Date of publication: 16/07/2025
Afloat or ashore: the different types of berths
First, it’s important to understand that there are various mooring and storage options for boats:
Berths afloat
This is the most common type of mooring. The berth is located in a water basin, which may or may not be affected by tides. Motorboats or sailing yachts, monohull or multihull, are moored at a quay or alongside a pontoon – sometimes equipped with catways.
Berths ashore
Boats may also be stored ashore, either indoors in a shed or outdoors on the marina’s hardstanding:
- Resting on cradles or on their trailers
- Positioned on racks or “boat shelves”
Factors that influence berth pricing
Each type of berth has its own benefits, depending on your boating habits and preferences. But how much does a berth actually cost? Afloat or ashore, prices vary according to several criteria:
The size of the boat
Pricing almost always starts with the size of your boat: its overall length, beam, and draft determine the berth required.
In general, the larger the boat, the higher the cost. A 7-metre boat berth is typically cheaper than one for a 12-metre yacht. A 14-metre-wide catamaran may even be charged the equivalent of two standard berths.
Some marinas charge per linear metre, while others use tiered pricing brackets.
The location within the marina
Easily accessible or well-protected locations – especially from prevailing winds – may cost more.
Ashore berthing is often more affordable than afloat berthing. This is partly due to the perceived complexity of accessing the water – though this is not always the case!
Duration of stay
Prices are also impacted by how long you intend to stay. Generally, the longer the duration, the more advantageous the rate.
Generally, an owner who books a berth for the year benefits from a more advantageous rate than an owner who wants a monthly or weekly contract.
The choice of payment frequency can also have an impact: some marina operators offer a discount on the annual fee if the full amount is paid upfront.
Seasonal variation
Most French marinas apply seasonal rates. From May to September is considered high season, with prices often doubling or tripling due to high demand – especially on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
Rates are usually more affordable during the low season.
Infrastructure quality and included services
The quality and modernity of the facilities are factors that also influence the price: a recently renovated marina offers better conditions for boaters, who are often willing to pay more for a berth.
Finally, the price naturally depends on the services included in the mooring or berthing package: access to water and electricity, sanitary facilities, a fuel station, handling, launching and removal from the water, cleaning, etc. From one port to another, the provision or otherwise of these services can lead to significant price differences.
Additional costs to consider
To accurately estimate your budget, there are certain additional costs to consider, in addition to the mooring or storage fees themselves:
There are the costs of lifting, moving and careening your boat, of course, for which you will call on the port team more or less frequently. Several ports and marinas also choose to charge for water and electricity based on consumption, so boaters must include these in their additional costs and pay them at the port once or several times a year.
With a berth ashore, you will also need to factor in handling costs. Some operators, such as Port Adhoc, offer packages that include a set number or unlimited handling.
We invite you to take all of these factors into account when calculating the actual cost of your mooring or storage contract: a berth that appears attractive at first glance may turn out to be much less so once the additional costs have been calculated!
Berth prices in France in 2025: key figures
Daily, monthly, annual rates
In 2025, in France, the daily rate for a short stay in a berth afloat ranges from €15 to €150 incl. VAT per day, depending on boat size and location. Popular ports, like those in the Gulf of Morbihan or the French Riviera, often apply significant seasonal surcharges.
For regular users, monthly passes are more advantageous: they start at around €100 per month including VAT for the smallest boats and can exceed €1,000 per month including VAT for larger vessels in popular ports.
The annual rate is often the most economical option: prices start at around €1,200 per year including VAT for the smallest berths. However, rates can rise to over €15,000 per year including VAT for larger boats in some marinas.
Port Adhoc mooring and storage prices
As France’s leading private marina operator, Port Adhoc offers competitive pricing, premium infrastructure, and excellent service across six ashore and afloat ports.
The contracts offered by Port Adhoc are tailored to all profiles: for dry storage or mooring afloat, for regular or occasional use, for short stopovers or long-term storage.
Each marina provides a wide range of services, such as:
- Secure and monitored facilities
- Access to water, electricity, and internet
- Modern amenities
- Technical areas
- On-site nautical professionals
Port Adhoc clients also enjoy benefits like free overnight stays in over 10 marinas across Europe.
In 2025, Port Adhoc maintains a competitive pricing policy along all French coastlines – in the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. For example, for mooring or storage of an 8-metre boat:
- Port Adhoc Bayonne Anglet (ashore storage): €3,245 incl. VAT/year with unlimited handling
- Port Adhoc Leucate (Mediterranean, ashore storage): €3,034 incl. VAT/year, unlimited handling
- Port Adhoc Paimpol (Brittany, ashore storage): €2,992 incl. VAT/year, unlimited handling
- Port Médoc (near Bordeaux, afloat): €2,120 incl. VAT/year
- Port Adhoc Soubise (SW France, ashore storage): €1,736 incl. VAT/year, includes 2 handlings + 2 afloat overnight stays
- Port Napoléon (near Marseille): ashore storage for €1,642 incl. VAT/year, and afloat berth for €3,088 incl. VAT/year
Would you like to know the exact rates in our ports and marinas, based on the characteristics of your boat? Consult all the price lists directly on our website.
Choosing the right berth: practical tips
To choose your mooring location, we recommend that you review all available options: compare the types of contracts, durations, packages and what they include. Assess your needs and bear in mind that these may change from season to season: the best option may be to moor your boat afloat for the three summer months and then store it ashore for the rest of the year. Find out about the applicable rates and, if necessary, ask for a detailed quote.
Your questions about Port Adhoc berths
How can I book a berth at the best price?
Book in advance! The best locations are quickly taken, especially in summer.
What is the average price for a 10m sailing yacht with Port Adhoc?
Between €2,100 and €2,800 incl. VAT/year, depending on location and storage conditions.
How do I book a berth?
Contact our agents or visit the harbour master’s office. You can also request a quote directly via our website.
