Offering day trips out to sea: What business name, insurance, and legal status should you choose to supplement your income?

Reading time: 5 min | Updated in 2025

You own a sailboat, you’ve been sailing for years, and you’re interested in offering paid charters to generate some extra income. On paper, it’s simple. In reality, there are three questions that need clear answers before you get started: What license do you need? What insurance is required? And what business structure should you choose to accept payments legally?

Table of Contents

1. Recreational boating vs. passenger transport: the fundamental distinction
2. What boating license is required to carry paying passengers?
3. What insurance is required?
4. What legal status is required to collect this income?
5. How much can you earn from day trips?
6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Recreational boating vs. passenger transport: the fundamental distinction

This is the first point to understand. In France, as soon as there is any financial compensation for taking people on board (even if it is partial or merely symbolic), you are no longer considered to be engaged in recreational boating but rather in the commercial transportation of passengers for a fee, which is governed by the Transportation Code.

Operating outside these guidelines exposes you to administrative and criminal penalties, but above all to a complete lack of insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

> The rule to remember: splitting gas costs with friends is legal. Setting a price and advertising your trips is a commercial activity subject to regulation.

2. What maritime license is required to carry paying passengers?

The required certification depends on your navigation area and the number of passengers. The key limit is set at a maximum of 12 passengers—beyond that, you fall under the regulations for passenger vessels, which are much more restrictive.

System Requirements | Minimum Title Requirements

• Coastal trips,
• Offshore trips, up to 12 passengers | Capitaine 200 (sail or motor)
• RYA Yachtmaster (converted to DREAL) | Possible after an equivalency process (6–18 months)

What’s not enough: A coastal or offshore recreational boating license—no matter how much experience you have—does not allow you to carry paying passengers. It is a recreational license, not a professional one.

If you hold an RYA Yachtmaster certification, you will also not be able to operate under the French flag.

3. What type of insurance is required?

This is the most overlooked point. Your standard recreational boat insurance does not cover commercial use of your boat—an explicit exclusion clause is always included in standard policies.

Essential Coverages

– Maritime Professional Liability Insurance: Covers damage caused to your passengers, other vessels, or port infrastructure in the course of your business
– Hull Insurance for Commercial Use: Your vessel must be insured for commercial use, not just recreational use
– Professional Legal Protection: recommended to cover defense costs in the event of a dispute

Order of magnitude of rates

Profile | Estimated Annual Cost

• Sailboat
• 10–15-meter sailboat, used regularly | 1,500–3,000 €/year
• Motor yacht 15 m+, heavy use | 3,000–6,000 €/year

Choose brokers that specialize in commercial marine insurance (Pantaenius, April Marine, Generali Marine) rather than simply extending your recreational boat insurance policy.

4. What legal status is required to collect this income?

Accepting payment without reporting it—even occasionally—constitutes undeclared work. You have three options, depending on the scale of your business.

A micro-enterprise is the best option for a side business. Free online registration, taxes calculated based on actual revenue, and an annual revenue threshold of up to €77,700 (excluding tax). A 50% flat-rate BIC deduction applies to your taxable income. Ideal for getting started without administrative hassles.

An SASU or EURL becomes a viable option if your business’s annual revenue exceeds €30,000–40,000. The deduction of actual expenses (fuel, maintenance, insurance, mooring fees) then offsets the additional accounting requirements.

Maritime umbrella employment is an intermediate option for testing the business without setting up a company: an umbrella company handles billing and payroll taxes in exchange for a commission of 10 to 20 percent of revenue.

Platforms to Help You Find Your First Customers

Platform | Commission | Requirements

• Click&Boat | 15–25% | Verified Insurance
• Samboat | 15–20% | Professional certification depending on the job
• Airbnb Experiences | 20% | Profile Verification

> Please note: The fact that a platform accepts your listing does not guarantee your compliance with regulations. You remain fully responsible.

5. How much can you earn from day trips?

Market Rates in 2025

Type of outing | Average price | Revenue per outing (estimated)

• Full-Day Coastal Tour (6 people) | 80–120 € per person | 480–720 €
• Snorkeling Trip / Calanques (8 people) | 90–150 € per person | 720–1,200 €
• Full-Day Private Rental | €600–1,200 flat rate | €600–1,200
• Sunset Tour (8 people) | 50–80 € per person | 400–640 €

Realistic simulation

Profile: 11-meter sailboat in the Mediterranean, 2 trips per week from May through September.

– 40 trips × €700 average revenue = €28,000 gross revenue
– Business-related expenses (fuel, maintenance, business insurance): ~€5,000
– Estimated net income after payroll taxes and income taxes (30% marginal tax rate): approximately €15,000–€17,000

In the first few seasons, expect it to take 30 to 50 percent less time to build up a customer base and gather online reviews.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a boat owner looking to turn your passion into extra income? The Yachter can help you choose the right certification to generate extra income as a captain.