Choose the boat by the day you have in mind
From an agile day-boat to a fully crewed superyacht — each type has its ideal day on the Côte d\u2019Azur.
Motor yachts
Groups wanting range, deck space and comfort across the Côte d'Azur
Sailing yachts
Couples and sailing lovers wanting an unhurried day under canvas
Catamarans
Families and groups wanting space, stability and shallow-water anchorages
Superyachts
Principals and groups wanting a fully crewed base for the season or a great event
Gulets
Larger groups wanting space, shade and a slow multi-day cruise
Day-boats
Couples and small groups wanting a simple, fast day on the water
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Cannes?
The cost of a yacht charter in Cannes is always given by quote rather than a fixed price, because it depends on the type and size of boat, the duration, the season and the crew. A simple day-boat for the day sits at one end; a fully crewed superyacht for a week sits at the other. The charter fee covers the yacht and its crew, while running costs such as fuel, food and berths are handled separately under the Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, and reconciled at the end of the charter. Demand peaks in summer and around the September shows, so the best yachts for a given week are reserved early. Tell our brokers the dates and the kind of day you have in mind, and we will propose boats that genuinely fit your group — never simply the most expensive option on the list.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Cannes?
For a crewed charter you do not need any licence or qualification yourself: a professional captain holds the necessary certifications and runs the boat, so you and your guests simply enjoy the day. This is by far the most common way to charter on the Côte d'Azur, whether for a day to the Îles de Lérins or a full week along the coast. A licence is only required if you choose a bareboat rental, where you skipper the boat yourself — in that case you must hold an appropriate boating licence recognised in France. If you are unsure which option suits you, our brokers will explain the difference plainly and recommend a skippered charter when it makes for a safer, more relaxed day, which it usually does for visitors who do not know these waters.
What is the best yacht charter day trip from Cannes?
The classic and most rewarding day trip from Cannes is to the Îles de Lérins, barely a mile offshore. The channel between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat holds the clearest, most sheltered water on this stretch of coast — perfect for a morning swim, lunch at anchor and a walk ashore to the Fort Royal or the monks' abbey. For something further, a fast motor yacht reaches Saint-Tropez, about thirty-eight nautical miles west across the gulf, or Monaco to the east for an afternoon in Monte-Carlo. The Cap d'Antibes, minutes away, offers calm coves that stay glassy when the open sea is lively. Which trip suits you depends on the boat, the weather and your group; our brokers shape the route around the forecast so the day always works, rather than forcing a fixed plan onto a changeable sea.
What is included in a crewed yacht charter?
A crewed yacht charter includes the yacht itself and its professional crew — at minimum a captain, and on larger yachts a deckhand, a chef and interior stewardess service. The crew runs everything: they handle the boat, plan the itinerary around you, manage the tender and water toys, and on the bigger yachts cook to your preferences. What the charter fee does not cover are the running costs of your specific trip — fuel, food and drink, berths in ports you visit, and similar expenses. These are handled through the Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, a sum lodged before the charter and reconciled against actual spending at the end. Everything is set out in writing in the MYBA charter agreement before you commit, so there are no surprises. In practice it means you step aboard and do nothing but enjoy the Côte d'Azur while the crew takes care of the rest.
What is the MYBA standard and why does it matter?
MYBA — the Worldwide Yachting Association — sets the professional standard for yacht charter and brokerage. When a charter or a sale runs to the MYBA standard, it uses the association's standard written agreement, which clearly defines what is included, how funds are held, the captain's responsibilities and how provisioning is handled through the APA. For a sale or purchase, it means standard contracts, proper escrow of deposits, and survey and sea-trial conditions agreed before money changes hands. The standard exists to protect both sides — buyer and seller, owner and charterer — and a MYBA broker is bound by its code of ethics. For you it means clarity and security: you see the terms in writing before you commit, your money is handled correctly, and the process follows recognised international practice rather than an informal handshake. It is the difference between a transaction you are confident in and one you simply hope works out.
When is the best time of year to charter on the Côte d'Azur?
The Côte d'Azur charter season runs from late spring to early autumn, with the warmest and busiest months from June through September. High summer offers reliable heat and the full social calendar, but it is also the most in-demand period, when the best yachts and the best berths are reserved months ahead. The shoulder periods — May and early June, or September into October — often give the best of both worlds: calmer seas, quieter anchorages, comfortable temperatures and easier availability. Two weeks bring exceptional demand and need the earliest booking: May, with the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, and September, with the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show. If your dates are flexible, tell our brokers what matters most — weather, quiet, events or value — and we will point you to the window that fits, and the boats available in it.