliability (hysucat.com). Most of all, when you dive for snorkelling from a RIB boat you will find it very easy to come on board again due to the softness of the material on the balloons. This is mainly for those that are more adventurous and want to climb up the balloons and not the ladder;) Moreover, renting a boat in Crete with us will allow you to experience fishing and spearfishing like a local. You will learn all the best techniques and practices to catch the fish you have always wanted.
Where can I rent a RIB Boat in Crete?
You can charter our RIB boats in Chania, Kissamos – Kastelli, Kolymbari, Marathi, Ierapetra, Makrys Gialos and several other locations upon request.
Can I rent a RIB with or without a skipper?
You can rent a skippered RIB from Chania, Ierapetra or Kissamos and we will take care of the details regarding destinations and amenities . Otherwise, if you are licensed and sea experienced you can rent a bare RIB (without a skipper) and take your family or friends on a boat trip. Before renting one of our motorboat we will make sure to give you a detailed briefing on how to operate and manoeuvre the RIB, but also we will provide you with a detailed weather report. We will definitely discuss about your destinations and how you will safely reach them. Meanwhile, after your departure SEAze the Day’s Captains and staff will always be available via phone at any time, inconvenience, or emergency (all vessels have a GPS tracker). Through, we are sure you will have a lifetime experience!
Fun Fact (or even better, SAFE fact) about RIB boats
The Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat is a high-speed, high-buoyancy, extreme-weather craft with the primary mission of SEAL insertion/extraction and a secondary mission of marine interdiction operations. The RHIB is also used by U.S. Navy sailors for visit board and search operations at sea. (military.com)
As a whole, renting a motorboat (RIB) with or without a skipper is a great experience to do when you are in Chania, Kissamos or Ierapetra.
In case you want to know more about RIB rentals for your summer in Crete, drop us an email at info@seazetheday.gr or call us on Whatsapp +30 694 748 2447 or find our spot in Chania, here.