Uber Launches Mediterranean Boat Rentals And London River Bus Expansion

Travellers heading to Europe’s coastal destinations this summer will be able to book leisure boats, water taxis, and private yachts directly through the Uber app, as the ride-hailing company expands its seasonal travel offerings across popular seaside hotspots in a bid to tap growing demand for maritime transport and luxury experiences.

Two Services, One App

Uber Boat now operates in two different formats across Europe. In Mediterranean holiday destinations, travellers can hire leisure boats and private yachts through the app. In London, the service runs as a river bus network on the Thames, used by both commuters and tourists for daily travel across the city.

The service operates across more than 23 coastal destinations in Europe, mainly in popular Mediterranean holiday spots. In France, Uber Boat is available in cities including Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Marseille. In Spain, the service covers Ibiza, Mallorca and Barcelona, while in Italy it operates along the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Riviera and Venice. In Croatia, travellers can book boats in Split and Dubrovnik.

Types Of Experiences

Uber Boat goes beyond standard water taxi rides, with the service focused largely on leisure travel and private excursions. Travellers can book full-day yacht rentals, beach-hopping trips and sunset cruises in several coastal destinations. The platform also offers premium options, including Venice lagoon “limo boats” and private yachts in Ibiza. All bookings include a professional skipper, meaning passengers do not need a boating licence.

Uber is set to launch its new Mediterranean leisure boat service in mid-June through a partnership with Click&Boat, expanding access to coastal boat experiences across 23 destinations in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia. The service focuses on private leisure trips rather than point-to-point transport, with options including sunset cruises, beach-hopping excursions and day trips along the coast. Every booking includes a professional skipper, removing the need for travellers to hold a boating licence.

Bookings open in mid-June through the Uber app, with prices depending on the type of boat, season and group size. Rates are expected to range from around EUR 260 to more than EUR 3,000 per day, while Uber One members will receive 10 per cent back in credits.

London’s River Bus Service

In the UK, Uber has partnered with Thames Clippers to run a river bus service along the Thames, offering commuters and tourists an alternative way to travel across London. The service operates between 24 piers stretching from Putney to Barking Riverside, with stops including the London Eye, Westminster, London Bridge, and Greenwich.

The boats feature open-air rear decks, café bars, and onboard Wi-Fi, while parts of the fleet now include fully electric vessels such as the Orbit Clipper. Passengers can buy tickets through the Uber app, online or by using Oyster and contactless payment cards at the pier. Hop-on, hop-off fares start at around GBP 10.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

What is Uber Boat?
Uber Boat is a water transport and leisure travel service available through the Uber app. It includes river bus services in London and private leisure boat experiences across several Mediterranean destinations.

Where is Uber Boat available?
The service operates in parts of France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Croatia, as well as on the River Thames in London.

Can travellers book private yachts through Uber?
Yes. In Mediterranean destinations, users can book private yachts, leisure boats and coastal excursions directly through the app.

Do users need a boating licence?
No. Every Mediterranean boat booking includes a professional skipper.

How much does Uber Boat cost?
Prices vary depending on the destination, season and type of boat. Mediterranean leisure charters can range from around €260 to more than €3,000 per day, while London river bus tickets start at roughly £10.

How can tickets or charters be booked?
Bookings can be made directly through the Uber app. London river bus passengers can also pay using Oyster or contactless cards.