The essentials in 30 seconds
Real 2026 day rates by yacht size
| Type / size | Guest capacity | Day rate (10h) | Fuel included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open / RIB 8-10 m | 6-8 people | 450-850 EUR | Often extra (~50-150 EUR) |
| Day-cruiser 12-14 m | 8-10 people | 1,200-2,500 EUR | Often extra |
| Entry-level yacht 15-18 m | 10-12 people | 3,500-6,500 EUR | Generally included |
| Mid-range yacht 19-25 m | 10-15 people | 6,500-13,000 EUR | Included + meal optional |
| Luxury yacht 26-32 m | 12-18 people | 13,000-22,000 EUR | Included + chef + service |
| Mega-yacht 33-50 m | 15-25 people | 22,000-55,000 EUR | Included, crew of 5-8 |
What is included / extra
| Item | Small yacht (< 15m) | Mid yacht (15-25m) | Large yacht (> 25m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 skipper | 1 captain + 1 hostess | 2-5 (capt, chef, host, deckhand) |
| Fuel | Typically extra | Generally included | Always included |
| Meals / drinks | Bring your own picnic | Optional +20-50 EUR/person | Included, chef on board |
| Water sports kit (paddle, mask) | Optional | Included (paddle, snorkelling) | Included (jet-ski optional) |
| Linen / towels | Bring your own | Included | Premium included |
| Anchorage tax | Extra 30-100 EUR | Extra 80-250 EUR | Extra 150-500 EUR |
3 flagship itineraries from Cannes
Itinerary 1 - Lerins Islands (Saint-Honorat / Sainte-Marguerite)
Distance: 1.5 nautical mile. Format: 10am departure, anchorage on the Saint-Honorat side (turquoise water, monastery in view), 1.5h swim, lunch on board, anchorage on the Sainte-Marguerite side (Fort Royal, Bateguier beach), return 5pm-6pm.
Strengths: proximity (15 min sailing), crystal-clear water, sheltered from the wind, ideal for families with children. Reputation: THE classic Cannes day trip.
Itinerary 2 - Cap d'Antibes / Juan-les-Pins
Distance: 6 nautical miles (12 km). Format: 9.30am departure, navigation on the Garoupe side (calm coves, shallow water), morning swim, lunch at Plage Joseph restaurant (booking required) or on board, return to Cannes 5pm-6pm via west Cap d'Antibes.
Strengths: discovery of less-frequented coves, optional shore restaurant, more authentic atmosphere.
Itinerary 3 - Saint-Tropez (full day)
Distance: 25 nautical miles (50 km). Format: 8am departure, 2.5h sailing, arrival in Saint-Tropez at 11am, anchorage at Pampelonne or Tahiti Beach, lunch at a VIP beach restaurant (Club 55, Tahiti, La Reserve), return at 4pm, arrival in Cannes 6.30pm-7pm.
Strengths: an event-day experience, legendary photos, iconic restaurants. Limits: double the fuel (~600-1,800 EUR extra depending on yacht), 5h cumulative sailing, weather wind to check.
Onboard catering
| Format | Cost per person | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Self-brought picnic (everyone brings) | 0 | None |
| Caterer's tray delivered to the yacht D-1 | 45-95 EUR | 3-5 days |
| Onboard chef cold buffet (10-15 people) | 120-250 EUR | 1 week |
| Onboard chef hot menu (10+ people) | 180-350 EUR | 1-2 weeks |
| Lunch at a beach restaurant via tender shuttle | 150-450 EUR | 2-4 weeks |
Family with children: specific tips
- Yacht with a wide swim-platform for safe in/out of the water
- Check that child-sized life jackets are on board (otherwise bring your own)
- Prefer protected anchorages (east Saint-Honorat, Garoupe) for shallow water
- Sun protection: SPF 50 cream + hat + UV-protective lycra for long swims
- Light meals (sea opens the appetite but heavy meals worsen seasickness)
- Anti-seasickness kit (wristbands, Mercalm tablets if prone)
- Avoid departures in heavy seas (check the weather window at D-1 and D-0)
Booking and process
- D-30 to D-7: select yacht (3-5 proposals), confirm rate and conditions
- D-5 to D-3: sign charter agreement, deposit 30-50% (depending on rate)
- D-1 or D-0 morning: weather confirmation, itinerary adjustment if needed (wind, swell)
- Day D 9am-9.30am: meet at Cannes port (Vieux Port or Cannes Marina), safety briefing, departure
- After the day: balance settled if not already paid + crew tip 5-15% recommended
Real case 2025
Family of 4 + 2 friends (6 adults), July 2025 - 17 m motoryacht, 9am departure from Vieux Port Cannes, navigation to the Lerins Islands, swim at east Saint-Honorat 11am-1pm, lunch on board (chef + cold buffet for 6 = 850 EUR), afternoon on the Sainte-Marguerite side, return at 5pm. Yacht rate 5,800 EUR + fuel included + chef 850 EUR + crew tip 400 EUR = 7,050 EUR total. Verdict: 'the most successful day of the entire stay'.