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The Basin differently… 5 hours between banks and Esteys, oyster ports and Leyre

Port d'Arcachon, Arcachon, France

5
15 REVIEWS
9
PEOPLE
5h00
DURATION
With skipper
You will be accompanied by a skipper speaking French, English
Super Owner
Christophe is an experienced boat renter with excellent reviews and is committed to providing quality services
Free cancellation
Get a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before your booking starts (service fees and commission excluded)

What's included

    Fuel
    Swimming Stop

About the experience

Far from the beaten track of the Arcachon Bay, discover a world apart, intimate, discreet, almost wild.

This 5-hour excursion takes you to a unique setting, between winding channels, colorful cabins, and submerged forests, where the Leyre Delta meets the waters of the bay. A journey along the water, closer to nature.

Depending on the tides—often in the late afternoon when conditions are ideal—we head towards a little-known bay, the Esteys. The trip begins gently with a passage by Bird Island, before heading back up towards the Leyre Delta, a vast wetland resembling a Landes mangrove. There, silence and vegetation envelop you for a total immersion.

We reach the picturesque ports of Les Tuiles and Biganos, among the most charming in the bay, with their colorful wooden cabins along the river. Following the ebbing tide, we begin our return journey, not without stopping for an aperitif at the mouth of the Leyre, bathed in the golden light of sunset.

What makes this outing unique is its rarity and tranquility. Few boats venture this far. You explore unspoiled areas where time seems to stand still, in total connection with the environment.

It's an ideal experience for lovers of nature, photography, or absolute peace and quiet.

Between river exploration, cruising among sandbanks, and moments of sharing over a drink, this trip is one of the most authentic in the basin.

And to complete this immersion, you can enhance your outing with delicious extras by ordering in advance:
– 6 oysters: €13
– 12 oysters: €21
– Charcuterie or cheese platter: €12/person
– Seafood platter (from): €42
– Bottle of wine: €18
– Bottle of champagne: €35

About the experience

Far from the beaten track of the Arcachon Bay, discover a world apart, intimate, discreet, almost wild.

This 5-hour excursion takes you to a unique setting, between winding channels, colorful cabins, and submerged forests, where the Leyre Delta meets the waters of the bay. A journey along the water, closer to nature.

Depending on the tides—often in the late afternoon when conditions are ideal—we head towards a little-known bay, the Esteys. The trip begins gently with a passage by Bird Island, before heading back up towards the Leyre Delta, a vast wetland resembling a Landes mangrove. There, silence and vegetation envelop you for a total immersion.

We reach the picturesque ports of Les Tuiles and Biganos, among the most charming in the bay, with their colorful wooden cabins along the river. Following the ebbing tide, we begin our return journey, not without stopping for an aperitif at the mouth of the Leyre, bathed in the golden light of sunset.

What makes this outing unique is its rarity and tranquility. Few boats venture this far. You explore unspoiled areas where time seems to stand still, in total connection with the environment.

It's an ideal experience for lovers of nature, photography, or absolute peace and quiet.

Between river exploration, cruising among sandbanks, and moments of sharing over a drink, this trip is one of the most authentic in the basin.

And to complete this immersion, you can enhance your outing with delicious extras by ordering in advance:
– 6 oysters: €13
– 12 oysters: €21
– Charcuterie or cheese platter: €12/person
– Seafood platter (from): €42
– Bottle of wine: €18
– Bottle of champagne: €35

Organised by Christophe
Verified boat
· Super owner · 15 reviews

Itinerary

Starting location:
Port d'Arcachon, Arcachon, France
Bird Island
Sail around the mysterious Bird Island, where the famous huts on stilts stand amidst the calm, shallow waters of the basin.
Esteys Basin
Enter the secret Esteys basin, a maze of wild channels where nature reclaims its rights.
Leyre Delta
Sail up the peaceful meanders of the Leyre delta, a true haven of biodiversity nestled between fresh and salt water.
Ports of Tuiles and Biganos
Discover the colorful and picturesque ports of Tuiles and Biganos, true hidden gems with a postcard feel.
Short stop on the Leyre
Take a break along the water on the Leyre, the ideal opportunity to enjoy a peaceful aperitif, surrounded by nature, in the golden light of the end of the day.
Arrive back at:
Port d'Arcachon, Arcachon, France

5/5 · 15 reviews

Reviews are displayed in chronological order
  • B
    Brian
    Date of the rental 10/09/2025  ·  Date of the review 11/09/2025

    Translated from French

    We had a wonderful time with Christophe. He's a true Arcachon native and will be happy to provide you with lots of information during the tour. An unforgettable experience, thank you again!
    Read more
  • D
    damien
    Date of the rental 30/08/2025  ·  Date of the review 03/09/2025

    Translated from French

    Great outing, Christophe is very professional and has perfect knowledge of the pool.
  • J
    Julie
    Date of the rental 04/08/2025  ·  Date of the review 18/08/2025

    Translated from French

    A lovely morning trip on the Arcachon Bay with a very friendly skipper who puts you at ease right away! For our first boat trip, my children and I loved it. Christophe kindly answers the children's questions, is concerned about the safety of his passengers, and is inexhaustible about the Bay, which he knows like the back of his hand. A wonderful experience. Julie, Adam, and Joan
    Read more
  • Christophe
    Date of the rental 16/08/2025  ·  Date of the review 16/08/2025

    Translated from French

    Christophe was pleasant, efficient, and discreet. He also gave us interesting explanations about the environment and history of the Arcachon Bay. His boat is magnificent and very typical. An excellent experience in every way.
    Read more
Reviews
5
  • B
    Brian
    Sep 2025

    Translated from French

    We had a wonderful time with Christophe. He's a true Arcachon native and will be happy to provide you with lots of information during the tour. An unforgettable experience, thank you again!
  • D
    damien
    Sep 2025

    Translated from French

    Great outing, Christophe is very professional and has perfect knowledge of the pool.
  • J
    Julie
    Aug 2025

    Translated from French

    A lovely morning trip on the Arcachon Bay with a very friendly skipper who puts you at ease right away! For our first boat trip, my children and I loved it. Christophe kindly answers the children's questions, is concerned about the safety of his passengers, and is inexhaustible about the Bay, which he knows like the back of his hand. A wonderful experience. Julie, Adam, and Joan
  • Christophe
    Aug 2025

    Translated from French

    Christophe was pleasant, efficient, and discreet. He also gave us interesting explanations about the environment and history of the Arcachon Bay. His boat is magnificent and very typical. An excellent experience in every way.
  • E
    Emilie
    Aug 2025

    Translated from French

    I highly recommend this experience! Christophe is passionate and very welcoming. The sunset walk, between the huts on stilts and Bird Island, was simply magical!
  • J
    Jeremy
    Aug 2025

    Translated from French

    Superb day, everything was perfect with Christophe at the top....
  • D
    David
    Aug 2025

    Translated from French

    A very nice walk, exactly what we had hoped for. We thank Christophe for his welcome and the explanations provided during our outing. We had a wonderful time, and we'll do it again!
  • S
    SYLVAIN
    Jul 2025

    Translated from French

    A truly superb outing!!! A skipper who explained the history and unique features of Arcachon. Punctuality guaranteed! I highly recommend it! Thank you so much. Sylvain
  • M
    Myriam
    Jul 2025

    Translated from French

    A superb day! The boat is magnificent and pleasant! Christophe took the time to tell us about the history of the dock and was attentive to our wishes. Thank you again. The seafood platter was a treat.
  • Jessica
    Jul 2025

    Translated from French

    An incredible and timeless experience! Chris is a very kind and attentive man towards his guests. We greatly appreciated his knowledge of the bay, which he is happy to share if you are interested. We also enjoyed excellent oysters and a bottle of champagne. We would definitely do it again!
  • G
    Graeme
    Jul 2025
    Christophe was an excellent captain, with vast knowledge of the Arcachon basin area and it's history. He gave us a guided tour in English around the basin as he told us many facts about the local buildings and natural landscape. The boat was beautiful and well equipped, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time on board, as well as off the boat when Christophe stopped to allow us to swim for a while in the shallow warm water. I highly recommend everyone to take the tour with Christophe, it was excellent value for money and he is a very friendly and pleasant captain. Thank you Christophe
  • C
    Caroline
    Jun 2025

    Translated from French

    We had a great afternoon cruising the bay between Arcachon, Le Canon and Banc d'Arguin. Chris was perfect and the boat is superb! Thank you so much!
  • S
    Stéphane
    Sep 2024

    Translated from French

    Christophe gave us an excellent welcome, Christophe shared with interest and passion his very good knowledge of the basin and its history. We were a group of 7 adults, listening to us, Christophe adapted to all our desires and requests. It was really great, everyone had a very nice afternoon. I highly recommend it.
  • C
    Charles
    Aug 2024

    Translated from French

    Great boat and great captain! 4 adults and 2 children. Christophe showed us every corner of the basin. He adapted to all our requests. I recommend. We will definitely call on Christophe again.
  • T
    Thomas
    Aug 2024

    Translated from French

    We are a family of seven and spent an afternoon on the basin with Christophe on his boat. We took a walk to the Tchanquées cabins, then followed the coast to Cap-Ferret via Bird Island, and ended with a swim on the Banc d'Arguin. Christophe is super nice. He shared his love of the basin with us by showing us historical places and telling us local anecdotes. It was really great. We were super comfortable on his boat and had a great afternoon. I highly recommend this trip. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Good to know

Right of withdrawal for this booking:
Cancellation policy : Flexible
Full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the booking start (excluding service fees and commission).
Booking conditions
Includes professional skipper
Security deposit : £0

Tags

  • Motorboat Tour
  • Classic Boat Tour
  • Romantic Cruise