Our historyUnion des Bateliers Arcachonnais
Les premiers Bateliers de l'UBA

Come aboard and discover an outstanding natural site with our crews.

The Bay is more beautiful by boat! The Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais maritime company was founded in 1954 by professional sailors, fishermen and oyster-farmers, who supplemented their income by organising boat trips during the summer season. Over time, this organisation has become a specialist and key player in maritime tourism.

UBA currently boasts a fleet of 33 boats at your service, ranging from the traditional pinasse to the latest catamaran built in 2014, and of course our newest vessels, the UBA Premiums. Our captains are delighted to welcome you on board and guarantee your optimal comfort and safety thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the area.

Only UBA can offer you seven departure points in season all around the Bay with mooring booths and boarding staff. The captains will tell you about their Arcachon Bay with lively comments and local anecdotes.
Climb aboard and sail from the Cabanes Tchanquées to the gates of the ocean across the unique body of water that forms Arcachon Bay.

Un bateau de l'UBA lors du Grand Tour de l'Île aux Oiseaux

Our fleet

Our fleet consists in a range of colourful vessels of varying capacity: traditional pinasses for 11 to 12 passengers, traditional wooden launches for 35 to 44 passengers, catamarans for 50 to 200 passengers and 45- to 50-seat launches.

All our vessels are specially adapted to sailing within the Bay. As a committee member of the newly-formed marine reserve, UBA is particularly committed to the environment, and has upgraded the engine systems of eight boats to comply with the latest anti-pollution standards.

The captains use eco-friendly sailing techniques according to tide currents and the weather, in addition to recyclable materials and heavy metal-free paints.

Sail safely with us!

UBA is certified by Prefectoral Decree n° IM033120029 and is specifically insured for passenger transport. All our vessels have a special navigation licence for ‘passenger transport’, issued by the maritime authorities. This licence is renewed every year after two safety inspections (on dry land and water).

All circuits take place under category 5 navigation, i.e. in sheltered bays. Each time you board and disembark, you will be assisted by the captain and our staff.

All our boats have a covered area so you can continue your trip no matter what the weather. Nevertheless, the captain reserves the right to modify or cancel certain services in the event of unfavourable weather.

Greenboat naviguant au Cap Ferret

Circuits

A unique range of crossings and cruises!

The maritime shuttles or ‘Transbassin’ relay the Cap Ferret peninsula: from 9.00am to 12.30am in the high season with up to 14 return trips per day! This service is available all year round and bicycles may be taken on board.

Five seasonal routes are in operation: Le Moulleau, Andernos, Le Canon & the Dune du Pilat, La Hume.

Excursions: from the must-see Tour de l’Île aux Oiseaux to the Grand Tour du Bassin and evening tours, more than ten excursions are on offer. More details available on this website… Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Discover UBA

Les Cabanes Tchanquées et l'Île aux Oiseaux

Les Bateliers in figures

  • Our fleet can carry 2000 passengers.
  • Each year, Les Bateliers carry more than 500,000 passengers, making this the 5th most visited site in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, after the Futuroscope, La Rochelle Aquarium, La Palmyre Zoo and Lascaux.
  • More than 100 people work for us in the high season.
  • The fleet consists of 35 vessels.
  • Since its foundation in 1954, more than 20 million passengers have come aboard.