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

The best part of this private Pershing 40 charter is the freedom to see Saint-Tropez from the water, where the harbor, superyachts, coves, and beaches fit together in one sweeping view. You can spend less time following a fixed schedule and more time swimming, listening to your own music, or simply sitting in the sun.

I like the choice of a morning or afternoon departure, and I like that the crew provides paddleboards, snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, and snacks. The main caution is communication: the exact pickup point is confirmed by WhatsApp or email, and two serious complaints describe late cancellation or confusion. Confirm everything before setting out.

Five things to know before booking

• Canoubiers is the swimming highlight: The boat anchors near the bay associated with Brigitte Bardot, giving you time in the water rather than only a sightseeing cruise.
• You can start from several ports: Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, and Marines de Cogolin are possible departure points, but your exact location must be confirmed.
• The crew shapes the day: Captains including Scott, Steve, Eric, Peter, Mark, Glen, Tjeerd, and Tjeerd have been praised for friendly service and flexible planning.
• The price works best for a group: At $1,802.19 for up to eight people, the per-person cost drops sharply when the boat is full.
• Fuel costs extra: The advertised price includes refreshments and water equipment, but not the fuel surcharge.

A private boat day around Saint-Tropez

This is not a formal sightseeing tour with a guide speaking at every landmark. It is a four-hour private outing on a Pershing 40, built around cruising, anchoring, swimming, and seeing the coast at your own pace.

The boat takes your group only, with the price set at $1,802.19 for up to eight people. The yacht is described as having room for ten, but the booking price is clearly based on a maximum group of eight, so ask about the exact capacity before adding extra people.

The experience can begin from Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin. The listed meeting address is in Ramatuelle, at 4 Impasse des Jardins, but this is not enough information to assume it is your final dock. The operator says it will confirm the precise meeting place within five days of the charter by WhatsApp or email.

That detail matters. Saint-Tropez and the surrounding ports are not interchangeable when you are carrying towels, food, children, or anyone prone to motion sickness. Save the final message, check the meeting point the day before, and arrive early.

Cruising the Golfe du Saint-Tropez

The opening cruise takes you around the Golfe du Saint-Tropez, the broad bay framed by the famous resort town and neighboring villages. From the water, you get a different view of the area: villas sit above the coast, the harbor fills with large yachts, and the shoreline feels less crowded than it does on land.

One pleasure here is seeing the superyachts at close range. The bay is known for conspicuous boats, and the Pershing 40 lets you view them from the same water rather than from a distant promenade. The yacht itself is sleek and well-kept, according to the details available, so it should feel at home among the larger vessels in the harbor.

This first part is also useful for settling into the boat. You can talk with the captain about your priorities: more swimming, more cruising, a quiet anchorage, or time near a particular beach. Captains Scott, Steve, Eric, Peter, Mark, Glen, and Tjeerd are specifically associated with charters on this experience, and the strongest pattern in the feedback is their willingness to adapt the outing.

Do not expect a full tour of every coastal village in four hours. The bay, anchorages, and swimming time are the focus. If you want a long coastal cruise with little time at anchor, say so before leaving.

Canoubiers and the bay linked with Brigitte Bardot

The planned stop at Plage des Canoubiers is likely to be the heart of the trip. Also called Billionaires Bay, Canoubiers is known for calm water, expensive homes, and its connection with Brigitte Bardot. The setting gives you the classic Saint-Tropez combination: a glamorous name, clear Mediterranean water, and a chance to get off the boat without going ashore.

Swimming is the main activity. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the paddleboard gives you another way to move around the boat. Some outings also include sea scooters, but those are mentioned in individual accounts rather than the standard inclusions, so you should not assume they are guaranteed.

The boat has a diving board and a restroom on board, useful details for a half-day trip. You are not forced to find a beach every time nature calls, and the diving board makes the swim stop more appealing for confident swimmers.

Water conditions control how long you stay here. The charter requires good weather, and strong wind, rain, thunderstorms, or choppy seas can change the plan or stop the trip. The operator says weather cancellations receive a different date or a full refund. That is sensible for a small yacht, but you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Parcs de Saint-Tropez and Salins beach

The route may continue toward the Parcs de Saint-Tropez, a coastal area where the emphasis is on quiet scenery and time outside the harbor. This is a pleasant contrast to the superyachts and busy center. You are not just checking off landmarks. You are using the boat to reach stretches of coast that are easier to appreciate from offshore.

The Salins section adds another beach stop, with clear water and a more secluded feel. The exact order can vary because this is a private charter, and the captain may adjust the route for sea conditions or your group’s wishes.

I would treat the named stops as a strong sample plan, not a guarantee that every place receives the same amount of time. A four-hour charter has to balance leaving the port, cruising, anchoring, swimming, and returning. If your priority is Salins rather than Canoubiers, tell the captain at the start.

The two anchorages are especially useful for families and mixed-age groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel or paddleboard, while anyone who prefers a quiet afternoon can stay aboard with a drink and a snack. The boat’s flexibility works best when your group does not need everyone to do the same thing.

Saint-Tropez harbor and the Citadel view

Saint-Tropez itself is one of the listed stops, and the route includes a view toward the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, home to the Musée d’Histoire Maritime. The boat does not turn this into a museum visit, so think of the citadel as a coastal landmark and a way to see the town from an unusual angle.

The harbor is the place for visual drama. You get colorful waterfront buildings, famous yachts, and the town’s hilltop fortifications in one frame. It is also where a private boat can feel more valuable than a standard land tour. You skip the need to find a good viewing spot along the quay, and you can photograph the town while sitting on the water.

Some crews have used a small tender to take passengers ashore or pick up champagne, but that is not part of the standard package. Do not plan your afternoon around a tender transfer unless the operator confirms it.

Music is another nice touch. One group was able to play its own music, which makes the charter feel more like a private day out than a packaged excursion. Bring your preferred playlist, but ask the crew about the boat’s audio setup rather than assuming a particular connection will work.

What the Pershing 40 provides

The Pershing 40 is a performance yacht, not a floating hotel. The available details point to a comfortable, polished boat with a restroom, diving board, paddleboard, snorkeling equipment, and room for a private group.

The included items are practical:

• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Snacks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Stand-up paddleboard

The snacks may be enough to bridge the gap until lunch, but do not confuse them with a full meal. Some groups ordered picnic lunch boxes, and charcuterie or cheese boards have also been provided on certain outings. Those extras appear to be arrangements rather than guaranteed inclusions, so ask ahead if lunch matters to you.

The boat is best for people who want a mix of comfort and activity. You can swim twice, use the board, snorkel, take photographs, and still have time to sit in the sun. If you want a large shaded salon, a full restaurant service, or extensive room to walk around, a Pershing 40 may feel compact.

A member of one group became seasick, and the captain helped quickly. That does not remove the risk of motion sickness, especially when the boat is moving between anchorages. If anyone in your party is sensitive, bring suitable medication and tell the captain early.

Captains, service, and communication

The crew is a major part of this experience. Scott is praised for showing groups around the bay, stopping for swims, and accommodating requests. Steve is described as a welcoming skipper who took people to attractive coves. Eric received praise for clear English and for contacting a beach club when a group wanted a drink ashore.

Mark and Glen are associated with a particularly flexible outing, finding blue water, setting out a charcuterie selection, and allowing plenty of time with the water toys. Peter hosted a relaxed afternoon with a cheese board, while Tjeerd handled a seasick passenger promptly and communicated arrival instructions clearly.

That range matters because a private charter can feel very different depending on the captain. You are not simply buying a boat. You are buying judgment about anchorages, timing, safety, and how much freedom to give the group.

The weaker side is operational communication. Two separate accounts describe boats not appearing at the expected time. In one case, the operator said the booking had been mistakenly placed on the following morning and offered a delayed departure, but the sea was too rough and a refund followed. In another, extreme thunderstorms led to cancellation, but the message did not reach the group until after a long wait.

The operator says the second booking was fully refunded and that a messaging problem caused the delay. Either way, the practical lesson is simple: confirm the charter, port, time, weather plan, and refund arrangement in writing before you leave your hotel.

Is $1,802.19 good value?

For eight people, the base price comes to about $225 per person before the fuel surcharge. For four people, it is roughly $450 each, and for two people it is about $901 each. That makes the group size the key value question.

A full group receives a private yacht, captain, four hours on the water, refreshments, and use of swimming equipment. Compared with paying separately for several activities, the charter can make good sense for a family or group of friends that will use the boat fully.

For two people, the price is harder to justify unless the yacht itself is the main event. You are paying for privacy, flexibility, and the ability to stop where you want, not just transportation around the bay.

Remember to budget for the fuel surcharge, which is not included. Lunch, picnic boxes, charcuterie, champagne, and any beach-club arrangements may also cost extra or require advance planning.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would recommend it most for:

• Families who want swimming time without sharing a boat with strangers
• Friends splitting the cost across a larger group
• Couples celebrating a special day who value privacy
• Confident swimmers interested in paddleboarding and snorkeling
• Visitors who want Saint-Tropez views from the water
• People who prefer a flexible half-day instead of a rigid sightseeing program

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed beach landing, a detailed museum visit, a fully catered lunch, or a strict route regardless of weather. It also may not suit anyone uncomfortable with open-water movement.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, but the exact pickup point still needs confirmation.

Should you book the Saint-Tropez yacht charter?

Book it if your group can share the cost and your idea of a good afternoon is swimming near Canoubiers, seeing superyachts, using a paddleboard, and letting the captain adjust the route. The private format is the real advantage. You get a boat day shaped around your group rather than a seat on a fixed cruise.

I would be more cautious for a small party on a tight budget, or if you cannot tolerate uncertainty about weather and meeting points. Confirm the port, fuel charge, food extras, captain, and cancellation plan before paying.

With those checks in place, this is one of the more personal ways to experience Saint-Tropez. You get the glamour, but you also get the simple pleasures: warm water, a quiet anchorage, a cold drink, and a view of the Riviera from the right side of the shoreline.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

The charter lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join?

The price is listed for a private group of up to eight people. The yacht is described as having space for ten, so confirm the permitted group size before booking more than eight.

Where can the charter start?

Possible departure ports include Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, and Marines de Cogolin.

Where is the meeting point?

The listed meeting address is Yacht Charter, 4 Impasse des Jardins, 83350 Ramatuelle, France. The operator says it will confirm the exact meeting location within five days of the charter by WhatsApp or email.

What equipment is included?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard. Water, soft drinks, and snacks are also included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. A fuel surcharge is not included.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, subject to availability.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.