About Airboat
Airboat is a UK-based online marketplace connecting people who want to charter, rent or experience boats with verified boat owners and operators. From half-day cruises on the Thames to weekend yacht charters along the Cornish coast, Airboat makes booking a boat as simple as booking a hotel.
Every host listed on the platform is verified — government-issued ID, valid commercial insurance and safety certificates are checked manually by our team before any listing goes live. Payments are handled by Stripe, so your card details never touch our servers and funds are protected end-to-end.
How Airboat works
- Search the UK fleet. Browse yachts, sailboats, motor cruisers and on-water experiences. Filter by location, dates, group size and budget.
- Book securely. Confirm dates, review the host profile, complete checkout via Stripe. Confirmation lands in your inbox instantly.
- Meet your host and set sail. Many trips include a qualified skipper; some are bareboat for licensed sailors. Enjoy the water.
Where we operate
Airboat covers the South Coast, Cornwall, Devon, the Solent, Scotland, the Norfolk Broads, the Thames, the Lake District and beyond. New locations are added as new hosts join the platform. Whether you want a sunset cruise out of Brighton, a wildlife trip along the Pembrokeshire coast, or a luxury crewed yacht out of Southampton, you'll find listings on Airboat.
For boat owners
If you own a boat, Airboat is the easiest way to earn from it. List your vessel in minutes, set your own rates and availability calendar, and receive automatic payouts via Stripe Connect after each booking. Hosts keep 90% of every booking — Airboat takes a 10% platform commission. There are no listing fees and no monthly charges.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence to book on Airboat?
For most listings, no. Many hosts include a qualified skipper, so you can simply enjoy the trip. Some bareboat charters require you to hold a valid RYA Day Skipper certificate or equivalent — this is clearly shown on each listing.
What's included in the price?
The price covers your time on the boat, the skipper (where included), insurance and fuel for standard cruising. Extras like food, drinks, longer routes or watersports equipment may be listed separately by the host.
Are all hosts verified?
Yes. Every host is required to upload government-issued ID, valid commercial insurance and any required safety certificates before their listing goes live. Our moderation team reviews each application manually.
How does payment work?
Guests pay securely via Stripe at the time of booking. Funds are held by our payment partner and released to the host shortly after your trip, less Airboat's commission. You never need to hand over cash or pay the host directly.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety always comes first. If your host decides the conditions are unsafe, the trip will be cancelled and you'll receive a full refund or the option to rebook for a different date.
Can I list my own boat?
Yes — Airboat is built for boat owners. List your boat, set your own rates, manage your availability calendar and receive automatic payouts via Stripe. Hosts keep 90% of every booking.
How do I cancel a booking?
Cancellation policies are set by each host and shown clearly before checkout. To cancel, head to your Trips page and follow the cancellation link. Refunds are issued to the original payment method according to the listing's policy.
