la rochelle boat trips

• Amazing Day Trips To Take...

Amazing Day Trips to Take From La Rochelle by Boat

Old meets new in La Rochelle , one of the most important maritime centres in all of France . The entrance to the Vieux Port is guarded by two medieval towers – once connected by a heavy chain – while across town, the 5,000-berth Port des Minimes is a thoroughly modern marina that plays host to numerous sailing competitions throughout the year. Make some time in your itinerary to visit the old fishing district of Saint Nicolas for some freshly shucked oysters – a local speciality – before raising the anchor on one of these day trips by sea.

Cruise along the most amazing coastline gems with Culture Trip’s Sailing Trips.

Although connected to the mainland by an expansive modern bridge, you still feel like you’ve switched to holiday mode as soon as you set foot on the Île de Ré. The flat island is a dream for cyclists with 110km (68mi) of bike paths that lead past sandy beaches, salt marshes and pretty villages. Home to a population of fewer than 3,000 people, Saint-Martin-de-Ré is its capital — with 17th fortifications now classified as a Unesco-listed site.

South of La Rochelle, Châtelaillon Beach is a long stretch of fine golden sand framed by ornate waterfront residences. Consistent Atlantic winds make this the perfect spot for kitesurfing and other watersports. Indeed, the seaside resort plays host to an annual Kite and Wind Festival . Walk the coastal promenade to the port of Bouchôleurs to work up an appetite for fresh seafood at L’Ambiance Cabane , a traditional waterfront wooden oyster cabin.

Île d’Oléron

Lit up by brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and matching wooden fishing boats, the Île d’Oléron is known as “the luminous island”. As with the Île de Ré, you’ll find charming fishing villages, sandy beaches and pine-scented pathways. The island also has a rich wine-making tradition. Make your way to the Vignerons d’Oléron in Saint-Pierre d’Oléron for a taste of the local tipple, a sweet blend of grapes and brandy called Pineau des Charentes.

The population of the tiny Île d’Aix, where Napoléon spent his last days in France before being exiled to Saint Helena, is just over 200 people – although that swells during the summer months as daytrippers make the short crossing from La Rochelle to enjoy its five beaches and waymarked walking and cycling trails. Between April and September, Les Calèches de l’île d’Aix runs horse and cart carriage tours along a 5km (3mi) route.

At the mouth of the Charente estuary, across from the Île d’Oléron, the Île Madame is the smallest island in the Charentais archipelago. There’s no marina (or permanent population) but daytrippers can drop anchor to visit the Ferme Aquacole de l’Ile Madame : an oyster farm that serves up sunny seafood platters at lunch between April and September.

Fort Boyard

A destination made famous by the hit TV game show of the 1990s, Fort Boyard was completed at Napoleon’s orders in 1857 but arrived centuries in the making. Visitors aren’t permitted inside, but don’t let that put you off the trip – the water-locked former floating prison is a sight to behold.

The furthest from the mainland of all the French Atlantic islands, the Île d’Yeu has a rugged character with windswept cliffs, rocky coves and grassy moors. Along the docks of Port-Joinville, you can stock up on freshly caught sole, bream, hake and shellfish, while to the south, the charming Port de la Meule is a protected bay that serves as an ideal starting point for the GR80 hiking trail, which runs the circumference of the island.

Phare de Cordouan

This grand lighthouse , built in the 16th century, stands at the entry to the Gironde Estuary, a beacon of light for vessels as they approach and depart from Bordeaux. Teams of two guardians work on seven-day rotations to maintain the structure and also welcome visitors to the Unesco-listed site, between April and October. When coming with your own boat, you need to notify them in advance of your arrival.

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Boat Rides in La Rochelle

Description

There are a number of boat rides that you can take from La Rochelle, taking you up to Fort Boyard and the islands near the town – Ile de Re , Ile d’Oleron and Ile d’Aix . Sail out for two hours, half-a-day or a full day. Departure points are the Vieux Port, Cours des Dames or the Esplanade Saint-Jean-d’Acre. The main companies to look out for are:

Croisieres Inter-Iles

Croisieres SMR also offers sunset cruises, departing La Rochelle for Fort Boyard at 8pm during July and August.

La Rochelle Croisiers www.larochelle-croisieres.com

For a trip by catamaran, Kapalouest

Guided kayaking: www.antioche-kayak.com

Photo 1 by Raphaël Chekroun / CC BY 2.0  image cropped;  Photo 2 by thierry llansades / CC BY 2.0 image cropped

La Rochelle

THE 10 BEST La Rochelle Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in la rochelle.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Speed Boats Tours
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kapalouest

2. Croisières Navipromer

3. Yakapartir

4. Association La Voile Pour Tous

5. Croisieres Inter-iles

6. Bateau Ecole Rochelais

7. PZ Sailing

8. Croisière Eudes d’Aquitaine

9. Aldabra Yacht Charter Catamaran

10. Canal Canoë

11. AMR Location

12. La Rochelle Croisière Haka

13. Agence Pamplemousse - agence nautique

15. Case Départ Nautique

16. Aventure Weekngo Mer

17. ASPTT Voile La Rochelle

18. Locationbato

19. Nomade Voile

20. Location Bateau la Rochelle

21. Ecole de voile Les Plates

22. Le Vent Des Vies

23. location bateaux la rochelle, 24. subaqua club la rochelle.

25. Rochelle & Fabulous

26. bateau ecole DEFI du port des minimes

27. Life and Boat

28. Naviguer Malin

29. TEX' Canoe La Rochelle

30. WEST YACHT BROKER location bateau à moteur La Rochelle

What travellers are saying.

• Croisières Navipromer
• Croisieres Inter-iles
• Association La Voile Pour Tous
• Bateau Ecole Rochelais

• DON'T MISS ANYTHING
• La Rochelle Océan Van
• Around the sea
• Cycle rides in La Rochelle
• Museums and sites to visit
• Leisure activities
• Go out and have fun
• Throughout the seasons

• SEE EVERYTHING TO GET ORGANISED
• Accomodation
• Restaurants
• Car parks and park-and-rides
• Getting to La Rochelle
• Accessible tourism in La Rochelle
• 100% Office de Tourisme La Rochelle

• Accessibility & Disability
• Guided tours

Marina of La Rochelle

Equipements et services proposés

Accessibilité tourisme et handicap, infos pratiques, langues parlées, moyens de paiements.

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Boat Tours and Cruises in La Rochelle

Because of its popularity, it's no surprise that La Rochelle offers plenty of boat tours. But which are the best? To find out, we've analyzed all of the tours in the area not just for their experiences, but also for their price, guest ratings, quality, and service.

Boat tours in La Rochelle offer a captivating way to explore the scenic coastline, historic harbor, and surrounding islands of this charming maritime city on the western coast of France. Visitors can embark on various types of boat excursions, ranging from leisurely sightseeing cruises to adventurous sailing trips, each providing a unique perspective of La Rochelle's maritime heritage and natural beauty.

One popular option is a guided sightseeing cruise around La Rochelle's picturesque harbor, where participants can admire the city's iconic waterfront landmarks, including the majestic Towers of La Rochelle, the historic Old Port, and the imposing Fortifications of La Rochelle. Knowledgeable guides offer insights into the city's maritime history, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing fascinating stories along the way.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, sailing tours and yacht charters are available, allowing visitors to explore the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean and navigate around the nearby islands of Ré, Oléron, and Aix. Sailing enthusiasts can hoist the sails, feel the wind in their hair, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline while learning the art of sailing from experienced captains.

Additionally, boat tours in La Rochelle often include opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature observation. Participants may encounter seabirds, dolphins, and other marine life as they cruise along the coast, providing memorable encounters with the region's rich biodiversity.

Some boat tours also offer themed experiences, such as sunset cruises, seafood tasting cruises, or wine tasting cruises, providing a unique blend of sightseeing and gastronomic delights. Participants can savor local specialties and fine wines while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery and vibrant sunset views.

The 7 tours in our research have an average price of $46. Also, the typical experience length is 2 hours. Below are our picks for the best, so let's start planning!

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

Les Minimes and Bay Boat Tour

Boat trip to fort boyard (2h00), la rochelle : boat trip to fort boyard (2h00), ile d'oléron: boat trip to fort boyard 1h00, ile d'oléron : boat trip to fort boyard 1h00, privatization of semi-rigid boat with skipper, how much do boat tours cost in la rochelle.

In La Rochelle, boat tours cost on average $46 based on our research of 7 different tours. Many of these tours offer varying activities, add extra services, and last different lengths of time, so it's not always possible to compare every option equally. Also, the highly rated options tend to cost a bit more on average.

More Options

If you're looking for more things to do in La Rochelle, see also The Best Segway Tours in La Rochelle or The Best Walking Tours in La Rochelle .

La Rochelle Travel Costs La Rochelle Hotel Prices

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in La Rochelle? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in La Rochelle? .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

THE 10 BEST La Rochelle Boat Tours

Boat tours in la rochelle.

• Equipment Hire
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kapalouest

2. Croisières Navipromer

3. Yakapartir

4. Association La Voile Pour Tous

5. Croisieres Inter-iles

6. PZ Sailing

7. Croisière Eudes d’Aquitaine

8. Aldabra Yacht Charter Catamaran

9. La Rochelle Croisière Haka

10. Agence Pamplemousse - agence nautique

12. Case Départ Nautique

13. Locationbato

14. Nomade Voile

15. Le Vent Des Vies

16. Rochelle & Fabulous

17. Life and Boat

18. Naviguer Malin

19. WEST YACHT BROKER location bateau à moteur La Rochelle

20. Rivages Location

21. smr croisieres, 22. smr croisieres, 23. croisière en mer - smr, what travellers are saying.

• Croisières Navipromer
• Croisieres Inter-iles

THE 10 BEST La Rochelle Boat Tours

Boat tours in la rochelle.

• Equipment Hire
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kapalouest

2. Croisières Navipromer

3. Yakapartir

4. Association La Voile Pour Tous

5. Croisieres Inter-iles

6. PZ Sailing

7. Croisière Eudes d’Aquitaine

8. Aldabra Yacht Charter Catamaran

9. La Rochelle Croisière Haka

10. Agence Pamplemousse - agence nautique

12. Case Départ Nautique

13. Locationbato

14. Nomade Voile

15. Le Vent Des Vies

16. Rochelle & Fabulous

17. Life and Boat

18. Naviguer Malin

19. WEST YACHT BROKER location bateau à moteur La Rochelle

20. Rivages Location

21. smr croisieres, 22. smr croisieres, 23. croisière en mer - smr, what travellers are saying.

• Croisières Navipromer
• Croisieres Inter-iles