The idea behind a crewed yacht charter on the French Riviera is simple. You get a yacht, commercial or privately owned, with a professional crew who take care of navigation, service and safety. You just show up and enjoy the day. Ocean Five arranges motor yachts, catamarans and sailing yachts, all crewed, along the whole Côte d’Azur. A yacht based in Antibes can pick you up in Cannes, or in another port of the coast. Here is how it works, from booking to the moment you step off.
In short
- Guests: 2 to 12 on a standard charter.
- Day charter: 8 hours, with departures between 9:00 and 10:00.
- Week charter: yachts from 20 metres with a captain, a hostess and a chef on board.
- Included: the yacht and its crew, plus soft drinks, towels and water toys on a day charter.
- On top: expenses at cost (fuel, marina and port fees, food and beverages and extras).
- Book: three to six months ahead for peak dates.
What “Crewed” Means
Every yacht booked through Ocean Five comes with a professional crew. The bigger the yacht, the bigger the crew. The roles also become more specialized as the yacht grows.
- The captain is the boss on board. The captain is responsible for safety, navigation and the operation of the yacht. They choose the route and the anchorage and decide what to do if the weather turns. They are also your main contact during the day.
- The deckhand helps with mooring and anchoring. They look after the tender and the water toys and keep the yacht tidy. On larger yachts a chief officer supports the captain and a bosun leads the deck team.
- The hostess (stewardess) looks after you: drinks, table service, towels and the cabins. On yachts of around 20 to 30 metres she often works alone or with one other crew member and does a bit of everything. On larger yachts a chief stewardess leads a team and the tasks are shared between bar, table and cabins.
- The chef plans the menus around your tastes and dietary requirements. They buy the provisions and cook on board. Around 20 to 30 metres the chef often works alone. Larger yachts add a sous-chef.
On a day charter the crew depends on the yacht. Below 20 metres the captain handles navigation and service, sometimes with a deckhand to help. Above 20 metres you will usually have a hostess too. Catering for the day is arranged separately by Ocean Five.
On a week charter you have a captain, a hostess and a chef on board the whole time, with more crew on larger yachts. Week charter yachts start at 20 metres.
What the Charter Fee Covers
Standard charters carry 2 to 12 guests. For a bigger group Ocean Five coordinates several yachts sailing together.
The charter fee pays for the yacht and its crew, who take care of navigation, safety and hospitality. On a day charter it also includes soft drinks, beach towels and the water toys on board, such as paddleboards and snorkeling gear. A day charter lasts eight hours.
On a week charter the fee also covers bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and water sports equipment. Jet skis need a license.
Expenses come on top, at cost. That means fuel, marina and port fees, food and beverages and any extra service you ask for. Fuel depends on your plans: a run to Saint-Tropez uses more than a loop to the Lérins Islands. Tell us where you want to go and we include a fuel estimate in your quote. We keep you posted during the charter and send you a full statement of expenses at the end.
Rates are quoted excluding VAT. For day charter rates by yacht size, see What Does a Day Charter in Cannes Actually Cost?
A Day at Sea
Most day charters leave between 9:00 and 10:00 from the Vieux Port in Cannes or Port Pierre Canto. A favorite destination is the Lérins Islands, about 15 minutes from the port. You swim, play with the water toys and have lunch at anchor. You are usually back between 17:00 and 18:00.
The itinerary stays flexible. The captain adapts to the weather, the sea and your mood during the day. If eight hours is too much, a half-day (morning or afternoon) is available on request. A sunset cruise of about three hours is another popular choice.
Most charter contracts include a weather rebooking clause, so you can choose another date if the weather calls for it.
The Week Charter Rhythm
A week on board has a different pace. The crew handles the provisioning, the housekeeping and the meals. You set the agenda: a navigation day between ports, a short sail to the next anchorage or a quiet morning swimming off the stern.
The standard seven-night routes from Cannes cover the French Riviera coast to Monaco (May to September), Corsica (June to September) and Sardinia (June to August). For the Amalfi Coast, plan 10 to 14 nights.
Before Boarding
Ocean Five takes care of the details before you arrive. We confirm the route, your dietary preferences and any special requests. Catering upgrades, floral arrangements and entertainment can be arranged separately.
On the day boarding is simple. The crew welcomes you at the gangway with a safety briefing. Then the first drinks are served while the captain gets ready to leave.
When to Book
Peak season on the Côte d’Azur runs from June to September. July and August are the most popular months. For peak dates book three to six months ahead. For the biggest congress weeks, such as MIPIM in March and Cannes Lions in June, plan six months or more. TFWA in October works the same way.
In shoulder season we can often arrange a charter within one to two weeks depending on availability.
Ready to plan yours? Contact Ocean Five at charter@ocean5yachts.com.
Last updated: October 2026
