Boufos & Kefali Sissi
22/07/2026
Sissi, Crete Travel Tips: Beach Etiquette Every Visitor Should Know
27/07/2026Every summer, thousands of visitors choose to rent a boat in Sissi, Crete, and it’s easy to understand why.
The crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, dramatic coastline and freedom to explore at your own pace create an unforgettable holiday experience. Boat rental in Sissi has become one of the most popular activities for visitors looking to discover Crete from a different perspective.
As a travel professional, I meet people every day who are excited about the idea of hiring a boat and exploring the island’s beautiful coastline.
And I genuinely understand the attraction.
But today, I would like to share a different perspective.
Not as a travel agent.
Not as a business owner.
But as the son of a professional captain.
Growing Up on the Sea
I was born into a family whose life has always been connected to the sea.
My grandfather was a fisherman.
My father spent more than forty years working professionally as a captain, safely transporting thousands of visitors along the Cretan coastline.
I grew up on boats.
Some of my earliest memories are of harbours, ropes, anchors, engines and long summer days at sea.
From an early age I listened to stories about sudden weather changes, engine failures, difficult harbour approaches, rescues, unexpected situations and countless moments where experience—not luck—made all the difference.
Those stories taught me one lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life.
The sea never rewards overconfidence.
It rewards preparation.
Experience.
Knowledge.
And respect.
Before You Rent a Boat in Sissi Crete, Ask Yourself These Questions
If you’re considering a boat rental in Sissi, a self-drive boat in Crete, or any similar experience, ask yourself a few honest questions.
Have I ever operated a motorboat before?
Do I really know how to anchor safely?
Can I recognise whether the seabed is sandy, rocky or covered with seagrass, and understand whether my anchor is actually holding?
Do I know how much anchor chain should be deployed according to the depth, wind and sea conditions?
What happens if the wind suddenly changes direction?
What happens if the sea becomes rough much faster than forecast?
If the engine suddenly stops while I’m far from shore, do I know exactly what my first actions should be?
Should I stay where I am?
Should I anchor?
Should I call for assistance immediately?
How do I contact the Greek Coast Guard?
What information do I need to provide?
If someone falls overboard, would I know how to recover them safely?
Do I understand the basic rules of navigation and right of way?
Do I know the safe distances from swimmers, beaches and other vessels?
Am I familiar with the reefs, submerged rocks, shallow waters and underwater hazards of a coastline I may be visiting for the very first time?
These are not theoretical questions.
They are real situations that experienced captains encounter throughout their careers.
Being at the Helm Means Accepting Responsibility
Many people believe that driving a small boat is easy.
Starting the engine is easy.
Turning the wheel is easy.
Opening the throttle is easy.
Taking responsibility for a boat is something completely different.
The moment you become the person at the helm, you become responsible not only for yourself, but also for your family, your friends and everyone else on board.
The sea is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
It can also become one of the most unforgiving.
A calm morning can quickly become a windy afternoon.
A hidden reef beneath crystal-clear water can destroy a propeller within seconds.
A mechanical failure only a few miles offshore can suddenly transform a relaxing holiday into a genuine emergency.
This is where experience makes the difference.
Experience Cannot Be Learned in Ten Minutes
One of the biggest misconceptions is that boating experience can be acquired during a short safety briefing before departure.
It cannot.
The experience of a good skipper is built over years.
Through thousands of hours at sea.
Through changing weather.
Through mechanical failures.
Through difficult decisions.
Through situations where staying calm matters more than anything else.
The most experienced captains are rarely the most overconfident.
On the contrary.
They are often the most cautious.
Because they know exactly how quickly the sea can change.
The longer you spend on the water, the greater your respect becomes for it.
A Small Mistake Can Become a Serious Situation
One of the reasons experienced seafarers develop such deep respect for the sea is that many emergencies begin with something that initially seems insignificant.
A sudden change in the weather.
An anchor that fails to hold.
A navigational error.
An engine that refuses to restart.
A submerged rock that was impossible to see from the surface.
Or simply a moment of hesitation when quick decisions are needed.
Any one of these situations can quickly turn an enjoyable day into a stressful and potentially dangerous experience.
Fortunately, many incidents end safely thanks to the assistance of the Greek Coast Guard, nearby vessels or experienced professionals who respond when help is needed.
But every incident serves as the same reminder.
The sea is beautiful.
The sea is inspiring.
But above all, the sea deserves respect.
The better prepared we are before leaving the harbour, the more likely we are to return with nothing but wonderful memories.
My Personal Opinion
Many people rent boats every year and enjoy wonderful days at sea.
I sincerely hope every visitor experiences the incredible beauty of Crete.
However, after a lifetime spent around boats and the sea, I have developed a different perspective.
As the son of a professional captain who dedicated more than forty years of his life to the sea, and as someone who literally grew up on boats, I personally would never encourage a complete beginner to take responsibility for a motorboat in unfamiliar waters.
In my opinion, many first-time visitors underestimate what it truly means to be responsible for a vessel.
The sea is not simply a beautiful setting for holiday photographs.
It is a powerful and constantly changing natural environment.
Operating a boat is about far more than steering or opening the throttle.
It is about making the correct decision when something unexpected happens.
When the weather changes.
When visibility decreases.
When the wind suddenly increases.
When the engine stops.
When the anchor starts dragging.
When another vessel unexpectedly crosses your course.
When someone on board panics.
Those are the moments that separate confidence from competence.
That is why I believe experience matters.
Not because experienced people think they know everything.
Quite the opposite.
The most experienced people are usually those who respect the sea the most.
They understand its beauty.
But they also understand its power.
Some readers may disagree with my opinion, and I fully respect that.
This article is simply my personal perspective, shaped by a lifetime around the sea and by the lessons I learned from those who devoted their lives to it.
If someone with little or no boating experience asked me for advice, my answer would always be the same:
Think carefully before taking responsibility for a boat and for the lives of the people on board.
For me, safety will always come before adventure.
Always.
Respect the Sea
This article is not intended to criticise responsible boat rental companies.
Nor is it written to tell anyone how they should spend their holiday.
Its purpose is much simpler.
To encourage every visitor to think carefully before taking the helm.
The sea is not an amusement park.
It is a living, constantly changing natural environment that deserves our deepest respect.
Whether you decide to rent a boat in Sissi, join a professionally operated boat trip in Crete, or simply enjoy the coastline from the shore, one thing should always come first.
Safety.
Because the greatest success of any day at sea is not how far you travelled.
It is that everyone returns safely to harbour.
About the Author
Stefanos Katrinakis is the owner of Stefanos Tours, a travel agency based in Crete specialising in authentic local experiences, excursions and private tours.
Born into a seafaring family, Stefanos grew up surrounded by boats and the sea. His grandfather was a fisherman, while his father spent more than forty years working professionally as a captain, safely transporting thousands of visitors along the Cretan coastline.
Growing up on boats taught him something that has shaped both his personal life and his professional philosophy:
The sea should never be feared—but it should always be respected.
Today, alongside his work in tourism, Stefanos writes extensively about Crete’s history, culture, traditions, local life and responsible travel, helping visitors discover the island through the eyes of someone who was born and raised here.
Stefanos Katrinakis
Travel Agent | Son of a Professional Captain
Owner, Stefanos Tours – Crete