Yacht charter
Last updated on 8 April 2025
The economic powerhouse and port capital of the Basque Country, the commune of Bayonne proudly wears its City of Art and History hat. Neighboring Biarritz and Anglet, the center of Bayonne offers you a pleasant cultural and gastronomic journey, but also a gentle change of scenery in the heart of its rich and varied landscapes.
Discover the rich historical heritage of Bayonne
Bayonne, which marks the western border between Gascony and the Basque Country, boasts a rich historical heritage that will not leave lovers of old stones indifferent for long. When you berth at the port of Bayonne, you can reach its historic center, located a few hundred meters away, in just a few minutes and take a stroll through the heart of a magnificent open-air museum. A museum housing numerous architectural features dating from distant eras, such as the ramparts and its Citadel, two magnificent masterpieces by Vauban.
Linger in one of its three districts (Saint-Esprit, Grand Bayonne and Petit Bayonne), each with its own unique character and architecture. Night owls and partygoers will quickly find what they are looking for in Petit Bayonne, a particularly lively district on the right bank of the Nive.
Take the family on a trek along its narrow streets leading to the half-timbered houses that characterize the Basque Country, and the museums retracing several centuries of history, such as the Basque Museum and the Museum of the History of Bayonne. Among the remarkable historical monuments of Bayonne, we should also mention the majestic religious buildings that characterize the Grand Bayonne district, the most impressive of which is the Sainte-Marie cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your gourmet break in Bayonne
The port city of Bayonne is also renowned for its gastronomy. Food lovers should not miss the chance to taste the famous Bayonne ham during the ham fair at Easter. In May, chocolate lovers will have a field day during the Chocolate Days. It is worth noting that chocolate was first introduced to France in Bayonne.
Gourmet breaks in Bayonne also take place in the markets that bring together locals and holidaymakers every week in a lively and friendly atmosphere. Visit the Carreau des Halles and the banks of the Nive on market days to discover the region's typical products.
A vacation with a sea breeze for your yacht charter in Bayonne
Gateway to the Basque Country, the commune of Bayonne is also the recommended point of departure for your seaside vacation in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. From the port of Bayonne, pleasure boaters can reach the beaches that are the pride and joy of the Basque Country. Along the coast, you will come across some of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country, such as the Côte des Basques beach in Biarritz, where sandy beaches and electric seas combine to the delight of bathers and surfers.
Located close to the Côte d'Argent, Bayonne is also an excellent point of departure for cruise passengers who want to relax on the sandy beaches of Anglet, reach the Gironde estuary and admire the famous Landes de Gascogne.
Practical information for your yacht charter in Bayonne
What are the rates for a yacht charter in Bayonne?
The yacht charter companies are mainly located in Hendaye. You can rent a yacht for a day, a week or longer. Here is a table of yacht prices according to model and season, for a one-week charter in Bayonne.
| Type of boat | High Season July and August | Mid Season May, June and September | Low Season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (2 cabins) | 1300 USD | 1100 USD | 1000 USD |
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 1600 USD | 1400 USD | 1300 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 2300 USD | 2100 USD | 2000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 30 and 40 feet) | 2600 USD | 2400 USD | 2300 USD |
We haven't mentioned the price of a river cruise, but it is also possible to visit the South-West by river boat.
What type of boat to rent in the Basque Country?
The choice between a catamaran and a monohull will depend on your individual needs and preferences:
- Catamarans are more stable than monohulls and therefore more suitable for families with young children. They offer more space and comfort and are faster than monohulls, allowing you to travel further afield in the region.
- Monohulls are more affordable and better suited to sporty sailing for adventure enthusiasts. They are also lighter than catamarans and therefore more suitable for shallow waters.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a comfortable and spacious sailing experience, a catamaran may be the best choice for you. However, if you are looking for a sporty and challenging sailing experience for your yacht charter in Bayonne, a sailboat with one hull is probably the best choice for you.
If you want to relax and not worry about navigation, don't hesitate to rent a boat with a skipper in Bayonne. The skipper is at your service: he will work with you to develop the sailing itinerary and take care of logistical constraints such as refueling, ports with water and supermarkets, anchorages for the night, etc.
What license is required to rent a boat in Bayonne?
A boat license is compulsory in France if you want to rent a motorboat. If you want to rent a sailboat, you must prove that you have sufficient nautical experience, so you must present a nautical CV that details all your sailing experience.
Rent a boat in Bayonne with a skipper
The skipper will take care of navigation and boat-related tasks, leaving you free to enjoy your cruise. You can relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery and go for a swim. What's more, a skipper can provide you with information about the region, the best beaches, tourist sites and restaurants. They can also help you plan your sailing itinerary. Finally, if you have some knowledge of sailing but feel you are not experienced enough, a skipper can help you learn more throughout your cruise!
When to go to Bayonne for a yacht charter?
The best time to sail in Bayonne is between the months of May and September, when the climate is mildest with pleasant temperatures and stable sea conditions. However, the Bay of Biscay can present changing conditions. Before setting sail, familiarize yourself with the currents in the region, especially around the Adour estuary, which can be powerful. Also, find out about tide times and port areas to ensure safe navigation in Bayonne.
When you charter a boat in Bayonne, we recommend that you visit Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, unmissable towns in the Basque Country. With your sailing boat, you can even sail as far as Capbreton, north of Bayonne.
Important information to remember for your yacht charter in Bayonne
| Types of boats | Monohulls, catamarans |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1750 USD per week |
| Minimum price | 1,100 USD per week |
| Maximum price | 2,800 USD per week |
| Main manufacturer | Dufour Yachts |
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 380 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess |
| Average price per week | $2,355 |
| Minimum weekly price | $682 |
| Maximum price per week | $14,154 |