Airport-to-boat transfer: what to expect upon arrival

Is the airport-to-boat transfer included?

At Filovent, airport-to-marina transfers are not included in the standard price of a boat rental or sailing cruise. They're included only when explicitly listed on your quote. Just like with flights, you're free to arrange your own travel — giving you full flexibility over budget and timing for your sailing vacation. Depending on the destination, reaching the marina can be very simple (a few minutes by taxi) or require more planning (domestic flight, ferry, a several-hour drive).

What's included on arrival day — and what isn't

To avoid any surprises, here is what is usually included in the price and what is on you on arrival day.

In short: the welcome and handover of the boat are always provided by the base, but getting to the marina is on you, unless a transfer has been added to your booking. This is the first thing to confirm with your concierge.

How much does an airport-to-marina transfer cost?

The price of a transfer depends mainly on the distance, the number of passengers (a taxi for 4 people or a van/minibus for a group) and the destination. As a rough guide, based on transfers arranged by our concierge: allow around €40 (about $45) per person one way in the Seychelles, about €130 (about $140) per trip for a group between Split and Murter (Croatia), and in the region of €240 to €270 (about $260 to $295) per trip by van for a group on certain routes in Croatia or Sicily. These amounts are quoted per trip: double them if you also want the return leg, and always tell your concierge whether you need a one-way or a round-trip transfer. They vary by season, provider, and number of passengers, so treat them as a rough guide rather than a guaranteed price.

Typical guide prices (one way):

• Seychelles: about $45 per person
• Split to Murter (Croatia): about $140 per group
• Croatia / Sicily (group van): about $260 to $295 per group

One important point: the transfer is very often paid on site, sometimes in cash and in the local currency (in Croatia, for example). Confirm the exact amount and the payment method with your concierge before departure, so you aren't caught off guard on arrival.

Transfer options by destination

The most practical way to reach the boat depends heavily on the destination and the distance between the airport and the marina. The table below sums up the most common cases.

For far-flung destinations with infrequent connections, we strongly recommend booking your flights before sorting out the transfers: your last flight's arrival time usually determines the easiest way to get to the boat. In Egypt, for instance, the trip between the airport (Hurghada or Luxor) and the embarkation point for the Nile cruise (often Esna or Luxor) is made by road and is booked in advance.

Who arranges the transfer?

You can arrange the transfer in several ways: through your Filovent concierge and a local partner, or directly with the charter company at the base, which often has its own providers. In some cases, the charter company even offers it free of charge (for example, a complimentary minibus from the airport to the marina at certain bases). Conversely, when the transfer is included (cruises, far-flung destinations), always have it reconfirmed a few days before departure: it is the surest way to avoid looking for your driver at the airport exit. If in doubt, your concierge will tell you who is handling the transfer on your booking.

Embarkation day: timing and check-in

Check-in at the base follows set times, independent of your landing time. For a one-week rental, embarkation usually takes place on the afternoon of the departure day, often from 5 p.m., to allow time for the boat to be cleaned, checked and prepared after the previous renters return. On arrival, you'll go through several steps in sequence: a welcome from the base team, contract signing and payment of the security deposit, the boat inventory, a technical and weather briefing, and finally the handover of the keys. Plan on spending 1 to 2 hours at the marina before you take possession of the boat — this covers the contract signing, security deposit, boat inventory, and safety briefing.

If your flight lands late in the day or in the evening, you'll often spend your first night at the dock (the boat is available but you set off the next morning) or to book a hotel night nearby. In all cases, let the base know your actual arrival time, especially in the event of a flight delay: this is what allows the welcome to be adapted and keeps you from arriving after the marina office has closed.

Can you board earlier?

This is a frequent request, especially when the plane lands in the morning or when the first passage is long. Early boarding is never guaranteed: it depends on when the previous renters returned the boat and on how long cleaning and checking take. In practice, call the base on the morning of your departure — they'll confirm when the boat is actually ready. If your first leg is a long one and you don't want to sail at night on the first day, plan an early flight or spend the night at the dock, so you can set off at daybreak instead of reaching the first anchorage after dark.

Information to provide so we can arrange your transfer

To book a transfer or prepare your welcome, your concierge needs a few specific details. Having them ready upfront saves a lot of back-and-forth:

Also remember to ask for the exact meeting point. The address of the base doesn't always match the precise location of the boat: the dock or slip number (for example, "slip B1") is given by the base and is useful for the taxi, the transfer driver and the provisioning company alike.

Tips for a stress-free arrival

A few simple habits make arrival much easier: keep the direct contact for the base and your concierge handy on your phone, keep a copy of your booking details, and leave a comfortable buffer between landing and check-in. Also think about planning the first provisioning run ahead: depending on your arrival time, the grocery stores near the marina may be closed, and it is sometimes simpler to shop the next morning before setting off, or to ask for a provisioning delivery on board.

Frequently asked questions about the transfer and arrival

Is the airport-to-boat transfer included in the price?

No, the transfer between the airport and the marina is never included by default in the price of a rental or a cruise. It is included only if it is expressly mentioned on your quote. Our concierge can arrange it through a local partner on request.

How much does a transfer cost, and is the price for the round trip?

The fare depends on the distance and the number of passengers (taxi or van/minibus). As a rough guide, allow around €40 (about $45) per person one way in the Seychelles, about €130 (about $140) per trip between Split and Murter in Croatia, and in the region of €240 to €270 (about $260 to $295) per trip by van for a group on certain routes in Croatia or Sicily. These prices are per trip: plan on doubling them for a round trip. The transfer is often paid on site, sometimes in cash and in the local currency. These amounts are intended only as a rough guide and vary by season, provider and number of passengers.

What time does embarkation take place?

For a one-week rental, check-in usually takes place on the afternoon of the departure day, often from 5 p.m., to allow time for the boat to be prepared. The exact time appears on your booking and can vary from one base to another.

Can I board earlier than the check-in time?

Early boarding is never guaranteed. It depends on when the previous renters returned the boat and how long cleaning takes. Always call the base on the morning of your departure to confirm availability.

My first passage is long — how do I avoid sailing at night?

If your first leg is long, opt for a flight that arrives early or spend the previous night at the dock, so you can set off at daybreak. This avoids arriving after dark at the first anchorage. Mention this to your concierge, who can adapt the way your arrival is organized.

What happens if my flight arrives in the evening?

If you arrive in the evening, you will most often spend the first night at the dock, on board the boat, and set off the next morning. You can also book a hotel night nearby. Let the base know your arrival time so the welcome can be organized.

How do I reach the marina from the airport?

Depending on the destination, you can take a taxi or rideshare, a shuttle, a rental car, or an organized private transfer. For far-flung destinations such as Egypt, the Seychelles or the Caribbean, a domestic flight or a road trip of several hours is sometimes necessary. The choice depends on the distance between the airport and the marina.

What happens if my flight is delayed, changed or canceled?

Let the base and your concierge know your new arrival time or your new flight right away. This allows the transfer and the welcome at the base to be re-coordinated. Most bases adapt as much as possible, but the marina office may close in the evening: reaching out early keeps you from arriving to a locked door.

How do I arrange the return transfer to the airport?

The return transfer is often booked separately from the outbound one. Give your concierge the exact time of your return flight so they can arrange the marina-to-airport trip. Some travelers prefer to rent a car for the last day, which makes the most of the day before heading to the airport.

Who arranges the transfer, Filovent or the charter company?

Both cases occur: the transfer can be arranged by your Filovent concierge through a local partner, or directly by the charter company at the base, which sometimes offers it free of charge. When the transfer is included (cruises, far-flung destinations), always have it reconfirmed a few days before departure.

How do I arrange the transfer for a group arriving on several flights?

For a group, a van or a minibus is generally better suited than a taxi. If your passengers are arriving on different flights, give your concierge all the flight numbers and times: they can set up a common meeting point or stagger the transfers according to the arrivals.

Can I leave my car at the marina during the sailing?

Often yes, but parking is not always included or free, and it can't always be booked in advance: at some bases, you simply show up with the vehicle. Allow, for example, in the region of €40 (about $45) per space per week depending on the marina. Check availability, the price and the number of spaces with the base before you leave, especially in high season and if you have several vehicles.

Should I plan provisioning as soon as I arrive?

If you arrive late, the grocery stores near the marina may be closed. It is often simpler to shop the next morning before setting off, or to ask for a provisioning delivery on board, which our concierge can arrange at certain destinations.

Find out more

To prepare your arrival with peace of mind, see our dedicated pages:

→ Flights and transfers: arranging your travel to the marina;

→ Provisions and groceries: provisioning and the stores near the bases;

→ Bareboat rental: how check-in works and the handover of the boat;

→ Insurance and security deposits: what awaits you at embarkation.

For any question about your arrival or the arrangement of your transfer, contact your Filovent point of contact or our concierge at +1 332 378 9848.