Private Boat Charter including Water Sports in Bay of St Tropez

The best view of St. Tropez is from the water. This private charter gives you six hours to shape your own day around the bay, with stops at St. Tropez, Graniers Beach, Millionaires Bay, and Port Grimaud. I especially like the private boat for up to six people and the free use of paddleboards, snorkels, wakeboards, water skis, and towable tubes.

The captain can guide your route, or you can request places that interest you. That freedom is a real advantage for families and friends who do not want a fixed sightseeing cruise. The main drawback is the fuel surcharge: a $145 starting price can rise noticeably if you spend a lot of time at high speed or use the towable sports.

Key things to know before booking

• This is a private outing for up to six passengers, so the price can be good value when shared by a full group.
• You choose the pace, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, sightseeing, lunch, or high-speed sports.
• Water sports equipment is included, including wakeboards, water skis, paddleboards, inflatable tubes, snorkels, and buoyancy aids.
• The usual departure point is Marines de Cogolin, with pickup from St. Tropez, St. Maxime, or Port Grimaud available for an extra €50.
• Fuel is charged separately, with a €150 deposit taken before departure and any unused amount returned afterward.
• Good weather matters, since poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why a private boat works well in St. Tropez Bay

A private charter makes sense here because the bay offers several very different experiences within a fairly compact outing. You can look at the grand boats in St. Tropez, stop for a swim in a quiet cove, try a water sport, and finish among the canals of Port Grimaud.

On a standard sightseeing cruise, you usually accept the route and timetable. Here, you can ask the captain to slow down, remain longer at a swimming stop, or spend more of the day on sports. If one person in your group wants to snorkel while another prefers to paddleboard, the boat provides room for both plans.

I also like the social setup. With only your own group aboard, you do not need to worry about strangers taking over the music, crowding the swim stop, or rushing your family through lunch. The boat is priced per group of up to six, not per individual, so a full group gets a much better deal than a couple traveling alone.

The tradeoff is that the experience depends on your group making choices. If you want a polished tour with every minute planned, this may feel too loose. You also need to pay attention to the fuel bill, especially if wakeboarding, water skiing, and towable tubes are central to your plan.

Starting at Marines de Cogolin

The normal departure point is Marines de Cogolin. This is useful if you are staying near Cogolin, but you should not assume the boat will collect you from central St. Tropez at no cost.

Pickup from St. Tropez, St. Maxime, or Port Grimaud costs an additional €50. You need to request that arrangement when booking. If you arrive at the home port yourself, there is no collection fee.

The trip lasts about six hours, though the supplied timing also describes around four hours on the water. I would confirm the exact schedule when booking, particularly if you are arranging lunch, transportation, or another activity later in the day. The stated stops account for roughly three and a half hours, leaving time for cruising, water sports, and changes in the route.

Bring your own food and drinks. The crew supplies ice, water, glasses, and a coolbox, which is a practical touch for a warm day. You can pack sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks without needing to find a restaurant at the exact right moment.

Port of Saint Tropez: famous quays and polished boats

The first stop takes you into the Port of Saint Tropez for about 30 minutes. This is the sightseeing portion of the outing, with a chance to see the superyachts and the famous bars along the quayside.

From the water, you get a different angle on the town than you would from the streets. The port is closely tied to St. Tropez’s modern image: expensive boats, waterfront cafés, and a steady stream of people admiring both. It is a good opening stop because it gives you your bearings before the day turns toward swimming and sports.

Thirty minutes is enough for a look, but not enough for a full town visit. You should not plan to wander through the streets, shop, and return to the boat during this stop. If your priority is the port itself, ask how much time you can spend there before departure. The charter works best when you treat this as a scenic introduction rather than a complete St. Tropez tour.

Graniers Beach: swimming, snorkeling, and a beach restaurant

The boat then heads toward the bay at Plage des Graniers, where you can anchor for about an hour. This is one of the more flexible parts of the day. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and relax.

There is also an option to reach the beachside restaurant by tender boat. The tender can collect you from the charter boat and take you to the beach bar, and a restaurant table can be arranged if you want to stop for a meal.

That option gives you a useful choice between a casual day on the water and a more organized lunch break. Still, food and drinks are not included, so you should make your plans clear before setting off. If your group wants to eat here, ask about reservations and timing at the start of the trip.

The main practical issue is time. A one-hour stop passes quickly if you want to swim, snorkel, visit the beach, and eat. I would choose one main purpose for this stop unless your group is happy with a quick look at each.

Canebiers Bay, also known as Millionaires Bay

The next stop is Baie de Canebiers, also known as Millionaires Bay, for about an hour. The boat moors here, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard around the boat.

This stop is less about walking ashore and more about enjoying the bay from the water. The supplied equipment makes that easier because you do not need to arrange separate rentals. Paddleboards suit a relaxed group, while snorkels let you explore below the surface. Buoyancy aids are also available.

The area is associated with one of St. Tropez’s famous residents, whose home you can see from the water. The mention adds a bit of local celebrity flavor, but the stronger reason to stop is the chance to use the bay as your own outdoor playground for an hour.

If your party includes people with different energy levels, this is a good place to divide up activities. Some can swim or snorkel while others remain on the boat. You should still follow the captain’s instructions about where and how to use the equipment.

Port Grimaud and the canals of Little Venice

The final listed stop is Port Grimaud, known as The Little Venice of France. The boat enters the picturesque canals, and you can get off to explore the village.

This stop gives the day a change of scene. After open water and active sports, Port Grimaud offers a chance to walk, look around, and have an ice cream, beer, or lunch. It is also a useful choice for anyone in your group who prefers a town visit to another swim.

The canal setting is the appeal, but you should keep an eye on the clock. The scheduled visit is about an hour, which is enough for a short walk and a refreshment stop, not an extended exploration. Food and drinks are extra, and the charter does not include them.

Port Grimaud can also be a convenient pickup or drop-off point, but collection there costs €50 when arranged in advance. If you are already staying nearby, ask whether departing from the marina makes more sense than traveling to Cogolin.

Water sports included in the price

The equipment list is unusually broad for a private half-day boat outing. You can use:

• Wakeboards
• Water skis
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Inflatable towable tubes
• Snorkels
• Buoyancy aids

That range matters because it lets your group build a mixed day. A confident participant can try wakeboarding, while someone else uses a paddleboard or snorkels. A family can also save money compared with renting each item separately at different beaches.

The strongest praise for the experience centers on this active side of the trip. One outing included rafting, water skiing, and paddleboarding. Another family of six managed water skiing, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and tubing in the same day, along with sightseeing.

The fuel charge makes these choices important. Gentle cruising uses about €15 per hour, while high speeds and towable activities can use roughly €40 per hour. Stopping in bays uses no fuel. If your group wants several rounds of wakeboarding and tubing, budget for a larger final fuel cost.

A €150 fuel deposit is collected before the trip. If the boat uses less fuel, the difference is returned after the outing. If the fuel use exceeds the deposit, the shortfall is invoiced at the end. Ask for a clear explanation of how the final amount is calculated if cost control matters to you.

The captain and the tone of the day

The captain has an important role because the charter is intentionally flexible. A good captain can help you choose the right order for the stops, balance sports with sightseeing, and suggest local places that fit your group.

Sirio is specifically named as a host who helped one family get the most from its day. The strongest descriptions of the captain focus on being friendly, experienced, and good at turning a beautiful setting into an active outing. That matters here more than a scripted commentary would.

You should arrive with a rough wish list rather than a strict timetable. Decide whether your group cares most about St. Tropez, beach time, water sports, Port Grimaud, or lunch. The more clearly you state your priorities, the easier it will be to use the flexible format well.

The charter requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You do not have to take part in every activity, but swimming, climbing in and out of the boat, paddling, and towable sports can be tiring. Anyone who prefers a quiet cruise can stay aboard during the active portions.

Is $145 good value?

At $145 per group of up to six, the starting price can be attractive, especially for a full group. Split six ways, the base cost is about $24 per person before fuel and any pickup fee. That is strong value for a private boat, several scenic stops, and access to multiple kinds of water sports.

A smaller group gets less value from the same headline price. Two people still pay the group rate, and the fuel deposit remains part of the booking process. You should compare the total cost, not just the advertised starting amount.

Plan for these possible additions:

• Fuel, based on how much and how fast you cruise
• A €50 pickup fee from St. Tropez, St. Maxime, or Port Grimaud
• Your own food and drinks
• Any meal or refreshments purchased at Graniers Beach or Port Grimaud

The best value comes when six people share the boat and agree on a balanced plan. Gentle cruising, free equipment, and a packed coolbox keep the total more manageable. Heavy use of towable sports can change the calculation.

Who should book this charter?

I would recommend this experience to families, groups of friends, and active couples who want control over their day. It is particularly well suited to groups with mixed interests because the boat can combine sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and high-speed activities.

It also suits people who have already seen St. Tropez on land and want to experience the bay from a new angle. The route includes both recognizable places and time away from the quayside.

I would be more cautious about booking it for a group that wants a quiet, fixed-price cruise. The fuel system requires attention, and the water sports can make the outing physically demanding. It is also less suitable if you need a fully guided historical tour or a long amount of time ashore in St. Tropez.

The experience is weather dependent. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own plans, avoid scheduling a crucial flight or transfer immediately afterward.

Practical booking advice

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience is near public transportation. Still, confirm the meeting point, especially if you are staying outside Cogolin.

Tell the operator your preferred departure port, your group size, and which activities matter most. Mention any lunch plan for Graniers Beach or Port Grimaud before the trip rather than trying to arrange it at the last minute.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and food or drinks for the coolbox. Since ice, water, and glasses are supplied, you can keep your provisions simple. If you want to limit fuel costs, ask the captain to explain how much high-speed activity fits your budget.

Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff uses local time.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you want a private, active day on St. Tropez Bay and your group likes making its own choices. The combination of free sports equipment, flexible stops, and a captain-led route gives you more freedom than a standard cruise.

I would book it for a full group of six, agree on the main activities in advance, and treat the fuel charge as part of the real price. If your ideal day includes water skiing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a look at the yachts, and a stop in Port Grimaud, this is a strong choice.

If you want a calm boat ride with no extra charges or decisions, choose a simpler cruise instead.

FAQ

How long does the private boat charter last?

The experience is listed as approximately six hours. The description also refers to about four hours on the water, so confirm the exact schedule when booking.

Where does the boat depart?

The normal departure and return point is Marines de Cogolin.

Can I depart from St. Tropez?

Yes. Pickup from St. Tropez, St. Maxime, or Port Grimaud can be arranged for an additional €50.

How many people can join?

The price covers a private group of up to six passengers.

Is fuel included?

No. A €150 fuel deposit is collected before the trip. Any unused amount is returned afterward, and any additional fuel cost is invoiced at the end.

How much fuel does the boat use?

Gentle cruising uses about €15 per hour. High-speed cruising and towable sports such as wakeboarding use about €40 per hour. Stopping in bays uses no fuel.

Is water sports equipment included?

Yes. The equipment includes wakeboards, water skis, stand-up paddleboards, inflatable towable tubes, snorkels, and buoyancy aids.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own items for the supplied coolbox. Ice, water, and glasses are provided.

Can I stop for lunch?

Yes. At Graniers Beach, you can use the tender boat to reach the beach bar, and a restaurant table may be arranged. Port Grimaud also offers the option of stopping for lunch, an ice cream, or a beer. Food and drinks cost extra.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Because the experience requires good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions results in the choice of another date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.