Boat rental in Sète: discover all the information you need to rent a boat in Sète, the most Italian of the Languedoc towns.
Want to get away from it all for half a day, a day or a weekend? Why not rent a boat in Sète and explore the region by water? Between the Etang de Thau and the Mediterranean, there’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the pleasures of sailing. Generation Voyage guides you to find the best boat rental in Sète. How and where, follow the guide!
What type of boat to rent in Sète?
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The port of Sète welcomes all types of pleasure and fishing boats. For leisure purposes, you can mainly rent :
- Open hulls for up to 8 people,
- Catamarans,
- But also sailboats,
- Barges,
- And yachts.
However, if you want to pilot your own boat without a license, you’ll be limited to the smallest, most maneuverable models, such as hulls or certain launches. Likewise, you’ll need to pay close attention to the dimensions of your boats if you want to navigate the Canal du Midi and pass through the locks without a hitch.
All boats are rented with mandatory safety equipment: adult and child life jackets, buoy and fire extinguisher.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Sète?
Photo credit: Flickr – Nicolas Loison
The price of a boat rental in Sète depends on several factors: the type of boat, its capacity, the presence or absence of a skipper, the season, whether you’re a private or professional charterer, etc.
For this reason, it is difficult to give a precise price per type of boat, departing from the port of Sète. However, it is possible to use the following average prices:
- Open hull 4 persons: without skipper, you can rent one from 110€ for half a day and 200€ for a day out of season, and 200€ and 300€ in high season;
- 8-person open hull: without skipper, rents from €280 to €340 per day, whatever the season;
- Sailboats: with skipper only, available from €1,300 per day;
- Catamaran: with skipper, from €750 in low season and €1,500 in summer;
- Barge: without skipper, from €650 per day out of season/with skipper, from €800.
How can I rent a boat in Sète?
Photo credit: Flickr – JF R
There are several ways to enjoy the pleasures of a sea trip. If you’re not used to sailing, it’s best to hire a boat with a skipper who’s familiar with the local rules and geography. You can contact the various boat rental companies in Sète, or turn to private or professional boat rental platforms such as Click&Boat. You’ll have a wide choice of boats to rent, with or without a skipper.
What’s more, it’s usually possible to hire a range of equipment from private individuals or professional service providers, at extra cost, to make the most of your outing on the sea! Paddleboards, masks, flippers, snorkels, buoys, water skis and wakeboards are all available for an unforgettable day out.
Do I need a permit to sail in Sète?
Some boats require a boating license, but fortunately you can still sail without one. All you need to do is hire a boat without a license, or hire a boat with a skipper who will pilot the boat for you.
Our tips for sailing in Sète
Photo credit: Flickr – Anthony Levrot
Sailing in Sète means having the choice of several cruising areas: at sea, on the Canal du Midi, or on the Etang de Thau. The latter, a protected natural site, has its own navigation regulations, which can be found here. These are mainly aimed at preserving its remarkable ecosystem, and preventing the risks associated with the shallow depth of its lagoon.
The port of Sète is unique in that it extends over the entire city, thanks to its various canals and 1,750 moorings. To navigate, the five movable bridges are lifted at set times. However, you can ask for them to be lifted exceptionally by contacting the Movable Bridges service at least 15 minutes before you plan to pass.
Access to the port is via the West Channel, except in the event of South, East or South-East winds in excess of force 10. You may, however, use the deeper eastern channel, after informing the harbor master’s office.
The following communication channels will be useful to you:
- VHF 9: port agent,
- VHF 12: harbour master’s office
Finally, on the wind side, the tramontana is the most frequent wind. Coming from inland, it generally doesn’t hinder sailing. Sète is fortunate to be sheltered, which makes for relatively calm sailing.
When is the best time to sail in Sète?
Sailing in Sète is possible all year round, but conditions are most favorable during the summer season. If you’d like to avoid the crowds and boat traffic, May and September are the best months for calm sailing.
Ideas for boat trips from Sète
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Sète abounds in outings for boating enthusiasts, whether beginners or advanced. Canal du Midi, Mediterranean, Canal du Rhône, discover our ideas for outings, to make the most of your boat rental in Sète.
Discover the Canal du Midi
For a weekend or just a few days, take a trip up the magnificent Canal du Midi. You’ll enjoy an idyllic setting with a succession of picture-postcard landscapes, locks and remarkable sites. With family or friends, the canal is the perfect opportunity to discover the joys of navigation.
Stroll on the Etang de Thau
Sète is surrounded by water, particularly the Etang de Thau. Discover this remarkable Natura 2000 listed area and enjoy a stopover in the ports of Bouzigues or Balaruc. And don’t forget to sample the oysters and mussels just out of the water.
What’s more, the pond abounds in exceptional flora and fauna. A boat trip will let you enjoy it at your own pace, for a few hours or a few days.
Now you know the essentials, and more, about boat rental in Sète. The sea is waiting for you. Enjoy the ride!