The identikit of the tourist on a boat in 2025: boom in rentals without a skipper

Faced with a growing desire for freedom and authenticity, sea tourism is changing . According to the latest survey by SamBoat , an international platform specializing in boat rental, for summer 2025 the sea is not just a setting: it is the destination .

The most surprising data? In Italy , 86% of boats are rented without a skipper. A clear sign of how the do-it-yourself approach has won over a new generation of vacationers, ready to take the helm to explore hidden coves, uncontaminated archipelagos and off-the-beaten-track landings.

“This study reveals a profound change in habits,” explains Nicolas Cargou, founder of SamBoat , “we no longer rent a boat to sail, but to live an experience. The sea becomes a destination in itself.”

The identikit of the tourist on a boat

Who are the new sailors who rent boats in Italy? They are on average 45 years old , often come from abroad, especially from France , Germany , the Netherlands and the United Kingdom , and rent a boat in a group, on average four.

The boom is not just about summer: from May to September, 95% of users choose short experiences, lasting a day or half a day . So goodbye to sedentary vacations lasting several weeks in a single location: today we navigate to explore, move and change scenery every day.

Most popular routes: Sardinia, Sicily and Campania

The podium of the most popular Italian destinations sees Sardinia in the lead, with Olbia and Porto Rotondo as the main embarkation points. Sicily follows, Palermo first and foremost, and Campania , with its crystalline waters and an ideal environment for mini-cruises lasting several days. Italy, in essence, confirms itself as a reference destination for those who choose nautical tourism . And the majority of rentals, namely 86%, take place without a skipper, also thanks to the fact that some types of boats, such as barges or low-powered motorboats, can be operated even without a boating license.

The most popular models

98% of rentals are on motorboats, while only 2% are on sailing boats . Among the most popular models are the Brava 18 (for motorboats), the Wave 20 (rigid boats) and the Bavaria 46 for those who prefer sailing. Catamarans, on the other hand, continue to seduce groups looking for comfort and space.

Is sailing still a luxury? According to SamBoat, a daily rental of a dinghy costs around 400 euros . Those with bigger ambitions can opt for a catamaran: a week aboard a habitable model costs between 3,500 and 4,000 euros.