Smoother sailings: How Bateaux du Saut du Doubs improved operations with FareHarbor

"Switching to FareHarbor in 2020 changed everything: the site is optimized for conversion, the calendar is easy to access, and we're receiving significantly more bookings."

Navigating change with confidence

Known for breathtaking cruises to the Saut du Doubs waterfall along the French-Swiss border, Bateaux du Saut du Doubs delivers one of the region’s most iconic experiences. But behind the scenery, the business was dealing with outdated systems, walk-in chaos, and no-shows that left staff scrambling.

Partnering with FareHarbor in 2020 gave them the confidence (and the tools) to modernize without losing what made them special. By switching to QR code ticketing and launching a mobile-friendly site, they reduced chaos, empowered their team, and gave customers a smoother, more intuitive booking experience.

A bit of backstory

Bateaux du Saut du Doubs is a family-run sightseeing boat company based in Villers-le-Lac, France. Their cruises to the spectacular Saut du Doubs waterfall have been a regional favorite for decades, attracting both locals and international travelers. With a long-tenured team — some with over 30 years of experience — the business is deeply rooted in tradition.

But before switching to FareHarbor in 2020, their reservation and operations systems hadn’t kept pace with their growing popularity. Bookings were handled manually, often by phone, and payment wasn’t required in advance. No-shows were a regular occurrence, creating uncertainty for staff and passengers alike. Paper tickets with no set times made it difficult to manage boarding and prepare for busy days.

Their web presence also needed an overhaul. The business was juggling two outdated websites that weren’t mobile-friendly, and every update required agency intervention. The lack of control meant slow turnarounds and limited ability to optimize for conversions or user experience.

That all changed when they partnered with FareHarbor and embraced tools that helped modernize their operations from end to end.

A more efficient way to welcome guests

The introduction of QR code ticketing marked a turning point. “The switch to electronic, time-stamped tickets has changed everything,” they shared. “It allows us to anticipate peak attendance and better organize our teams in advance.”

Now, guests arrive ready with their QR codes in hand — even older travelers adapt with ease. For those who need it, tickets can still be printed on-site. And with the FareHarbor Dashboard, staff can see exactly who’s arrived and alert the team if passengers are missing, especially helpful during slower months when they might hold departures for late arrivals.

Even the crew has embraced the update. “It took a little time, especially for staff who’ve been with us for over 30 years,” they noted. “But they’ve realized how practical and efficient it is. It completely changed the mindset.”

Full website control, without the wait

Alongside operational updates, the company worked with FareHarbor to create a new mobile-optimized website. The difference was immediate.

“Our previous websites weren’t mobile-friendly and were managed by an outside agency,” they said. “Switching to FareHarbor in 2020 changed everything: the site is optimized for conversions, the calendar is easy to access, and we’re receiving significantly more bookings.”

The modern design and integrated calendar made it easier for customers to book directly, reducing emails, phone calls, and confusion. “Booking is intuitive,” they explained. “Customers can do everything independently, which simplifies their experience and ours.”

The results

From outdated workflows to seamless systems, Bateaux du Saut du Doubs has transformed the way they run their business. With QR code scanning and a responsive FareHarbor site, they’ve significantly reduced on-site wait times, increased online bookings, and improved communication between teams.

• Smooth boarding with real-time visibility via the FareHarbor Dashboard
• Better staff coordination during busy and off-peak months
• Fewer phone calls and emails, thanks to an intuitive website
• A scalable setup that grows with them year after year

“It reduced wait times upon arrival and improved organization,” they said. “Customers particularly appreciate being waited on or called if they are running late, thanks to better visibility of onboard presence.”

Modern operations, made simple.

Whether you’re managing dozens of tours a day or just starting to scale, the right tools can transform your operations.

Ready to reduce chaos and increase bookings? Get your personalized FareHarbor demo today.

[Interview translated by Google Translate]