Boat rental in Paris

The 8 best providers for a boat rental in Paris

The Seine, the Marne, the Canal Saint-Martin or the Canal de l'Ourcq: Paris and its surrounding region offer some superb navigable waterways. Here are 8 top-rated providers for renting a boat, with or without a licence, to cruise in complete freedom.

Marin d'Eau Douce

This base runs licence-free electric boats holding between 5 and 11 people, moored on the Île de la Chaussée in Bougival. A guinguette lets you order aperitifs, pizzas or picnic hampers to take aboard.

After a safety briefing at the base, you set off to navigate freely through lush green meanders. The route takes in preserved corners of nature, mixing rich greenery with landmark Impressionist heritage, all while enjoying a floating meal or aperitif at your own pace.

• Skipper: no, self-navigation
• Capacity: Ace (5 people), Scoop (7 people), Elite (9 people), Most (11 people)
• Duration: 1h, 2h or 3h (choice of scenic routes)
• Price guide: 1h €95, 2h €160, 3h €220 (deposit €300)

Paris Water Way

Private cruises here run aboard elegant boats like Le Buci, a luxury tender designed by Prince Bernhard, or the Dalida and Saoura pontoons, ideal for relaxing with friends.

Welcomed by captains Salim or Iris, you cruise in a convivial atmosphere, to a soundtrack of your choosing through Bluetooth speakers. Summer or winter, these floating lounges offer comfort, privacy and spectacular views over the Parisian monuments.

• Skipper: yes, a captain always on board (plus a crew member for Le Buci)
• Capacity: up to 12 passengers per boat
• Duration: formulas generally around 1h30 to 2h
• Departures: Bassin de l'Arsenal (Bastille) or Reef Club (Boulogne)

Akwa Expérience

An electric boat here lets you explore the Canal de l'Ourcq licence-free, from the Bassin de la Villette. Quiet, easy to handle and eco-friendly, these boats hold between 4 and 11 people.

On board or on the pontoon, enjoy picnic hampers or vegetarian platters made with local produce. The venue also runs exhibitions, yoga and team-building activities in a convivial, engaged atmosphere.

• Skipper: no, self-navigation
• Capacity: 4 to 11 people depending on the boat
• Duration: rental from 1 to 5 hours
• Departure: Bassin de la Villette (Canal de l'Ourcq)

Victoria Boat Paris

Private cruises here run aboard an elegant Dutch barge to discover the treasures of the Seine. Up to 12 passengers enjoy an exclusive moment, in a covered or open-air version depending on the season.

Captain Olivier, a passionate, licensed skipper with over 30 years' experience, takes guests past the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame. He happily shares anecdotes and tips to make the outing unique, intimate and tailored to your wishes.

• Skipper: yes, licensed captain on board
• Capacity: up to 12 passengers
• Duration: around 1h30

Bateau Mon Paris

This operator specialises in privatising boats and barges for events, from intimate gatherings to spectacular occasions. Professional and personal events are both possible, tailored to fit, on the Seine, the Marne or the canals.

Enjoy a refined experience with catering service, cocktails, a seated buffet, decoration, live music and set design. Attentive hosting, quality food and a warm atmosphere combine for a genuinely memorable moment.

• Skipper: yes, professional crew
• Capacity: 2 to 800 people (5 ranges: intimate, warm, panoramic, monumental, spectacular)
• Duration: tailor-made cruises, generally 1h to 3h
• Price: formulas from around €540 for 1h30 for 2 people, on quote depending on services

Paris Yacht Marine

High-end private cruises run here aboard yachts and electric limousines, departing from the Port de Grenelle. An elegant, eco-responsible fleet comes with a captain, champagne and panoramic views over Paris.

The Clipper Paris holds a 200 m² lounge and a 170 m² deck, while smaller groups enjoy the Black Swan or James. The Perle Noire, fully electric, breaks with convention: silence guaranteed.

• Skipper: yes, professional crew on every boat
• Capacity: 2 to 8 (Black Swan, James), 50 to 70 (Perle Noire), up to 180 (Clipper Paris)
• Duration: standard 1h30, tailor-made on request
• Departure: Port de Grenelle (15th arrondissement), close to the Eiffel Tower

Les Bateaux de Julie

This operator privatises elegant barges and boats, from small streams to the river, for professional or private events. Julie guides you from A to Z for a tailor-made, convivial and refined moment.

Every vessel, from the intimate Ruisseau to the spectacular Fleuve, can host cocktails, dinners, shows or entertainment. Catering formulas, entertainment such as a magician, a DJ or virtual reality, and custom decor round out this exclusive experience on the Seine.

• Skipper: yes, professional crew
• Capacity: 2 to 400 people depending on the boat (Ruisseau, Torrent, Rivière, Fleuve)
• Duration: tailor-made cruises, generally 1h to 3h
• Departures: quays along the Seine, exact spot depends on the boat

Bateaux Privés (gamme Small)

Around twenty small boats make up this operator's Small range, perfect for intimate events. Each vessel comes with air conditioning, a panoramic terrace, a sound system and attentive onboard service.

Whether cruising or moored, enjoy cocktails, a seated meal or a refined buffet. The team also runs personalised entertainment, a DJ or a magician, and guides you in creating a unique occasion, professional or festive, tailored entirely to you on the Seine.

• Skipper: yes, professional crew present
• Capacity: 2 to 80 people depending on the boat (S05 to S16)
• Duration: tailor-made formulas, often 1h to 3h
• Departure: central Paris quays depending on the vessel