Ile de Ré La Rochelle cruise: departures and prices

From the Ile de Ré, several companies offer cruises to La Rochelle. Ile de Ré La Rochelle cruises depart mainly from Saint-Martin-de-Ré and La Flotte, aboard fast shuttles or sailing catamarans. Allow around 1 hour for the crossing, with timetables based on the tides. Are you staying at our Campsite on the Ile de Ré? Here are the practical options for boarding from the island!

Key points to remember

Two main companies sail from the Ile de Ré to La Rochelle: Inter-îles and Kapalouest.
Departures are from the Quai Clémenceau in Saint-Martin-de-Ré and from the port of La Flotte.
The crossing to La Rochelle’s Vieux Port takes about 1 hour with Inter-îles.
Fares start at €12.50 for a single adult ticket.
The cruise season runs from April to September, with extensions into November.

Which companies sail from the Ile de Ré?

Two local operators operate Ile de Ré La Rochelle cruises from the island. Each offers a different experience, to suit your own pace and desires.

Inter-Îles provides a regular sea link from Saint-Martin-de-Ré to the Old Port of La Rochelle.
Blue Note by Kapalouest organizes catamaran sailing trips from the port of La Flotte.
Both companies accept bookings online or by phone.

The Kapalouest outings follow the coastline of La Rochelle, offering a unique view of the town from the open sea.

Which port to sail from: Saint-Martin or La Flotte?

The choice of port depends on your objective. Saint-Martin-de-Ré remains the gateway to a convenient and efficient cruise to La Rochelle. Inter-Îles boats leave from the Quai Clémenceau several times a day, with the option of taking your bike on board on reservation.

La Flotte is home to the Blue Note by Kapalouest catamaran Imothep. Visitors come here to sail around the island and enjoy the maritime setting.

Both harbors are a 30-minute bike ride from our Campsite on the Ile de Ré, making it easy to get to your boat.

Tip: arrive 30 minutes before departure to enjoy a coffee on the harbor terrace. Saint-Martin-de-Ré and La Flotte are among France’s most beautiful villages, and their lively quaysides are well worth a look before the crossing.

How long and how much does the crossing cost?

Allow around 1h between Saint-Martin-de-Ré and La Rochelle’s Vieux Port on board the Inter-Îles shuttles. Blue Note by Kapalouest outings range from 2 to 5.5 hours, depending on the formula chosen.

Here’s an overview of the main adult fares for an Ile de Ré La Rochelle cruise departing from the island.

Company	Type of outing	Duration	Adult price
Inter-Îles	One-way to La Rochelle	1h	12,50€
Inter-island	Round trip day	1h	25€
Blue Note by Kapalouest	Imothep sailing trip	2h to 5h30	on request

Children and juniors benefit from reduced rates. Bicycles can be booked on board Inter-Îles, subject to availability.

Preparing to embark from Ile de Ré

Good preparation makes your cruise from the Île de Ré to La Rochelle more worry-free. Book your tickets in advance, especially in July and August, as places sell out fast. Then check the timetables on the company’s website: they change daily according to the tides.

And don’t forget a windproof jacket, as the ocean breeze picks up quickly offshore. Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat to enjoy the deck without worry.

If you’d like to take your bike from Saint-Martin-de-Ré, let us know when you book. Finally, arrive at the loading dock 30 minutes before departure to validate your ticket with peace of mind.

Would you like to experience this cruise from the Île de Ré to La Rochelle as close as possible to the embarkation point? Drop your bags at Campsite La Tour des Prises, in La Couarde-sur-Mer. You can then cycle easily to Saint-Martin-de-Ré or La Flotte. Campsite La Tour des Prises is also an excellent place to extend your discovery of the island.

FAQ – Cruise Ile de Ré La Rochelle

Where do cruises to La Rochelle depart from the Ile de Ré?

Cruises to La Rochelle depart mainly from two ports on the Ile de Ré: the Quai Clémenceau in Saint-Martin-de-Ré with Inter-Îles, and the port of La Flotte with Blue Note by Kapalouest. Both villages are easily accessible by bike from most of the island’s accommodations.

Can I take my bike on the shuttle to La Rochelle?

Yes, the Inter-Îles shuttles accept up to 30 bikes per crossing, subject to prior booking. Remember to indicate your bike when you buy your ticket, as spaces sell out fast in high season. This option is ideal for extending your ride along the quays of La Rochelle once you’ve arrived at your destination.

What season does the sea link operate?

The sea link between Ile de Ré and La Rochelle operates mainly from April to September. Some departures are extended into November, depending on the company. Schedules depend on the tides, with 2 to 3 departures per day. Book in advance for the high summer season, as places are limited.

How much does a round trip from Saint-Martin-de-Ré cost?

An adult return ticket from Saint-Martin-de-Ré to La Rochelle costs around €25 with Inter-Îles. A one-way ticket costs €12.50. Juniors aged 4 to 17 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under 4 pay only €5, depending on the formula.

Do I need to book my cruise in advance?

Yes, we strongly advise you to book in advance, especially in July, August and during the May long weekends. Boats often sell out just a few days before departure. You can book online on the companies’ official websites or by telephone to secure your place.

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