Getting around by boat

Fancy a little boat ride?

Le Passeur

This small boat offers a quick 3-minute crossing between the Michel-Crépeau Media Library and the Old Port (at the foot of the Chain Tower).

On the Media Library side, the service is activated via a call button—the Passeur comes on demand.

• Included in the Yélo subscription and the La Rochelle Océan Pass
• Single ticket available on board (valid for 1 hour across the network)
• Ideal for connecting the Ville en Bois district and the city centre

For a slightly longer cruise...

The sea bus

A longer but equally enjoyable journey, this shuttle connects the Old Port to Les Minimes District in about 20 minutes, following the quays and marina.

• Accessible for people with reduced mobility
• Included in the Yélo subscription and the La Rochelle Océan Pass
• 100% electric boat: silent, zero emissions

Departing from La Rochelle

Maritime Connections

Want to switch shores? From the Old Port, several maritime companies offer trips to nearby islands :

• 🌿 Île de Ré – Crossings to Saint-Martin-de-Ré (seasonal)
• 🌊 Île d’Aix – Only accessible by sea, either directly or via Fort Boyard
• 🌴 Île d’Oléron – Summer sea links to Boyardville or Saint-Denis-d’Oléron

Arriving by Sea

Ports in La Rochelle

Sailing into town? La Rochelle has several marinas for boaters: Old Port, Port des Minimes, Port-Neuf…
  

How about dropping anchor for a few hours?

Rent a boat with a skipper

Many services offer sailing with a skipper from La Rochelle - for a sailing trip, a beginner’s session, or a private cruise around the Pertuis d’Antioche. Visit our water activities page and select the “Sea Excursions” tab.

Bonus

The weather & tides

Tide schedules 🦪

Planning a sea outing or some shoreline fishing? Knowing the tide times is essential. Our tool lets you check high and low tide times, day by day.