Water Taxi Market Report 2026

The water taxi market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $266.69 billion in 2025 to $281.93 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of coastal and inland water transport, growth in tourism and leisure boating, increasing urban congestion on roads, development of waterfront infrastructure, availability of commercial passenger vessels.

The water taxi market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $348.32 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in sustainable marine transport, rising adoption of electric propulsion systems, expansion of smart city water mobility projects, growing demand for flexible urban transit options, increasing regulatory support for low-emission vessels. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of electric and hybrid water taxis, rising demand for on-demand water transport services, growing integration of digital booking platforms, expansion of urban water mobility networks, enhanced focus on passenger safety and comfort.

The rising coastal and marine tourism is expected to drive the expansion of the water taxi market in the coming years. Coastal and marine tourism includes travel and recreational activities in coastal and ocean environments, such as beach vacations, boating, diving, and wildlife watching, which depend on the natural and cultural resources of marine areas. This form of tourism is increasing as more travelers seek nature-based and adventure experiences, including snorkeling, sailing, and exploring marine ecosystems. Water taxis play a crucial role in coastal and island destinations by providing efficient and sustainable transport between beaches, islands, and waterfront attractions, improving accessibility and enhancing the overall visitor experience. For example, in November 2024, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, a UK-based forum for the travel and tourism industry, coastal and marine tourism contributed an estimated US$1.5 trillion to the global economy in 2023 and supported around 52 million jobs worldwide. Therefore, rising coastal and marine tourism is driving the growth of the water taxi market.

Key companies in the water taxi market are increasingly investing in advanced technologies, such as electric luxury foiling water taxis, to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a sustainable and premium passenger experience. An electric luxury foiling water taxi is a high-end, eco-friendly vessel powered by electric propulsion and equipped with hydrofoil technology, which lifts the boat above the water to reduce drag and enable faster, smoother, and more energy-efficient transport. For instance, in April 2023, Artemis Technologies, an Ireland-based maritime technology company, launched the Artemis EF-12 Escape, a 100% electric luxury foiling water taxi designed for sustainable, high-performance maritime transport. The vessel features advanced eFoiler hydrofoil technology, allowing it to glide above the water for a smooth, quiet, and emission-free ride. With a top speed of 30 knots and a foiling range of 52 nautical miles, the EF-12 Escape accommodates up to 12 passengers in a spacious, air-conditioned cabin and fully recharges in under 60 minutes. It is engineered for luxury travel, urban mobility, and environmentally sensitive waterways, offering a zero-emission, low-wake solution that sets a new standard for eco-friendly waterborne transportation.

In October 2023, Homalco First Nation, a Canada-based provider of Indigenous-led economic development and tourism services, acquired Way West Water Taxi Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Homalco aims to diversify and expand its regional marine transport and tourism portfolio, strengthen local control of essential coastal transportation links, and grow its customer base across Campbell River and surrounding islands. Way West Water Taxi Ltd. is a Canada-based provider of water taxi and charter marine transportation services, offering passenger and freight transport to remote communities and supporting tourism for industries and residents across northern Vancouver Island and nearby inlets.

Major companies operating in the water taxi market are Quer Barcelona S.L., Hiab Oy, Bord à Bord S.L., ARES Shipyard Inc., Artemis Technologies Ltd., Knautical Ltd., WATERBUS S.C., Munson Boats Inc., ENP S.A., Navalt Group S.L., Reflex Advanced Marine Corp., Alumax Boats B.V., LarsenB AS, Lucietta Yachts Ltd., Mercan Yachting A.S., SeaBubbles SAS, Streamline Marine Composite Developments Ltd., Uniwork Boats Co. Ltd., Izmir Shipyard A.S., Moggaro Aluminium Yachts Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the water taxi market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the water taxi market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the water taxi market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The water taxi market includes revenues earned by entities through passenger transport services, charter services, event transportation, commuter services, and onboard amenities and hospitality. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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