Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter: The Ultimate Guide to Cruising the French Riviera
Saint-Tropez has long been synonymous with French Riviera luxury, attracting visitors with its turquoise waters, legendary beach clubs, elegant restaurants and unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere. One of the best ways to experience this iconic destination is from the water.
A Saint-Tropez yacht charter offers complete freedom to explore the coastline, discover secluded bays, swim in crystal-clear waters and reach some of the Riviera's most famous destinations away from the summer crowds.
Whether you are planning a private day at sea with family, a celebration with friends, or a multi-day yacht experience along the Côte d'Azur, chartering a yacht allows you to experience Saint-Tropez from an entirely different perspective.
At Gatsby & Sons, we arrange private yacht charters in Saint-Tropez and across the French Riviera, with itineraries tailored to your preferences, group and schedule.
Table of Contents
- Why Charter a Yacht in Saint-Tropez?
- What Can You Expect from a Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter?
-
Where Can You Cruise from Saint-Tropez?
- How Much Does a Yacht Charter in Saint-Tropez Cost?
- What Is Included in a Yacht Charter?
- What Type of Yacht Should You Charter?
- Best Time for a Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter
- Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter from Cannes
- Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter from Monaco
- How to Book a Yacht in Saint-Tropez
- Why Choose Gatsby & Sons?
Why Charter a Yacht in Saint-Tropez?
Saint-Tropez is best appreciated from the Mediterranean. While the village, harbour and famous beach clubs attract most visitors on land, the coastline surrounding the town offers a completely different experience.
A private yacht charter in Saint-Tropez gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary rather than following a fixed sightseeing schedule.
You can spend the morning cruising along the coast, stop for a swim in a secluded cove, enjoy lunch at a beach club accessible from the sea and finish the afternoon with an aperitif while watching the sunset.
Privacy and exclusivity
A private yacht gives you your own space on the water. There is no fixed group itinerary and no need to share the experience with other passengers.
Your day can be structured around your preferences, whether that means spending several hours at anchor, visiting multiple destinations or simply enjoying the yacht itself.
Access to the Riviera from the sea
The Mediterranean opens up destinations that can be difficult to reach efficiently by road during the summer.
From Saint-Tropez, a yacht can take you towards Ramatuelle, Pampelonne, Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime and the wider Gulf of Saint-Tropez, depending on your itinerary and the yacht selected.
A different way to experience Saint-Tropez
A yacht charter is not simply transportation. For many guests, the yacht itself becomes the main experience.
Sunbathing on deck, swimming directly from the yacht, enjoying lunch surrounded by the Mediterranean and cruising along the Riviera all contribute to a more relaxed way of experiencing Saint-Tropez.
What Can You Expect from a Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter?
A typical private yacht charter can be tailored around the pace and interests of your group.
A full-day charter may include:
- Departure from Saint-Tropez or a nearby port
- Cruising along the Riviera coastline
- Swimming and snorkeling stops
- Time at anchor
- Lunch on board or at a waterfront restaurant
- Visits to beaches and coastal destinations
- Water sports and toys, depending on the yacht
- Sunset cruising
- Return to port in the evening
The exact itinerary depends on the yacht, weather conditions, cruising time and destinations you wish to visit.
For guests looking for a more comprehensive Riviera experience, yacht charter can also be combined with private chauffeur services, luxury car rental, helicopter transfers, restaurant reservations and bespoke experiences.
Where Can You Cruise from Saint-Tropez?
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez offers numerous possibilities for a private day at sea.
Pampelonne
The beaches of Pampelonne are among the most famous on the French Riviera. Chartering a yacht allows you to approach the coastline from the water and enjoy the area from a more exclusive perspective.
The area is particularly popular during the summer months for guests looking to combine a yacht day with lunch or an afternoon at one of the area's famous beach clubs.
Ramatuelle
The coastline around Ramatuelle offers beautiful Mediterranean scenery and numerous opportunities for swimming and anchoring.
It is an excellent option for a slower itinerary focused on relaxation rather than covering large distances.
Sainte-Maxime
Located on the opposite side of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime provides a different perspective of the coastline and can easily be incorporated into a private cruising itinerary.
Port Grimaud
Often referred to as the "Venice of Provence", Port Grimaud is known for its canals and colourful waterfront architecture.
A cruise around the Gulf can incorporate the area depending on the yacht and itinerary.
How Much Does a Yacht Charter in Saint-Tropez Cost?
The price of a Saint-Tropez yacht charter depends on the yacht, season, duration and itinerary. As a general guide:
- Small luxury boats: from €1,500–€4,000/day
- Luxury motor yachts: around €4,000–€8,000/day
- Larger yachts: approximately €8,000–€15,000/day
- Superyachts: from €15,000–€50,000+/day
During July and August, prices are generally higher due to strong demand. June and September can offer a good balance between weather, availability and pricing.
Additional costs such as VAT, fuel, APA, port fees, catering and water toys may apply depending on the yacht.
For a precise quote, we recommend providing your date, number of guests, departure location, itinerary and preferred yacht style.
What Is Included in a Yacht Charter?
The inclusions depend on the yacht.
A private charter may include:
- Yacht and crew
- Captain
- Standard onboard equipment
- Fuel allowances, depending on the agreement
- Water toys
- Towels
- Basic refreshments
Other services may be available as additional arrangements.
At Gatsby & Sons, we can help coordinate additional elements such as:
- Private chef
- Catering
- Champagne and refreshments
- Water toys
- Restaurant reservations
- Chauffeur services
- Airport transfers
- Helicopter transfers
- Luxury car rental
- Villa arrangements
- Bespoke Riviera experiences
The exact inclusions and additional costs are confirmed before booking.
What Type of Yacht Should You Charter?
Choosing the right yacht depends on your group, itinerary and preferred atmosphere.
Motor Yachts
Motor yachts are ideal for guests who want to cover more distance during their charter.
They are particularly suitable for itineraries connecting Saint-Tropez with Cannes, the Lérins Islands or other Riviera destinations.
Flybridge Yachts
Flybridge yachts provide generous outdoor spaces and elevated areas for relaxing.
They are particularly well suited to families and groups who want plenty of space for socialising and enjoying the Mediterranean.
Open Sport Yachts
For guests who prioritise speed and a dynamic experience, open sport yachts offer an exciting way to explore the Riviera.
Models from builders such as Pershing, Riva and similar shipyards are particularly attractive for guests who want a combination of performance and Italian design.
Catamarans
Luxury catamarans offer exceptional stability and generous living spaces.
They can be particularly attractive for families or groups who value space, comfort and large outdoor areas.
Superyachts
For the ultimate luxury experience, larger superyachts offer extensive deck spaces, multiple cabins, professional crews and a wide range of onboard amenities.
They are particularly suited to multi-day charters and special occasions.
Best Time for a Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter
The yacht charter season on the French Riviera generally peaks during the summer.
May and June
Late spring and early summer can offer excellent conditions with a slightly quieter atmosphere than July and August.
July and August
These are the busiest months in Saint-Tropez.
The atmosphere is at its most vibrant, but demand for yachts, restaurants and beach clubs is also at its highest.
Early booking is strongly recommended.
September
September is one of the most attractive periods for a Saint-Tropez yacht charter.
The weather can remain warm and suitable for swimming, while the atmosphere often becomes more relaxed compared with the height of August.
October
October can still offer beautiful days on the Mediterranean, although weather conditions become less predictable and yacht availability may vary.
Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter from Cannes
Cannes and Saint-Tropez are two of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera, and travelling between them by yacht creates a memorable Riviera experience.
A Cannes to Saint-Tropez yacht charter can be structured as a full-day excursion, allowing guests to enjoy the coastline rather than spending the day travelling by road.
The itinerary can include stops around the Lérins Islands, coastal swimming locations and Pampelonne before arriving in Saint-Tropez.
For guests staying in Cannes, this can be an excellent way to combine two of the Riviera's most iconic destinations in one day.
Saint-Tropez Yacht Charter from Monaco
For guests staying in Monaco, Saint-Tropez can also be incorporated into a longer Riviera itinerary.
A private yacht can allow guests to discover several destinations along the French Riviera while maintaining a flexible schedule.
Depending on the duration of the charter, the itinerary can incorporate destinations such as Antibes, Cannes, the Lérins Islands and Saint-Tropez.
For longer journeys, the yacht selection becomes particularly important, as cruising speed, range, onboard comfort and fuel consumption can significantly affect the experience.
How to Book a Yacht in Saint-Tropez
Booking the right yacht starts with understanding your requirements.
When requesting a quotation, it is useful to provide:
- Preferred date
- Number of guests
- Departure location
- Desired charter duration
- Preferred destinations
- Approximate budget
- Preferred yacht style
- Overnight requirements, if applicable
- Catering preferences
- Water sports requirements
- Any special occasion or event
If you are unsure which yacht would be best suited to your group, a yacht charter specialist can recommend suitable options based on your itinerary and preferences.
Because demand is particularly high during July and August, popular yachts and dates can become unavailable well in advance.
Why Choose Gatsby & Sons?
At Gatsby & Sons, we arrange private luxury experiences across the French Riviera.
Our yacht charter service is designed around your itinerary rather than a fixed package. We can help identify suitable yachts based on your group, preferred destinations, schedule and expectations.
Beyond the yacht itself, we can coordinate additional elements of your Riviera stay, including:
- Private yacht charters
- Luxury car rental
- Private chauffeur services
- Helicopter transfers
- Private jet arrangements
- Luxury villa stays
- Fine dining reservations
- VIP event access
- Bespoke Riviera experiences
This allows your yacht charter to become part of a wider private itinerary across Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco and the French Riviera.
Whether you are looking for a sophisticated day on the water or planning a multi-day Mediterranean escape, our team can help coordinate the experience around your requirements.
