La Rochelle’s best sailing excursions focus on its historic harbor and island-dotted coastline.
The 2.5-hour catamaran cruise stands out with expert narration and comfortable viewing, while the sunset sail past Ré, Aix, and Oléron islands captures the coast at its most magical.
French speakers will appreciate the harbor cruise highlighting maritime landmarks like the Richelieu Tower.
I’m especially fond of the 3-hour historic sailboat tour – it’s the most authentic way to experience this seafaring city’s rich past.
Most tours run 2-3 hours and offer good value.
Let’s explore the top sailing options.
Key Points
- Catamaran cruises offer a 2.5-hour scenic tour along the La Rochelle coastline, with 4.7-star ratings and affordable pricing.
- Sunset sailing cruises around the islands of Ré, Aix, and Oléron provide a 2-hour experience with a 4.8/5 overall rating.
- Coastline sailing cruises from the old harbor showcase scenic views of Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes harbor in a 2-hour French-language cruise.
- Historic sailing cruises aboard the Columbus sailboat offer 3-hour panoramic views of the coastline and Pertuis sites.
- La Rochelle provides a variety of sailing experiences with competitive pricing, stunning scenery, and convenient accessibility to popular sailing activities.
From La Rochelle: Catamaran Tour With Captain Commentary
One of the top sailing experiences in La Rochelle is the 2.5-hour Catamaran Cruise.
With a 4.7-star rating from 203 reviews, this cruise offers a scenic journey along the coastline, allowing you to take in the city’s picturesque harbor and historic landmarks.
The catamaran departs from the heart of La Rochelle, giving you convenient access to this popular activity.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy insightful commentary from the captain, who’ll share fascinating details about the area’s history and points of interest.
At just $35.76 per person, this is an affordable way to experience the beauty of La Rochelle from the water.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing afternoon or want to capture stunning photographs, the Catamaran Cruise is an excellent choice for a sailing excursion in La Rochelle.
Read our full review: From La Rochelle: Catamaran Tour With Captain Commentary Review
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La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise
Set out on a captivating 2-hour sunset sail around the islands of Ré, Aix, and Oléron aboard a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. Priced at just $35.76 per person, this non-refundable cruise departs from the old harbor of La Rochelle, allowing you to soak in the stunning local coastline and stunning sunset vistas.
As the sails unfurl, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the knowledgeable crew and learn about the area’s rich history. Bring your camera to capture the magical moments as the sun dips below the horizon.
Though food and drinks aren’t included, you’re welcome to set up a picnic and enjoy the ride.
With an impressive 4.8/5 overall rating based on 485 reviews, this sunset sailing experience is a must-do activity in La Rochelle. Indulge in the tranquility of the wind and sea, and create unforgettable memories on this 2-hour maritime adventure.
Read our full review: La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise Review
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La Rochelle: Coastline Sailing Cruise
A second sailing experience in La Rochelle is the captivating Coastline Sailing Cruise. Priced from $30.18 per person, this 2-hour French-language cruise departs from the old harbor on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran.
You’ll enjoy scenic views of the coastline and landmarks like the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes harbor. The relaxing atmosphere and interaction with the crew provide insights into sailboats and local history.
Safety is ensured with a briefing before sailing. While food and drinks, other than water, are excluded, the cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
With an impressive 4.7/5 overall rating based on 210 reviews, the Coastline Sailing Cruise offers excellent value for money. Guests praise the friendly crew and scenic experience, though some note the proximity to the shoreline during low tide.
Read our full review: La Rochelle: Coastline Sailing Cruise Review
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La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise
Situated in the heart of La Rochelle’s old port, the captivating 3-hour Sailing Cruise aboard the historic Columbus sailboat offers a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s maritime heritage.
Departing from the Kapalouest pontoon, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey, taking in panoramic views of the coastline and witnessing the famous Pertuis sites, including the Richelieu tower and bout du monde lighthouse.
As the sails unfurl and the engines shut down, you’ll experience a peaceful, wind-swept adventure, engaging with the knowledgeable crew to learn about the Columbus and local history.
The 18-meter monohull, originally designed for ocean racing, has a rich history, having participated in the Vendée Globe in 1992 and now dedicated to marine environmental protection.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5, this non-refundable activity is an absolute must-do for those seeking a truly immersive sailing experience in La Rochelle.
Read our full review: La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise Review
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La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise
If you’re seeking a more laidback sailing experience in La Rochelle, the captivating 2.5-hour Catamaran Cruise is an excellent choice. Priced from $35.76 per person, this non-refundable cruise departs from the old harbor, where you’ll board a 16-meter maxi-catamaran to sail along the stunning La Rochelle coastline.
During the cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the friendly crew about the local history and landscapes as you take in views of iconic landmarks like the Richelieu Tower and the harbor of Les Minimes.
At one point, the engine will be turned off, allowing you to fully learn about the serene ocean atmosphere and enjoy the thrill of sailing. As the cruise winds down in the late afternoon, you can savor the breathtaking sunset vistas.
With an impressive overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 203 reviews, the Catamaran Cruise offers excellent value for money and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the beauty of La Rochelle from the water.
Read our full review: La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise Review
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Recap
Explore the stunning coastline of La Rochelle with a range of sailing experiences. Choose from catamaran tours with captains’ commentary, sunset cruises, or leisurely coastline sails. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-timer, these tours offer a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty of this charming French town from the water. Don’t miss the opportunity to set sail and make the most of your time in La Rochelle.