Boat rental in Arcachon: how to do and where?

Discover Arcachon without the crowd of holidaymakers, it is possible! Rent a boat in Arcachon allows you to enjoy the basin in all peace

Marine air, soft pines, emblematic natural sites, Arcachon is a must-see holiday place on the Atlantic coast. Don’t miss exploring the riches of its basin thanks to the boat rental in Arcachon.

Wanderlix guides you to know how to do, where to rent your boat in Arcachon, and what precautions to take for a navigation under the sign of relaxation and discovery.

What type of boat rent in Arcachon?

Arcachon is a large marina welcoming thousands of boats. Also, you will find a wide choice of boat models for rent.

Boats without permits for apprentice navigators, rigid, semi-rigid or pneumatic motorboats for lovers of power and strong sensations, or catamarans with sail or motor for lovers of these sea giants.

Thus, all boaters find the boat that suits them, from the zodiac to the star, to the fishing boat or the powerful open.

What is the price of a boat rental in Arcachon?

The boat rentals in Arcachon offer a range of prices varying according to the size of the boat, its motorization, duration and season.

Thus, boats without permits are rented from 120 € half day and 150 € the day, whatever the season.

Rent a boat in Arcachon with a motorization between 50 CV and 250 CV will cost you between 285 € and 750 € the day, according to the capacity of reception. If you do not have the boat permit or wish to discharge this responsibility, the presence of a skipper on board is charged 150 € On average.

The catamaran rental in Arcachon is done exclusively with the presence of the captain on board and displays prices from 700 € day in high season, and can climb up to 1 400 € for a high capacity sailing catamaran.

Good to know: the rates indicated do not include the fuel price. This is to be expected with a minimum price 50 € in most boat rentals in Arcachon.

How to rent a boat in Arcachon?

Alone or accompanied, you can rent a boat in Arcachon very easily. Indeed, you will find on site many providers ready to advise you according to the size of your group, your desires, and your navigation capabilities.

But it is also possible to book your boat rental in Arcachon from your couch!

Find the full offer in real time of boats for rent in Arcachon on the platforms dedicated to the rental of boat between individuals, such as Click emphasizeBoat . To make your choice, nothing simpler! In a few clicks, you first indicate the location and the desired rental date, and the site lists the boats and options available.

You only have to compare prices and select your boat rental in Arcachon.

Then extend the pleasure of a sea trip by completing your boat rental in Arcachon with diving equipment, fishing, or slips such as windboards, waterskis or paddle. Most boat rentals, professional and private, offer optional equipment.

Is there a permit to sail to Arcachon?

It is possible to navigate with the sea or coastal permit in Arcachon. The luxury permit is mandatory if your exit at sea takes you more than 6 miles from a shelter.

However, you can also navigate without a permit for a boat of low motorization, even if it is better to call a skipper to accompany you.

Our tips to navigate in Arcachon

Arcachon has the second marina of the Atlantic facade and accommodates up to 5,000 boats. Located on the southeast edge of the Eyrac rade, access to the harbour is relatively easy and sheltered from the main wind blows.

On the other hand, the presence of sandy highlands at the entrance of the Arcachon basin can cause deflection waves according to sea and wind conditions. In case of doubt, it is also strongly recommended to contact the Cap Ferret semaphore on the canal VHF 16 .

The speed is limited to 5 knots in the perimeter of the Arguin bench’s natural reserve, and within a perimeter of 300 meters of any shoreline, marked or not.

The mooring places are extremely rare in the port of Arcachon and are reserved primarily for local boaters. Also, you must call the captain to ensure that you have a seat available before planning your stopover. Other ports of the SMPBA (mixed union of the ports of the Arcachon basin) are more accessible as that of the Buch Test.

The mooring rates of the marina are therefore quite high. We need to count between 50 € and 150 € per day for boats from 5 m to 20 m long.

What is the best time to navigate in Arcachon?

The period May to October is the most pleasant to navigate to Arcachon. Indeed, it is these months that benefit from the best weather conditions. Spring and back-season are more conducive to quiet navigation.

Ideas of itineraries by boat from Arcachon

Inspired for your boat trip? Here are two route ideas from Arcachon.

Take a break at the Arguin bench

Very accessible, this short sea trip takes you to the heart of a natural reserve where a rich and preserved ecosystem lives, between migratory birds and oyster parks. Located at the entrance of the Arcachon basin, between dune du Pilat and the Cap Ferret lighthouse, this 4 km to low tide sandbank is also the ideal place for a lunch break out of time.

During your navigation along the bench of Arguin, you enjoy an exceptional panorama, with the dune of Pilat in the east, and the ocean in the west.

Admire the island with birds and shacks

Emblemishes of the Arcachon Basin, the Tchanized Cabins sit in the middle of the island of birds, sometimes the feet in the sand, sometimes the ocean their doors. Classified as a natural site since 2008, the island has indeed been home to more than 250 species of birds, and covers 1,700 hectares with low tide, compared to only 100 to high tide.

It is also located in the middle of the Arcachon basin, and is very easily reached in a few minutes of navigation. Walk in the small villages in search of a small corner of paradise where to picnic, while enjoying a breathtaking view.