GetMyBoat, a San Francisco based marine application, allows users to rent boats and access services like boat riding, Kayaking and other boat services.
GetMyBoat aims to tap into the growing marine-based tourism especially in the current peak season and the growing penetration of smartphones which makes it easier for people to access the services.
The application has been in operation since 2013, it is now available in 184 countries among them, Israel, Italy and Greece.
Already, it has up to 93 boats listed in Kenya with operations in towns along the coast including Malindi and Lamu.
Like the normal cab-hailing apps, owners are allowed to list their boats, use local knowledge to provide tours and earn money with the watercraft.
The cost of service starts from a minimum amount of KSh2,000 per hour and charges a commission starting from seven per cent for domestic bookings and 10 per cent for international charters.
Pricing of boat rentals depends on various factors, for instance, the period of usage, model and capacity of the boat.
Such services such as boat riding, boat rentals, sleep aboard, paddle sports and other watersports are however not new at the coast but with the incorporation of the smartphone feature where customers can select their preference at their convenience is an advantage to them.
For instance, international guests who visit the Kenyan coast on tour purposes have an easy time to move around the city with ease.
“It is great for locals who want to enjoy boating but do not want to own their own boat. Boat ownership is declining on a global scale — younger generations cannot afford to buy and maintain, but they still want the chance to get out on the water.” Said Val Steif Head of Marketing, GetMyBoat.
She added that Kenyan tourism is on the rise and the company hopes to make boating experience for travellers easier.
With the application, tourists are guaranteed such many services as Pontoon Rentals, Yacht Rentals, Jet Ski Rentals, Houseboat Rentals, Catamaran Charter, Party Boat Rental, Powerboat Rentals, Boat Tours, Whale Watching, Sailing Charters, Gulet Charters, River Cruises, Paddleboard Rentals, Canoe Rentals, Kayak Rentals, Snorkeling, Deck Boat Rental, Super Yacht Charter, Fishing Boat Rentals
Although some of the services are not available in Kenya, GetMyBoat offers a lifetime user experience that was not available before.
