Hire a boat in Southampton

Discover Southampton by boat

Located on the south coast of England, the port city of Southampton in Hampshire has always played an important role in British maritime history. The iconic Titanic set sail from here in 1912. Today, the city is home to a wide range of attractions for visitors, many reflecting the famous sailing culture. When renting a boat in Southampton, be sure to explore the historic Southampton Water, offering picturesque views and the chance to sail past iconic landmarks such as the medieval Netley Abbey and the stunning Hythe Pier. Navigate your way to the Solent, renowned for its challenging sailing conditions and scenic beauty, providing an exhilarating experience for boating enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to anchor at the Isle of Wight, just a short sail away, where you can enjoy charming coastal villages, beautiful beaches, and the vibrant atmosphere of Cowes, a renowned sailing destination. But more importantly, Southampton serves as a gateway to the southwest of England.

What type of boat is best for boat hire in Southampton?

The choice of the best boat for Southampton depends on your preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. For day trips and exploring Southampton Water, a small motorboat or a RIB is ideal, with a capacity ranging from 4 to 8 passengers. If you plan an overnight stay or a more extended cruise, consider a sailing yacht with cabins, accommodating 2 to 10 people on average. For larger groups or a luxurious experience, chartering a motor yacht with a minimum capacity of 8 and a maximum capacity exceeding 20 passengers is recommended, providing spacious cabins for comfort during extended voyages.

How much does it cost for boat hire in Southampton?

Chartering a yacht in Southampton depends on a wide range of factors such as the type of boat, the season, the duration of the charter, as well as any other additional services which you may require. 

• Season: Prices may fluctuate depending on the time of year, with peak seasons generally experiencing higher rates.
• Type of Boat: The choice of boat, whether it's a small motorboat, a sailing yacht, or a luxury motor yacht, will significantly influence the rental cost. 
• Port/Marina: Different marinas and ports may have varying pricing structures, and proximity to popular attractions can also impact costs.
• With or Without a Skipper: Opting for a skipper or captain can add to the overall cost, providing convenience and local expertise.
• Extras: Additional expenses may include equipment rentals, crew fees, fuel costs, and any other extras that enhance the boating experience.
• Duration: Short-term rentals for a day trip will be less expensive than longer-term charters spanning multiple days or weeks.

Here are some average prices per day / per week for boat hire in Southampton:

Motorboat: From £1,306 per day / £9,142 per week

RIB: From £747 per day / £5,229 per week

Houseboat: From £133 per day / £931 per week

Sailboat: From £252 per day / £1,764 per week

Catamaran: From £1,004 per day / £7,028 per week

What is included in boat hire in Southampton?

Boat hires in Southampton can vary based on the boat type, the duration and the price of the charter. In the UK, you are not required to hold a sailing licence when you are on the sea. This means that visitors can opt for a bareboat charter if they wish. Whether you hire a motor yacht, a sailing yacht or even a RIB, there are boundless possibilities at Click&Boat to make your holiday more enjoyable. Many of our owners also provide optional extras too, such as snorkelling and diving equipment, jet skis and even wakeboards.

What season is the best for boat hire in Southampton?

Thanks to its moderate climate, you can get a boat hire in Southampton all year round. However, the weather tends to change rapidly, so we recommend packing an anorak in case it ever starts to rain. As always with a yacht charter, regardless of the destination, we highly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and things to keep you warm in case there is wind or at night.

Where to charter a boat in Southampton

Owing to Southampton’s practical location, serving as the gateway to the southwestern coast of England, there are many harbours and marinas from which to begin your boating holiday. The most popular marinas in Southampton include:

• Ocean Village Marina
• Port Hamble Marina
• Shamrock Quay
• Hythe Marina Village
• Town Quay Marina

Where to sail in Southampton?

Near Southampton, you can find a wide range of natural sights to see that you can enjoy with your boat.

Towards the south, you can cross the Solent with a yacht charter towards the Isle of Wight, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the United Kingdom’s most popular holiday destinations. With your boat hire, you can enjoy stunning sandy beaches and impressive rock formations, such as The Needles. The Isle of Wight is also home to numerous chines (coastal ravines), which are well-known in local folklore for their association with shipwrecks, fishing and smuggling. It also hosts Cowes Week, one of the world’s oldest and most respected sailing regattas. Here, visitors can get close to nature and see lush vegetation, beautiful forests and majestic waterfalls.

Further down the coast towards the West and you will enter the county of Dorset, known for its countless beaches. Many beaches have impressive rock formations too, such as the iconic Durdle Door, a natural arch carved out of limestone cliffs over many years. Further down the coast, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lulworth Cove; ranked as one of the best beaches in the country. For water sports enthusiasts, it is also possible to hire equipment with some of our yacht charters in Southampton.

With a Click&Boat boat hire, there are countless other things to see in this beautiful region of England. For history buffs, we highly recommend setting sail with your boat hire from Southampton to the famous Portsmouth Harbour, home to a historic dockyard and the legendary HMS Victory. If you are interested in food, let your senses guide you to one of the many restaurants in Southampton, which is home to one of the UK’s most diverse culinary scenes. For visitors who wish to venture out further, it is also possible to sail across to the Channel Islands with your boat rental. To put it short, you will always have things to see in Southampton.

Renting a boat with or without a skipper?

Renting a boat with a skipper in Southampton offers several benefits, enhancing the overall boating experience. Firstly, having a professional skipper on board provides a stress-free journey, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Southampton's waters without the responsibility of navigating. 

Secondly, a skipper brings local knowledge, guiding you to hidden gems, picturesque spots, and ensuring you make the most of your time on the water. Additionally, for those less experienced in handling boats, a skipper ensures a safe voyage, handling navigation, docking, and other technical aspects, promoting a secure and enjoyable outing for everyone on board. 

Lastly, renting a boat with a skipper allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the leisure aspects of the journey, creating memorable moments without the need for any boating expertise.