Which boat to rent in St. Petersburg for a water trip
Renting a boat in St. Petersburg is an essential part of summer entertainment in St. Petersburg. But which one to choose? Should you focus only on price, or what else should you look at?
If you're really wondering "how to choose a suitable boat in St. Petersburg?" or "which boat to choose?", then you're in luck! This is that very article where I summarize all my experience from previous seasons of water trips in SPb, so you can choose the most comfortable and suitable option for yourself.
Greetings! My name is Anton Skorich, and I've been professionally organizing water trips in different cities for five years now.
If you're really wondering "how to choose a suitable boat in St. Petersburg?" or "which boat to choose?", then you're in luck! This is that very article where I summarize all my experience from previous seasons of water trips in SPb, so you can choose the most comfortable and suitable option for yourself.
Greetings! My name is Anton Skorich, and I've been professionally organizing water trips in different cities for five years now.
Now I'll tell you about the types of boats that exist, where all these boats came from in our northern latitudes, what to pay attention to when renting a boat in SPb, and what adjustments St. Petersburg can make to your planned route (heard about St. Petersburg floods? Well, they haven't gone anywhere).
Types of boats for rent in SPb
Let's start with the most obvious and tangible thing - the appearance of the boats. How does appearance affect functionality? What should you pay attention to when renting a boat?
I divide boats in St. Petersburg into several types:
▪︎ Cabin cruisers
▪︎ Open boats
▪︎ Venetian limousines
▪︎ Prestige boats
▪︎ City yachts
▪︎ Yachts
▪︎ Motor ships
▪︎ All sorts of ridiculous fancy stuff
I divide boats in St. Petersburg into several types:
▪︎ Cabin cruisers
▪︎ Open boats
▪︎ Venetian limousines
▪︎ Prestige boats
▪︎ City yachts
▪︎ Yachts
▪︎ Motor ships
▪︎ All sorts of ridiculous fancy stuff
Renting a cabin cruiser
Cabin cruisers are called that because their bow is closed, and inside there's a cabin. They can be small (5-6 m long), medium (about 7-8 m long), and large (9-11 m long).
Large cabin cruisers are sometimes also called cruisers because they're big enough to spend the night in them (that's not our story), and large boats usually have arches to which awnings are attached.
Because of these arches, they don't fit through canals, but this gives +100 to impressiveness.
A cabin cruiser is one of the most popular options for water trips in St. Petersburg. It can comfortably fit 6-7 people, you can put a stroller in the cabin, or go there for important negotiations. The toilet is located there as well.
The downside is that when moving forward, the boat's bow lifts slightly upward and this blocks the view if you're sitting and chatting. In other words - you'll see to the sides and behind, but in front of you, you'll only see objects rising above the boat's bow (or you'll have to stand up).
However, if the water is calm, you can go sit/lie on the bow and get absolutely unforgettable impressions.
Large cabin cruisers are sometimes also called cruisers because they're big enough to spend the night in them (that's not our story), and large boats usually have arches to which awnings are attached.
Because of these arches, they don't fit through canals, but this gives +100 to impressiveness.
A cabin cruiser is one of the most popular options for water trips in St. Petersburg. It can comfortably fit 6-7 people, you can put a stroller in the cabin, or go there for important negotiations. The toilet is located there as well.
The downside is that when moving forward, the boat's bow lifts slightly upward and this blocks the view if you're sitting and chatting. In other words - you'll see to the sides and behind, but in front of you, you'll only see objects rising above the boat's bow (or you'll have to stand up).
However, if the water is calm, you can go sit/lie on the bow and get absolutely unforgettable impressions.
Example of a medium cabin cruiser for rent (7 meters long)
Example of a small cabin cruiser for rent (5 meters long)
Example of a cruiser for rent. Look at its "pot-bellied" profile and cute arch.
Renting an open boat
Cool guys also call them bowriders. Such boats gained popularity in America, in Florida and California. There are many sunny days there and boat owners usually ride them during the day, and return home in the evening. This means they sacrificed the cabin in favor of useful space for chilling!
In St. Petersburg, this type has also taken root perfectly, because a water trip on a boat through rivers and canals usually takes two to three hours.
The advantages of an open boat are that it has perfect visibility. Instead of a cabin, there are sofas here, which means more space.
There are also disadvantages. On such boats, there's usually no place to store luggage and bags, so they lie right in the salon.
Open boats also come in different types. I divide them by size:
▪︎ Small open boats (5-6 m long). They accommodate small companies of up to 6 passengers. But don't fall for the capacity. A couple of people can sit comfortably there. If you cram five or six people onto the boat, you'll be like herrings in a barrel. Can't stand up. As you sit, so you'll spend the whole trip. Plus there's still a risk of catching a wave in the face. This depends on the captain's skill and luck (passing boats from which a powerful wave rolls onto you haven't been cancelled). Moreover, when the boat is loaded to capacity - it has a greater draft (meaning it sits deeper in the water, so the distance from the water to the top edge of the side is less). There's no toilet on boats of this size.
In St. Petersburg, this type has also taken root perfectly, because a water trip on a boat through rivers and canals usually takes two to three hours.
The advantages of an open boat are that it has perfect visibility. Instead of a cabin, there are sofas here, which means more space.
There are also disadvantages. On such boats, there's usually no place to store luggage and bags, so they lie right in the salon.
Open boats also come in different types. I divide them by size:
▪︎ Small open boats (5-6 m long). They accommodate small companies of up to 6 passengers. But don't fall for the capacity. A couple of people can sit comfortably there. If you cram five or six people onto the boat, you'll be like herrings in a barrel. Can't stand up. As you sit, so you'll spend the whole trip. Plus there's still a risk of catching a wave in the face. This depends on the captain's skill and luck (passing boats from which a powerful wave rolls onto you haven't been cancelled). Moreover, when the boat is loaded to capacity - it has a greater draft (meaning it sits deeper in the water, so the distance from the water to the top edge of the side is less). There's no toilet on boats of this size.
Example of a small open boat for rent
▪︎ Large open boats (7-10 m long). They accommodate companies of up to 11 passengers. These already have a toilet and plenty of space on loungers. Large open boats are so open that you can stretch out full length on the bow.
Example of a large open boat for rent
The only downside is that the weather in St. Petersburg is fickle, and if it starts raining - you need the boat to have an awning, and for it to fit under bridges with this awning (but more on that later).
Renting a prestige boat
In the "prestige" category I include all boats that are so good for their class that they simply can't remain in it.
This category can include both cabin and open boats. Well, let me break it down with an example.
Take the "Windsor" boat. This is a rare type of cocktail boat. These were used on the Great Lakes between the USA and Canada to load them with boxes of alcohol during Prohibition and have fun on the water. This has a rather indirect relation to boat rental in St. Petersburg (unless, of course, you like active recreation in the style of revelers from Prohibition times), but it says a lot about the type of boat.
This is a wide 3.5-meter boat finished with teak and mahogany. It has everything that's usually found on a yacht, only in a stylish hull that passes through canals.
I'll list some things that are on the "Windsor" so you can appreciate it: retractable roof, wine cabinet, refrigerator, pull-out TV with karaoke, wi-fi router, coffee machine, kettle, stove, serving dishes and Villeroy & Boch glasses.
And there's also a steward on duty on this boat. Partly to take care of you, serve food and refill your glasses. Partly so guests don't wreck the boat :)
Such boats are roughly in the "Prestige" class. As a rule, they accommodate 10-11 passengers.
This category can include both cabin and open boats. Well, let me break it down with an example.
Take the "Windsor" boat. This is a rare type of cocktail boat. These were used on the Great Lakes between the USA and Canada to load them with boxes of alcohol during Prohibition and have fun on the water. This has a rather indirect relation to boat rental in St. Petersburg (unless, of course, you like active recreation in the style of revelers from Prohibition times), but it says a lot about the type of boat.
This is a wide 3.5-meter boat finished with teak and mahogany. It has everything that's usually found on a yacht, only in a stylish hull that passes through canals.
I'll list some things that are on the "Windsor" so you can appreciate it: retractable roof, wine cabinet, refrigerator, pull-out TV with karaoke, wi-fi router, coffee machine, kettle, stove, serving dishes and Villeroy & Boch glasses.
And there's also a steward on duty on this boat. Partly to take care of you, serve food and refill your glasses. Partly so guests don't wreck the boat :)
Such boats are roughly in the "Prestige" class. As a rule, they accommodate 10-11 passengers.
Example of a prestige boat for rent
Renting a Venetian limousine
Venetian limousines are called that because in Venice they serve as taxis and transfers. St. Petersburg has been called the northern Venice so many times that they couldn't help but appear here. Some are brought directly from Italy, some are made at shipyards right in St. Petersburg.
The advantages of limousines are that:
▪︎ They're stylish and wooden, there's some charm in that
▪︎ They have a closed section. Usually with a pretty good view too. So in rain, the trip becomes ideal for a romantic stroll.
There are also disadvantages:
▪︎ They're long and narrow, which means they're sensitive to weight distribution. Therefore, choosing the right passenger placement is critical - to avoid unpleasant tilts, you need to distribute weight evenly on both sides and make sure no one runs around the salon.
The advantages of limousines are that:
▪︎ They're stylish and wooden, there's some charm in that
▪︎ They have a closed section. Usually with a pretty good view too. So in rain, the trip becomes ideal for a romantic stroll.
There are also disadvantages:
▪︎ They're long and narrow, which means they're sensitive to weight distribution. Therefore, choosing the right passenger placement is critical - to avoid unpleasant tilts, you need to distribute weight evenly on both sides and make sure no one runs around the salon.
Example of a Venetian limousine for rent
Renting a city yacht
A city yacht is a unique class that originated in St. Petersburg. Low enough to pass under every bridge in the canals and comfortable enough to feel like you're in a living room on water.
To put it simply - it's a "fattened" Venetian limousine in modern design. Such yachts only sail on the Neva and canals, can't go fast, but they don't need to. They're created for something else.
Such a yacht can become an ideal banquet option where you can feel the real atmosphere of celebration on water. There's a closed salon with excellent visibility, as well as an open deck. A kitchen area and full-size bathroom are available. The yachts themselves are wide, which means they handle waves well and don't rock much. This is especially important when tables are set with food for the entire trip ahead.
The main thing to remember is that all yachts of this class accommodate up to 10 passengers.
To put it simply - it's a "fattened" Venetian limousine in modern design. Such yachts only sail on the Neva and canals, can't go fast, but they don't need to. They're created for something else.
Such a yacht can become an ideal banquet option where you can feel the real atmosphere of celebration on water. There's a closed salon with excellent visibility, as well as an open deck. A kitchen area and full-size bathroom are available. The yachts themselves are wide, which means they handle waves well and don't rock much. This is especially important when tables are set with food for the entire trip ahead.
The main thing to remember is that all yachts of this class accommodate up to 10 passengers.
Example of a city yacht for rent
Renting a yacht
Yes, this is a catamaran - an unusual hull type for our latitudes. By the way, this is one of the best rental options
Example of a 16-meter yacht for rent
Example of a 21-meter yacht for rent
Renting a motor ship
Motor ship - how much this word contains! In St. Petersburg there are several types of motor ships for rent:
Single-deck:
▪︎ "Moyka" class. A smaller and narrower motor ship (one that will fit through the Griboyedov Canal), accommodates up to 30 passengers (and if with banquet, then no more than 20)
▪︎ "Fontanka" class. A large motor ship with capacity for up to 50 people. Still passes through canals.
Double-deck:
▪︎ Usually motor ships of the "Moscow" project. These can accommodate even 150 people.
Single-deck:
▪︎ "Moyka" class. A smaller and narrower motor ship (one that will fit through the Griboyedov Canal), accommodates up to 30 passengers (and if with banquet, then no more than 20)
▪︎ "Fontanka" class. A large motor ship with capacity for up to 50 people. Still passes through canals.
Double-deck:
▪︎ Usually motor ships of the "Moscow" project. These can accommodate even 150 people.
Example of a "Moyka" class motor ship for rent
Example of a large canal motor ship "Fontanka" for rent
Example of a double-deck motor ship for rent
Here we need to agree on terms. I call a yacht a vessel on which you can comfortably spend several days. Naturally, we're talking about motor yachts. Unlike sailing yachts, they don't need wind to get where we planned, don't heel to one side when moving, and don't require ridiculous running around with ropes, turning winches and repositioning sails. You just need to relax, feel calm and unity with the elements to the steady sound of the engine.
It has several cabins with large beds, a salon (or wardroom) for gatherings, open areas at the bow and stern of the yacht, and (usually) a second floor (also called a flybridge) - an entire deck under the open sky.
In St. Petersburg there are yachts from 14 to 30 meters long. The longer the yacht, the less it rocks on waves and the more comfortable you feel. And the longer the yacht, the more sleeping places it has (useful if you're planning a multi-day trip. For example, to Ladoga). Speed can vary depending on type: usually around 15 km/h, but can reach 40 km/h if necessary. In this case, fuel consumption increases several times (and you'll need to pay extra for it).
Some yachts are officially registered as pleasure craft and can accommodate up to 16 people. That's their maximum. So if you want to throw a party for 20 people or more - you need a motor ship.
It has several cabins with large beds, a salon (or wardroom) for gatherings, open areas at the bow and stern of the yacht, and (usually) a second floor (also called a flybridge) - an entire deck under the open sky.
In St. Petersburg there are yachts from 14 to 30 meters long. The longer the yacht, the less it rocks on waves and the more comfortable you feel. And the longer the yacht, the more sleeping places it has (useful if you're planning a multi-day trip. For example, to Ladoga). Speed can vary depending on type: usually around 15 km/h, but can reach 40 km/h if necessary. In this case, fuel consumption increases several times (and you'll need to pay extra for it).
Some yachts are officially registered as pleasure craft and can accommodate up to 16 people. That's their maximum. So if you want to throw a party for 20 people or more - you need a motor ship.
Despite only a few classes of motor ships - each motor ship differs in its unique decor and design solution. Yes, many motor ships look the same on the outside, but that's because they're produced according to one standardized project. The whole essence of the vessel is revealed when you're on board.
When renting a motor ship for a birthday, a wedding, a corporate or other celebration, you can arrange anything you want on board: order additional services like a DJ and host, decorate the salon, beautifully set the tables. With a professional approach, even a plain-looking motor ship turns into an awesome venue for a memorable event.
When renting a motor ship for a birthday, a wedding, a corporate or other celebration, you can arrange anything you want on board: order additional services like a DJ and host, decorate the salon, beautifully set the tables. With a professional approach, even a plain-looking motor ship turns into an awesome venue for a memorable event.
Renting all sorts of ridiculous fancy stuff
Yes, there's such a thing in the northern capital too. These boats don't fit into any framework, they trample the foundations of common sense. As Lovecraft wrote: "If you linger your gaze on them, you might go mad."
I won't go into detail about each of the subjects, I'll just show photos and say that such vessels are one of the cheapest options for rental with a captain in SPb. If rental cost is critical for you, then this is your choice, but remember the compromises in comfort.
I won't go into detail about each of the subjects, I'll just show photos and say that such vessels are one of the cheapest options for rental with a captain in SPb. If rental cost is critical for you, then this is your choice, but remember the compromises in comfort.
When viewing this photo, the author started foaming at the mouth and was dragged away from the monitor. A peculiar sign of "quality" (editor's note)
Just look at the stern of this floating shed wrapped in film. Pay attention to the materials and finish of the boat - you can understand a lot from the details alone.
What to pay attention to when renting a boat in St. Petersburg
Finally, we're done with boat types. Now we can move on to other factors.
Capacity of St. Petersburg boats and why passenger capacity isn't the main criterion
Sometimes it happens that you're sent several options for boat rental, and you see that one, for example, has a capacity of up to 6 people, while another has up to 11 people.
I've had cases when clients said: "there are only two of us, the one for 11 people is too big for us." And they made, from my point of view, the wrong choice. Of course, I don't argue with the client. Nevertheless, if you ask advice from the manager you're dealing with - you can learn a lot of interesting things and make the right choice that you'll be 100% satisfied with.
I've had cases when clients said: "there are only two of us, the one for 11 people is too big for us." And they made, from my point of view, the wrong choice. Of course, I don't argue with the client. Nevertheless, if you ask advice from the manager you're dealing with - you can learn a lot of interesting things and make the right choice that you'll be 100% satisfied with.
You definitely should know that you should only pay attention to the boat's capacity when you have a large number of people and need everyone to fit. In other cases, it doesn't matter at all. Why?
In Russia, both a 7-meter boat and a 21-meter yacht are considered small vessels. This means that by law their capacity is limited to 12 people. It doesn't matter that in the boat's country of manufacture it has a capacity of 20 - in Russia it's a small vessel, which means a maximum of 12 people.
The same works in reverse. A 9-meter boat can accommodate up to 11 passengers (plus the captain), but this will be tight seating. But with two or three of you, you'll feel free and comfortable on it. You'll be able to move around, go to the bow, set up a table and have a snack, instead of sitting glued to one spot the whole trip because there's no more room on the boat :) So choose more spacious boats - they're worth it!
In Russia, both a 7-meter boat and a 21-meter yacht are considered small vessels. This means that by law their capacity is limited to 12 people. It doesn't matter that in the boat's country of manufacture it has a capacity of 20 - in Russia it's a small vessel, which means a maximum of 12 people.
The same works in reverse. A 9-meter boat can accommodate up to 11 passengers (plus the captain), but this will be tight seating. But with two or three of you, you'll feel free and comfortable on it. You'll be able to move around, go to the bow, set up a table and have a snack, instead of sitting glued to one spot the whole trip because there's no more room on the boat :) So choose more spacious boats - they're worth it!
St. Petersburg floods: water level and what about awnings
The city on the Neva is famous for its floods. I recommend everyone to come to the Four Seasons Lion Palace hotel, sit on the steps (but so you don't get kicked out) and read Alexander Pushkin's poem "The Bronze Horseman." This will take you 15 minutes, but you'll become cultured, boost your self-esteem and maybe even recognize in the description of the surrounding landscape all the buildings that still stand before you now. The poem describes the most serious flood, when in November 1824 the water rose 4 meters and 20 centimeters! What am I getting at?
The point is that in 2008 St. Petersburg completed a dam, but the floods haven't gone anywhere. Yes, they're much smaller now (and thank God), but the water level can still rise a meter within an hour or two. This happens when a strong western wind blows. It brings a wave from the bay, the wave from the bay doesn't let the Neva flow normally through St. Petersburg and flow into the bay, and this causes the water level in the city to rise.
How does water level affect things? If it reaches a certain mark, then first boats with raised awnings stop fitting under bridges (usually at +45 cm), and after the +70 centimeter mark, they stop fitting even without awnings. It depends on the specific boat. In any case, captains are always aware of the water level, you don't need to consider it in advance when choosing a boat in SPb. If anything - we just adapt the route.
You can check the water level on this website: 24spbwater.ru. The main thing to understand is that you personally don't need to monitor it at all. That's because in half an hour it can easily jump/drop by 20+ centimeters. The captain monitors the water level because his main responsibility is to comfortably manage the vessel, avoid collisions and ensure passenger safety)
How does water level affect things? If it reaches a certain mark, then first boats with raised awnings stop fitting under bridges (usually at +45 cm), and after the +70 centimeter mark, they stop fitting even without awnings. It depends on the specific boat. In any case, captains are always aware of the water level, you don't need to consider it in advance when choosing a boat in SPb. If anything - we just adapt the route.
You can check the water level on this website: 24spbwater.ru. The main thing to understand is that you personally don't need to monitor it at all. That's because in half an hour it can easily jump/drop by 20+ centimeters. The captain monitors the water level because his main responsibility is to comfortably manage the vessel, avoid collisions and ensure passenger safety)
Where boats and yachts depart from in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is permeated with a network of piers. Every descent to the water in the canals is a separate pier, and the boats themselves spend the night tied to rings on the embankment.
Besides starting points in the canals, there are also several yacht clubs of varying levels of equipment. One is at Lopukhinsky Garden, on Petrogradka. Another is the Imperial Yacht Club on Krestovsky Island (the most equipped).
There's a large pier on the Zhdanovka River, near Sportivnaya metro station. Right there, nearby, there's the "Svetlana" yacht club in an elite residential complex - that's where the more serious guys are based.
On Vasilievsky Island, there are also a couple of places for boats and yachts to "live." These are Nalichnaya 59 (right under the Western High-Speed Diameter) and Serniy Island (there is such a place). Recently the Smolenka yacht port opened: the Smolenka River was cleared and a new yacht club was opened in place of one of the terminals of the "Marine Facade" cruise port.
Besides starting points in the canals, there are also several yacht clubs of varying levels of equipment. One is at Lopukhinsky Garden, on Petrogradka. Another is the Imperial Yacht Club on Krestovsky Island (the most equipped).
There's a large pier on the Zhdanovka River, near Sportivnaya metro station. Right there, nearby, there's the "Svetlana" yacht club in an elite residential complex - that's where the more serious guys are based.
On Vasilievsky Island, there are also a couple of places for boats and yachts to "live." These are Nalichnaya 59 (right under the Western High-Speed Diameter) and Serniy Island (there is such a place). Recently the Smolenka yacht port opened: the Smolenka River was cleared and a new yacht club was opened in place of one of the terminals of the "Marine Facade" cruise port.
There are not only yacht clubs and boat base locations, but also city piers. The most popular are the piers at the Bronze Horseman and Peter and Paul Fortress, but there are plenty of other places: on Krestovsky Island (at the bridge to Yelagin), at the Yusupov Palace, at the Summer Garden, and even next to the cruiser "Aurora."
What do I want to say with all this name-dropping? Well, that we can start a water trip from any of the piers. You can choose a boat that's based at a convenient starting point, or you can pay extra and it will sail to a convenient pier and pick us up from there.
What do I want to say with all this name-dropping? Well, that we can start a water trip from any of the piers. You can choose a boat that's based at a convenient starting point, or you can pay extra and it will sail to a convenient pier and pick us up from there.
Where you can go by renting a boat or yacht in St. Petersburg
There are tons of water routes around St. Petersburg (and in its surroundings)!
We can conditionally divide them into 2 types: around the city, and out-of-town routes.
Around the city you can:
1. Go on a trip along rivers and canals, see the historic center of St. Petersburg (I'll clarify right away that yachts won't fit in canals - there are low bridges there).
2. See the Gulf of Finland, Lakhta Center and the "resort," most prestigious islands of St. Petersburg. These are Krestovsky, Yelagin, Kamenny Island.
3. Rent a boat for the bridge opening and watch how the Palace, Trinity and Annunciation bridges open on the Neva.
4. Rent a yacht and go through the entire parade center of the city, under the main bridges of the Neva and reach Smolny Cathedral and Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge (the most unusual bridge in St. Petersburg).
If desired, you can combine a couple of routes together and, for example, see all of St. Petersburg from the water by riding through the canals and seeing the bay. For this there's a three-hour "Excursion around St. Petersburg".
The most unusual and spectacular are, of course, the out-of-town routes:
1. You can see Peterhof - the imperial fountain residence, arrive and depart from there in comfort on a yacht, just as Peter himself intended.
2. See the forts of Kronstadt from the water, land on one of them, see the Island of Forts park and walk around Kronstadt - the city of sailors and base of the Baltic Fleet.
3. See the museum of wooden architecture with huts brought from the Ladoga region, and a 25-dome wooden church built without a single nail! Go up the Neva, pass through all of St. Petersburg: from the center to Leningrad Oblast. Arrive at "Bogoslovka Estate" and snack on their famous gingerbread.
4. Go the entire length of the Neva - from St. Petersburg to Lake Ladoga, to land at Oreshek Fortress, standing on an island right at the source of the Neva. What hasn't this fortress been: both a prison and an impregnable outpost. We'll admire the expanses of Ladoga and study this most important fortress.
5. Go to Ladoga for several days, discover new horizons: see Valaam, explore corners of nature in the skerries, sunbathe, swim, fish in the comfort of a five-star hotel.
We can conditionally divide them into 2 types: around the city, and out-of-town routes.
Around the city you can:
1. Go on a trip along rivers and canals, see the historic center of St. Petersburg (I'll clarify right away that yachts won't fit in canals - there are low bridges there).
2. See the Gulf of Finland, Lakhta Center and the "resort," most prestigious islands of St. Petersburg. These are Krestovsky, Yelagin, Kamenny Island.
3. Rent a boat for the bridge opening and watch how the Palace, Trinity and Annunciation bridges open on the Neva.
4. Rent a yacht and go through the entire parade center of the city, under the main bridges of the Neva and reach Smolny Cathedral and Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge (the most unusual bridge in St. Petersburg).
If desired, you can combine a couple of routes together and, for example, see all of St. Petersburg from the water by riding through the canals and seeing the bay. For this there's a three-hour "Excursion around St. Petersburg".
The most unusual and spectacular are, of course, the out-of-town routes:
1. You can see Peterhof - the imperial fountain residence, arrive and depart from there in comfort on a yacht, just as Peter himself intended.
2. See the forts of Kronstadt from the water, land on one of them, see the Island of Forts park and walk around Kronstadt - the city of sailors and base of the Baltic Fleet.
3. See the museum of wooden architecture with huts brought from the Ladoga region, and a 25-dome wooden church built without a single nail! Go up the Neva, pass through all of St. Petersburg: from the center to Leningrad Oblast. Arrive at "Bogoslovka Estate" and snack on their famous gingerbread.
4. Go the entire length of the Neva - from St. Petersburg to Lake Ladoga, to land at Oreshek Fortress, standing on an island right at the source of the Neva. What hasn't this fortress been: both a prison and an impregnable outpost. We'll admire the expanses of Ladoga and study this most important fortress.
5. Go to Ladoga for several days, discover new horizons: see Valaam, explore corners of nature in the skerries, sunbathe, swim, fish in the comfort of a five-star hotel.
Best time to rent a boat in St. Petersburg
If we're talking about the time of year, it's all the warm months. Usually this is from mid-May to early October (golden autumn from the water is indescribably beautiful).
If you're interested in what time I would recommend setting off for a water trip, it's either morning when there are still few people in the canals: from 7 to 11 AM. I understand that not everyone can handle this, but after all, White Nights in St. Petersburg don't happen every day, right? Those who manage the quest of early rising will see the enchanting city in the rays of gentle sunlight, reflected in the water surface (I already said that there's almost no one on the water, and no one is stirring it up, right?)
Sunset is, of course, the most popular time. It's perfect if your route runs through the islands and into the bay - there you'll fully enjoy the beauty of the setting sun.
If your route lies through the canals - I would choose not the "golden hour" (the last hour before sunset), but take the time 2-3 hours before sunset. The sun will be a bit higher and will still get into the canals and reflect off house windows, so it will be beautiful with glints :) And if you start during the "golden hour," the sky will be bright, but you'll be riding through solid shadow.
Days in St. Petersburg are long, and sunsets too, so in all the last hours before sunset the sun is already gentle and you don't need to fear getting burned (yes, this happens in St. Petersburg too).
If you're interested in what time I would recommend setting off for a water trip, it's either morning when there are still few people in the canals: from 7 to 11 AM. I understand that not everyone can handle this, but after all, White Nights in St. Petersburg don't happen every day, right? Those who manage the quest of early rising will see the enchanting city in the rays of gentle sunlight, reflected in the water surface (I already said that there's almost no one on the water, and no one is stirring it up, right?)
Sunset is, of course, the most popular time. It's perfect if your route runs through the islands and into the bay - there you'll fully enjoy the beauty of the setting sun.
If your route lies through the canals - I would choose not the "golden hour" (the last hour before sunset), but take the time 2-3 hours before sunset. The sun will be a bit higher and will still get into the canals and reflect off house windows, so it will be beautiful with glints :) And if you start during the "golden hour," the sky will be bright, but you'll be riding through solid shadow.
Days in St. Petersburg are long, and sunsets too, so in all the last hours before sunset the sun is already gentle and you don't need to fear getting burned (yes, this happens in St. Petersburg too).
Where did all the boats and yachts for rent in St. Petersburg come from, and why you shouldn't ask about their year of manufacture?
If we're talking about where the majority of boats originally came from - from America 🙂
How they appeared in St. Petersburg is another question. Mainly these are boats bought by some well-off dacha owner for private use. He got one like that, rode it for a season, then realized he had to winterize it, store it somewhere, maintain it, pay for a berth, and thought "screw it."
Then they were bought out, "spruced up" and used for active recreation of St. Petersburg residents and city guests. I think I won't be wrong if I say that these are mainly used boats from the USA, Emirates, Turkey and Russian regions, which all gathered for a huge celebration of life in SPb.
By the way, that's exactly why asking about the boat's year of manufacture to assess its "freshness" is absolutely pointless. Most boats in St. Petersburg are from 2000-2010. In this regard we're like Cubans who polish their vintage American cars because there are no others 🙂
Don't get me wrong, domestic manufacturers already know how to make cool stuff! But it costs so much that such boats only make sense to buy for private use. For rental they make very little sense.
Nevertheless, some craftsmen have set up their own boat production specifically for St. Petersburg canals. They create them themselves, from scratch. They make hulls (from wood and fiberglass), outfit the interiors. Even the Venetians would envy us now. I think Peter I himself would be proud of us!
How they appeared in St. Petersburg is another question. Mainly these are boats bought by some well-off dacha owner for private use. He got one like that, rode it for a season, then realized he had to winterize it, store it somewhere, maintain it, pay for a berth, and thought "screw it."
Then they were bought out, "spruced up" and used for active recreation of St. Petersburg residents and city guests. I think I won't be wrong if I say that these are mainly used boats from the USA, Emirates, Turkey and Russian regions, which all gathered for a huge celebration of life in SPb.
By the way, that's exactly why asking about the boat's year of manufacture to assess its "freshness" is absolutely pointless. Most boats in St. Petersburg are from 2000-2010. In this regard we're like Cubans who polish their vintage American cars because there are no others 🙂
Don't get me wrong, domestic manufacturers already know how to make cool stuff! But it costs so much that such boats only make sense to buy for private use. For rental they make very little sense.
Nevertheless, some craftsmen have set up their own boat production specifically for St. Petersburg canals. They create them themselves, from scratch. They make hulls (from wood and fiberglass), outfit the interiors. Even the Venetians would envy us now. I think Peter I himself would be proud of us!
Positive conclusion
Renting a boat or yacht in St. Petersburg is a simple task with many nuances, which masters of their craft, my colleagues from "Courage-Voyage," will help you consider. Remember - you shouldn't fall for photos when planning your water recreation, because they're often taken for the boat once and forever. It always makes sense to ask the manager to recommend something and listen to his reasoning (they really try to help there). Give the specialist honest feedback on the proposed options, and after just a couple of messages to each other you'll find what your soul desires and your wallet rejoices at :)
