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

The best part of this charter is the freedom to see Saint-Tropez from the water, far from the traffic and packed roads. You get a full eight hours on a private Pershing 40, with stops at famous beaches, quiet coves, and rocky Cap Camarat.

I like the small private setting, which lets your group shape the pace, and I like the useful onboard gear: a paddleboard, snorkeling equipment, water, soft drinks, snacks, and a restroom. The main consideration is the extra fuel surcharge, which is not included in the advertised group price.

Another practical point: the boat is based at Marines de Cogolin, not central Saint-Tropez. That can be an advantage because the marina is easier to reach by car, but you should confirm the exact berth and ask early if pickup from another nearby port would suit you better.

Key points to know before booking

• A full private day on a Pershing 40: The boat is reserved for your group of up to eight, so you are not sharing the day with strangers.
• Five very different coastal stops: You get swimming at Les Canoubiers, the famous Pampelonne shore, Cap Taillat’s Blue Lagoon, L’Escalet’s turquoise water, and Cap Camarat’s cliffs.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are provided, along with snacks, soft drinks, and bottled water.
• Marines de Cogolin is the normal starting point: The exact location arrives by WhatsApp or email within five days of your charter.
• Captains can shape the day: Glen, Niamh, Mark, and Steve have all hosted groups on this boat, and past outings included several coves and help with lunch reservations.
• Plan for the fuel surcharge: The advertised price covers up to eight people, but fuel is listed separately, so ask for the complete total before paying.

Why a private yacht works well around Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is easy to admire from land, but its best views often come from the sea. From a boat, the town’s waterfront, peninsula, beaches, and rocky capes fit into one long coastal day. You also avoid spending the morning inching through traffic between the marina, Pampelonne, and the outlying coves.

This is a private activity for up to eight people. That matters more than it may sound. You can stay longer in a favorite swimming spot, spend less time at one that does not suit your group, or ask the captain about a different cove if conditions allow. A shared boat usually follows a fixed plan. Here, the day has room to breathe.

The Pershing 40 is also a sensible size for this kind of outing. It is large enough to give your group space to sit, sunbathe, and move around, while still feeling like a personal boat rather than a sightseeing vessel. One past outing described it as spacious and smooth-riding, which is useful for anyone concerned about comfort during a long day on the water.

You begin at 10:00 a.m. and return to the same meeting point after about eight hours. That gives you a proper day at sea rather than a quick cruise with one swim stop. The schedule lists two hours at each of the first three major stops, followed by one hour at L’Escalet and one hour at Cap Camarat. Actual timing can change with weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment.

Starting at Marines de Cogolin

The normal berth is in Marines de Cogolin. This is not the same as walking down to the central Saint-Tropez harbor, so check your transport plan before the morning of the charter.

The operator sends the exact meeting location by WhatsApp or email within five days of your booking. I would not wait until departure morning to sort this out. Make sure the company has the right contact details, and save the message so you can find the berth without a last-minute search around the marina.

Pickup can be arranged from another nearby port if you request it when booking. One family group used Saint Maxime and found it easier to join the boat there than deal with a crowded Saint-Tropez marina. That option is not automatic, so ask about it early and confirm any extra cost or timing.

The marina location also affects the value of the charter. If you are staying near Cogolin, Port Grimaud, or Saint Maxime, it may save time. If your hotel is in central Saint-Tropez, you need to allow for the transfer to the boat. The good news is that the day ends back at the meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return pickup.

Les Canoubiers and the view toward the citadel

The first major stop is Les Canoubiers, in the bay known for large villas and celebrity connections, including Brigitte Bardot. The name carries glamour, but the practical appeal is simple: it is a good early stop for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and time in the sun.

Two hours gives you enough time to use the gear rather than merely take a quick swim. You can settle into the rhythm of the day, test the paddleboard, or float with a mask and snorkel. Dolphin spotting is also listed as a possibility, but it should be treated as a lucky extra, not a promise.

This is likely one of the more popular parts of the route, so the private boat helps. You can enjoy the bay without being tied to a large group’s schedule. Still, the bay is not presented as an isolated wilderness. You are visiting one of the well-known areas around Saint-Tropez, with villas and a famous name attached to it.

At some point, the captain can point out the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez from the water. Seeing the fortress from offshore gives you a different sense of its position above the town. Ask the captain to explain what the monument is used for today and what is inside. This is a short viewing and history element rather than a land visit, so do not expect time to tour the citadel itself.

Pampelonne, the beach that changed Saint-Tropez

Pampelonne is the route’s famous beach stop. Its place in popular culture grew after Brigitte Bardot appeared in the 1958 film And God Created Woman, which helped put Saint-Tropez on the international map.

Today, Pampelonne serves several kinds of beach day. You might see a family-friendly side, a polished beach-club atmosphere, and the party reputation that made the shore famous. The boat lets you appreciate the long curve of the beach without committing your whole day to a crowded shore visit.

The schedule allows about two hours here. That is enough for a swim and a look at the coast, with time to relax onboard. If you want a beach lunch, ask before departure. One family outing included help arranging lunch at Tahiti Beach, but lunch is not listed as part of the charter, so reservations and payment should be treated as separate matters.

Pampelonne is also the stop most likely to feel less secluded. Its fame brings more activity, especially in the summer season. If your priority is quiet water and untouched scenery, Cap Taillat and L’Escalet may suit you better. If you want the classic Saint-Tropez mix of film history, beach culture, and people-watching from offshore, Pampelonne earns its place.

Cap Taillat and the Blue Lagoon

Cap Taillat offers a change of mood. The headland is difficult to reach by car, which helps explain why arriving by boat feels special. The area is described as a secluded paradise, with a Blue Lagoon setting surrounded by natural coastline.

The two-hour stop gives you time to swim and enjoy the water without rushing back onboard. This is where the included snorkeling equipment and paddleboard can be especially useful. You are not limited to looking at the coast from the deck. You can get into the water and make the stop active or simply lie back and enjoy the setting.

Cap Taillat may be the strongest choice for anyone who wants the day to feel less like a standard sightseeing cruise. The route leaves behind the most famous beach names and reaches a part of the peninsula that is harder to access overland.

Keep your expectations practical. The word secluded does not mean guaranteed solitude, particularly during the high season. The boat’s private format still gives you control over your own space, even if other boats are nearby. The captain will also need to consider sea conditions before choosing the best place to stop.

L’Escalet, turquoise water and a quieter hour

L’Escalet receives about one hour on the planned route. It is known for its attractive coastline and clear turquoise water, making it a natural place for a shorter swim, photographs, or quiet time on deck.

The one-hour limit is useful to understand. This is not a full beach afternoon. It is a scenic pause that helps break up the longer day and adds another character to the coast. If your group prefers swimming over sightseeing, you can ask the captain how flexible the timing is, but the final decision depends on conditions and the rest of the schedule.

L’Escalet is a good stop for mixed groups. Some people can swim or use the paddleboard while others stay dry and take photos. Since snacks and drinks are available onboard, you can keep things simple rather than stopping for a full meal during every part of the route.

Cap Camarat and the return run

The final listed stop is Cap Camarat, a rugged headland with broad coastal views. After the softer beaches and coves, the cliffs provide a more dramatic ending to the sightseeing portion of the day.

Cap Camarat is described as a place for adventure and big views, but you are still seeing it from the water. The attraction is the shape of the cliffs and the wide outlook, not a land hike. That makes it suitable for a group that wants scenery without adding a demanding walk to an already long day.

The route gives Cap Camarat one hour. You might use it for photographs, a final swim, or a slow look at the coast before heading back. By this point, the private boat format becomes valuable again. You can enjoy the last stretch at your own pace instead of being hurried through a fixed group program.

What is included, and what you need to plan

The charter includes:

• Snorkeling equipment
• A stand-up paddleboard
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Snacks
• A restroom onboard

These inclusions make the day easier to manage. You do not need to arrange separate rental equipment for a quick paddle or snorkel, and you have basic refreshments while moving between stops.

Lunch is not included. If you want a restaurant or beach-club meal, ask the captain or operator about reservations before the day begins. A previous group had lunch reservations made at Tahiti Beach, but that should not be assumed as a standard part of every booking.

Fuel is also not included in the listed price. This is the most important cost detail to clarify. At $2,889.87 for the whole group, the base price works out to about $361 per person for eight people, before the fuel surcharge. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly. Four people would pay about $722 each before fuel, while eight people can spread the main cost much more comfortably.

That pricing makes the charter best suited to families or friends who value privacy and a full day on the water. If you only want a short cruise or do not expect to use the swimming stops, a shared boat may be cheaper. If you want a private boat, a long schedule, and the freedom to shape the day, the cost is easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this charter for a group that wants active time and relaxation in equal measure. The paddleboard and snorkeling equipment suit people who want to get in the water, while the seating and refreshments work for anyone who prefers to sunbathe and watch the coast.

It is also a strong fit for families. The private format avoids mixing your children with strangers, and the captain can adjust the day within the limits of weather and timing. One family outing found the crew, including Niamh and Mark, attentive to their needs and helpful with the day’s arrangements.

Couples and groups of friends may prefer the boat for its flexibility and room to celebrate a special day. Captain Glen was praised for providing a smooth ride on a spacious boat, while Niamh and Steve hosted another group through several coves and water activities. The captain you receive may vary, so ask when booking if a particular crew member is important to you.

This is less suitable if you want a structured historical tour with long visits ashore. The Citadelle is viewed from the water, and the beaches and capes are mainly swimming and sightseeing stops. You should also be comfortable with a full day around the sea and with the possibility that weather will alter the plan.

Weather, cancellation, and practical details

The charter requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Because this is a private activity, only your own group takes part.

Bring the usual sun protection and swim items, although the supplied details do not specify a required packing list. I would confirm what the boat provides beyond the listed equipment, especially if you have particular needs for towels, food, or additional water gear.

Should you book the Pershing 40 charter?

Book it if you want a full private day that combines Saint-Tropez’s famous beaches with less accessible coves and headlands. The strongest reasons are the eight-hour schedule, the private group setting, the onboard paddleboard and snorkeling gear, and the chance to see the coast without spending the day on busy roads.

Before you commit, confirm three things: the total fuel surcharge, the exact berth at Marines de Cogolin, and whether pickup from another nearby port is possible. If you want lunch at a beach restaurant, ask about reservations at the same time.

For eight people, the price can make sense for a relaxed Riviera day with your own captain and boat. For a small group, the cost is harder to defend unless privacy matters a great deal. On balance, this is a strong choice for families and friends who want Saint-Tropez from the water, with enough time to swim, paddle, snack, and stop when the coast looks too good to pass.

FAQ

Where does the yacht charter start?

The boat normally starts at Marines de Cogolin. The exact berth is sent by WhatsApp or email within five days of your charter.

What time does the experience begin?

The listed start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the yacht charter last?

The activity lasts about eight hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private yacht can accommodate a group of up to eight people.

Can I arrange pickup from another port?

Yes. Collection from another nearby port can be arranged if you request it when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a paddleboard available?

Yes. A stand-up paddleboard is provided for use during the charter.

Are food and drinks included?

Snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks are included. Lunch is not listed as included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. A fuel surcharge is listed separately from the advertised group price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.