Cannes is known for its film festival, the Croisette promenade, and its Michelin-starred restaurants. Strangely enough, all of this is best viewed from the water. Once you leave the Old Port behind, the panorama of the Estérel Mountains unfolding before your eyes explains why people return here every summer. Organizing a private boat charter in Cannes isn’t as difficult as it sounds: in a single day, you can easily sail around the Lérins Islands, stop at a couple of secluded coves, and return to the marina in time for dinner.

 

The coastal charter market has been heating up significantly in recent years. The Port of Cannes ranks among the top five yacht marinas in the Mediterranean, with new operators opening every season. Families, couples, and groups of six to eight friends are increasingly booking day trips out to sea. Demand for yachts in Cannes has nearly doubled over the past five years, and the reason is clear: a custom itinerary beats a group tour in every way, from pace to privacy. This article provides a ready-made itinerary for a day trip and explains what’s included in the service and what to look out for when booking for the first time.

 

Day trip: from the marina to the islands and back

A typical day trip departs from the port in the morning and lasts eight to nine hours. The captain adjusts the itinerary based on wind and wave conditions, but the basic route remains the same from season to season: islands in the morning, headlands in the afternoon, and swimming on the way back. It goes something like this:

  1. Île Sainte-Marguerite (9:00–11:00). The ship anchors off the northern shore, where the water remains calm even in crosswinds. From here, you can go ashore and walk to Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was held more than three centuries ago.
  2. Île Sainte-Honorée (11:30–13:00). A fifteen-minute boat ride from Île Sainte-Marguerite. The island is home to an active Cistercian monastery; the monks make their own wine and liqueurs. You can have lunch on board or have a picnic on the shore.
  3. The coves of Cap Croix (2:00–4:00 PM). Eastern Estérel. Red porphyry cliffs plunge straight into the water; there are few people, and visibility is about fifteen meters in good weather. The best stop of the day for snorkeling.
  4. Return to the marina (5:00–6:00 PM). The return route follows the coastline with a view of the Croisette. The perfect time to open a bottle of Provençal rosé.

 

We cover about 25 nautical miles a day. The pace is leisurely: there’s no need to rush anywhere, and if a particular spot catches your eye, you can linger for an extra hour. If you’d like, the captain can add a stop at Cap d’Antibes or the beaches of Juan-les-Pins.

 

What is included in the in-flight service

When chartering a yacht in Cannes, the scope of services varies from operator to operator, but the market has long established a basic standard. A well-organized charter takes care of all the logistical details: all guests need to do is arrive at the dock on time. The standard package typically includes:

  • A licensed captain familiar with local waters;
  • Masks, snorkels, and other swimming gear;
  • Water, juice, and light snacks;
  • Insurance for the boat and passengers.

 

For an additional fee, the operators can arrange catering from a restaurant, provide SUP boards, kayaks, or inner tubes on board, and decorate the deck for a special occasion. Be sure to confirm the full list of services before finalizing your reservation: the price difference between the basic and premium packages can often amount to 30–50 percent of the total cost.

 

How to Choose a Boat and a Rental Option

It all comes down to three things: the number of guests on board, your budget, and the occasion. Yacht charters on the French Riviera come in a variety of formats, and there’s a suitable option for every situation.

 

A 10–15-meter motor yacht can accommodate four to eight people. These vessels reach cruising speed quickly, save time on crossings, and feature air conditioning in the cabin. For a couple or a small family, it’s easier and cheaper to rent a 7–9-meter motorboat in Cannes: the route is the same, and it’s easier to handle. Sailing options are chosen less often, although for those who appreciate a quiet ride and the wind in their faces, there’s nothing better.

 

Tip: If it’s your first time out at sea, you should rent a yacht with a captain. It’s not just about safety: the captain knows the waters, can point out sheltered coves, and will help you with the equipment. The surcharge for the crew is usually 15–20 percent of the yacht’s rental cost.

 

Yacht Charter French Riviera specializes in customized itineraries along the coast. The fleet consists of motor yachts and motorboats of various classes, and bookings are available for as little as one day. Our managers select a vessel tailored to your specific needs and handle all coordination with port authorities.

 

Practical details for your first charter

During the peak season, from June to September, boats book up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. Here’s what will help you avoid wasting time and money:

  • Book two to four weeks in advance. In July and August, the best boats are booked up as early as spring; closer to the departure date, the selection becomes significantly more limited.
  • Discuss the route with the captain before setting out. He’ll check the forecast and suggest alternative coves in case the wind changes.
  • Don’t pack unnecessary items. Sunscreen, a hat, and evening attire. Towels and water gear are usually provided on board.
  • Ask about cancellation policies. Most operators allow free cancellations 48–72 hours before departure.

 

One thing that’s often overlooked is the departure time. It’s best to set out at nine in the morning: the sea is calmer then, and there are hardly any tourist boats around the islands yet. If you return by six in the evening, you’ll have time to freshen up and have dinner on the waterfront.

 

What to bring on board:

  • comfortable shoes with non-slip soles;
  • sunglasses with a strap;
  • a light windbreaker or hoodie in case of a breeze;
  • cash for the captain’s tip.

 

These little things won’t affect the cost of the charter, but they’ll make your day on the water much more comfortable.

 

A single day spent exploring Cannes from the sea offers more excitement than a whole week lounging on a beach chair. The Lérins Islands in the morning, the red cliffs of the Estérel at noon, a quiet lunch at anchor, and the Croisette viewed from the water at sunset—all without needing a yachting license or any sailing skills, in a group of two to ten people. All you need to do is choose a boat, make arrangements with the operator, and cast off at nine in the morning.