Blue Boat Rental

Are you thinking of renting a boat in Guadeloupe with Blue Boat Rental? Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions from our customers about our rental conditions, sailing in Guadeloupe, the destinations accessible from Gourbeyre and Terre-de-Haut, and the formalities to be expected.

If you can't find the answer to your question, contact us at +590 690 54 39 17 or by email at info@blueboatrental.fr.

1. Permits, conditions and formalities

Do I need a license to rent a boat in Guadeloupe from Blue Boat Rental?

Yes, a boat license is mandatory for all our boats. Our semi-rigid boats Soléa (300 hp) and Yop Yop (150 hp) exceed the power that would allow you to rent without a license. You must present a valid coastal license on the day of pick-up, whether you are French or foreign (European or international license accepted).

What type of permit is accepted for rental?

The French coastal permit is accepted, as well as equivalent permits issued in the European Union (German Sportbootführerschein, Dutch Vaarbewijs, British RYA Day Skipper, etc.). For permits from other countries, please contact us before booking for validation.

What is the minimum age to rent a boat?

The main renter (driver) must be at least 21 years old on the day of boat pickup. Passengers can be of any age, provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Do you need a special sailing experience?

Yes, we require solid boating experience, especially for the Soléa (7.4m, 300 hp). You must be able to demonstrate good command of a boat of similar size and power. This requirement ensures your safety, that of your passengers, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What documents do I need to provide on the day of the rental?

On the day of pick-up, please bring:

• Your boat license (coastal license or European equivalent)
• A valid ID (ID card or passport)
• The means of payment for the deposit (credit card or cheque)
• Booking confirmation received by email

2. Rates, booking and payment

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Guadeloupe?

Our rates start at €265 per day for the Yop Yop (6.45m rigid-hulled inflatable, 8 people, 150 hp) departing from Gourbeyre. The Soléa (7.4m rigid-hulled inflatable, 10 people, 300 hp) is available starting at €395 per day. Departing from Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes, the rates are €290 for the Yop Yop and €435 for the Soléa. Fuel is not included in these prices.

Is fuel included in the rental price?

No, the fuel is at your expense. Our boats run on unleaded. Consumption depends on your sailing program, the speed adopted and the weather conditions. We give you a personalized estimate according to your itinerary when booking.

How much is the deposit?

The deposit is €3,000 for Soléa. It is requested by bank imprint or check on the day of pickup and returned upon return of the boat if no damage is found. Contact us for details on deposits depending on the boat chosen.

How to book a boat on Blue Boat Rental?

Booking is made directly online on our website. Select your boat, your dates, the number of people and the desired options (wakeboard, paddle, fins-mask-snorkel, towed buoy). A deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your slot. You can also contact us for a personalized quote request.

What are the cancellation terms?

Our cancellation terms are detailed in our General Terms and Conditions of Sale. In case of cancellation due to weather (lessor's decision), you will be fully refunded or may postpone your outing. For any other cancellation, the terms depend on the notice period.

Can I get a personalized quote?

Yes, our «Quote Request» page allows you to submit your project to us: desired dates, number of people, planned destination, options. We will respond within 24 to 48 hours with a tailored proposal.

3. Sailing and destinations in Guadeloupe

Where can you sail with a rental boat in Guadeloupe?

Our boats are equipped for coastal navigation. From the Rivière-Sens Marina in Gourbeyre (Basse-Terre), you can reach the most beautiful spots of the "Côte-sous-le-Vent" in a few tens of minutes: the Cousteau reserve, the Pigeon islets, the beaches of Malendure, Bouillante and its hot springs, or even the archipelago of Les Saintes. From Terre-de-Haut, you can directly explore the archipelago: Îlet à Cabrit, Grand-Îlet, Pain de Sucre, Marigot Bay.

Can I go to Les Saintes with a rental boat?

Absolutely, Les Saintes is one of the must-see destinations. From Gourbeyre, the crossing to Terre-de-Haut takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the conditions. You can also depart directly from Terre-de-Haut if you are staying there: our Soléa and Yop Yop boats are based there, departing from this island. There, you will discover the famous Bay of Les Saintes, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world.

Is the Cousteau Reserve accessible from Gourbeyre?

Yes, the Cousteau reserve (Pigeon islets in Bouillante) is easily accessible from the Rivière-Sens Marina. Allow about 45 minutes of navigation. This classified site is a paradise for snorkeling and diving, with exceptional marine fauna: parrotfish, turtles, barracudas, corals. We offer the optional fins-mask-snorkel kit to fully enjoy the site.

Can you reach Marie-Galante or La Désirade by boat?

These more distant destinations require prior analysis of weather conditions and your sailing program. Marie-Galante is about a 1 hour 30 minute to 2 hour sail from Gourbeyre, depending on sea conditions. We will discuss your project with you to verify its feasibility and safety.

When is the best time to rent a boat in Guadeloupe?

The dry season, from December to May, offers the best conditions: calm seas, little rain, and moderate trade winds. This is the ideal time for sailing and exploring the islets. The wet season, from June to November, remains navigable but can be marked by squalls and the cyclone season (peaking in August-September). Our boats sail year-round, with program adjustments based on the weather.

What should I do in case of bad weather on the day of my rental?

Safety takes precedence over all other considerations. If the weather conditions do not allow a safe outing (strong wind, strong swell, weather alert), we cancel the outing and offer you either a postponement to a later date or a full refund. The decision is up to the professional rental company, in accordance with maritime regulations.

4. Onboard: Equipment, Comfort, and Safety

How many people can board?

The Yop Yop can accommodate up to 8 people (adults and children combined). The Soléa is approved for 10 people. These capacities are strictly regulated: it is not possible to exceed these numbers, for safety and insurance reasons.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, children are welcome. They must be accompanied by a responsible adult and wear a life jacket appropriate for their size and weight for the entire duration of the trip. We provide life jackets of all sizes, including for children.

What equipment is on board?

Our boats are equipped for your comfort and safety:

• Regulatory safety equipment (vests, fire extinguisher, flares, VHF radio)
• Navigation: GPS, fishfinder
• Comfort: bimini top, sun loungers, table, deck shower, USB outlet
• Leisure: Fusion radio with Bluetooth connectivity, exterior speakers, swim ladder
• Freshwater on board

Can I rent additional equipment (paddleboard, wakeboard, masks)?

Yes, we offer several options to add to your rental:

• Wakeboard: + €30
• Towed buoy: + €30
• Inflatable paddle: + €30
• Inflatable floating buoy (floating island): + €50
• Mask-snorkel-fin kit: + €10 per person (sizes 35/38, 39/43, 44/47)

Can we bring food and drinks on board?

Certainly, you are free to bring your picnic, drinks, and cooler. Our boats have storage space and a small built-in cooler on the Soléa. We recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Alcohol is permitted for passengers, but prohibited for the pilot.

Is the boat accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Boarding is made easy by our floating Dockmarine pontoon at Marina Rivière-Sens. However, a semi-rigid is still a sporty boat that requires some mobility to get on and move around. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your specific situation.

5. Starting points and access

Where are your starting points?

We offer two starting points in Guadeloupe:

• Rivière-Sens Marina in Gourbeyre (Basse-Terre), ideal for exploring the Côte-sous-le-Vent, the Cousteau Reserve, and Les Saintes.
• Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes, perfect for discovering the archipelago directly without a ferry ride

How do I get to the Rivière-Sens Marina from Pointe-à-Pitre?

Rivière-Sens Marina is located in Gourbeyre, Basse-Terre. From Pôle Caraïbes Airport (Pointe-à-Pitre), expect a drive of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour via the N1 then N2. Parking is available near the marina.

How to get to Terre-de-Haut if I am staying on Grande-Terre?

Terre-de-Haut is accessible by ferry from Trois-Rivières (20 minutes), Pointe-à-Pitre, or Saint-François. Several companies operate daily connections. We will meet you at the dock at the agreed-upon time.

What are your rental hours?

Our rentals are by the day, generally from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is essential to respect these times, especially the return time: night navigation is not permitted with our boats (daytime coastal equipment).

6. Safety and Environment

Are there any particular risks at sea in Guadeloupe?

Navigation in Guadeloupe is generally safe during the dry season. The main points to be aware of are: sometimes strong winds in the channel of Les Saintes, swell on the windward coast, and reefs to avoid. We will give you a complete briefing before departure, with areas to favor and those to avoid.

Are there sharks in the waters of Guadeloupe?

Encounters with sharks are extremely rare in Guadeloupe's coastal waters frequented by boaters. No incidents have been reported at the usual swimming and snorkeling spots like the Cousteau Reserve or Les Saintes. Swimming there is considered safe.

How to protect the environment during my rental?

We are very committed to the preservation of the marine environment of Guadeloupe. We ask you to:

• Never throw waste into the sea
• Use the mooring buoys in the Cousteau Reserve (no anchoring on coral)
• Respect observation distances with turtles, dolphins, and other marine animals
• Use reef-safe sunscreens (without oxybenzone or octinoxate)
• Do not fish in protected areas

What to do in case of a problem at sea?

Onboard, you have a VHF radio to contact CROSS Antilles-Guyane (channel 16) in case of emergency. We are also providing you with our on-call phone number for any technical questions or non-urgent difficulties. A comprehensive safety briefing is conducted before each departure.

About Blue Boat Rental

Who is Blue Boat Rental?

Blue Boat Rental is a local boat rental company based in Guadeloupe, in Saint-Claude. We offer rigid inflatable boat rentals departing from the Rivière-Sens Marina (Gourbeyre) and Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes), with recent, well-maintained boats equipped for your comfort and safety.

Do you offer rentals with a skipper?

Our current formulas are «boat only» (without a skipper), subject to presenting a license and sufficient sailing experience. For a trip accompanied by a professional skipper, contact us: we can direct you to our local partners.

Do you speak English, German, or Dutch?

Our website is available in French, English, German, and Dutch. Our teams communicate in French and English. For exchanges in German or Dutch, email support is available.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us at:

• By phone: +590 690 54 39 17
• By email: info@blueboatrental.fr
• To our address: Impasse des Gardenias, 97120 Saint-Claude, Guadeloupe
• Via the quote request form on our website

A question not in the FAQ?

We are at your disposal for any further questions about boat rental in Guadeloupe, whether it's to prepare your itinerary, choose between our Soléa and Yop Yop boats, organize an outing with family or friends, or plan a day trip to Les Saintes or the Cousteau Reserve.

Contact us at +590 690 54 39 17 or at info@blueboatrental.fr. Our team will respond quickly to best prepare your Caribbean Sea adventure.

See you on board soon!