Going boating is a must-do experience during your stay in La Rochelle. You’ll enjoy unforgettable views of the coastline, the mythical Fort Boyard and a stopover on one of the islands of the archipelago.
We give you all the options and advice you need to make the most of your maritime getaway.
Where to take the boat in La Rochelle
You can take the ferries, embark on a cruise or hire a boat at the Vieux-Port, right in the center of La Rochelle, or at the Port des Minimes to the south.
Several free parking lots are available next to the Port des Minimes, so you can park your car easily in this area.
Head for the islands!
Now that you know where to embark, you’re probably wondering what you’re going to see on your cruise through the waters of the Pertuis d’Antioche.
From La Rochelle, you can choose between the many surrounding islands: theÎle de Ré with its charming villages, theÎle d’Aix, a small unspoilt corner of paradise, or theÎle d’Oléron and its breathtaking beaches, not forgetting the famous Fort Boyard.
On your way back to La Rochelle, don’t forget to take in the breathtaking view of the Old Port and its historic towers. It’s a magnificent panorama, which we love even more at sunset.
- L’Île de Ré: A stopover on the Île de Ré is a must on any trip from La Rochelle. You can admire its picturesque villages, sandy beaches and famous Baleines lighthouse from the sea.
- L’Île d’Aix: A small, peaceful island, accessible only by boat, offering a more intimate experience. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature.
- Île d’Oléron: The largest of the Charente islands and our favorite, known for its magnificent beaches, pine forests and salt marshes. Sailing around the island offers a unique perspective on its natural beauty.
- Fort Boyard: located between Île d’Aix and Île d’Oléron, Fort Boyard is a must-see during your stay in La Rochelle. Sailing nearby, you can admire this iconic structure up close.
Sailing further afield, you can discover wild stretches of coastline, with cliffs and beaches inaccessible by land.
La Rochelle by boat all options
Catamaran cruise
From La Rochelle, you can opt for an intimate cruise toIle de Ré,Ile d’Aix,Ile d’Oléron and/or the mythical Fort Boyard.
These cruises are the perfect opportunity to learn more about this magnificent region, learn a few maneuvers and admire the region’s most famous scenery at an affordable price (around €25 per person).
Boat rental
Ideally, of course, you should hire a private boat, so you can explore the La Rochelle area at your own pace and get within reasonable distance of Fort Boyard.
Don’t panic if you’re new to sailing: you can rent a boat with or without a license and with or without a skipper. You’re bound to find a formula to suit your needs.
To rent your boat, we recommend that you use the Samboat platform. Quite simply, they have the most comprehensive range of boat rentals, and their site is very easy to use.
You enter your location, then your dates, then you can filter by boat type (motorboats, houseboats, small boats…), with or without a license, with or without a skipper: in short, you’re spoilt for choice, from €129.
Ferry
From La Rochelle, another very good option is to take a ferry in high season to Boyardville (on the east coast of the Ile d’Oléron) or theIle de Ré in around 50 minutes. Boats operate between April and early November, with 1 daily departure in high season.
Bicycles are allowed on these sea routes. It’s the ideal way to explore these 2 islands using the many cycle paths.
Find all the information you need about boat times and prices on the company’s website. (approx. €18.50 per person)
Our advice
- Opt for a late-morning excursion to escape the crowds, or a late-day excursion to take advantage of the ideal light for your photos.
- Don’t forget your windbreaker, because it’s always cooler at sea. If you want to take some cool photos, it’s time to get out your sailors!
- Avoid excursions in bad weather for a more pleasant experience. On the coast, the weather changes according to the tides, so don’t panic if it’s overcast in the morning, the sun may return during the day.
We hope you enjoy your stay in La Rochelle ! If this article has helped you find your dream beach, leave us 5 stars below to encourage us.
Don’t hesitate to drop us a line below, to let us know if you’re planning this trip, to ask any questions you may have, here or on Instagram, we’ll be delighted to get back to you.
