This summer, renting a boat to explore Europe could soon be as easy as hailing a taxi.
Uber and Click&Boat have teamed up to launch the Uber Boat service, allowing travellers to set sail on water-borne getaways. According to the request-a-ride platform, users in Europe will soon be able to see the option to reserve an Uber Boat in-app.
Click&Boat, which specialises in peer-to-peer boat charters, brings its fleet of more than 55,000 vessels to users via a catalogue of different themed experiences, including sunsets, water sports, appetisers at sea or day trips to hidden coves.
The service will be piloted in mid-June across Portugal, France, Spain, Italy and Croatia, in 23 coastal cities such as Split, Dubrovnik, Saint-Tropez, Nice, Mallorca and Barcelona.
“For the first time, boating becomes part of everyday mobility. No license needed, no experience required,” Click&Boat said in a statement. “A skipper on board, the exact same prices as on Click&Boat, and the same high standards on every boat. It’s the ultimate shortcut to unforgettable memories on the water.”
For Christian Berces, CEO of Click&Boat, the partnership not only opens up Europe’s otherwise inaccessible islands, coves and coastal areas to more tourists but also gives travellers greater flexibility, “without the commitment of a full-day charter or the cost of traditional excursions”.
According to the Daily Mail, Berces also highlighted the shift in the travel experience economy, especially among young people who look out for unique, social-media worthy experiences.
Uber via the River Thames
The ride hailing app is no stranger to swapping wheels for waves. In 2020, Uber partnered with Thames Clippers to launch the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service.
The London river bus operators serve 24 piers across London, from Putney Pier in the west to Barking Riverside Pier in the east.
As part of the collaboration with Uber, journeys start from £6.20 (€7.17) for adults, with routes serving popular London destinations such as Westminster, London Bride City and Canary Wharf, where travellers can hop-on and off to explore the capital’s iconic landmarks.
If there’s an event on, passengers can alight at North Greenwich Pier, which is a stone’s throw away from London’s 02 Arena.
Licensed within the river services arm of Transport for London, Oyster Card users can touch in and out to pay for trips on all Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Bus services.
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