How to cruise around Paris without a boat permit?

© SAX Boat - Raphaël Metivet All aboard, sailors! Navigating and cruising on the Seine is the ultimate fantasy for a summer evening or a Sunday when you are longing for a vacation. Luckily, you can satisfy your cravings for the sea in the city to kick off summer… even without owning the famous license! Here is the proof with these boats for rent in Paris for an apéro on the water.

Following its highly successful inauguration in April 2025, the SAX Hôtel is doubling down and becoming the very first hotel in the capital to own its private boat: the SAX Boat. Whether with family, friends, or as a couple, SAX promises a highly elegant Seine cruise aboard a boat that is as chic as it is eco-responsible. On the agenda, an exceptional cruise available in several formats for up to 8 people: a romantic tour, a day excursion, an early morning breakfast, a picnic on the Seine, or a tour of the most beautiful monuments in Paris, from the Tour Eiffel to Notre-Dame.

The highlight? On board, they pull out all the stops: champagne and sweet treats included, a gourmet picnic, and top-notch service. A new signature experience to book for special occasions.

The SAX Boat, departure from the SAX hotel, 55 avenue de Saxe, Paris 7e. Capacity: 8 people, starting from €950. Reservation by phone at 01 81 69 07 42 or by email at concierge@hotelsaxparis.com

© SAX Boat - Raphaël Metive`

While the little red boats of Marin d’eau douce continue to cruise around Boulogne and Levallois, AKWA is now ruling the Canal de l’Ourcq with its 100% electric, silent, and non-polluting no-license boat rentals. The concept? Navigate the Bassin de la Villette with friends in boats hosting 4 to 11 people, or as a duo for a romantic date, with absolutely no sailing skills required. Even if there are two or three instructions to remember, don't panic: with AKWA, captaining a boat is child's play (and you quickly get the hang of it!)

For snacking, we love the option to book a plancha boat: a circular fleet featuring 10 seats and a central grill on which you can grill your food like a floating BBQ. Note, however: mindful of their environmental impact, the plancha basket is vegetarian, just like the rest of the menu! You can also enjoy spreads and crackers to share (€5). Sunshine and an apéro on the waves, this is how we love it, the Seine and me!

Akwa - 37 quai de la Seine - Bassin de la Villette, Paris 19e. Prices starting from €45 for 1 hour for 4 people.

We already told you about the Riviera Fuga barge, and well, guess what? This wildly fancy spot now offers mini-cruises aboard two brand-new, silent boats: the Marinella and the Vernazza. Accommodating 1 to 12 passengers, these chic boats welcome groups of friends and families, but also couples looking for a memorable date… or even a marriage proposal! The journey lasts a good hour, or 2 to 3 for an extra fee. Because a true sailor gets hungry quickly, the Fuga Family offers tailor-made catering on board, featuring the Italo-Japanese menu from Riviera Fuga, adapted for the boat and according to the seasons (3 tapas for €18 or 6 for €33).

The must-have? Sipping a glass of champagne or a glass of wine rocked by your own playlist (we totally validate the Bluetooth connection) while enjoying a custom itinerary designed by the captain according to your wishes.

Boat tours every day. €860 for 1h30, for 1 to 12 people. 10 Port des Invalides, Paris 7e. Online reservation.

The Love Boat meets the bobos. You have surely already seen the famous "floating lounges" of the Green River Cruises company, the eco-friendly boats making a buzz on the Seine, offering apéro cruises on the water with friends.

How does it work? Gather a gang of 6 to 12 friends: the rest is taken care of! Captain, playlist, and white wine are on board. You just need to book… The best part? While the package includes 2 bottles of wine, nothing stops you from completing the evening by bringing your own picnic and rosé with no extra corkage fee.

Boarding from Les Maquereaux right bank, under the Hôtel de Ville, or from Les Maquereaux left bank, Quai d’Austerlitz.

Cruises every day. Price: starting from €55 per person for 1 hour. €75 for 1h30 and a U-turn at the Tour Eiffel. Online reservations. Or by phone via 06 50 22 90 65 and info@greenriver-paris.fr.

Browse the Samboat website to book an incredibly chic motorboat with a skipper, from private owners passionate about boating. Here, every itinerary is possible: an apéro on a boat, a sunbathing session facing the Tour Eiffel, a fresh picnic, enhanced by a glass of rosé with La Défense in the background. The dream.

Our favorites: the Pontoon Boat with vintage vibes to play the pin-up on the water, or an adorable little white boat with a skipper!

1-hour rental: starting from €250. All information online.

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