Aeolian Islands boat rental: frequently asked questions

Not always. A dinghy within the power limits set by law can be rented with no boat licence, and you drive it yourself.

Above those limits a licence becomes compulsory: it splits into within 12 nautical miles and unlimited, and to sail among the islands of the archipelago the first is usually enough. Stromboli in the evening is a case apart, where almost all operators still require a skipper on board regardless of the engine's power.

For a dinghy with no licence, a valid ID document and the amount for the deposit (in cash or as a hold on your card) are enough.

For a dinghy that needs a licence, or a boat, you also need a valid boat licence. For some sailing boats or vessels above a certain size the boat's registration document may be requested: it is best to check in advance.

It depends on length. Under the Italian Navigation Code, up to 10 metres overall it is classed as a natante da diporto (small craft); from 10 to 24 metres it is an imbarcazione da diporto (pleasure boat).

The distinction matters for the licence, the compulsory documents on board and some safety equipment. The great majority of dinghies rented by the day in the Aeolian Islands fall into the natante category.

Almost never. The price covers the use of the boat for the agreed time; the fuel you burn is on you. You collect the tank full and return it full.

Consumption depends on the route and the speed: a day of stops at the coves costs less than a long stretch at sustained speed. Some operators offer all-inclusive rates, easier for planning the budget but usually a bit more expensive.

It varies by type of boat and operator. For a dinghy with no licence it is usually lower than for a skippered boat or a larger vessel.

It is almost always requested on collection, in cash or as a pre-authorisation (hold) on your credit card, and returned in full if the day ends with no damage.

It depends on the operator's policy. Most move the date with no penalty if the Coast Guard issues a wind or rough-sea warning for the sailing area. Others apply their own policy, independent of the official warnings.

The most useful practical rule: ask for the weather policy in writing before you pay the deposit. An operator who puts it in writing shows they have clear procedures.

Technically yes, in practice it is not advisable. With a suitable boat and the right licence there is no outright ban on sailing to Stromboli in the evening on your own, but the reasons not to are real.

The night-time return toward Lipari or Milazzo is a long route in open water, in the dark, with no visual references. Moorings at Stromboli are limited and not always available overnight. The Sciara del Fuoco must be watched at a safe distance set by local ordinances: an experienced skipper knows where to position the boat, and the guided tour often costs less than an equivalent self-drive rental.

In a single day at sea you can comfortably see two islands, usually Lipari and Vulcano. To enjoy the archipelago without rushing you need at least three or four days: one for the central islands, one for Panarea and Stromboli with the evening outing, and a few hours for the more distant Filicudi and Alicudi.

With a week you can visit all seven at a comfortable pace, alternating days at sea with days on land. If you only have one day, it is better to focus on one well-run tour rather than chase too many islands.

From June to September the sea is calmer and the days longer, the ideal time for being on a boat; July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. May and early October still have water warm enough to swim in and lower prices, but a few more windy days.

The wind changes the experience on the water a great deal from one month to the next. You'll find the detail in the guide on the best time to visit the Aeolian Islands.