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Sample Day Itineraries
1. The Cannes & Îles de Lérins Escape
Perfect for those seeking a relaxed day with minimal cruising time. Depart from Port Canto or Vieux Port in Cannes and take a short cruise to the Îles de Lérins. These twin islands offer pristine, shallow waters ideal for swimming and water toys.
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2. The Saint-Tropez Glamour Run
The ultimate see-and-be-seen itinerary. A fast motor yacht is recommended to cover the distance comfortably. Experience the legendary beach clubs of Pampelonne Beach and the charming old town of Saint-Tropez.
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3. Monaco & The Italian Riviera
Combine the sophistication of the Principality with the relaxed charm of the Italian coast.
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4. Cap d'Antibes & Villefranche-sur-Mer
Explore the heart of the Riviera, featuring deep natural harbors, exclusive peninsulas, and some of the most expensive real estate in the world.
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Best Anchorages & Stops
Îles de Lérins (Cannes)
The channel between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat offers shallow, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and deploying water toys. It's a sheltered spot, though it can get busy in peak season. Home to the famous La Guérite restaurant.
Pampelonne Beach (Saint-Tropez)
A 5km stretch of white sand famous for its legendary beach clubs like Club 55 and Nikki Beach. The anchorage is open but offers the ultimate see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Tenders are constantly ferrying guests to and from the shore.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
One of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean, offering excellent protection from the wind. The backdrop of the colorful old town and the surrounding cliffs makes it one of the most picturesque anchorages on the Riviera.
Cap d'Antibes (Baie de la Garoupe)
A stunning, sheltered bay on the eastern side of the Cap d'Antibes. It offers clear waters and a sophisticated atmosphere, with views of the Alps in the distance. A perfect spot for a relaxed lunch at anchor.
Practical Tips for Your Charter
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for a day charter in the French Riviera?
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.
How much does a luxury day charter cost in the French Riviera?
Pricing for a day charter in the French Riviera varies significantly based on the yacht's size, age, and amenities. A premium 40-50 foot day boat typically ranges from €2,500 to €4,500 per day. Larger luxury motor yachts (60-80 feet) generally cost between €5,000 and €12,000 per day. Superyachts over 100 feet can exceed €20,000 per day. These prices usually exclude APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) which covers fuel, food, and beverages, typically adding 30% to the base charter fee.
What is included in the base charter fee?
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.
Can we visit Saint-Tropez from Cannes or Monaco in a single day?
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.
Are water toys included on the yacht?
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.
Do we need to book restaurants or beach clubs in advance?
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.
What should we bring on a day charter?
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.
Is it possible to extend the charter past 6:00 PM to watch the sunset?
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.
Can we bring our own food and drinks on board?
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.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of our charter?
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.
Pricing Overview
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Charter Yachts on the French Riviera
Premium yachts available for day charters from Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez