Why charter a RIB?
RIBs (also known as Rigid Inflatable Boats) are an extremely popular boat type. They are fast and easy to use. It is also a safe and stable type of boat. There are different variations of RIBs that can carry more or less people.
It is ideal if you’re looking to organise a day trip and are looking for speed and flexibility.
How fast is a RIB boat?
The speed of a RIB boat depends on its size, and more specifically on the horsepower of the engine. A typical RIB boat for 6 people will likely have a top speed of around 30 knots (35 miles/hour). High performance RIBs can speed up to 70 knots (80 miles/ hour).
How much does it cost to rent a RIB boat?
The cost of a RIB hire mainly depends on the location. Locations with higher demand will naturally have higher prices.
Another factor is the season. The summer months are considered as the high season in many locations. The influx of visitors and sailors drives up prices.
Other factors include the size of the boat, the presence of a skipper, if the cost of fuel is included, and any extra equipment you might want to add to your booking.
Extra equipment is anything from snorkelling equipment, SUPs, wakeboards, to other water sports equipments.
In many destinations, a RIB charter can start at around £42 for a day. In European destinations, the rental cost for a RIB boat will generally vary between £125 to £295/ day.
Do I need a licence to charter a RIB?
Boating licence regulations vary depending on the country you’d like to rent a boat in. Make sure to check the regulations for the country you are interested in before making a booking.
Here are the regulations in some countries:
- In France, you’ll need a sailing licence if your boat’s engine power is more than 6 hp. Your licence can either be a coastal licence or an offshore licence. A coastal licence allows you to go as far as 6 nautical miles from a port or shelter.
- In Spain, a licence is compulsory for motorboats of over 15m and with an engine power of more than 6hp.
- In Greece, you’ll need a licence if the engine power is more than 30hp
- Croatia: compulsory for a motorboat with an engine power of more than 6hp
- Italy: compulsory for motorboats of over 24m and with an engine power of more than 40hp. You also need one if you’re planning on going further than 6 nautical miles from the closest port or shelter
Best destinations to rent a RIB?
Because of their flexibility, RIBs are great to hire anywhere. They are perfect for simply boating across lakes and fjords, or around a bay. You can hire a RIB to visit Lake Garda or Lake Como for example. It’s also a good way of exploring areas such as the Stockholm archipelago. You’ll be able to sightsee and stop at different islands throughout your tour.
If you’re in Greece or Italy, it’s a great way to hop between islands. Croatia is also a good destination to hire a RIB, as there are many islands around the Kornati National Park, for example. It’s easy to rent one and go snorkelling for the day.
In busy regions such as the south of France, a RIB is a great way to escape to quieter beaches and coves, away from the crowds, whether that’s for swimming or snorkelling.