The perspective from a boat offers a dynamic that a land-based view cannot. On the water, you have an unobstructed, panoramic view of your surroundings, allowing you to fully appreciate your surroundings. Weather, light, equipment, speed... Here's our advice on how to make the most of the scenery from your boat.
The weather, an essential prerequisite for a beautiful trip on the water
Boat trips depend on weather conditions. Last-minute changes in the weather can alter your sailing plans. Apart from the obvious safety issues, it goes without saying that the weather also has an impact on the scenery visible from your boat.
- Where clear, sunny skies make for brighter colors and sharper contrasts, cloudy skies darken the panorama and lend it a melancholy note.
- In foggy weather or heavy rain, your visibility can be considerably reduced, making it difficult to observe landscape details.
- Windy weather can disturb the calm of the waters, affecting the boat's stability and making it more difficult to observe the surrounding scenery.
- Finally, weather conditions can also influence the behavior of aquatic and terrestrial fauna, making them more or less easy to observe.
The best times to contemplate the landscape
The calmest times of the day are also those when sailing conditions are calmest and most conducive to landscape observation. Especially since calmer waters offer better visibility of what's going on underwater, which also facilitates observation of aquatic fauna. Ideally, therefore, plan your boat trips for dawn or late afternoon. The lights of sunrise and sunset can radically transform the view from a boat.
Sunrise
At dawn, you can enjoy the calm, peaceful atmosphere and spectacular colors of the rising sun. This is the best time of day to observe wildlife.
The end of the day
In the late afternoon, before the sun sets, you'll enjoy softer light than in the middle of the day, and a warmer, more hushed atmosphere. This is the best time to take photos of landscapes marked by long shadows and rich colors. At sunset, admire the flamboyant colors of the sky reflected on the surface of the water.
At night
Clear, uncluttered nights also provide the perfect backdrop for contemplating landscapes from a boat. In areas where light pollution is low, it's much easier to observe the stars while admiring the moon's reflection on the water.
Make the most of the scenery from a boat with the right equipment
Binoculars, camera, polarized sunglasses... To get the best view of the scenery from your boat, it's a good idea to get the right equipment.
A pair of binoculars
Binoculars are an indispensable tool for observing the details of the panorama before you. They also allow you to see the movements of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, as well as points of interest further away from your vessel.
Equip yourself with quality binoculars, with sharpness and magnification to suit your needs.
A pair of polarized sunglasses
When boating, polarized sunglasses help reduce reflection from the water. By wearing this type of device, you'll have better vision and be able to see more of the landscape, even in bright sunlight.
A camera
A camera is an essential piece of equipment for capturing the most memorable moments of your boating trip. Compact, hybrid or DSLR... Choose a model suited to your photographic skills and preferences.
It's also a good idea to bring along a lightweight, portable tripod to ensure greater stability and sharper shots (especially in rough weather).
Appropriate clothing
It's impossible to take full advantage of the view when you're shivering in the cold. In fact, temperatures on the water are much lower than on land. So make sure you dress comfortably, according to the day's weather conditions. Take a waterproof, windproof jacket with you for protection.
Find the best vantage point for viewing the landscape from a boat
On the boat, look for a spot with an unobstructed view from which you feel particularly comfortable and can enjoy the scenery to the full. Note that this ideal position can change according to weather conditions and the direction in which the boat is moving.
The upper deck
The upper deck generally offers a panoramic view unimpeded by the ship's structures. So, if the boat you're sailing on has an upper deck accessible to passengers, it's best to make room for yourself.
The bow
The bow offers an unobstructed view of the horizon and the waves breaking against the ship's hull. However, this location is very exposed to the sea breeze.
Port or starboard
Standing at the sides of the boat allows you to observe the scenery along the coast, as well as nearby islands and landforms. You can also observe aquatic life on the water's surface.
The aft deck
Less popular than the upper deck, the aft deck offers a breathtaking view of the landscape receding into the distance as the boat moves ahead. It's the perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet while admiring the view.
Panoramic windows
Some boats are equipped with panoramic windows or even interior observation decks. These locations offer unobstructed views of the outside scenery while protecting you from the elements. These are the preferred options in windy or rainy weather.
Slow speed to enjoy the view from a ship
To make the most of the scenery, it's best to sail at a constant speed, slow enough to allow you to appreciate the details.
A moderate speed of between 5 and 10 knots (approx. 9 to 18 km/h) is ideal for observing the landscape. At this speed, the boat is able to make good headway while leaving its passengers enough time to appreciate the surroundings.
When you come across particularly spectacular scenery, consider slowing down or even bringing the ship to a complete stop to enjoy it to the full.
Please note:
Ship speed may need to be adjusted according to weather conditions and visibility to ensure safety for all. In windy or foggy conditions, a slower speed will help avoid accidents and provide better visibility.
Similarly, the boat may need to slow down when entering ecologically or culturally sensitive areas, to minimize its environmental impact and preserve the tranquility of the area.
Getting into shape
Finally, your own state of mind can have a considerable impact on how you observe the surroundings.
- To truly appreciate a landscape, give yourself time away from the distractions and preoccupations of everyday life.
- Breathe deeply and immerse yourself in the present moment.
- Observe the view before you in detail, concentrating on the larger elements (mountains, cliffs, bodies of water...) and then on the smaller ones (flora and fauna).
- Use all your senses: your sight, but also your hearing to listen to the sounds of the surrounding nature, your sense of smell to smell its fragrances, and your sense of touch to appreciate the breeze on your skin.
- Learn about the geology, flora, fauna and history of the landscape you're admiring. Understanding its characteristics enriches your experience and makes it even more enjoyable.
- Finally, immortalize the view and the impressions you feel by taking photos or making sketches.
