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How to find a good boat rental?

There are as many good reasons to rent a boat as there are types of boats! Catamaran, monohull sailboat, zodiac, semi-rigid, yacht … For a weekend or a day trip at sea, the objective is not the same, and your choice of rental will not be either.

To rub shoulders with the sea or the ocean, watch a sunset, take a dip in a creek accessible only by sea, or sunbathing with the only view of the water around you... You are already dreaming, so choose your boat rental wisely with our advice of the day!

How to choose your boat to rent?

Know who accompanies you to decide

You are going as a couple

Be original:no crowded fly boat or group outing, you have planned a romantic nautical trip aboard a boat in complete privacy ! Depending on the time of the ride and the romance, you can see things, we assure you...

The romantic dinner option on board is therefore strongly recommended, a trip of a few hours ideally depending on the budget. With your boat license or with a skipper (which will be as small as possible, the important thing is to find yourself .

Even better, a weekend sailing or a river cruise like in Bordeaux for example! This idea between romance and adventure is great for the escape side and the quiet getaway. We still advise you to go through a professional with staff on board.

You are going as a family with children

Boat rental is a perfect formula to leave for a few hours or for the day with the family! Aboard the boat of your choice (rib, zodiac, open hull, etc.), you take to the open sea and take as many breaks as you want with the children .

Do not forget the sunscreen, the hat, the sunglasses, and of course the swimsuit. This family outing is original and keeps your toddlers busy in the summer!

You go with friends

The cooler is ready, the sausage and chips too, a few refreshments to take on board and you're ready for your ride with friends . With the rental of your boat, you go offshore with your friends to enjoy the sea air.

Small boats are perfect from an economic point of view , because you distribute the loads at the end of the excursion. Depending on the comfort and the desired speed, it's up to you to choose the boat that suits you!

Relaxing on deck, splashing dives, stopping in a cove, snorkeling … All the pleasures are good to take when you have fun with your friends. You will give the atmosphere of your choice to this activity which is as refreshing as it is warm! Our practical advice:a day with meals included and skipper to do almost nothing!

How long are you going on a boat?

Depending on the time spent in the boat, you will not choose the same type. For the day or a few hours, a small ship is sufficient. Zodiac, semi-rigid, traditional boat … Everything is good, it depends on the number of people and the additional costs! Don't forget the fuel that can go into the final calculation 😉

For a full weekend, the must at the moment it's the sailboat or the yacht . With several cabins on board, equipment for cooking and relaxing, it's ideal between two stopovers.

For this program, we advise you to use qualified professionals to navigate , they have everything you need on board:life jackets, supplies, geolocation devices, radio, etc.

And it's the same for a week of sea travel and more ! The advantage in this case:you are on large boats or even ocean liners with shops, restaurants, leisure activities... In short, a mini-city on the water.

With or without skipper?

I'm taking a skipper

The skipper is a good alternative when you don't have your boating licence, or when you want to take it easy and leave the navigation to a professional !

A graduate, he ensures safety on board and takes care of staying the course with many tips. He knows the sailing area well, and that's where he can bring you a lot. It will take you to places hidden from the majority of people, which are worth the trip.

For a cruise or a full weekend , it is the best ! A whole team on board is at your service during your excursion at sea or on the ocean. You discover many places and learn a little more about the maritime world.

No way, I manage!

We understand your desire to escape, without that no one will disturb your privacy ! Without a skipper, perhaps you will feel more free, but we recommend vigilance all the same.

With family, friends or as a couple, this freedom formula works very well if you know where you want to sail. Take care to look carefully at the diving spots and the magnificent coves and places to discover before departure!

Do not forget to specify that without a skipper, either you rent a boat without a license, or you have your boat license:minimum coastal to go to sea and ocean, or fluvial (inland waters) for canals, rivers and rivers.

Rental between individuals also exists and represents an expanding market, but be careful to respect the administrative and usage rules. Collaborative yachting, as it is called, can be very useful for sharing certain costs, but beware of excesses!

Where would you like to sail?

Either you have decided on the place and you will rent your boat accordingly, or you absolutely want a type of boat and in this case, you will have to comply with the requirements of the chosen vessel.

You can navigate the seas and oceans, and even the great rivers which cross France like the Seine, the Loire, the Rhône…

Also discover our selection of the most beautiful places to sail by boat in France

Atlantic and Channel trip

We told you, some boats do not moor everywhere:a sailboat, a catamaran or a schooner do not sail on a river or a lake! For this type of nautical outing, we recommend Brittany in the Gulf of Morbihan , exploring Quiberon and the islands of Houat, Hœdic or Belle-Île-en-Mer.

Typical Norman towns such as Deauville, Honfleur or Le Touquet in the North are also nice destinations! Let's go now to see the island of Ré, Oléron and the famous Fort Boyard . On the Charente coast, many islets near the coast can be observed by boat.

Finally, going to Aquitaine:Bordeaux and the Canal du Midi, Arcachon and as far as the Basque Country in Biarritz ! You won't underestimate the strength of the waves and the seductive power of local surfers.

Luxury and sweetness in the Mediterranean

If you are more of a yacht or motor boat in general, from the zodiac to the semi-rigid, the Côte d'Azur is the ideal place to rent your boat. On the Var coast with Saint-Tropez , you can rent a boat for a ride between prestige and fun.

Towards Marseille in Provence, there are the azure blue creeks that should not be missed. Isolated coves not accessible on foot for tranquility, and the town of Cassis known for its ocher rocks. You are already traveling huh

Going towards Spain, the seaside towns between Montpellier and Perpignan await you. Barcarès, Argelès, Cap d'Agde, Palavas-les-Flots … To each his own little paradise in the Mediterranean Sea.

To go longer and explore neighboring countries, choose a Greek, Italian or Spanish cruise . You will live to the rhythm of the locals and immerse yourself in their customs.

Boat rental:easy and practical to navigate

Monohull, trimaran, sailboat or motorboat... With all our advice, we hope that you will quickly find a boat rental perfectly suited to your needs . Consider:

  • The person(s) with you
  • Your boat preferences
  • Location and duration of the excursion
  • Who is maneuvering:you or a skipper?

To port or starboard, take out the mainsail or warm up the engine, you are going on a nautical trip thanks to your boat rental!