Day trip to Houat Island

Sailing out of Brittany and landing on Houat feels like a reset button. This maxi catamaran cruise turns the journey itself into the main event, with time at Houat Island and scenic sailing through protected waters.

I love the smooth, friendly sailing style of a comfortable boat, and I love that you get more than just a quick photo stop. The day includes a minimum three-hour island stop, which is long enough to wander the village, grab a meal, or simply slow down. One drawback to plan for: lunch is not included, so you will need a picnic or island restaurant pick.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Gulf of Morbihan or Bay of Quiberon scenery depending on where you depart
• Teignouse Lighthouse sighting when sailing the Bay of Quiberon route
• Minimum three-hour stop on Houat so you are not rushed
• Two onboard aperitifs plus snacks for a relaxed start
• Wind-and-sun friendly planning (bring a swimsuit, but also a jacket)

A Maxi Catamaran Day Trip to Houat, With Real Time at Sea

If your idea of a great day trip includes both motion and breathing room, this one fits. You are on a maxi catamaran, not a rattly speedboat, and the cruise is designed for an easy pace. The crew keeps things friendly, and the sailing itself is part of the show.

The format is simple: you sail from Brittany waters, enjoy the route highlights, then you head to Houat for an island block of time. That blend matters, because you are not spending the whole day stuck on land waiting for the next transfer.

You will also have a live tour guide speaking English and French. That helps a lot in this kind of coastal sailing day, where small details like coastline shape, lighthouse points, and islands’ geography are what turn scenery into understanding.

Gulf of Morbihan Route or Bay of Quiberon, Plus Teignouse Lighthouse

Your exact sailing route depends on your departure port. That is a small detail, but it affects what kind of views you get.

If you head out toward the Gulf of Morbihan, you will be sailing in one of Brittany’s famous coastal areas. Expect a mix of sheltered water, classic coastal horizons, and island-focused scenery.

If you depart in a way that puts you on the Bay of Quiberon track, you should look out for the Teignouse Lighthouse as part of the experience. Lighthouse sightings are great on sailing days because they give you a clear landmark while the coast unfolds around you.

Either way, the value is that you are not just “getting to an island.” You are cruising through the kind of maritime landscape that makes southern Brittany feel special.

The Houat Island Stop: How to Use Your Minimum Three Hours

Houat is where you switch gears from sailing mode to island mode. The day plan includes a minimum three-hour stop on the island, which is enough time to do more than wander aimlessly.

When you arrive, you have options that match different travel moods:

• If you want a relaxed reset, walk the village lanes, take in sea views, and just enjoy the slower rhythm.
• If you are hungry, you can eat at an island restaurant (details below).
• If you want total flexibility, you can bring a picnic and eat wherever you like on your own schedule.

A useful way to think about the timing: you are not trapped at the dock. You get a proper block of time, so you can actually enjoy island life instead of checking a box and rushing back.

Weather matters here too. On warm, breezy days you can take your time outside. On cooler or cloudier days, you will still enjoy Houat, but you may want to spend more time in sheltered spots or indoors for meals.

Food on Board and on Houat, From Aperitifs to Island Meals

This is one of the more practical parts of the day to plan for, because the cruise includes drinks but not lunch.

What is included

On board, you get two aperitifs, and there are regional snacks mentioned as part of the experience. This is a nice touch because it turns the sailing portion into a small celebration, not just transportation.

What is not included

Lunch is not included. That means you have two realistic choices once you reach Houat:

1. Bring your own picnic
2. Eat at one of the island restaurants

Here are the island dining options you can plan around:

• Restaurant Chez Loulou, known as a crêperie with a small sea view terrace
• Hotel Restaurant des Iles, focused on seafood with panoramic views
• Bar Le Siata, a brasserie in the heart of the village

If you want an easy day with fewer decisions, I would lean toward picking one of those meals early in your island time, then using the rest of your three-hour window for walking.

Price and Value: Is $106 Worth a 7-Hour Sailing Day?

At about $106 per person for a 7-hour experience, you are paying for several things at once: a guided sailing day on a maxi catamaran, route highlights through the Gulf of Morbihan or Bay of Quiberon, two onboard aperitifs, and a solid stretch of time on Houat.

It is not an all-inclusive lunch-and-drinks package. Lunch is extra, and you will need to budget that meal on the island or pack a picnic. Still, the included elements help make the base price feel fair.

Here is how I judge value for a trip like this:

• If the boat ride is the main reason you want to go, a catamaran day with live guidance and included drinks can feel like good money.
• If you only care about getting to Houat and nothing else, you might feel the price more, because you still need to cover lunch separately.

The sweet spot is for people who want the scenery, the sailing, and actual island time. You get enough time on Houat to make that worth it.

What to Pack for Wind, Sun, and Salt Air

Bring what you would for a beach day, then add the one thing people forget on boats: a layer for wind.

For the beach side:

• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• A towel

For the sailing side:

• A jacket. Even if the air feels fine at the start, sea wind can change the feel fast once you are moving.

A small but important practical tip: on days with strong wind or lots of clouds, you will likely want warmer layers than you expected. Salt air and wind can make the cool feel sharper on open water.

Who This Houat Sailing Day Trip Fits Best

This is a strong choice for couples, small groups, and solo travelers who want a day that mixes guided scenery with free time. It is also a good fit for families who can handle a boat day, since the cruise runs with a friendly crew and provides a clear island segment to explore.

It might not be your best option if you hate boats or you are the type who needs a fully planned, no-decisions lunch. You do have flexibility, but lunch is on you.

If you like practical travel days, you will appreciate how straightforward it is:

• you sail
• you stop
• you eat or picnic
• you sail back

No complicated transfers, no maze of stops.

Getting the Most Out of Your Time on Houat

You cannot do everything in three hours, so it helps to have a simple plan. Here are three practical ways to use the island stop:

• Walk first, decide later

Arrive, do a quick loop of the village, then choose whether you want a crêpe, seafood meal, or picnic. This keeps you from locking yourself into one plan too early.

• Time your meal so you do not rush

If you eat soon after arriving, you might feel you rushed your walk. If you wait too long, you might feel your walk squeezed. Aim for a middle point.

• Bring your energy down, not your standards

Houat is not about ticking attractions. It is about the atmosphere. Give yourself permission to enjoy the place as it is.

And remember, this is a sailing day. Your schedule is built around being back on time for the cruise return, so keep an eye on the clock rather than getting lost in side lanes.

A Quick Note on Comfort and Boat Feel

The maxi catamaran setup is part of why this day works for people who want comfort. The boat is described as comfortable and very pleasant to sail, and the transport quality is highly rated. That matters if you are sensitive to rougher rides or if you just want your day to feel easy.

Also, because you have a live guide, the sailing time does not have to feel like dead time. Even when you just want to watch the coast, the guidance helps you connect the dots.

Should You Book This Houat Sailing Cruise?

Book it if you want a real day out on the water, not just a quick transfer to an island. The combination of sailing through Gulf of Morbihan or Bay of Quiberon, a Teignouse Lighthouse sighting on one route, two onboard aperitifs, and a minimum three-hour Houat stop is a strong mix.

Skip it or think twice if you strongly prefer lunch included, or if you want a highly structured island itinerary. Here, your island time is yours, and lunch is a choose-your-own-adventure moment.

FAQ

How long is the Houat Island sailing day trip?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What is included in the price?

You get two aperitifs on board. Lunch is not included, but you can bring a picnic or eat at restaurants on the island.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes. You can bring your picnic, or you can eat at restaurants on Houat.

What route will I see, the Gulf of Morbihan or Bay of Quiberon?

It depends on your departure port. You will enjoy either the Gulf of Morbihan or the Bay of Quiberon, with the Teignouse Lighthouse included on the Bay of Quiberon route.

How much time will I have on Houat?

You get a minimum three-hour stop on the island.

Are there restaurants on Houat?

Yes. Options listed include Restaurant Chez Loulou (crêperie), Hotel Restaurant des Iles (seafood with panoramic view), and Bar Le Siata (brasserie in the village).

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.

What should I bring?

Bring beach essentials such as sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a towel. For the boat, you should also bring a jacket.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.