Brits are embracing boating holidays as demand shifts beyond luxury travel

Day trips, group bookings and self-drive rentals fuel rise in accessible boating across Europe

Boating is no longer reserved for seasoned sailors or luxury travellers, as new data from global boat rental platform SamBoat reveals a growing number of British holidaymakers are taking to the water as part of their summer breaks.

Samboat’s booking data from the past 12 months shows that English travellers are overwhelmingly booking day boats, with many opting for short, flexible trips rather than traditional multi-day charters, signalling a shift towards more accessible, experience-led travel.

More than half of bookings (53%) are made without a skipper, highlighting growing confidence among Brits to take control of their own time at sea, while destinations such as Spain, Italy and Greece continue to dominate.

Spain alone accounts for 38% of all UK bookings, with hotspots including Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Marbella proving particularly popular among British travellers.

The data also shows a clear preference for ease when it comes to boat choice. Motorboats account for over 63% of bookings, followed by RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) at 11%, reflecting demand for easy-to-use vessels suited to short, social trips on the water.

According to SamBoat, a typical day boat rental in popular European destinations can cost from around €300–€400, which when split between a group puts it comfortably on a par with other holiday activities such as beach clubs or guided excursions.

For those looking at longer stays, a week-long catamaran charter in destinations like Greece averages between €3,500 and €4,000 for a group, making it broadly comparable to a villa rental when costs are shared.

“What we’re seeing in the UK is growing confidence when it comes to boating, particularly with more people choosing to go out on day trips without a skipper,” said Nicolas Cargou, Founder of SamBoat. “Our data shows it’s becoming far more accessible  and something that feels open to everyone, rather than just experienced sailors. For many, it’s simply a fun day out with friends, easy to book and a great way to create special memories on holiday.”

With more than 50,000 boats available globally, SamBoat continues to expand access to on-the-water experiences, catering to both first-time users and more experienced travellers.

Methodology Note - The SamBoat study on travel trends and destinations is based on booking data recorded on the SamBoat platform between January and December 2025.

***

About SamBoat

Founded in 2014 and based in Bordeaux, SamBoat is now a global reference for peer-to-peer boat rental. The platform connects boat owners and renters in multiple countries, offering a fleet of more than 50,000 vessels, from sailboats and catamarans to motorboats and RIBs. Whether with or without a skipper, SamBoat's ambition is to make boating accessible for all – creating unforgettable moments on the water.

Press Contacts

Monica Patel | monica@sundazepr.com | +44 7516 773 981

Sarah Jackson | sarah@sundazepr.com | +44 7306 256 148