Yacht Charter in Cannes: The Complete 2026 Guide

There is Cannes seen from the Croisette, and there is Cannes seen from the sea. The first is beautiful. The second is unforgettable. As the boat pulls away from the Old Port and the bay unfolds — the white façades of the seafront, the bell tower of Le Suquet on its hill, the Lérins Islands floating on turquoise water and, in the distance, the Estérel peaks glowing red in the setting sun — you understand why generations of travellers have chosen the Mediterranean as their playground and Cannes as their home port.

Chartering a yacht in Cannes is no longer the preserve of a handful of wealthy owners. The charter — renting a boat with its crew — has democratised access to Europe's most beautiful coastline. A day at sea with friends, a week-long family cruise from Cannes to Saint-Tropez, lunch at anchor off Pampelonne beach: the options are many, and the right choice depends on your wishes, your budget and the number of guests.

This guide was written from our hands-on knowledge of Cannes. As a private chauffeur and concierge service based in the city, we accompany clients every season to the pontoons of the Old Port, Port Canto and the Albert Édouard jetty. We see what makes a day a success and what turns a dream into disappointment. Here is everything you need to know to charter a yacht in Cannes in 2026 — with no unpleasant surprises.

Why Charter a Yacht in Cannes Rather Than Anywhere Else

The French Riviera concentrates, along roughly a hundred kilometres of coast, some of the most beautiful navigable waters in the world. But not every departure base is equal, and Cannes occupies a privileged position. The town sits at the exact centre of the Riviera: to the west, the Estérel massif and its red-rock calanques, the Lérins archipelago twenty minutes away, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez an hour and a half off; to the east, the Cap d'Antibes, Nice, Cap-Ferrat and the principality of Monaco. Wherever you want to drop anchor, Cannes is the ideal starting point.

Cannes also boasts exceptional port infrastructure. The Old Port, in the very heart of town at the foot of Le Suquet, welcomes vessels up to sixty metres. Port Canto, at the other end of the Croisette, is more modern and quieter, favoured by larger yachts. This density of harbours — to which we can add those of Mandelieu, Golfe-Juan and the Antibes Vauban marina, one of the largest in Europe — makes the region a unique playground for yachting.

Finally, Cannes lives to the rhythm of the sea. Each autumn the town hosts the Yachting Festival, Europe's leading in-water boat show, gathering more than six hundred boats and the world's greatest shipyards. This nautical culture translates into an ecosystem of professionals — brokers, crews, suppliers, concierge agencies — of a density and standard found nowhere else. Chartering a yacht in Cannes means drawing on this local expertise.

The finest table in Cannes is not on the Croisette: it is a square of teak at anchor off Sainte-Marguerite island, just as the sun slips behind the Estérel.

Riad Boucham, Plug-In Cannes

The Different Types of Yacht Charter

The word "yacht" covers very different realities, from the twelve-metre day-boat to the superyacht with a permanent crew. Before talking budget, you need to identify the format that matches your project. Here are the four main categories of charter in Cannes.

The day charter

This is the most accessible and most requested format. You rent a boat with its skipper for a day — usually from 9am to 6pm — to enjoy the bay, swim around the Lérins Islands, lunch at anchor and have sundowners at sunset. Vessels range from a fifteen-to-twenty-metre cruising yacht to a sporty day-cruiser such as a Riva or Sunseeker. Ideal for a birthday, a marriage proposal, a corporate day out or simply to sample yachting without committing to a full week.

The weekly cruise

This is the classic format of grand yachting. You charter a yacht with a full crew — captain, deckhands, sometimes a chef and a hostess — for a week, typically Saturday to Saturday. The boat becomes your floating residence: you sleep on board, change anchorage every day and explore the entire coastline, from Monaco to Saint-Tropez, even Corsica or Italy. It is the favoured format of families and groups of friends who want to experience the Mediterranean in depth.

Crewed or bareboat charter

Almost all yachts over fifteen metres are chartered with a crew (crewed charter): you have nothing to manage, the crew handles the navigation, the service and the provisioning. For smaller sailing yachts and catamarans, bareboat charter exists, but it requires a licence and experience — a different discipline altogether. In Cannes, the vast majority of premium charters are crewed, and that is what we recommend for a worry-free experience.

Motor yacht, sailing yacht and catamaran

Three families of boats coexist. The motor yacht is the most common on the Riviera: fast, spacious, stable, ideal for reaching Saint-Tropez in an hour and a half and enjoying generous interior volumes. The sailing yacht appeals to lovers of authentic navigation and the silence of sailing. The catamaran offers unrivalled stability, large living spaces and a shallow draft that allows you to slip into the finest coves — an increasingly popular choice with families.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in Cannes?

This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends enormously on the type of boat, the season and the format. Here are realistic orders of magnitude for the Cannes market in 2026, so you can plan ahead before requesting a precise quote.

2026 orders of magnitude

These rates are generally exclusive of extras. For a weekly charter, fuel, provisioning (food and drinks), port fees at stopovers and crew gratuities are not included in the base charter price. They are covered by a separate provision, the so-called APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), usually set at 25–35% of the charter price.

Understanding the APA and the extras

The APA is an advance you pay the captain at the start of the cruise. The captain draws on it to settle fuel, shopping, port fees and any extras, then returns the unspent balance at the end of the trip, with receipts. It is a transparent system once understood, but it must be factored into your overall budget: a cruise advertised at €50,000 a week actually represents a budget in the region of €65,000 to €70,000 all-in.

Why the season changes everything

The price of the same yacht can vary twofold between low and high season. July and August, as well as the weeks of the Cannes Film Festival (May) and the Monaco Grand Prix, are peak season: the best vessels are booked months ahead and rates reach their ceiling. Conversely, June and September — glorious weather, water still warm, less crowded seas — offer far better value. For a weekly cruise, September is often the Riviera's best-kept secret.

ANNAMIA: Our Flagship Yacht

At the heart of our charter selection lies an exceptional boat: ANNAMIA, a 43-metre tri-deck superyacht built by Baglietto, the legendary Italian shipyard. She is the flagship of our charter offering in Cannes, and she embodies everything that great Mediterranean yachting can offer.

Built in 2007 and fully refitted in 2017, ANNAMIA stretches 43 metres in length for 8.40 metres in beam, with a steel hull and superstructure that give her remarkable stability at sea. She accommodates twelve guests in five cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck with its own private jacuzzi — a rare luxury that turns every awakening at sea into a moment of exception.

On board, the volumes are generous: a large main salon, a panoramic skylounge on the upper deck and a fully equipped flybridge for lunches facing the open sea and evenings under the stars. For water sports, ANNAMIA carries a genuine arsenal of water toys: a 17-foot 200-horsepower Novurania tender, a 300-horsepower Seadoo RXP jet ski, a 250-horsepower Yamaha SVHO, wakeboarding gear and a complete snorkelling kit. Enough to animate every day at anchor.

Powered by two 1,950-horsepower CAT engines, ANNAMIA cruises at 14 knots (16 knots top speed) with a range of 3,400 nautical miles — enough to consider Corsica, Sardinia or the Italian coast. As for rates, the charter stands at €120,000 per week in low season and €145,000 per week in high season, excluding APA. It is the option for those who want to experience the Mediterranean at the highest level, with a professional crew dedicated solely to their comfort.

The Finest Anchorages Departing from Cannes

The real magic of a charter departing from Cannes is the diversity of destinations within a few hours' sailing. Here are the anchorages we recommend to our clients, from the closest to the most distant.

The Lérins Islands (20 minutes)

Barely out of the Old Port, you drop anchor off Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, the two Lérins Islands. Translucent waters, fragrant pine forests, the fort of the Man in the Iron Mask, the vineyard and liqueur of the Cistercian monks of Saint-Honorat: this is the ideal anchorage for a morning swim and a quiet lunch, a stone's throw from the Croisette. The contrast between the bustle of the town and the serenity of the islands is striking.

Cap d'Antibes and the bay of Golfe-Juan (30 minutes)

Heading east, you skirt the Cap d'Antibes and its legendary villas, including the Eden-Roc. The coves of the Pointe de l'Ilette and the bay of La Garoupe offer sheltered anchorages with crystal-clear water. It is also the gateway to Antibes and its Port Vauban, where the world's largest yachts line up.

Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne (1h30)

The absolute myth. Heading west and rounding the Estérel, you reach the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in about an hour and a half. Anchor off Pampelonne beach, lunch at a legendary beach club, spend the afternoon in the village strolling the port and the Place des Lices: a Saint-Tropez day from Cannes by sea avoids all the road traffic jams and remains the signature experience of the Riviera.

Monaco and Cap-Ferrat (1h–1h15)

To the east, beyond Nice, Cap-Ferrat and its sheltered waters precede the spectacular arrival in Monaco. Entering Port Hercule by sea, especially during the Grand Prix or a major event, is a unique sensation. It is a prestige stopover, perfect for an evening in the Carré d'Or.

The Estérel and its red calanques (30 minutes)

It is often forgotten, but the most beautiful natural backdrop is right next door, west of Cannes. The Estérel massif plunges its red porphyry rocks into the sea, creating wild calanques — Anthéor, Le Trayas, Agay — where you anchor alone, far from the crowds. For a day of nature and swimming, it is our favourite, and it is less than thirty minutes from port.

What a Day on Board Looks Like

For those who have never chartered a yacht, here is what a typical day charter departing from Cannes looks like. The aim is simple: that you have nothing to think about but enjoying yourself.

The morning — boarding. We recommend meeting at the pontoon around 9am or 10am. Your private chauffeur drops you off right by the gangway, at the Old Port or Port Canto, with no parking worries. The crew welcomes you with a coffee, a glass of champagne and a quick briefing. You stow your belongings, the lines are cast off, and the bay of Cannes opens up before you.

The late morning — the first swim. Heading for the Lérins Islands or the Estérel for the first anchorage. The water is calm, clear. This is the moment for a swim, paddleboarding, jet-skiing or simply lazing on the foredeck. The crew deploys the water toys and watches over everyone's safety, children included.

Midday — lunch at anchor. Depending on your format, lunch may be prepared on board by a chef, delivered from a Cannes caterer, or taken at a beach club where the crew drops you off by tender. Lunch at anchor off a cove, feet in the water, remains one of the great pleasures of Mediterranean yachting.

The afternoon — exploration. Weighing anchor to reach a second mooring, skirt a coastline, push on to Saint-Tropez or Cap d'Antibes. A nap, reading, a final swim: the pace is yours, the captain adapts to your wishes.

The evening — the return to port. At the end of the day, the boat heads back to Cannes just as the light turns golden. Sundowners on the flybridge, the Estérel glowing red, the Croisette lighting up. Back at the pontoon around 6–7pm, where your chauffeur is waiting to take you back to your villa or hotel. A day with not the slightest logistics to handle.

A successful yacht charter is a chain with no weak link: the transfer to the pontoon, the crew, the cuisine, the anchorage, and the chauffeur waiting for you on your return. Our job is to weld that chain together.

Riad Boucham, Plug-In Cannes

Booking Your Yacht: the Right Timing and the Right Reflexes

Booking a yacht in Cannes is not something to improvise, especially in high season. Here is our advice to stack the odds in your favour and avoid the classic pitfalls.

Plan ahead according to the season. For a day in June or September, one to two weeks' notice is often enough. For July-August, allow one to two months. For a weekly cruise in peak season or during the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, you must book several months ahead — the best vessels are gone from the previous winter.

Define your project clearly. Number of guests, presence of children, duration, desired destinations, level of service, overall budget including APA: the more precise your brief, the more accurate the selection. A good broker does not offer you the most expensive boat, but the one that matches your ideal day exactly.

Beware of listings that are too good to be true. An abnormally low rate often hides a poorly maintained boat, a sketchy crew or undisclosed extras. Yacht charter is a world where trust and reputation matter. Go through an established local intermediary who personally knows the boats and crews on offer.

Think about the land logistics. A yacht is reached by land. Parking around the Old Port of Cannes in high season is a nightmare, and arriving stressed, late, after twenty minutes circling for a space, ruins the start of the day. This is precisely where our private chauffeur service makes all the difference: drop-off as close as possible to the pontoon, luggage handling, and a vehicle waiting on your return to take you back serenely.

Our approach to yacht charter is part of a complete concierge offering. If you combine your day at sea with a villa stay, discover our guide to luxury villa rental in Cannes, and our page dedicated to luxury concierge services on the French Riviera. To reach your yacht from the airport, see our Nice ↔ Cannes airport transfer service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charter in Cannes

How much does it cost to charter a yacht for a day in Cannes?

For a day charter in Cannes in 2026, expect between €1,500 and €3,500 for a 12-to-15-metre day-cruiser with a skipper, and €4,000 to €9,000 for an 18-to-24-metre crewed yacht. The rate depends on the size of the boat, the season and the services included. For a classic day in the bay of Cannes and around the Lérins Islands, fuel is generally included. Extras such as a chef on board, a caterer or a long-distance run to Saint-Tropez may be added. Always request a quote that precisely details what is included.

Do you need a boat licence to charter a yacht in Cannes?

No, in the vast majority of cases. Yachts over fifteen metres are chartered with a crew (charter with captain and deckhands): you are a guest on board, you do not steer, no licence is required. Only bareboat charter of small vessels requires a licence and sailing experience. In Cannes, almost all premium charters are crewed by professionals — which is exactly what we recommend so you can fully enjoy your day with no technical constraints or navigation responsibility.

What is the best time of year to charter a yacht on the French Riviera?

June and September offer the best value: glorious weather, water still warm, less crowded seas and lower rates than July-August. September is often considered the Riviera's best-kept secret for a weekly cruise. July and August are peak season, with the finest anchorages but the highest rates and heavy crowds. The Cannes Film Festival (May) and Monaco Grand Prix periods are the tightest: you must book several months ahead for the best vessels.

What is the APA in a yacht charter?

The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is a provision you pay the captain at the start of a weekly cruise, usually equivalent to 25–35% of the charter price. The captain draws on it to settle fuel, provisioning (food, drinks), port fees at stopovers and extras, then returns the unspent balance at the end of the trip, with receipts. It is a transparent system, but it must be factored into the budget: a cruise advertised at €50,000 actually represents an all-in budget of around €65,000 to €70,000. For a day charter, this mechanism does not apply.

Can you go from Cannes to Saint-Tropez by yacht for the day?

Yes, it is even one of the most requested days. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is about an hour and a half's sailing from Cannes with a motor yacht, rounding the Estérel massif. You can anchor off Pampelonne beach, lunch at a beach club, then go ashore by tender to stroll through the village. Arriving in Saint-Tropez by sea completely avoids the road traffic jams, often dramatic in summer. It is the signature experience of a charter departing from Cannes, provided you choose a boat that is fast and comfortable enough.

How many people can a charter yacht accommodate?

It depends on the format. For a day, regulations generally allow up to twelve passengers aboard a commercial charter yacht, sometimes more on specific vessels. For a weekly cruise with overnight stays, the number is limited by the cabins: a 30-metre yacht typically accommodates 8 to 10 guests, and our flagship ANNAMIA (43 metres) welcomes twelve guests in five cabins. For large groups or corporate events, we can coordinate several boats. Always specify the exact number of guests, children included, from the quote request.

Are lunch and drinks included in the charter?

It varies by format and must be clarified in the quote. For a day charter, some offers include a simple lunch and drinks, others do not. You can generally choose between a lunch prepared on board by a chef, a delivery from a Cannes caterer, or a stop at a beach club where the crew drops you off by tender. For a weekly cruise, provisioning (shopping, meals, drinks) is paid via the APA according to your preferences communicated in advance. Our concierge team arranges, on request, a chef on board, bespoke menus, wines and champagnes, flowers and any special service.

How do you reach your yacht from Nice airport?

Nice-Côte d'Azur airport is about 30 to 40 minutes' drive from the Cannes ports. The best option is a private chauffeur (VTC) transfer, which picks you up at the aircraft with flight tracking, handles your luggage and drops you off right by your pontoon — at the Old Port or Port Canto — with no parking worries. The Nice Airport → Cannes rate ranges from €90 (Tesla Model Y) to €170 (Mercedes S-Class), all-inclusive. At Plug-In Cannes, we coordinate this transfer with your departure at sea for a perfectly smooth transition, as well as your return to port at the end of the day.

Why book your yacht charter through Plug-In Cannes?

Because we coordinate the entire chain from Cannes, with a single point of contact. We select the yacht suited to your project through our local network of brokers and crews whom we know personally, we arrange your private Mercedes transfer to the pontoon and your return, and we organise all the associated services: chef on board, caterer, flowers, photographer, beach club reservations. Our hands-on knowledge of Cannes — the ports, the anchorages, the right crews, the right addresses — makes the difference between a simple rental and an exceptional day, with not the slightest logistics to handle on your side.

Conclusion: the Sea as You Have Never Experienced It

Chartering a yacht in Cannes is not simply renting a boat. It is treating yourself to a point of view, a freedom, a rhythm. It is discovering that the most beautiful way to experience the French Riviera is to look at it from offshore, where the crowds fade and every cove, every island, every sunset becomes an intimate privilege.

Whether you dream of a day with friends around the Lérins Islands, an escape to Saint-Tropez without the traffic jams, a week-long family cruise or the superyacht experience aboard ANNAMIA, the key to a successful charter comes down to three things: the right boat, the right crew, and flawless logistics. That is precisely what we orchestrate from Cannes — from selecting the yacht to the private transfer that takes you to the pontoon and brings you back to port.

Contact our concierge team for a personalised selection of yachts available on the dates of your choice. The sea is waiting.