You want a private yacht charter in Mandelieu or Cannes, and you want it sorted without the fluff. A boat that’s yours for the day, a skipper who knows the coast, and a route that shows off the best of the French Riviera. That’s exactly what BoatHire24 does.
We connect you with owners and charter companies based in Cannes, Mandelieu-La Napoule, and along the Côte d’Azur. Every booking includes a licensed skipper, so you don’t need a licence or experience. You just pick the boat, the port, and the date. We handle the rest.
What a Private Yacht Charter in Mandelieu Cannes Includes
When you book through BoatHire24, you get the boat and the skipper as one package. The skipper is a local professional who knows the coastline, the weather patterns, and the best spots for swimming. You don’t pay extra for fuel, insurance, or cleaning fees, those are included in the price you see. Most charters also include a cooler with ice, basic snorkelling gear, and a Bluetooth speaker. Food and drinks are usually not included, but you can bring your own or order a catering package when you book.
The boat is cleaned and fuelled before you arrive. You turn up at the port, meet the skipper, and step aboard. No paperwork, no hidden costs. The charter is typically for a full day (8 hours), but half-day (4 hours) options are available for smaller boats like RIBs or licence-free day boats.
For a BoatHire24 private charter in this area, expect to pay from around EUR 1,200 for a 10-metre motor yacht for a full day in low season, rising to EUR 2,500 or more for a 15-metre catamaran in July or August. Superyachts over 20 metres are price on request and usually start above EUR 8,000 per day.
Departure Ports: Cannes and Mandelieu-La Napoule
Your charter can start from either of the two main ports in this area. Cannes Vieux Port is the large harbour right in front of the Palais des Festivals. It’s busy, central, and surrounded by restaurants and shops. Mandelieu-La Napoule port is smaller, quieter, and closer to the Estérel massif. Both are well connected by road and rail. If you’re staying in Cannes, the old port is a five-minute walk from the train station. If you’re in Mandelieu, the port is a ten-minute walk from the town centre.
From Cannes, you can head east towards the Lerins Islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat), about 20 minutes. From Mandelieu, you can go west towards the Gulf of La Napoule and the red rocks of the Estérel. The choice of port affects the route and the scenery, but both give you access to the same general area.
Check our search page to filter by port and see available boats for your dates.
Boat Options for Your Private Charter
Motor yachts are the most common choice for a private charter in Mandelieu Cannes. They range from 9-metre day cruisers (6-8 guests) to 20-metre flybridge yachts (12+ guests). Speed is around 20-30 knots, so you can cover distance quickly. Catamarans are popular for groups who want more deck space and stability, they’re slower (around 8-12 knots) but offer a larger sunbathing area and a shallower draft for anchoring close to shore. Sailing yachts are available for those who want the experience of sailing, but the skipper handles all the ropes. RIBs and speedboats are a cheaper option for smaller groups (4-6 people) and are great for a fast trip to the islands.
Licence-free day boats are also an option if you want to drive yourself, but for a private charter you’re paying for the skipper, so you might as well let them take the wheel. Fishing boats are available for anglers, but they’re less common in this area, most charters are leisure-oriented.
Superyachts over 24 metres are available for special events, corporate charters, or weddings. These require advance booking (at least two weeks) and a deposit. Prices start around EUR 8,000 per day and go up to EUR 30,000 for a 40-metre vessel with a crew of five.
Pricing Guidance for Mandelieu Cannes Private Yacht Charter
Prices vary by season, boat size, and duration. Here’s a rough guide for a full-day (8-hour) charter with skipper, fuel, and insurance included:
Low season (April, May, October): Motor yacht up to 12m, from EUR 1,200. Catamaran up to 14m, from EUR 1,800. Sailing yacht up to 14m, from EUR 1,000.
Mid season (June, September): Motor yacht up to 12m, from EUR 1,600. Catamaran up to 14m, from EUR 2,200. Sailing yacht up to 14m, from EUR 1,400.
High season (July, August): Motor yacht up to 12m, from EUR 2,200. Catamaran up to 14m, from EUR 3,000. Sailing yacht up to 14m, from EUR 1,800. Superyacht over 20m, price on request, typically EUR 8,000+.
Half-day charters (4 hours) are usually 60-70% of the full-day rate. Evening charters (sunset cruises, 3 hours) are around 40-50% of the full-day rate. All prices exclude food, drinks, and port fees (usually EUR 50-100 extra).
Best Time for a Private Yacht Charter in Mandelieu Cannes
The season runs from April to October. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. The weather is hot (28-32°C), the sea is calm, and the water temperature is around 24-26°C. But the anchorages are crowded, especially around the Lerins Islands and the Bay of Cannes. If you want more space, book a boat with a skipper who knows the less popular coves.
June and September are the sweet spot. The weather is still warm (24-28°C), the crowds are thinner, and prices are 20-30% lower than peak season. The sea is often calm in the morning, with a light breeze in the afternoon, perfect for sailing or motoring along the coast.
April and May are cooler (18-22°C) and the water is cold (14-16°C). You can still charter, but swimming might be brief. The Estérel mountains are green from spring rain, and the views are excellent.
October is the end of the season. The weather is still pleasant (20-24°C), but some boats are already laid up for winter. Book early in the month to be sure.
For more tips on timing, read our blog on the best months for a yacht charter on the Côte d’Azur.
Routes and Highlights from Mandelieu Cannes
A typical private charter from Cannes or Mandelieu can take you to the Lerins Islands, the Estérel red rocks, or along the coast towards Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. Each route has its own character.
The Lerins Islands route: From Cannes Vieux Port, 20 minutes to Île Sainte-Marguerite. Anchor in the bay near the Fort Royal (where the Man in the Iron Mask was held). Swim in clear, shallow water. Then 10 minutes to Île Saint-Honorat, a monastery island with a vineyard. You can moor at the visitor buoy and take a short walk to the monastery shop for wine. Lunch on the boat or at a beach restaurant on Sainte-Marguerite.
The Estérel route: From Mandelieu-La Napoule, head west along the coast towards the red porphyry cliffs of the Estérel massif. Stop at Callelongue, a small cove with a pebble beach. Continue to the Gulf of La Napoule, where the water is deeper and clearer. The red rocks contrast with the blue water, good for photos. Lunch at a restaurant in Port La Napoule or anchor off the beach at Le Trayas.
The Antibes route: From Cannes, go east towards Cap d’Antibes. Pass the Billionaire’s Quay in Antibes, where superyachts moor. Stop at the Plage de la Garoupe or the Baie des Milliardaires. The water is deep close to shore, so you can anchor near the cliffs. Lunch at a beach club in Juan-les-Pins or Antibes old town.
All routes can be customised. Your skipper will suggest a plan based on weather, sea conditions, and your preferences.
Who Is a Private Yacht Charter For
A private charter works for couples, families, groups of friends, and corporate clients. If you want a day on the water without sharing the boat with strangers, this is it. The skipper handles navigation, anchoring, and safety. You just relax, swim, eat, and drink.
For couples: a motor yacht or sailing yacht for two to four people. A sunset cruise with champagne is a common request. For families: a catamaran with a shallow draft for anchoring close to beaches. Kids can swim off the boat or use the paddleboard often included on catamarans. For groups of 8-12: a flybridge motor yacht or a large catamaran. Plenty of deck space for sunbathing and socialising.
Corporate clients often book a superyacht for product launches, client entertainment, or team-building. The skipper can arrange a catered lunch, a DJ, or a photographer. These charters are usually full-day or multi-day.
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or wedding, the skipper can help coordinate a special setup, decorations, cake, flowers. Just let us know when you book.
How to Book Your Private Yacht Charter
Booking through BoatHire24 is straightforward. You search for available boats on your chosen date, compare prices and features, and submit a booking request. The owner or charter company confirms availability and sends you a contract. You pay a deposit (usually 30-50%) to secure the booking. The balance is due 7 days before departure.
You can book online or contact us for assistance. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance for high season, 1 week for low season. Last-minute bookings are possible if the boat is available, but the choice is limited.
All our boats are licensed, insured, and maintained to French maritime safety standards. The skipper holds a valid professional licence. If you have any special requests (dietary requirements, specific route, extra equipment), mention them in the booking notes.
For a private charter in Mandelieu Cannes, start your search on our search page or contact us directly for a personalised quote.
Why Choose Mandelieu Over Cannes for Your Private Charter
Mandelieu-La Napoule is often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbour, Cannes. But for a private yacht charter, Mandelieu has distinct advantages. The port is quieter, with easier parking and less crowded quayside restaurants. You can park your car within 50 metres of the boat, which makes loading coolers, bags, and children much simpler. Cannes Vieux Port, by contrast, is a logistical challenge in July and August, with narrow streets, one-way systems, and expensive parking garages.
From Mandelieu, you are also closer to the Estérel massif. The red rocks of the Estérel are a 15-minute cruise west, whereas from Cannes you need 30 minutes to reach them. If your priority is the dramatic red cliff scenery rather than the glitz of Cannes, Mandelieu is the better departure point. The port also has a gas station and a small supermarket on the quayside, so you can stock up on drinks and snacks before you leave.
For a private charter from Mandelieu, look for boats berthed at Port Mandelieu-La Napoule. The water depth is 3-5 metres in the harbour, so even larger catamarans and motor yachts can berth there. The channel is well marked, and the entrance is protected by a breakwater, so the boat stays stable even in a southerly swell.
What to Expect from the Skipper on Your Private Charter
The skipper on your private charter is not just a driver. They are a local guide with knowledge of the coastline, the weather patterns, and the best anchorages. Most skippers on the Côte d’Azur hold a French professional licence (permis côtier professionnel or capitaine 200). They speak English to a functional level, but not all are fluent. If you need a fluent English-speaking skipper, mention it when you book. Some charter companies can arrange this at no extra cost.
The skipper will give you a safety briefing at the start of the day. They will show you where the life jackets are, how to use the heads (toilet), and what to do in an emergency. They will also ask about your plans for the day: swimming, lunch, sightseeing. They will then suggest a route based on the weather and sea conditions. You are not obliged to follow their suggestion, but it is usually wise to do so. The skipper knows when the afternoon breeze picks up and which anchorages offer shelter from the swell.
The skipper does not serve food or drinks. If you want a crew member who also acts as a steward, you need to book a superyacht with a full crew (captain, deckhand, stewardess). For a standard private charter, the skipper handles the boat, and you handle the catering. Some skippers will help you set up a table or rearrange cushions, but they are not waiters.
Anchoring and Swimming Spots Near Mandelieu Cannes
The best swimming spots on a private charter from Mandelieu or Cannes are not the main beaches. Those are crowded with tourists and jet skis. Instead, your skipper will take you to quieter coves where the water is clear and the seabed is sandy or rocky. One such spot is the Callelongue cove, just west of Mandelieu. It is a small bay with a pebble beach and deep water close to the shore. You can anchor in 5-8 metres of water and swim straight off the boat. The bottom is rocky in places, so wear water shoes.
Another option is the Pointe de l’Aiguille, near the Estérel. This is a rocky headland with a small sandy beach on the eastern side. The water is deeper here, around 10-15 metres, and the visibility is often excellent (10-15 metres on a calm day). You can snorkel around the rocks and see small fish, sea urchins, and sometimes octopus. The skipper will anchor with a bow and stern line to keep the boat steady in the current.
Around the Lerins Islands, the best swimming is on the north side of Île Sainte-Marguerite, where the water is shallower and warmer. You can anchor in 3-5 metres of water and walk to the beach. The seabed is a mix of sand and seagrass, which is good for snorkelling but avoid the seagrass beds as they are protected.
Multi-Day Private Charters from Mandelieu Cannes
A private yacht charter does not have to be a single day. You can book a multi-day charter, where you spend the night on the boat and cruise along the coast to different ports. This works best on a catamaran or a motor yacht with cabins and a galley (kitchen). Most charter boats in this size range (12-18 metres) have two to four cabins, a saloon, and a small kitchen. The skipper sleeps in a separate cabin or on deck, depending on the boat.
A popular multi-day route from Mandelieu or Cannes is to go west to Saint-Tropez, stopping at the Estérel and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez on the way. The distance from Cannes to Saint-Tropez is about 35 nautical miles, which takes 2-3 hours at cruising speed. You can anchor for lunch at the Callelongue cove or at the Plage de la Bouillabaisse, then arrive in Saint-Tropez by late afternoon. The next day, you can explore the port, the old town, and the beaches, then cruise back to Cannes via the Lerins Islands.
Multi-day charters require a separate contract and a higher deposit (usually 50%). The price includes the skipper’s accommodation and meals, but you pay for food and drinks for yourself. Port fees for overnight stays are extra, typically EUR 50-150 per night depending on the port. Fuel consumption is higher on a multi-day trip because you cover more distance, but this is included in the charter price for most boats.
Private Charter for Events: Birthdays, Weddings, and Corporate Parties
A private yacht charter is a popular choice for milestone birthdays, wedding ceremonies, and corporate events. The boat becomes a floating venue, with the backdrop of the Mediterranean and the Estérel or Lerins Islands. For a wedding, you can hold the ceremony on the deck (the skipper can act as a witness if needed) and then cruise to a quiet cove for a champagne reception. The boat can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or banners, but check with the charter company first, as some boats do not allow decorations that might damage the upholstery.
For corporate events, the most common request is a client entertainment day. You invite 8-12 clients, cruise to a beach club for lunch, and return in the late afternoon. Some companies book a superyacht for product launches or press events. These require a full crew (captain, steward, chef) and a budget of EUR 10,000 or more per day. The charter company can arrange catering, a DJ, and a photographer on request.
If you are planning an event, book at least 4 weeks in advance. The charter company needs time to prepare the boat, arrange catering, and coordinate with the port authorities. You will also need to pay a non-refundable deposit of 50% to secure the date. Cancellation policies for events are stricter than for standard charters, so read the terms carefully.
Practical Tips for Your Private Yacht Charter in Mandelieu Cannes
Arrive at the port 15 minutes before your departure time. The skipper will be waiting at the boat, but they need to give you a safety briefing and show you around before you leave. If you are late, the skipper may shorten the charter to return on time, as they have a fixed schedule for cleaning and refuelling.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun on the water is intense, even on a cloudy day. The reflection from the sea can cause sunburn in 20 minutes. Also bring a towel, swimwear, and a light jacket or windbreaker. The afternoon breeze can be cool, especially in spring and autumn. If you are prone to seasickness, take a motion sickness tablet an hour before departure. The sea is usually calm in the morning, but the afternoon swell can be uncomfortable for some people.
Food and drinks: you can bring your own. There is a supermarket at Port Mandelieu-La Napoule and a larger one in Cannes. Most boats have a fridge and a cooler. If you want a catered lunch, order it when you book. The charter company can arrange a platter of local produce (cheese, charcuterie, olives, bread) for around EUR 20-30 per person. For a full hot lunch (grilled fish, salad, dessert), expect to pay EUR 50-80 per person. Drinks are usually not included, so bring your own wine, beer, and soft drinks.
Children are welcome on private charters. The skipper will provide life jackets in children’s sizes. However, children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times on deck, and the skipper may restrict swimming in deep water. If you have very young children (under 3), check with the charter company first, as some boats do not have suitable safety equipment.
Related guides
- Marmaris Private Yacht Charter: Exclusive Boat Hire
- Antalya Private Yacht Charter: Exclusive Boat Hire on the Turkish Riviera
- Private Yacht Charter Marbella: Exclusive Experiences
- Private Yacht Hire Puerto Banus: Exclusive Charters
- How Much Does a Yacht Charter in Marbella Cost?
- Dolphin Watching Boat Rental Puerto Banus
Own a boat? List your boat & earn.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boat licence for a private yacht charter in Mandelieu Cannes?
No. Every charter through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper. You don't need any experience or licence. The skipper handles navigation, mooring, and safety. You just enjoy the day.
How much does a private yacht charter in Mandelieu Cannes cost?
Prices vary by boat size, season, and duration. For a full-day charter (8 hours) in low season, expect from around EUR 1,200 for a motor yacht up to 12 metres. High season rates can be EUR 2,200 or more. Superyachts are price on request, typically starting at EUR 8,000.
What is included in the charter price?
The price includes the boat, licensed skipper, fuel, insurance, and basic amenities like ice, snorkel gear, and a Bluetooth speaker. Food, drinks, and port fees are usually extra. Check the listing details for exactly what is included.
Can I choose my own route for the charter?
Yes. You decide the route with the skipper's advice. Popular options include the Lerins Islands, the Estérel red rocks, or the coast towards Antibes. The skipper will suggest a plan based on weather and sea conditions.
How many guests can I bring on a private charter?
It depends on the boat. Most motor yachts up to 12 metres carry 6-8 guests. Catamarans and larger yachts can take 10-12 guests. Superyachts can accommodate up to 20 guests or more. The maximum number is stated on each boat listing.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?
The skipper will assess the weather and sea conditions. If it is unsafe to go out, the charter will be postponed or cancelled. You will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Safety is the priority.
Can I book a private charter for a special event like a wedding or birthday?
Yes. Many boats can be arranged for events. The skipper can coordinate with caterers, decorators, or photographers. Let us know your requirements when you book, and we will find a suitable boat.