Half Day Private Yacht Charter on our Pershing 40 in Saint Tropez

Saint-Tropez is at its best from the water, where the town’s harbor, beach clubs, coves, and superyachts come together in one sweeping view. This private Pershing 40 charter gives your group four hours to cruise the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, stop for swims, and choose the mood, from quiet anchorage to music and paddleboards.

I like the choice of morning or afternoon departure, and I like that the crew has proved flexible about the route. Captains including Scott, Steve, Eric, Mark, Glen, Peter, and Tjeerd have helped with swimming stops, beach-club visits, music, snacks, and even a tender run for champagne.

The main caution is communication when weather or scheduling goes wrong. Two poor experiences involved delayed or missed cancellation messages, although the operator says full refunds were issued for weather cancellations. Confirm your pickup details and check WhatsApp before leaving for the port.

Key points to know before booking

• Canoubiers is the main swimming stop: Anchor near the beach known as Billionaires Bay and use the snorkel gear or paddleboard.
• You control the pace: The route may include Port Grimaud, Saint-Tropez, Parcs de Saint-Tropez, Salins, and the Citadel area.
• The boat suits a private group: The listed rate is $1,802.19 for up to eight people, with the yacht described as having space for ten.
• Snacks and drinks are included: Expect water, soft drinks, and light snacks. Picnic lunch boxes can be ordered separately.
• Pickup can vary by port: Departure may be from Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin.
• Fuel costs extra: The advertised price does not include a fuel surcharge, so ask for the current total before committing.

Why Saint-Tropez is better from a Pershing 40

A private boat changes the way you see Saint-Tropez. On land, the town can feel packed, polished, and traffic-heavy. From the water, you get a wider view of the peninsula, the old town, the beach-lined coast, and the remarkable collection of yachts gathered in the gulf.

The Pershing 40 is a sleek motor yacht, not a bare-bones fishing boat. The available details point to a comfortable setup with a restroom, swimming equipment, paddleboards, and room for a private group. It is a good match if you want a stylish half-day without paying for a full-day charter.

The price is $1,802.19 per group of up to eight, before fuel. Split eight ways, that is about $225 per person, plus the fuel charge. That is not a cheap sightseeing trip, but it can be fair for a private yacht in Saint-Tropez, especially if your group values privacy and time in the water more than a fixed group excursion.

For two people, the value is harder to defend on pure cost. Still, a couple celebrating a special occasion may prefer this to a crowded boat. The boat, captain, route, and swimming time are all devoted to your party.

Boarding at a port around the gulf

The listed meeting point is Yacht Charter, 4 Impasse des Jardins, 83350 Ramatuelle, but the actual departure port may be Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin. The operator says it will confirm the exact meeting location by WhatsApp or email within five days of the charter.

That detail matters. These ports are spread around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and a taxi ride to the wrong harbor could spoil the start of a short four-hour outing. Read the final message carefully and arrive early. One booking instruction says to arrive 20 minutes before departure.

The charter ends back at the meeting point. Pickup is offered, but the supplied information does not spell out the pickup area, vehicle type, or any added charge. Ask before booking if you need transportation from your hotel or another town.

Once aboard, tell the captain how you want to use the time. You can ask for more swimming, more coastal sightseeing, a slower cruise, or a route focused on the harbor and superyachts.

Port Grimaud and the first look at the coastline

Port Grimaud is often called the Little Venice of the French Riviera because of its canals and waterside homes. It makes a useful opening stop or departure setting, giving you a different view of the coast from the grand harbor at Saint-Tropez.

The route may pass Port Grimaud before heading across the gulf. This is a scenic section rather than a formal walking visit, so you will see the town from the boat instead of touring its lanes on foot. That is worth knowing if you expect time ashore.

Cruising from this side of the gulf also gives you a feel for the scale of the bay. You are not simply being taken to one beach and back. The appeal is the moving view: marina life, villas, headlands, and boats of every size.

Saint-Tropez harbor and the superyacht parade

The town of Saint-Tropez is best recognized from the harbor. The waterfront is lined with boats, cafés, and colorful buildings, while the old town rises behind it. From a yacht, you get the town’s postcard view without having to fight through the streets during the busiest hours.

One of the most memorable parts of this charter is the chance to cruise close to the superyachts gathered in the gulf. You may see enormous private boats alongside smaller craft, all sharing the same water near the town. It is a very Saint-Tropez scene, and it adds a touch of glamour without requiring a full day at sea.

The captain may also point out the coastline and nearby villages. Communication has been praised repeatedly, with English-speaking captains including Eric, Scott, Steve, Mark, and Glen mentioned by name. If local explanation matters to you, request an English-speaking captain when arranging the trip, since English is the listed tour language.

You can also play your own music aboard. That small detail helps the charter feel like your group’s outing rather than a standard sightseeing circuit.

Canoubiers, the best place to get in the water

The yacht usually heads toward Plage des Canoubiers, a famous bay associated with Brigitte Bardot and other celebrities. The setting is calmer than the open harbor, with a beach, clear water, and a natural anchorage suited to swimming.

This is where the charter becomes more than a boat ride. You can jump into the sea, use the snorkeling equipment, or take out the stand-up paddleboard. Some outings include two separate swimming stops, which is useful for families and anyone who wants water time without spending the whole afternoon in one place.

The supplied equipment includes snorkels, and specific accounts also mention flippers, paddleboards, and sea scooters. Since the formal inclusions name snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard but do not guarantee every water toy on every departure, ask what will be aboard on your date if that matters.

Canoubiers is also a good place to slow down. You can stay on deck with a soft drink, watch the shoreline, and let the captain handle the boat. The water may be calm, but sea conditions vary, and the crew can change the stop for safety.

Parcs de Saint-Tropez and Salins beach

The route can continue along the Parcs de Saint-Tropez, a scenic coastal area known for large villas and pleasant sea views. This section works well when you want a little more cruising between swims.

Salins beach offers another possible stop, with clear water and a quieter feel than the central harbor. The description calls it a hidden gem, but I would treat that lightly during the busy summer season. Saint-Tropez is popular, and no beach in the area is guaranteed to feel empty.

The practical advantage of having a private captain is flexibility. If one anchorage is crowded or rough, you can ask about another. Several outings stopped at two anchorages, while others focused on one longer swim. The exact pattern depends on weather, time, and your group’s wishes.

A tender may also be available for short transfers. One outing used a small tender to reach the harbor for champagne, and another contacted a beach club so the group could go ashore for a drink. These extras are not listed as guaranteed parts of the charter, so see them as possible conveniences, not promises.

The Citadel view and the maritime side of town

The itinerary includes the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez and its Maritime History Museum. From the water, the citadel gives you a strong landmark above the town and a useful sense of Saint-Tropez’s older defensive role.

The formal itinerary lists the citadel as a stop, but it does not clearly promise admission or a walking visit inside the museum. Confirm this if you want to tour the exhibits. In practice, the boat route appears focused on viewing the coast and harbor rather than providing a long shore excursion.

That is not a weakness for everyone. Four hours passes quickly once you add cruising, anchoring, swimming, and returning to port. I would choose this charter for time on the sea, not as a replacement for a land-based Saint-Tropez history tour.

What is included, and what you should budget for

The charter includes bottled water, soda, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a stand-up paddleboard. Several outings also featured a cheese or charcuterie board, but the formal inclusions only promise snacks, so ask whether a more substantial spread is included on your booking.

Picnic lunch boxes can be ordered separately. This may be useful for an afternoon departure if you do not want to return to shore hungry. Do not assume a full meal is part of the base price.

Fuel is not included. The fuel surcharge can affect the final value, especially if you request a longer route or spend more time cruising rather than anchored. Ask for the fuel amount and total price in writing before the day of the trip.

The yacht has a restroom, which is important on a four-hour outing. You should still bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and anything your group needs for time in the water. The supplied details do not state that towels, alcohol, lunch, or hotel transfers are included.

The captain makes or breaks the afternoon

A private charter is only as good as the person at the helm. The strongest part of this experience is the flexibility offered by the captains. Scott is repeatedly described as attentive and willing to adapt, while Eric is noted for clear English and a helpful approach with a family group.

Mark and Glen have been praised for listening to requests and finding good swimming water. Peter led a relaxed afternoon with a cheese board, and Tjeerd handled a seasick passenger quickly and calmly. These details matter because they show the captain is not just steering from one waypoint to another.

You can help the day go well by explaining your priorities at boarding. Families may want safe swimming and paddleboard time. Couples may prefer a quiet anchorage and a scenic cruise. A group of friends may care more about music, photos, and a beach-club stop.

Sea conditions remain outside anyone’s control. The operator requires good weather and may cancel in heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong wind, or choppy water. One reported scheduling problem involved a charter booked for the wrong day, and another involved a late weather-cancellation message. The operator says full refunds were issued in weather cases, but I would still check your messages before setting out.

Who will get the most from this charter

This is a strong choice for a family, couple, or group of friends who want a private day on the Mediterranean and do not want to follow a rigid public-boat schedule. It also suits anyone marking a birthday, anniversary, proposal, or other special occasion.

Families should like the swimming equipment, paddleboard, restroom, and ability to pause between stops. Keep in mind that no formal age limits, child seats, or specific accessibility details are provided. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

It is less suitable if you mainly want to tour museums, spend hours walking through Saint-Tropez, or keep costs as low as possible. The boat is the attraction. The shore stops are mainly there to frame the cruise and provide access to beaches and anchorages.

The charter is also weather-dependent. If your schedule is tight, keep a backup plan for the day in case the sea is unsafe.

Booking advice for a smooth four hours

I would book ahead, especially in summer. The experience is booked an average of 54 days in advance, which tells you that popular departure times can disappear well before arrival.

Choose morning if you want cooler conditions and a fresh start. Choose afternoon if you prefer a relaxed start to the day and a later period on the water. Both options are listed, but exact availability depends on the date.

Before paying, confirm four things:

• The exact departure port
• The fuel surcharge
• What food and water toys are included
• The captain’s name and the best contact method

Bring your booking details and watch WhatsApp or email. The operator uses those channels to confirm the final meeting point, and clear communication is especially important when your departure port can vary.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Weather cancellations are different: you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Saint-Tropez Pershing 40?

Book it if your ideal Saint-Tropez day includes a polished yacht, a private group, swimming in sheltered coves, paddleboarding, snacks, and the freedom to set the pace. The strongest value comes when eight people share the cost, and the most praised features are the friendly captains, comfortable boat, clear swimming water, and flexible route.

Think twice if you are traveling as only one or two people and price is a major concern, or if you want a detailed town tour with guaranteed museum admission. Also confirm the fuel cost and pickup location before booking.

For the right group, this is one of the more memorable ways to see Saint-Tropez. You get the famous harbor and superyachts, but you also get the quieter reward of leaving the quay, anchoring near Canoubiers or Salins, and spending real time in the Mediterranean.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

The charter lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the booking?

The listed price covers a private group of up to eight people. The yacht is described as having space for ten.

What does the charter cost?

The listed price is $1,802.19 per group of up to eight people. A fuel surcharge is not included.

Which ports can be used for departure?

Possible departure ports include Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, and Marines de Cogolin. The exact meeting location is confirmed by WhatsApp or email.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the supplied information does not specify the pickup area, vehicle details, or any extra charge. Confirm those details before booking.

What is included on the yacht?

The charter includes bottled water, soda, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and use of a stand-up paddleboard.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. Morning and afternoon departure options are available, subject to scheduling and availability.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.