Cannes is synonymous with the film festival, but for thousands of travellers, the city begins at the marina rather than on the red carpet. From the water, the Provençal coastline reveals itself in a different light: rocky coves, the scent of pine, and crystal-clear waters stretching right to the seabed. Many people think that yacht charters in Cannes are only affordable for the super-rich, but the price range here is much wider. If you’re tempted by the idea of renting a boat in Cannes but don’t have any sailing experience yet, sorting out the details is easier than it seems. Below is everything you need to know before making your first booking.
Types of boats available for hire
The Port Canto and Vieux Port marinas can accommodate hundreds of vessels of various types. From spring to autumn, yachts and motorboats from all over the Mediterranean moor here, and a significant number are available for short-term hire. It’s easy for a novice to get overwhelmed by the options, so start by deciding on the type of trip you want, rather than your budget. The type of vessel determines both the style of your holiday and the available routes. The main categories are:
- Motor yachts: Ideal for day trips along the coast. Their speed allows you to visit several bays in a single outing and return to port before dark. Boats ranging from twelve to twenty metres in length remain the most popular choice among beginners.
- Sailing yachts: An option for those who appreciate peace and quiet and the pleasure of sailing. Fuel consumption is minimal, but journey times are significantly longer.
- Catamarans: Stable in waves and more spacious than monohull boats. A good choice for families with children and groups of six or more.
- Motorboats and RIBs: A budget option for a few hours without an overnight stay on board. Ideal for a first taste of sea trips.
A motorboat will suffice for a trip to the Lérins Islands, but you’ll need a vessel with cabins and a galley for the crossing to Saint-Tropez. You should also decide on the charter type: with a bareboat charter, you’ll be in charge of the boat yourself (a licence is required), whereas with a crewed charter, a professional crew will be on board. The second option is best for a first-time trip.
What makes up the cost
Pricing in yacht charter works differently from conventional tourism. The price listed in the catalogue rarely matches the final bill: the base rate covers only the use of the vessel, whilst mandatory expenses are charged separately.
Please note: During the high season (July and August), rental prices on the Côte d’Azur rise by one and a half to two times compared to June or September. Booking three to four months in advance allows you to lock in the price and have more options to choose from.
The charter rate includes fuel, marina fees, provisions for guests and crew wages. When booking a private boat charter in Cannes with a captain and steward, their fees are usually already included in the contract. Tips are paid separately: in the Mediterranean, the standard is between five and fifteen per cent of the charter cost.
The security deposit is refunded following an inspection and handover, and ranges from two to fifteen thousand euros depending on the class of boat. The total cost of a half-day boat trip starts at four hundred euros, whilst a week’s hire of a mid-range motorboat can cost between ten and twenty thousand euros. Some charter companies offer discounts of up to thirty per cent at the start and end of the season, making May and October particularly attractive.
Preparing to go out and common mistakes
Even when a professional skipper is at the helm, passengers should prepare in advance. A few simple steps will make your day on the water more comfortable and help you avoid any unpleasant situations. Before boarding, please ensure you have taken the following into account:
- Footwear: Only shoes with white non-slip soles are permitted on deck. Dark rubber leaves marks on the teak decking, and the crew will ask you to remove them.
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sun cream, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt are essential even in cloudy weather. The sun’s rays are reflected off the water, intensifying the UV exposure.
- Motion sickness medication: if you are prone to seasickness, take your medication an hour before departure. It is much harder to manage once on board.
- Documents: bring your passport or ID card with you. The coastguard is authorised to check the documents of every passenger.
Discuss the route and your preferred stops with the skipper before leaving the marina. An experienced skipper will adapt the plan to suit the wind and sea conditions, but it is important for them to know the group’s priorities in advance. Please feel free to ask about the safety rules on board.
As well as preparing, it’s worth being aware of the typical mistakes made by beginners. No detail is too small, but each of these errors is easy to avoid:
- Booking in the height of summer, just a week before the trip;
- Choosing a boat that is too small for a large group;
- Declining the security deposit insurance;
- Ignoring the wind forecast when planning the route;
- Not allowing enough time for the return journey.
Deposit insurance costs between thirty and one hundred euros, but it protects you from significant expenses in the event of accidental damage to the case or equipment. It is certainly not worth skimping on it to save money.
Where to sail from Cannes
The port is ideally situated: a single trip can take you to a dozen picturesque spots. Many of the coves along the coast are accessible only by water, and a yacht trip reveals views that cannot be seen from the shore. The sailing season runs from April to October, but the most comfortable time to be out on the water is from May to September. In the height of summer, popular anchorages are full, so for a peaceful holiday it is best to choose the start or end of the season. If you have decided to hire a yacht in Cannes for a full day, take a look at these tried-and-tested destinations:
- The Lérins Islands — a twenty-minute boat ride from the quay. On Sainte-Marguerite, you’ll find crystal-clear waters, an eucalyptus grove and an ancient fort. The island of Sainte-Honorate is home to an abbey where monks still produce wine and liqueurs.
- The Bay of Juan-les-Pins — a peaceful anchorage with views of the Cap d’Antibes. A good spot for lunch on board and a swim away from the beach crowds.
- Saint-Tropez — a full day’s crossing for a motorboat. Sailboats are better off allowing two days, with an overnight stay in one of the marinas.
The route can be extended to Monaco: it takes three to four hours, but on the way back you’ll be treated to views of the Estérel Mountains. For those who wish to organise a hassle-free trip, it’s convenient to contact Yacht Charter French Riviera: their brokers will find a suitable option, agree on the route and take care of the paperwork.
