Silence as added value: how electric boats are transforming the tourist experience on the water
Water tourism is undergoing a profound transformation. Faced with the rise of ecotourism and travellers' quest for authenticity, industry players are reinventing their offerings. Beyond environmental considerations, electric propulsion is revolutionising the way we experience boating. Silence, long neglected, is now establishing itself as a criterion for the experience in its own right.
When noise spoils the pleasure of sailing
On a motorboat, the constant roar of the engine causes insidious fatigue. Averaging between 70 and 90 decibels, this constant noise makes conversation difficult, prevents you from enjoying the scenery and creates noise stress that you only become aware of once you're back at the dock.
This noise pollution profoundly alters your perception of the moment. How can you savour the beauty of a wooded shore when the mechanical hum drowns out the birdsong? How can you create memorable family memories when you have to raise your voice to be heard?
In comparison, an electric boat emits less than 50 decibels, which is the level of a normal conversation. This difference radically transforms the experience on board.
Rediscovering immersion: navigating with your senses
On an electric boat, silence is not an absence. It is an invitation to rediscover sailing from a new sensory perspective. The lapping of the water against the hull, the wind blowing through the reeds, the cry of a grey heron: all these natural sounds come back to life.
This contemplative form of navigation opens up new possibilities for tourism operators:
wildlife observation becomes truly accessible. Without the noise of the engine scaring the animals away, birdwatching trips and nature walks become more authentic. Beavers, nutria and water birds allow themselves to be approached, offering passengers special moments.
Family outings take on a new dimension. Parents and children can interact naturally, share their discoveries and tell stories without having to shout. The boat becomes a place for socialising rather than just a means of transport.
Premium tourism finds a powerful ally in electric power. Customers seeking a ‘slow life’ and a chance to disconnect are ready to appreciate this peaceful experience. Silence becomes a differentiating marketing argument, just like comfort or design.
Professionals bear witness to this gentle revolution
Early adopters of electric propulsion report a new way of sailing: smoother, more immersive and quieter. Whether at nautical bases, riverside hotels or river ports, everyone emphasises the same thing: silence changes the experience. It allows you to reconnect with nature, share a more authentic moment and appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
To discover these impressions in pictures:
A differentiating factor for your tourism offering
In a competitive market, experience trumps price. Today's travellers are no longer looking for just a service: they are looking for meaning, emotion and authenticity.
Electric boating ticks all these boxes. It allows professionals to position themselves in the sustainable nautical tourism segment while offering superior comfort. Studies show that customers are willing to pay a higher price when the experience offered is high-quality and aligned with their values.
Tourism trends for 2025 confirm this enthusiasm for gentle activities: slow tourism, immersion in nature, and the quest for tranquillity. River ecotourism meets these expectations perfectly.
The advantages of electric vehicles in 7 points
- Zero noise pollution for an immersive experience
- Easy wildlife viewing
- Conversational comfort for groups and families
- Premium positioning justifying higher pricing
- Ecological consistency with environmental commitments
- Marketing differentiation in the face of a traditional, standardised offering
- Significant cost reduction compared to combustion engines
Weenav, your partner for reinvented navigation
At Weenav, we support tourism professionals who want to offer a new generation of nautical services. Our technical expertise is based on in-depth knowledge of the specific needs of tourism operators.
Our electric motors are designed to adapt to river and maritime environments, with optimised autonomy for rental and excursion activities.
Would you like to equip your fleet with electric motors or upgrade your existing equipment? Our team is available to discuss your project and offer you a test run of the motors directly on the water.
Silence, the new luxury in nautical tourism
The transition to soft mobility on water is not just a change in motorisation. It is a profound transformation of your customers' experience. Where the combustion engine imposed its noisy presence, silent electric propulsion fades into the background to make way for what really matters: the pleasure of being on the water, the beauty of the landscapes, the quality of interactions.
In the tourism of tomorrow, silence is not an absence. It is a source of richness, refinement and accessible luxury. It is the promise of a noise-free boat trip where every moment becomes memorable.
Published on : 06/11/2025
Editor : Sophie Castelain
