Discover Arcachon without the crowds! Renting a boat in Arcachon lets you enjoy the basin in complete peace of mind.
Sea air, gentle pine trees, emblematic natural sites, Arcachon is an unmissable vacation destination on the Atlantic coast. Don’t miss out on exploring the riches of its basin with a boat rental in Arcachon.
Generation Voyage guides you to find out what you need to do, where to rent your boat in Arcachon, and what precautions you need to take for a relaxing and discovering cruise.
What type of boat to rent in Arcachon?
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Arcachon is a major marina with thousands of boats. So you’ll find a wide choice of boat models for rent.
No-license boats for apprentice sailors, rigid, RIB or inflatable motorboats for power and thrill seekers, and sailing or motor catamarans for lovers of these giants of the seas.
This means that every boater can find a boat to suit their needs, from zodiacs to speedboats, from fishing boats to powerful open boats.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Arcachon?
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Boat rentals in Arcachon offer a range of rates, depending on boat size, engine, duration and season.
Boats without a license can be rented for as little as €120 per half-day and €150 per day, whatever the season.
Renting a boat in Arcachon with a motor of between 50 and 250 HP will cost you between €285 and €750 per day, depending on capacity. If you don’t have a boating license, or would like to relieve yourself of this responsibility, the presence of a skipper on board costs an average of €150.
Catamaran rental in Arcachon is exclusively with the captain on board, and rates start from €700 per day in high season, rising to €1,400 for a large sailing catamaran.
Good to know: the rates shown do not include the cost of fuel. Most boat rentals in Arcachon charge a minimum of €50 for fuel.
Rent a boat to explore Arcachon
How to rent a boat in Arcachon
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Whether you’re on your own or with a friend, it’s easy to rent a boat in Arcachon. In fact, you’ll find many service providers ready to advise you according to the size of your group, your wishes and your sailing skills.
But you can also book your yacht charter in Arcachon from the comfort of your sofa!
Find the complete offer in real time of boats for rent in Arcachon on platforms dedicated to boat rental between private individuals, such as Click&Boat. Making your choice couldn’t be easier! In just a few clicks, you indicate first the location and then the desired rental date, and the site lists the boats and options available.
Now all you have to do is compare prices and select your yacht charter in Arcachon.
Then extend the pleasure of a sea excursion by complementing your boat rental in Arcachon with diving, fishing or boarding equipment such as windboards, water skis or paddleboards. Most boat rental companies, both professional and private, offer optional equipment.
Do I need a license to sail in Arcachon?
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It’s possible to sail in Arcachon with either a sea or coastal license. The offshore license is compulsory if your trip takes you more than 6 miles from a shelter.
However, you can also sail without a license on a low-engine boat, even if it’s preferable to hire a skipper to accompany you.
Our tips for sailing in Arcachon
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Arcachon is the second-largest yachting harbor on the Atlantic coast, welcoming up to 5,000 boats. Located on the southeastern edge of the Eyrac roadstead, access to the port is relatively easy and sheltered from the main gales.
On the other hand, the presence of sandy shoals at the entrance to the Arcachon Basin can cause breaking waves, depending on sea and wind conditions. In case of doubt, we strongly recommend that you contact the Cap Ferret semaphore on VHF channel 16.
Speed is limited to 5 knots within the perimeter of the Banc d’Arguin nature reserve, and within 300 meters of any shoreline, marked or unmarked.
Berths are extremely rare in Arcachon harbor, and are reserved primarily for local yachtsmen. You must therefore call the harbor master’s office to check availability before planning your stopover. Other SMPBA (syndicat mixte des ports du bassin d’Arcachon) ports are more accessible, such as La Teste de Buch.
Mooring rates in the marina are therefore quite high. For boats from 5 m to 20 m in length, you’ll need to pay between €50 and €150 per day.
Rent a boat to explore Arcachon
When is the best time to sail in Arcachon?
May to October is the most pleasant time to sail in Arcachon. In fact, these are the months with the best weather conditions. Spring and autumn are more suitable for quiet sailing.
Ideas for boat trips from Arcachon
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Looking for inspiration for your boat trip? Here are two itinerary ideas from Arcachon.
Take a break on the Banc d’Arguin
This easy-to-access short sea outing takes you to the heart of a nature reserve, home to a rich, well-preserved ecosystem of migratory birds and oyster beds. Located at the entrance to the Arcachon Basin, between the Dune du Pilat and the Cap Ferret lighthouse, this 4 km sandbank at low tide is the ideal spot for a timeless lunch break.
As you sail along the Banc d’Arguin, you’ll enjoy an exceptional panorama, with the Dune du Pilat to the east and the ocean to the west.
Admire Bird Island and the « cabanes tchanquées
Emblematic of the Arcachon basin, the « cabanes tchanquées » sit in the middle of the Île des oiseaux, sometimes with their feet in the sand, sometimes with the ocean at their doorstep. Listed as a nature reserve since 2008, the island is home to over 250 species of birds, and covers 1,700 hectares at low tide, compared with just 100 at high tide.
It’s located in the middle of the Arcachon Basin, and can be reached in just a few dozen minutes by boat. Stroll through the small villages in search of a little corner of paradise where you can enjoy a picnic and a breathtaking view.