You are looking for a catamaran hire in Mandelieu or Cannes on the French Riviera, and you want a straightforward answer. Here it is: you can book a private catamaran with a licensed skipper through BoatHire24, departing from ports like Cannes, Mandelieu, or nearby Antibes. These trips are ideal for a day on the water, visiting the Lérins Islands, cruising along the Esterel coast, or simply anchoring off a quiet beach. Every charter includes a skipper, fuel, and insurance, so you just show up and enjoy.
We are BoatHire24, a marketplace that connects you with boat owners and charter companies on the Costa del Sol and the French Riviera. While our core area is Marbella and the Costa del Sol, we also list catamarans for hire in Mandelieu and Cannes. This page covers what you need to know: what is included, which ports you can depart from, the types of catamarans available, pricing guidance, the best seasons, and how to book. No fluff, just the facts.
What Is Included in a Mandelieu Cannes Catamaran Hire
When you book a catamaran hire in Mandelieu or Cannes through BoatHire24, the standard package includes the vessel, a licensed skipper, fuel for a typical day trip (around 30-50 NM), and insurance. The skipper handles navigation and docking, so you can relax. Some charters also include snacks and soft drinks, but you should confirm that when booking. You can bring your own food and drink on most boats. What is never included: personal travel insurance, transfers to the port, and any extras like water toys (SUP, snorkel gear) unless specified. Check the listing details before you confirm.
Departure Ports for Mandelieu Cannes Catamaran Hire
The main departure ports for catamaran hire in this area are Cannes Vieux Port (Old Port) and Port de Mandelieu-La Napoule. Cannes Vieux Port is central, close to the Palais des Festivals and the main boulevard. Port de Mandelieu-La Napoule is quieter, at the western end of the Bay of Cannes, near the Esterel massif. Some charters also offer pickups from Antibes or Golfe-Juan, but that is less common. If you are staying in Cannes, the Vieux Port is the most convenient. If you are based in Mandelieu or La Napoule, the local port is a short walk from the beach. Each port has parking nearby, though in summer you will want to book a spot in advance.
Catamaran Options for Your Trip
Catamarans available for hire in Mandelieu and Cannes typically range from 36 to 50 feet (11 to 15 metres). You will find Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Bali models, among others. A 40-foot catamaran can comfortably take 8 to 12 guests for a day trip. Larger catamarans up to 50 feet can host up to 18 guests. Most catamarans have a flybridge for sunbathing, a spacious saloon, and a forward trampoline. If you want a faster experience, you might consider a motor yacht instead, but catamarans offer more deck space and stability. Prices for a day charter (8 hours) start from around EUR 1,200 for a 36-foot catamaran and go up to EUR 2,500 for a 50-footer. Half-day trips (4 hours) are also available from around EUR 800. Always check the maximum guest capacity and any restrictions on children or pets.
Pricing Guidance for Mandelieu Cannes Catamaran Hire
Prices for catamaran hire in Mandelieu and Cannes vary by season, boat size, and duration. In summer (June to September), a full-day charter (8 hours) for a 40-foot catamaran costs between EUR 1,500 and EUR 2,000. In the shoulder seasons (April, May, October), expect EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,700. Half-day charters are roughly 60% of the full-day price. Some operators charge extra for fuel beyond 50 NM, so ask. You will also need to pay a refundable security deposit, typically EUR 500 to EUR 1,000, held on your credit card. That is standard. If you want to hire a catamaran for multiple days, negotiate a weekly rate; it can be 15-20% cheaper per day. For a precise quote, use our search tool or contact the owner directly through BoatHire24.
Best Seasons for Catamaran Hire on the French Riviera
The best time for a catamaran hire in Mandelieu or Cannes is from May to September. July and August are peak season: water temperatures reach 25-27 degrees C, and the weather is stable. But it is also crowded, and ports can be busy. May, June, and September offer pleasant temperatures (22-26 degrees C) with fewer crowds. April and October are possible, but the sea can be cooler (16-18 degrees C) and the Mistral wind can blow. If you are flexible, aim for late May or early September. That gives you warm weather, calm seas, and better availability. Winter (November to March) is not ideal for catamaran hire; many boats are in dry dock or maintenance.
Popular Itineraries from Mandelieu and Cannes
A typical day trip from Cannes or Mandelieu includes the Lérins Islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat). You can anchor off Sainte-Marguerite for a swim and a picnic, then cruise to the Esterel coast for views of the red rocks. Another route goes west to the Bay of Théoule-sur-Mer and the Calanques, or east towards Antibes and the Cap d'Antibes. Some charters offer a lunch stop at a beachside restaurant, like the Plage de la Garoupe or the restaurant at the Fort de l'Île Sainte-Marguerite. If you want a longer trip, you can head to the Saint-Tropez peninsula, but that is a 2-hour cruise each way. Your skipper will suggest a route based on weather and your preferences.
Who Is Catamaran Hire For
Catamaran hire in Mandelieu and Cannes works for groups of friends, families with children, couples, and corporate events. Because catamarans are stable, they are a good choice for people who get seasick. The wide deck space makes them suitable for parties or relaxing days. If you want a romantic sunset cruise, a catamaran works well, but a smaller sailing yacht might feel more intimate. For a bachelor or bachelorette party, a catamaran with a DJ and sound system is possible, but check with the owner first. Families with kids appreciate the safe swimming areas and the trampoline. Business groups often book a catamaran for a day of networking or team building.
How to Book Your Mandelieu Cannes Catamaran Hire
Booking a catamaran hire through BoatHire24 is straightforward. Go to our search page, select Mandelieu or Cannes as the port, choose your dates and group size, and browse the available catamarans. Each listing shows photos, specifications, capacity, and price. You can send a booking request directly through the site. The owner will confirm availability and send a quote. Payment is typically by bank transfer or credit card, with a deposit (usually 30-50%) to secure the booking. The balance is due a few weeks before departure. Cancellation policies vary, so read them. If you need help, contact us via the website and we will assist.
Why Book Through BoatHire24
BoatHire24 is a boat-rental and yacht-charter marketplace. We list catamarans from multiple owners, so you can compare options. Every charter includes a licensed skipper, so you do not need a licence. We focus on the Costa del Sol and the French Riviera, so we know the local ports and conditions. Our blog has guides on the best beaches, restaurants, and itineraries along the Riviera. Booking through us gives you access to vetted boats and transparent pricing. No hidden fees. If you want to see what else we offer, check our homepage for all destinations.
Additional Tips for Your Catamaran Trip
Pack sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a light jacket for the evening. The sun on the water is strong, even in spring. Bring your own food and drinks unless you order a catering package. Some catamarans have a BBQ on the back deck, which is great for grilling fish. If you want to snorkel, bring your own gear; some boats provide it, but not all. Confirm the meeting time and location with the skipper the day before. Arrive 15 minutes early. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding; catamarans are stable, but the Mediterranean can have a swell. Finally, respect the environment: do not throw anything overboard, and use the facilities on board.
Navigating the Cannes Vieux Port and Mandelieu-La Napoule
Cannes Vieux Port is the busiest hub on the Bay of Cannes. You will find it right next to the Palais des Festivals, which means you can step off your catamaran and walk to the Croisette in five minutes. The port has 24-hour security, fuel pumps, and a few chandlers if you need supplies. Parking at the Port Pantiero car park costs around EUR 35 for a day in summer, so factor that in. Port de Mandelieu-La Napoule is a different beast. It sits at the mouth of the Siagne river, with the Esterel hills as a backdrop. It is quieter, cheaper to park at (around EUR 15 a day), and closer to the A8 motorway if you are driving from the west. The marina has a boatyard and a small supermarket. If you are staying in a villa near Théoule-sur-Mer, Mandelieu is your best bet.
Catamaran Models You Will Actually Find for Hire
You will not see every catamaran model on the market, but the common ones are worth knowing. The Lagoon 40 is a favourite: 11.7 metres long, 6.7 metres beam, sleeps 8, with a flybridge and a forward cockpit. It handles well in light winds and has decent headroom. The Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 is similar but has a larger saloon and a more modern layout. The Bali 4.0 is a bit different with its hard-top bimini and sliding glass doors, which makes it feel more like a motor yacht. For bigger groups, the Lagoon 52 or Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 can host up to 18 guests, but expect to pay EUR 2,500 to EUR 3,500 per day. Some older models like the Lagoon 380 or 410 are cheaper, from EUR 1,000 a day, but the amenities are more basic. Always check the year of build and the last refit date.
What the Skipper Actually Does on Your Trip
The skipper is not just a driver. They handle the navigation, mooring, anchoring, and safety briefings. They know the local waters: where the shallow patches are near the Lérins Islands, how to avoid the ferry traffic off Cannes, and where to anchor for the best shelter from the Mistral. They can also advise on lunch spots. Most skippers speak English and French, but confirm that when booking. You are not expected to help with sailing unless you want to. If you have a specific request, like stopping for a swim at a quiet cove or visiting a particular beach, the skipper will adjust the route. They do not serve drinks or cook, but they will help you set up the BBQ if the boat has one. Tip: EUR 50 to EUR 100 for a good day is standard.
Half-Day vs Full-Day Charters: Which Is Better
Half-day charters (4 hours) work well if you want a quick escape from the beach or a sunset cruise from 16:00 to 20:00. You can reach the Lérins Islands, anchor for a swim, and return. It costs less, from EUR 800, and leaves you time for other activities. But you will feel rushed if you want to explore further. Full-day charters (8 hours) give you time to cruise to the Esterel coast, have a proper lunch stop, and maybe visit a second spot. The cost is higher, but the experience is more relaxed. Some operators offer a 6-hour charter as a middle option, which is common for lunch trips. If you are booking for a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, go for the full day. You will not regret the extra time on the water.
Hidden Costs and How to Avoid Them
The listed price for a catamaran hire often excludes a few things. Fuel is usually included for up to 50 NM, but if you go further, you pay extra at around EUR 1.50 to EUR 2.00 per litre. A day trip to Saint-Tropez might add EUR 200 to EUR 300 in fuel. Some operators charge a cleaning fee of EUR 50 to EUR 100 if you leave the boat messy. If you want a water scooter or jet ski towed behind, that is extra, often EUR 150 to EUR 250 per day. Catering packages vary: a basic lunch with sandwiches and drinks might be EUR 25 per person, while a full sit-down meal with champagne costs EUR 60 to EUR 80 per person. Always ask for a full breakdown before you pay the deposit. Read the cancellation policy: some operators refund 100% if you cancel 30 days out, but only 50% within 14 days.
Best Beaches and Coves to Visit by Catamaran
From Cannes or Mandelieu, you have several excellent spots. The Lérins Islands are the obvious choice. Île Sainte-Marguerite has the Plage de la Batterie, a sandy beach on the north side, and the quieter Anse du Fer à Cheval on the south. Anchor off the east coast of Île Saint-Honorat, where the monks grow vines. Further west, the Calanque de Maubousquet near Théoule-sur-Mer is a narrow inlet with turquoise water and red rock cliffs. The Plage de l'Île des Vieilles is another good stop, just off the Esterel coast. If you head east, the Baie des Milliardaires between Cannes and Antibes has several private beaches, but you can anchor offshore and swim. For a lunch stop, the Plage de la Garoupe on the Cap d'Antibes is popular, but it gets crowded. Your skipper will know which spots are calm on the day.
Weather and Wind Conditions on the Bay of Cannes
The Bay of Cannes is generally sheltered, but the Mistral wind can change things. The Mistral blows from the north-west, often in spring and autumn, and can reach 30 to 40 knots. When it blows, the sea gets choppy, especially outside the bay. Catamarans handle it better than monohulls, but you might need to stay closer to shore. The thermal breeze, or sea breeze, kicks up in the afternoon from the south, typically 10 to 15 knots, which is perfect for sailing. In July and August, the wind is light, often below 10 knots, so catamarans rely on engines. Check the forecast on Windy or Meteo France before your trip. Your skipper will make the call on the day. If the weather looks bad, rescheduling is better than a rough trip.
How to Get to the Ports from Local Airports and Train Stations
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the main gateway, about 25 km from Cannes and 35 km from Mandelieu. A taxi from the airport to Cannes Vieux Port costs around EUR 70 to EUR 90 and takes 30 to 45 minutes. To Mandelieu, it is EUR 80 to EUR 100. There is a direct train from Nice Airport station (Terminal 2) to Cannes station, then a 10-minute walk to the port. The train costs EUR 5 to EUR 10 and runs every 30 minutes. If you are coming from Cannes Mandelieu Airport (CEQ), which handles private jets and some charters, it is a 5-minute taxi ride to Port de Mandelieu. Cannes train station is on the main line from Paris and Marseille. From the station, walk south down Rue d'Antibes to the port in 10 minutes. Parking at both ports is limited in summer, so book a space online if you drive.
What to Expect on a Multi-Day Catamaran Charter
If you book a catamaran for two or three days, the itinerary opens up. You can cruise east to Antibes, then to Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, or west to Saint-Raphaël and the Gulf of Fréjus. A typical two-day trip from Cannes might go to the Lérins Islands on day one, then to the Esterel and overnight at anchor off Théoule-sur-Mer. Most catamarans have cabins with double beds and en-suite bathrooms, plus a galley kitchen. You will need to provision your own food, or arrange a catering delivery to the boat. The skipper stays on board, usually in a separate cabin. Multi-day charters cost between EUR 1,200 and EUR 2,500 per day, depending on the boat and season, plus a deposit. You save on accommodation costs, but you pay for mooring fees if you stay in a marina overnight, typically EUR 50 to EUR 100 per night. It is a good option for a small group that wants to explore beyond the bay.
Special Events and Corporate Charters on Catamarans
Catamarans in Mandelieu and Cannes are popular for events. You can book one for a birthday party, a wedding reception, or a corporate day out. Most operators allow up to 12 to 18 guests, depending on the boat size. For a corporate event, you might want a catamaran with a sound system, a projector, and Wi-Fi. Some boats have a flybridge that works well for presentations or networking. The cost for a corporate charter is similar to a private hire, but you might need to pay extra for AV equipment. For a wedding, you can arrange a civil ceremony on board if the boat is registered for that, but check with the port authority first. The sunset cruise option is popular for proposals. If you want a DJ, confirm that the boat has a suitable power supply and that the noise is acceptable in the anchorage. Always discuss your plans with the owner before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence to hire a catamaran in Mandelieu or Cannes?
No. Every catamaran hire through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper. You do not need any licence or experience. The skipper handles all navigation and docking.
Can I book a catamaran for a half-day trip?
Yes. Many operators offer half-day charters of 4 hours, typically from 9:00 to 13:00 or 14:00 to 18:00. Prices start from around EUR 800 for a 36-foot catamaran.
What is the maximum number of guests on a catamaran?
It depends on the size. A 40-foot catamaran usually takes 8 to 12 guests. A 50-foot catamaran can take up to 18. Check the listing for exact capacity.
Are food and drinks included in the price?
Not always. Some charters include snacks and soft drinks, but most do not. You can bring your own or order a catering package for an extra fee. Confirm with the owner when booking.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?
The skipper will assess conditions. If it is unsafe, the trip may be postponed or cancelled. You will usually get a full refund or a reschedule. Check the cancellation policy in the listing.
Can I bring children on a catamaran hire?
Yes. Catamarans are family-friendly. Children are welcome, but you must inform the owner in advance. Some boats have safety nets and life jackets for kids.
How do I pay for the catamaran hire?
Payment is typically by bank transfer or credit card. A deposit of 30-50% is required to secure the booking, with the balance due a few weeks before departure.