The steady development of nautical practices has considerably imprinted contemporary spaces and societies. By their history, their territorial expression, their economic, social, and environmental implications, nautical activities bear resemblance to processes observed, and concepts used, in the analysis of touristic activities. Yet, in the field of recreational activities, they occupy a specific place, because of their relation to the water environment and because of the many practices, territories, and cultures they involve. The study of nautical activities requires an original scientific perspective, at different scales.