Rent a boat in Sète with or without a licence

Follow in the footsteps of Georges Brassens, Paul Valéry and Jean Vilar in Sète. Between Thau pond, sea and canals, the Venice of Languedoc has a lot to offer to boaters of all stripes. Explore the lagoons and protected wetlands by boat without a license, go up the charming locks of the Canal du Midi aboard a barge or hoist the sails in the Gulf of Lion. The unique island protected by Saint-Louis reveals its treasures, classified as world heritage sites, for an exceptional nautical, cultural and gastronomic stay on the shores of the Mediterranean.

How much does a boat rental cost in Sète?

A rental day in Sète will cost you on average €400 in high season and €350 out of season.

This price, to be shared between participants, will vary depending on your choice of boat. Our table below shows you the average prices observed according to the period.

If the displayed price always includes Click&Boat insurance and bareboat, certain additional costs may also be requested. Embarking with a skipper, nautical equipment or a fishing rod, for example, may or may not count as extra, depending on your boat. Your rental company will tell you all the billing terms that apply depending on your navigation choices and additional options.

Find the average additional options regularly used per reservation in Sète:

- Paddle: €5/day

- Water skiing: €20

- Wakeboard: €25

- Towed buoy: €20

- Dinghy: €30/day

- Dinghy engine: €30/day

Rent a boat in Sète with or without skipper?

Enjoy the landscape while letting your skipper carry you! This regional stopover undoubtedly remains the best placed to introduce you to its region, its must-see attractions and its cultural or gastronomic tips. Renting a boat with a skipper, a sailing instructor or a crew ensures peaceful and safe navigation. It is also an ideal option if you do not have a boat license or if your nautical CV does not yet allow you to set sail.

Do you prefer autonomy? If you are not a seasoned sailor, it is also possible to rent a boat without a license, with a maximum power of 6 horsepower, to discover the surroundings of the Venice of Languedoc. Keep informed of weather conditions and watch for gusts of wind. When the mistral and tramontane invade the landscape, it is better to stay near the coast! Medhy, renter of a Cap 400, recommends that beginners explore the canals, the Thau basin and stop off in small ports and isolated coves to make the most of the Occitan coast.

What boats are available in Sète?

If you are traveling as a couple, in a small group or as a family, turn to the rental of fast motor boats or small sailing boatswhich will be perfect for cruising along the coast.

motor boats

sailing boats

The barges will allow you to discover the river navigation and going up the locks of the Canal du Midi in groups of 10 people maximum, for 4 cabins. Limited to 8 km/h, the speed must be reduced to 3 km/h during your crossings and lockages. Please note, navigation is authorized from the end of March to November on the canal, with the exception of May 1st!

For an exotic experience with a Far Eastern flavor, it is possible to come on board de Luyu, Gregory's traditional Chinese junk which can accommodate up to 8 people for the day and 4 people over several days.

yacht

An essential stopover for boaters in Occitanie, Sète is an ideal gateway to the most beautiful destinations. Its port serves a total of 5 sites classified by UNESCO and three Natura 2000 zones. Between two navigations, immerse yourself in its authentic and picturesque heritage, enhanced by colorful street art. Leave the quays of the royal canal, punctuated by the ballet of tuna boats and trawlers, visit the Espace Brassens and the fishermen's quarter at Pointe Courte. Set out to climb the Paul-Valéry museum, then Mont Saint-Clair where the belvedere reveals a grandiose panorama.

• Rent a barge at the mouth of the Canal du Midi and enjoy a dolce vita under the coolness of the plane trees . Slowly go up the locks designed by engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet. On your journey, visit ancient Narbonne, the vineyards of Béziers, the Cathar castles of the hinterland or even the ramparts of Carcassonne.

• Set sail in the Mediterranean! Towards the east, Palavas-les-Flots, the pyramids of Grande-Motte and Grau-du-Roi precede the wild expanses of the Camargue. Further away, Marseille reveals the whiteness of its cliffs and its coves.

Marseille

• Join the beaches of Cap d'Agde to the west or enjoy a stay at sea to coast by sailboat or catamaran. The Bottlenose Dolphins will accompany you to the Spanish ports and Cap de Creus. Owner of a Dufour 375 GL, Christophe offers long navigations. Equipped offshore, its “Camargue” regularly reaches the Costa Brava, Corsica or the Balearic Islands for two to three weeks of nautical discoveries.

Examples of itineraries from Sète

• Reserve an afternoon for a tour of the Saint-Clair mountain. After your trip, don't miss a visit to the Brassens area and taste regional specialties at the L'Aïoli restaurant.

• For a day on a boat, choose the Thau lagoon, a haven of biodiversity. Stroll on the water, in the heart of unspoiled nature, enjoy the uncrowded beaches and take an iodized break at the oyster farms in the villages.

• For a sunny weekend, sail as a couple to Cap de Creus to discover Spain.

• A week at sea with the family will allow you to reach Menorca, a little corner of paradise in the Balearic Islands.

Where to rent a boat in Sète?

Between the Mediterranean, canals and Etang de Thau, the Sétois marina sees many boats pass through each year. Modern, its quays have 815 berths and accommodate up to 2,166 boaters stopping over. Prestigious vessels, up to 170 meters, stop off in the marina dedicated to yachts. Pool house, fitness, lounges, and relaxation areas are some of the services offered to crews

Managed by the port, the closed canals of the Venice of Languedoc have rings in the city center for boats less than 8 meters in length.

What is the best season to sail in Sète?

The summer period will offer you a very sunny climate and the best sailing conditions in the Gulf of Lion. We particularly recommend the month of August to enjoy the centuries-old Saint-Louis festival. A remarkable spectacle between jousting, music, cultural events and water races!

For a quieter stay, without crowds on the water, go out of season, from October to the end of April. However, beware of autumn gusts of wind.

To discover the leading river tourism destination, choose boat rental on the Canal du Midi.

To discover the leading river tourism destination, choose boat rental on the Canal du Midi.

By Julie Fagard

Journalist and editor, expert in boating, offshore racing (Vendée Globe, Route du Rhum, Jacques-Vabre, Mini-Transat, etc.) and Breton tides. “I write and sail from Dinard, my home port. »

Acknowledgments

I thank our rental companies Medhy, Christophe, Audrey and Gregory for their sharing of information.

A special thank you to Jean for his gastronomic advice and his valuable catamaran itineraries, from Spain to the Balearics

Je remercie nos loueurs Medhy, Christophe, Audrey et Gregory pour leurs partages d’informations.

Un merci tout particulier à Jean pour ses conseils gastronomiques et ses précieux itinéraires en catamaran, de l’Espagne aux Baléares 

Frequently Asked Questions about Sète

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Sète for a day?

The average cost of renting a boat in Sète is around €290 per day. Various factors can influence the cost of a boat charter, such as the season, the year the boat was built, and the equipment. The prices can vary between €50 and €8,357 per day.

How much does a skipper cost per day in Sète?

The price of a skipper varies depending on the destination and the owner of the boat. In Sète, you can expect to pay an average of €233 per day for a skipper.

What is included in the cost of a boat rental in Sète?

The price of a boat rental in Sète typically includes amenities such as Bathing, Cockpit table, Bimini etc.

What types of boats can I rent in Sète?

In Sète you can rent for example a Motorboat, Sailboat or even a Without license.

Is fuel included in the cost of a boat charter in Sète?

For most boats, fuel is not included in the rental cost. In Sète fuel is included in the price for 7 boats.

Good to know