Private Boat Charter in the Bay of St Tropez

Planning a trip to the French Riviera and craving a unique way to experience Saint Tropez’s legendary coastline? This private boat charter in the Bay of Saint Tropez promises just that—an intimate, flexible, and fun-filled day on the water with up to six friends or family members. With a glowing 5-star rating from 58 enthusiastic reviews, this experience is clearly a hit among travelers, offering a perfect mix of sightseeing, water sports, and laid-back relaxation.

What truly sets this tour apart is its full customization. Whether you want to lounge with a glass of rosé, dive into snorkel adventures, or explore the picturesque villages along the coast, the crew makes it happen. The boat itself is praised for being tidy, comfortable, and well-equipped, making your hours on the water both enjoyable and hassle-free. But as with any experience, there are a few things to keep in mind—like the cost of fuel surcharges and the need to bring your own food and drinks.

This tour is especially suited for groups of friends or families who appreciate flexibility and personal attention. If you’re after a structured, cookie-cutter cruise, this might not be for you. But if you want to create your own adventure, with friendly guides and the freedom to choose your stops, you’ll likely find this trip well worth it.

Key Points

• Fully customizable routes mean you control where you go and what you do.
• Water sports equipment like paddleboards, snorkels, wakeboards, and inflatables are included at no extra charge.
• The price is per group of up to six, offering good value for a private experience.
• Departure options include Marines de Cogolin, with additional charges for collection from Saint Tropez, Saint Maxime, or Port Grimaud.
• The itinerary combines scenic stops, swimming, and village exploration, with flexibility to tailor the day.
• The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a comfortable boat, making it a crowd favorite.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Introduction & General Impressions

From the outset, this private boat trip offers a refreshing alternative to large, crowded tours. For around $300.72, your group of up to six enjoys close-up views of Saint Tropez’s iconic coastline, with the freedom to decide how to spend your four hours. Travelers rave about the professional and friendly guides, like Sirio and Matt, who go the extra mile to make the day special. One reviewer even called Sirio’s explanations about the area’s history and landmarks “really remarkable,” indicating the guide’s depth of knowledge.

The boat itself is consistently described as tidy and comfortable, making it a pleasure to cruise around in. The fact that water sports gear is included at no extra cost adds a significant value, especially for those craving a playful day in the water—think paddling around, snorkeling, or trying wakeboarding.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Port De Saint Tropez

The trip kicks off with a visit to the famous Port of Saint Tropez, a scene straight out of a movie with superyachts and bustling bars. Expect to see some of the most eye-catching vessels, and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the quayside. Reviewers comment on how this stop offers a great chance to soak in the glitz, with one noting, “Very knowledgeable” guides who point out details you might miss on your own. This stop is about 30 minutes, a good chunk for a quick sightseeing peek.

Stop 2: Plage des Graniers

Next, you’ll anchor in the bay of Plage des Graniers, a picturesque stretch perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the boat. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility here, as you can wave down the tender boat to head to the beach’s popular restaurant, Les Graniers, or just enjoy a dip. The crew can reserve a table for you, which makes for a convenient and delicious lunch option. It’s also about 30 minutes long, offering enough time for a refreshing break.

Stop 3: Plage des Canoubiers (Millionaires Bay)

Mooring at Baie de Canebiers, famously known as ’Millionaires Bay,’ gives you a chance to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard around crystal-clear waters. With an hour allocated here, you get sufficient time to unwind and explore the marine life. Multiple reviews mention how magical the scenery is and how the guides are attentive and informative, making the experience both fun and educational.

Stop 4: Port Grimaud

The final stop is the charming Port Grimaud, often called ‘The Little Venice of France’ because of its scenic canals and pastel-colored houses. You can explore the village on foot, enjoy an ice cream, or grab a drink—perfect for winding down after a day on the water. Reviewers highlight how friendly and attentive the skipper is, often making personalized suggestions and ensuring everyone has a great time.

Water Sports & Equipment

One of the biggest perks is that all water sports gear—paddleboards, wakeboards, snorkels, inflatable towables—are included at no extra cost. Travelers love the convenience, especially since reviewers describe guides like Matt and Sirio as well-prepared and eager to help guests try different activities. Kids and adults alike have enjoyed attempting paddleboarding or floating around on inflatables, often saying it was a highlight of their trip.

Departure & Additional Details

The trip departs from Marines de Cogolin, with options for pickup from nearby locations like Saint Tropez, Saint Maxime, or Port Grimaud for an extra fee of $50. This flexibility is appreciated, although most reviews note that departing from Cogolin is straightforward and hassle-free.

A crucial aspect to consider is the fuel surcharge. The tour requires a $100 deposit, which is refundable if less fuel is used and can be topped up if the boat consumes more. This means that the actual cost can vary depending on how fast you go and how much water sports activity you indulge in. The guides are transparent about this, and reviews mention the reasonable fuel consumption at different speeds.

Guests are advised to bring their own food and drinks, although ice, water, and glasses are provided. The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure — long enough to explore and relax but not so long as to become tiring.

Authentic Experiences & Review Insights

Many reviewers emphasize the knowledgeable guides—like Sirio, who, according to a detailed review, “showed us many beautiful spots” and was “super attentive,” making everyone feel safe and appreciated. Guests also rave about the value for money, especially considering the private nature of the trip and the included water sports.

One guest from Barcelona noted how “the professionalism of Sirio made it even more valuable,” hinting at the personable yet professional approach the crew takes. Families particularly enjoy how guides accommodate children’s needs, offering activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even tubing, describing the experience as “a beautiful and charming day.”

Practical Tips & Final Thoughts

• Book in advance—most trips are reserved about 27 days ahead, which is a good tip for busy seasons.
• Bring your own food and drinks to enhance your experience, as the tour doesn’t include catering.
• Prepare for fuel costs—understanding the surcharge and fuel deposit helps manage expectations.
• Wear sunscreen and bring towels for water activities; the stops in bays are perfect for cooling off.
• Check the weather forecast—this is a weather-dependent activity, and poor weather results in full refunds or rescheduling.

The Sum Up: Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re traveling with a small group looking for a personalized, flexible day at sea, this private boat trip hits the mark. It offers an excellent balance of sightseeing, water sports, and village exploration, all with a friendly, professional crew. The value for money is high given the inclusions, and the customizable route allows you to craft your perfect Riviera adventure. It’s ideal for families, couples, or friends who appreciate authentic, relaxed experiences over rigid tour schedules.

The guides’ obvious enthusiasm and knowledge make the journey more enriching, and the opportunity to swim in beautiful bays or paddle around the coastline adds a fun, memorable element. Plus, the chance to explore Port Grimaud and Saint Tropez’s iconic sights from the water makes this experience stand out.

This tour isn’t for those seeking a large, all-inclusive cruise, or who want a fully scheduled day with no flexibility. But if your ideal day involves cruising along the coast, trying water sports, and discovering hidden gems at your own pace, this private charter is a fantastic choice.

FAQ

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable, allowing you to choose your stops and activities based on your preferences.

What water sports equipment is included?
Wakeboards, paddleboards, snorkels, inflatable towables, and buoyancy aids are all included free of charge.

Where do we depart from?
Most trips start from Marines de Cogolin, but you can request pickup from Saint Tropez, Saint Maxime, or Port Grimaud for an additional $50.

How long is the trip?
The experience lasts around 4 hours, providing enough time for sightseeing, activities, and relaxation.

Is food and drinks provided?
No, guests need to bring their own food and beverages, but ice, water, and glasses are provided.

What is the price per group?
The rate is $300.72 for up to six people, offering privacy and exclusivity for your group.

Are there any additional costs?
Fuel surcharge requires a $100 deposit, which is refundable if less fuel is used. Extra charges apply if more fuel is consumed or for pickup from certain locations.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Absolutely, many reviews mention how kids enjoyed snorkeling, tubing, and paddleboarding, with guides accommodating their needs.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and towels. Comfortable clothing is recommended for exploring villages.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a full refund or reschedule.

This private boat trip in Saint Tropez promises a mix of adventure, relaxation, and personalized service that makes it a standout way to experience the French Riviera. Whether you’re seeking a scenic cruise, water sports thrill, or a charming village visit, this experience encourages you to craft your perfect day at sea.