Hire a boat in United Kingdom with or without a licence

Discover the United Kingdom by boat

The United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is an island nation in the Northwest of Europe that has a long history with sailing and yachting and is the perfect location to charter a yacht and experience the seas. Famous for tea and biscuits, being the birthplace of Shakespeare and the Beatles, there is much more to the United Kingdom than the red telephone boxes and double-decker buses we see on London postcards. With Southampton having one of the largest boat shows in Europe, the Southampton Boat Show, and Scotland having many islands and hundreds of kilometres of coastline, naturally you don't have to look far for a boat rental in the United Kingdom.

What type of boat is best for boat hire in the United Kingdom?

Sailboats

Ideal for a leisurely and eco-friendly experience, sailboats are perfect for those seeking a serene journey along the picturesque coasts of the United Kingdom. With a typical capacity ranging from 4 to 8 passengers, these vessels offer an intimate setting for a sailing adventure, featuring cozy cabins for a comfortable onboard experience. 

Motorboats

For those who prefer speed and flexibility, motorboats are a popular choice for boat hire in the UK. With capacities ranging from 6 to 12 passengers, motorboats provide a thrilling option for exploring the waterways. These vessels are equipped with ample cabin space, ensuring a comfortable ride and often accommodating small groups or families looking to explore the scenic rivers and lakes. 

Houseboats

A unique and popular choice for canal exploration, houseboats are specially designed for navigating the intricate water networks of the UK. Typically, accommodating 2 to 6 passengers, these boats offer a cosy and intimate cabin space, allowing travellers to enjoy a relaxed and picturesque journey through the charming canals and countryside.

How much does it cost for boat hire in the United Kingdom?

• Port/Marina Rented From: Prices may differ depending on the location and popularity of the port or marina. Coastal or tourist-heavy areas may have higher rental costs.
• With or Without Skipper: Renting with a skipper or captain generally incurs an additional cost, but it offers a more relaxed experience for those without boating expertise.
• Extras (Equipment, Crew, etc.): Additional expenses may include equipment like snorkelling gear, fishing equipment, or the hiring of additional crew members for larger vessels, impacting the overall cost.

Sailboat Prices start from £51 per day / £357 per week

Motorboat Prices start from £179 per day / £1,253 per week

RIB Prices start from £358 per day / £2,506 per week

Catamaran Prices start from £1,023 per day / £7,161 per week

Houseboat Prices start from £207 per day / £1,449 per week

Yacht Prices start from £2,151 per day / £14,357 per week

What is included in the cost?

Yacht charters in the UK vary considerably in boat type, length of time and price of the charter. For those who have a sailing licence, bareboat charters are available and for those who don't then you can hire a yacht that comes with a skipper and even a crew. It is completely normal to hire a boat through Click&Boat that includes a captain to tour you through the waters, and lots of our listings include added or optional extras too. From snorkelling and diving equipment to jet-skis and wakeboards.

What season is the best for yacht charter in the United Kingdom?

The UK is somewhere that you can visit all year round due to its moderate weather that is not extreme in either summer or winter. The UK has a reputation for being miserable and wet all the time, but this is somewhat a myth. No, the UK does not get incredibly hot and sunny weather, but it isn't always raining, and it is never shockingly cold either. However, the weather is definitely temperamental. It can be sunny one second and raining the next, so make sure you pack an anorak! If you prepare for the weather, then it definitely will not ruin your trip. 

As always with chartering a boat, you should bring a windproof and waterproof jacket and things to keep you warm at night when temperatures drop. And even during the colder weather, the beautiful British landscapes can be even more appealing when coated in snow - so photogenic! So do not worry about when is the best time to visit the United Kingdom and instead focus on how you are going to spend your time there!

Where to hire a boat in the United Kingdom?

The coastline of Great Britain is more than 31,000 kilometres long, and so there is no shortage of choice when it comes to deciding where to begin your sailing journey. You will find most of the UK's busiest and most popular marinas on the south coast including Port Hamble Marina, Gosport Marina, and Ocean Village Marina in Southampton. If you are beginning a few days or week long sailing journey, then departing from here is highly recommended. You can easily visit the Isle of White, the Jurassic Coast or embark on a more adventurous journey to France and down to Spain or Portugal.

Where to sail in the United Kingdom?

Off the south coast of England, you will find many incredible sights of natural beauty that you can enjoy from the comfort of your boat rental. Begin with a cruise down the Jurassic coast enjoying the naturally incredible landscape and head to Durdle Door. Durdle Door is a natural arch carved out of the limestone cliffs over many years. It has a really nice beach too and is really popular with both domestic and international tourists. Just a couple of minutes up the coast is Lulworth cove - a beautiful beach and cove with amazing waters to swim in due to the sea's narrow entrance to the cove.

If you're interested in sailing during Cowes Week, then the Isle of Wight is a great place to start. Cowes Week is the UK's oldest and largest sailing regatta, held annually in early August. It's an exciting event where you can see hundreds of boats of different shapes and sizes taking part in the race. The Channel Islands, located just off the south coast, are also a great place to explore by boat.

If you are flying from outside the UK for your sailing holiday here then it is worth knowing that it is very easy to get to big cities like London from Southampton by train which should take no more than 2 hours.

Hire a boat with or without a skipper?

Renting a boat with a skipper ensures safety, as they are trained professionals who have experience navigating the waters and are knowledgeable about the local regulations. Moreover, having a skipper on board means that customers can sit back and relax, without having to worry about navigating the boat themselves.

Skippers often possess extensive knowledge of the best scenic routes, hidden gems, and optimal spots for various activities, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the boating excursion.

Renting a boat without a skipper can be more cost-effective, but there are certain conditions and requirements that need to be met. Sailors need to have a valid boating licence and have good knowledge and experience in navigating the waters. You also need to be aware of any local regulations and restrictions, such as speed limits and no-go zones.