Private tour on a sailboat with apéritif at sunset on Antibes

Imagine gliding along the shimmering waters of the French Riviera, with the warm glow of the setting sun reflecting off the waves. That’s exactly what you get on this private sailboat experience in Antibes, where you’ll enjoy an intimate cruise around Cap d’Antibes, complete with an apéritif at sunset. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a peaceful escape, this tour offers a unique blend of scenery, relaxation, and authentic Riviera charm.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines breathtaking views of the coastline with personalized touches—like the chance to swim, paddle, and savor a sunset drink while watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink. A minor consideration is that it’s tailored for those over 15kg, so families with very young children might need to look elsewhere. This tour suits travelers seeking a serene, scenic outing that’s both intimate and memorable.

If you’re after a quiet, luxurious way to see some of the Riviera’s most exclusive spots, this private sailboat ride is a fantastic pick. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or families with older children who appreciate stunning vistas and a touch of adventure by sea.

• Exclusive Access: You’ll explore parts of Cap d’Antibes only accessible by boat, offering a sense of discovery.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: The trip emphasizes calm, scenic sailing with optional swimming and paddleboarding.
• Authentic Riviera Views: Expect stunning vistas of opulent villas and lush greenery lining the cape.
• Sunset Apéritif: Cap off the evening with drinks as the sun dips below the horizon, making for a memorable photo backdrop.
• Flexible and Private: Only your group participates, with personalized service and a customizable experience.
• Well-Reviewed: Consistently high ratings (4.7/5 from 18 reviews) highlight the overall quality and satisfaction.

Starting Point and Duration

The adventure begins at Sentier du Fort Carré, Quai Nord Port Vauban, Antibes at 6:30 p.m.. From there, you’ll embark on a roughly 3-hour voyage that promises a seamless blend of sailing, sightseeing, and relaxation. The timing is perfect—early evening—giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the scenery before settling into the sunset.

The Itinerary and Highlights

Once onboard, the captain will set sail around Cap d’Antibes, a stretch famous for its luxurious villas surrounded by greenery. The boat’s route takes you past exclusive properties that are normally off-limits to public land, making the experience feel special and private. Weather permitting, the sails will be hoisted, adding a classic maritime touch to your cruise.

You’ll stop at the Bay of Billionaires or La Garoupe, depending on the weather forecast. Both locations are beautiful anchorages where you’ll get a close-up view of some of the Riviera’s most impressive estates. The Bay of Billionaires, as the name suggests, is home to some of the most extravagant yachts and mansions, while La Garoupe offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere with crystal-clear waters.

Activities and Comforts

During the cruise, you’ll have access to snorkeling masks and snorkels, as well as a stand-up paddleboard—so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the seabed or paddle along the coast. Several reviewers mentioned how much their kids enjoyed the paddleboard, and it’s a nice touch that the crew encourages little ones with paddling options.

The boat is equipped with bottled water, sodas, and alcoholic beverages (for those over 18), ensuring that everyone stays refreshed. The captain’s aperitif, served under the sunset, is described as a highlight—giving you a chance to unwind with a drink while soaking in the views. One reviewer even called it the highlight of their stay on the Riviera, noting the calming atmosphere and gorgeous scenery.

Authenticity and Intimate Service

This is a private tour, which keeps the experience exclusive and flexible. The crew, particularly Nicolas and Flo, are praised for their warmth and personalized approach. One reviewer noted how Nicolas and Flo thoughtfully tailored the trip for their group, encouraging paddleboarding for the kids and sharing local tips.

However, one guest mentioned that the crew’s explanations of the plan and route weren’t initially clear, which could make first-timers feel a little uncertain. The captain responded by adjusting communication efforts, highlighting a commitment to guest comfort and satisfaction.

Cost and Value

At $782.65 for up to 8 people, this experience provides good value for a private, tailored outing. The price includes all fees, taxes, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, bottled water, and drinks. When you consider the exclusivity, personalized service, and the chance to see parts of the Riviera normally hidden from land, it’s a compelling option for those seeking a luxurious, memorable experience.

What’s Not Included?

While the boat offers plenty of amenities, it only has access to toilets—no private bedrooms or showers. This isn’t a problem for a short 3-hour cruise, but if you’re looking for a full-day yacht experience, this might be limited.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing: The tour starts at 6:30 p.m., so plan to arrive a little earlier to settle in.
• Children: Not suitable for children under 15kg, so think about your family’s needs before booking.
• Weather Dependence: The trip is weather-dependent; if conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 guests, making it intimate and flexible.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation, but check for ease of access if you have mobility concerns.

One reviewer described the boat as “beautiful”, and praised the “welcoming” staff and “calm sea,” emphasizing how the entire experience became the highlight of their Riviera trip. The same guest loved swimming in the clear waters, enjoying the apéritif, and watching the sunset—an experience they found highly recommended.

Another guest appreciated how Nicolas and Flo personalized the cruise, encouraging paddling for the kids and sharing local insights. They highlighted the crew’s obvious love for their job and their genuine desire to share the Riviera’s natural beauty.

A guest from Germany expressed how “wonderful” the trip was, especially noting the “nice leadership” and wishing they could do it again. Smaller touches like the crew’s friendliness and the stunning scenery left a lasting impression.

This private sailboat tour in Antibes offers a beautifully curated way to experience the French Riviera’s coast in a relaxed, intimate setting. The combination of scenic sailing, the chance to swim and paddle, and the memorable sunset apéritif makes it ideal for those wanting a calm, luxurious escape from crowded tourist spots. It’s a particularly good choice for couples, small groups, or families with older children who can appreciate the peaceful surroundings and stunning vistas.

While it’s not a full-day experience and has some weather dependency, the overall value and quality of service make it a worthwhile investment. The limited group size ensures personalized attention, and the reviews confirm that most guests leave with fond memories of the scenery, the serenity, and the special touches by the crew.

If you’re seeking a quiet, picturesque outing with a touch of elegance—this sailboat trip is a compelling way to see the Riviera from a new perspective.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is suitable for children over 15kg, and many reviews mention families with teens enjoying paddleboarding and swimming. Very young children under that weight may need to look elsewhere.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the use of snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboard, all taxes and fees, bottled water, sodas, and alcoholic beverages for guests over 18.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience. If weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Sentier du Fort Carré, Quai Nord Port Vauban, Antibes, with departure at 6:30 p.m.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, with the sunset apéritif at the end, returning to port around 9:30 p.m.

Are private bedrooms available on the boat?
No, the boat only has access to toilets, and private bedrooms are not included. It’s mainly designed for a short cruise rather than overnight stays.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a clear picture of what to expect from this private sailboat adventure in Antibes. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Riviera’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace, with the added magic of sunset views and personalized service.