French Riviera
Day Charter Guide

The prime season for a luxury day charter in the French Riviera is from May to September. July and August offer the warmest waters and vibrant social scenes, perfect for visiting beach clubs in Saint-Tropez or Cannes. For a more tranquil experience with pleasant weather, May, June, and September are ideal, offering fewer crowds while still providing excellent conditions for cruising the Côte d'Azur.

The cost of a French Riviera day charter depends on the yacht's size, age and specification, the date and season, the departure port and the route. Depending on the yacht's contract terms, fuel, food, drinks and port fees may be quoted separately or covered by an advance provisioning allowance (APA). Bluebnc provides an itemised quote showing the charter fee, VAT and any expenses before you book.

The base charter fee generally includes the yacht hire for the day (typically 8 hours, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM), the professional crew (captain and often a stewardess), yacht insurance, and standard equipment such as snorkeling gear and basic water toys. Fuel, food, beverages, dockage fees outside the home port, and crew gratuities are usually additional and covered by the APA.

Yes, visiting Saint-Tropez from Cannes or Monaco is a very popular day charter itinerary. From Cannes, it's approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour cruise to Saint-Tropez, depending on the yacht's cruising speed. From Monaco, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Fast motor yachts are recommended for these longer distances to maximize your time enjoying the destination, such as lunch at Club 55 or Nikki Beach.

Most luxury day charter yachts come equipped with basic water toys such as snorkeling gear and paddleboards. Larger yachts often include Seabobs, jet skis (license required), wakeboards, and inflatable platforms. The specific inventory varies by yacht, so it's important to confirm the available toys when booking. Additional toys can often be rented and delivered to the yacht for your charter.

Absolutely. During the high season (June to August), renowned beach clubs and waterfront restaurants in the French Riviera, such as La Guérite in Cannes, Anjuna Beach in Eze, or Club 55 in Saint-Tropez, are fully booked weeks or even months in advance. Our concierge team at Bluebnc Yachting can assist with securing these highly sought-after reservations as part of your charter experience.

We recommend bringing high-quality, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a light jacket or sweater for the late afternoon breeze. Soft-soled boat shoes or bare feet are customary on board. Don't forget your camera or smartphone for photos. Towels, basic toiletries, and all catering are typically provided or arranged by the crew.

Yes, many clients choose to extend their day charter to enjoy the spectacular Mediterranean sunset. This is subject to the yacht's availability and crew scheduling, and usually incurs an additional hourly fee. Sunset cruises are particularly popular around the Îles de Lérins or Cap d'Antibes. Please request this extension in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

While you are welcome to bring specific items, most luxury day charters are fully catered to ensure a seamless experience. You can pre-select your preferred food and beverages through a preference sheet before the charter, and the crew will provision the yacht accordingly using the APA. If you have specific dietary requirements or prefer to bring a special vintage wine, simply inform us beforehand.

Safety is our primary concern. If the captain determines that weather conditions are unsafe for cruising (e.g., high winds or heavy seas), we will attempt to reschedule your charter to another suitable day. If rescheduling is not possible, a cancellation policy applies, which typically includes a refund or credit, depending on the specific terms of your charter agreement. Light rain or overcast skies do not usually constitute unsafe conditions.