Saint-Tropez is a small port town in the south of France that has become a symbol of seaside holidays on the Côte d'Azur. Every summer, hundreds of pleasure boats moor here, and yacht charter in Saint-Tropez has long been a familiar part of the holiday season. But those planning to go out to sea are faced with a practical question: should they take a boat for a day or book a full week-long cruise? The answer depends on the purpose of the trip, the budget and how deeply one wants to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of the Riviera.
One-day rental: the sea without being tied to a route
A day trip is the most affordable way to experience a seaside holiday on the French Riviera. Typically, a yacht charter in St Tropez lasts from 4 to 10 hours and includes a captain, fuel, and sometimes light catering. This format is suitable for those who are visiting the region for a short time or want to add some excitement to their beach holiday.
You can cover a surprising amount in one trip. A typical programme includes several points, which the captain selects taking into account the weather and the wishes of the guests:
The route takes 6–8 hours and does not require overnight stays — you board in the morning and disembark in the evening. The cost depends on the class of vessel: a 7–9 metre motorboat will cost €500–1,200, while a 12–15 metre sailing yacht will cost €1,500–3,000.
The peak demand for daytime trips is in July and the first half of August. It is best to book a boat 2–4 weeks in advance, especially if you need a catamaran or yacht with a specific layout.
Weekly charter: total immersion in the Riviera
If one day is not enough, chartering a yacht in Saint-Tropez for a week opens up a whole new level of relaxation. The seven-day itinerary allows you to leisurely cruise along the coast from Cannes and Antibes to Portofino or Bonifacio in Corsica. You set the pace — you can spend the whole day in one bay if you like the place.
Weekly rentals differ from daily rentals in several ways, each of which should be taken into account when planning:
These advantages make the weekly format attractive for families and companies who want to spend their holidays without rushing. The average cost of chartering a 12–15-metre sailing yacht is from €6,000, and a 20-metre motor yacht is from €25,000, depending on the season.
How to decide: practical selection criteria
The choice between a day and a week is not just a matter of budget. For those who have come to France for sightseeing and restaurants, with the sea being just one item on the agenda, it makes more sense to rent a boat in Saint-Tropez for a day. If, however, your holiday is entirely devoted to the water and the coast, a week-long charter will reveal the Riviera like no other format.
Before making a final decision, it is useful to ask yourself a few questions that will help narrow down your choices and avoid overpaying:
The answers paint a clear picture: it becomes clear whether you need quick access to the sea or a leisurely trip along the coast. Saint-Tropez is a good starting point in both cases: from here, it is convenient to go to the Îles d'Hyères or east to Cannes.
When renting a boat privately in Saint-Tropez, check with the broker whether weather insurance is included. Some companies offer free date changes if the wind force exceeds 4 on the Beaufort scale.
What to consider before booking
The yacht charter market on the Riviera is one of the most competitive in the Mediterranean, and preparation plays a key role here. It is best to think through a few organisational details in advance.
To ensure that your rental goes smoothly, it is worth checking the details that are often overlooked when making your initial booking:
Reputable agencies will discuss the details during the initial contact. If the operator avoids giving specific answers, this is a reason to look for an alternative.
The set of documents required for boarding deserves special attention. Standard passenger kit:
The captain may request documents upon boarding, especially if the route includes stops in ports in Italy or Monaco. It is advisable to have electronic copies in case the originals are lost.
Both a day trip and a week-long charter are good in their own way — the difference lies in the depth of the experience and the amount of coastline you get to see. One day is a bright spot in your holiday, an opportunity to explore hidden coves without any obligations. A week is a full-fledged journey, after which the Côte d'Azur ceases to be a picture from a travel guide. Whichever option you choose, Saint-Tropez remains a convenient starting point: a compact port, developed infrastructure and access to the best routes in the Mediterranean.
