How much a boat license costs in Zurich
The cost of a motorboat license with the boating school AQUA SKILLS Zurich consists of the fees for the boating lessons, the practical exam ride, as well as the official costs and fees charged by the Shipping Office. Based on experience, an average of 15 to 18 lessons are required to be ready for the motorboat exam.
Costs for AQUA SKILLS Zurich boating school
| One-time insurance fee (valid for 2 years) | CHF 90.- |
| AQUA SKILLS training manual (optional) | CHF 20.- |
| Trial lesson (60 minutes) | CHF 133.- |
| Boating lesson (90 minutes) | CHF 200.- |
| Shared boating lesson for two people (120 minutes) | CHF 266.- |
| Exam fees (including 60 minutes of warm-up time) | CHF 266.- |
Training providers are exempt from VAT.
Are you excited to get your motorboat license on Lake Zurich? Get in touch with me directly—I’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide detailed information about the training concept and costs. All prices include VAT.
Exam costs for a boat license in Zurich and additional fees
| BoatDriver theory learning kit (optional) | CHF 99.- |
| Permit card | CHF 40.- |
| Theory exam | CHF 40.- |
| Boat operator’s license | CHF 50.- |
Die Preise verstehen sich inkl. 8,1 % MwSt.
For the theory exam, I recommend the BoatDriver learning kit with online courses, a theory book, and a knot set. It’s the ideal way to prepare for the boat license exam.
HOW THE BOATING LESSONS WORK
AQUA SKILLS is a year-round boating school in Zurich, teaching all essential basics: boat handling, safety, knots, maneuvers, harbor skills, and weather awareness.
TRAINING AREAS AND HARBORS
The training area on Lake Zurich covers the stretch from Zurich-Wollishofen and Tiefenbrunnen to Oberrieden and Feldmeilen. We are happy to pick you up at a harbor near you.
THE TRAINING BOAT
Our cabin boat is weatherproof, heated, and in operation all year round.
Model: Bella 572 C outboard engine, 80 HP
Hydraulic steering electronic gear control
onboard computer digital engine data GPS chart plotter.
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Bewertungen meiner Schülerinnen und Schüler
Ahoy! I look forward to hearing from you
Would you like to book boat lessons on Lake Zurich or find out more about the motorboat licence in Zurich? Feel free to message me on WhatsApp, send me an email or give me a call.
FAQ
Do I need a boat licence on Lake Zurich?
Yes! A licence is required for motorboats over 6 kW (approx. 8 hp) and for sailing boats with more than 15 m² of sail area.
Category A: Motorboat (minimum age 18 years)
Category D: Sailing boat (minimum age 14 years)
Where do I register to obtain a boat licence in Zurich?
It is best to contact me first. We can then discuss the most suitable approach together. In general, you will only be admitted to the practical exam once you have successfully passed the theory exam. Registration for the theory exam is done through Schifffahrtsamt of the Canton Zurich.
How much does a boat licence in Zurich cost?
Costs vary depending on the canton and the boat driving school. A detailed overview of the costs can be found here.
How do I prepare for the theory exam?
With official learning materials, such as the BoatDriver learning kit, you can prepare optimally for the theory exam.
How many driving lessons do I need?
In my experience, most students require an average of 15 to 18 lessons of 90 minutes each.
Can I take driving lessons before the theory exam?
Yes, but you will only be admitted to the practical exam after successfully passing the theory exam.
In which languages are the lessons and the exam held?
In the lessons, we can speak German or English. The practical exam is conducted in German. The theory exam is available in German, French, Italian and English; the BoatDriver learning app is also available in these languages.
Is driving instruction available at all times?
In principle, yes. However, in the event of storm warnings, icing conditions or visibility below 300 m, lessons and examinations will be cancelled.
Can boat lessons also be booked in winter?
Yes, Aqua Skills is open all year round and the cabin is comfortably heated. Tip: taking lessons in winter is especially worthwhile, as you will already be ready to go on the lake in spring.




