Uber Sets Sail on the Mediterranean
What’s New?
Uber is adding a water‑based option to its app. Starting in mid‑June, users in 23 coastal cities across Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, and Croatia can reserve a pleasure boat with a skipper straight from the same interface they use for car rides.
Where Can You Book?
The service launches in popular French hotspots such as Nice, Cannes, Saint‑Tropez, Marseille, Toulon, Paris, and Annecy. Similar offerings will roll out in selected ports along the Italian Riviera, the Algarve, the Costa Brava, and the Croatian coastline.
Who Is It For?
This isn’t a commuter shuttle. Think all‑day excursions, sunset cruises, island hopping, and those picture‑perfect Riviera outings where everyone ends up looking like they stepped out of a luxury travel magazine.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices mirror those of existing boat‑rental platforms like Click&Boat. Expect to pay roughly:
- $285 (≈ R5,100) per day for a modest vessel in the off‑season
- Up to $3,400 (≈ R61,000) per day for a larger yacht during peak summer weeks
Costs vary based on boat size, travel dates, and how many people are on board.
Perks for UberOne Members
If you’re subscribed to UberOne, you’ll receive 10 % of the booking price back as Uber credit. It’s a small rebate that can help offset the splurge, though the credit feels more like a bonus than a game‑changer when you’re already spending thousands on a day at sea.
Why It’s Not Your Everyday Commute
Uber stresses that this service is purely for leisure. No one’s using it to beat rush‑hour traffic; instead, it’s aimed at creating memorable experiences—think champagne toasts at sunset, snorkeling stops, and Instagram‑worthy photos of you lounging on deck in linen clothes.
Conclusion
Uber’s move into luxury yacht bookings adds a new layer to the European summer playbook. While the price tag may make your wallet wince, the option to sail the Mediterranean with just a few taps could turn an ordinary vacation into a story worth sharing—provided your bank account is ready for the adventure.
