Find out all you need to know about boat hire at Lac de Serre-Ponçon!
Located in the Hautes-Alpes region, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is an artificial lake created in 1959 by the construction of a dam on the Durance River. With a surface area of 28 square kilometers, it is a wonderful playground for amateur and experienced sailors alike. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, forests and picturesque villages. In summer, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and fresh air.
Are you planning to go there soon? Beginners or not, with or without a boating license, Generation Voyage can help you choose your boat rental in Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
What type of boat to rent in Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Malfootu
First of all, you can rent a boat in Lac de Serre-Ponçon with or without a license. You can hire a boat from a professional or from private owners. You’ll have access to a wide range of boats, mainly motorboats and RIBs.
With family or friends, with or without a boating license, you can enjoy a unique moment in the middle of the mountains. Boat rental options at Lac de Serre-Ponçon are varied, and there’s something for everyone!
How much does a boat rental in Lac de Serre-Ponçon cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Malfootu
Boat rental prices on Lac de Serre-Ponçon obviously vary according to the type of boat you choose, but especially according to the length of your stay.
- For a motorboat, allow between €250 and €450 for a half-day or €350 and €600 for a full day;
- For a RIB, expect to pay between €150 and €300 for a half-day, and €200 to €500 for a full day.
Prices are generally stable throughout the year. During the summer months, prices may rise slightly. If you’re on a tight budget, look out for offers in spring or autumn. The lake water can be cold, so swimming may not be for everyone. But the scenery remains the same, as do the thrills!
In the mountains, the sun is often out and you can enjoy a day as beautiful as in summer, for less money.
Please note that these rates are merely indicative. They also apply to dry hire, i.e. they only include fuel or ancillary equipment. You’ll find all the safety equipment you need on board, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, ropes and buoys.
If additional equipment is included for leisure purposes, this should normally be specified on the offer. However, an additional charge may be necessary.
Rent a boat to explore Lac de Serre-Ponçon
How can I rent a boat on Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – BTWImages
Lac de Serre-Ponçon is surrounded by water sports and leisure centers, as well as villages and towns with small harbors. As a result, the lake offers a wide range of boat rentals. All around the lake, you’ll find specialized service providers who can rent you a boat, with or without a license.
If you don’t have this precious sesame, we can only recommend that you hire the services of a skipper. This will give you access to more interesting craft than the slow, small, unlicensed boats.
This professional will also help you discover all the pleasures of sailing. He’ll also know the rules of the lake perfectly. This skipper can take you to charming places known only to locals or regulars.
In addition to nautical bases, you can also use specialized sites such as Samboat for your boat rental in Lac de Serre-Ponçon. This site lists all the boats available for the lake and their options.
You’ll be able to choose the boat you want, from both private individuals and professionals. The Samboat site also offers the possibility of hiring the services of a skipper.
Other services are also available on site: half-day, full-day and multi-day rentals. Special equipment can also be booked: water-skiing, paddling, canoeing.
Do I need a permit to sail on Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
As mentioned above, you can easily rent a boat without a license on Lac de Serre-Ponçon. However, some boats do require the appropriate license. To take advantage of this, you can hire a boat with a skipper.
This option will obviously cost you more. But you’ll be sailing in complete safety and peace of mind, accompanied by a professional. He can show you around a powerful, larger and more comfortable boat, and teach you the rudiments of navigation.
Our boating tips for Lac de Serre-Ponçon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax
There are 10 public and 3 private ports on the lake. Navigation rules are almost identical to those in force on the French coast. In particular, speed is limited to 25km/h at night and 60km/h during the day. In the strip of shoreline, the speed limit is 5km/h.
As Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a man-made reservoir, it is subject to water level fluctuations. So beware of unmarked shoals, which may appear depending on water level.
For optimal navigation, visit the Serre-Ponçon harbor master’s office in Savines-le-Lac. Here you can obtain more information on the rules to be observed, as well as reserve your mooring on the jetty or on a buoy.
Rent a boat to explore Lac de Serre-Ponçon
When is the best time to sail on Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
Lac de Serre-Ponçon is an ideal destination in summer, when the sun is out and the waters are warm. However, be prepared for heavy traffic on the banks as well as on the lake.
To avoid the crowds, come in May or September, before the height of the summer season. The waters are colder, and swimming more uncertain. But you’ll still have the lake to yourself!
Ideas for boat trips on Lac de Serre-Ponçon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – BTWImages
Because of its size, Lac de Serre-Ponçon doesn’t offer many different itineraries. If you’re coming to sail on the lake, we recommend that you first sail around it to admire all its beautiful landscapes and viewpoints.
Take advantage of your stay on the lake to indulge in some water sports and activities. Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are permitted on most of the lake, with the exception of certain areas. For kayaking, stand-up paddling and rowing, your boat must be registered, or you’ll have to confine yourself to the strip of shoreline.
Angling for all species is also permitted from January 1 to December 31. Please note that there is a specific opening for salmonids.