A sunset cocktail charter is a cruise of about 3 hours from Cannes, with drinks and canapés served on deck while the sun sets behind the Estérel mountains. It is a popular format for corporate entertaining and private celebrations on the French Riviera. Here is how it works.
In short
- Format: a cruise of about 3 hours from Cannes.
- Departure: Vieux Port de Cannes or Port Pierre Canto.
- Routes: Bay of Cannes, Lérins Islands or Estérel coast.
- Sunset: between 6:39 PM and 9:17 PM from May to October (gaisma.com).
- Groups: up to 12 guests on a day charter yacht.
- Rates: day charters from 2,500 EUR excl. VAT + expenses for a yacht under 20 m.
What a Sunset Cocktail Charter Looks Like
Guests board in the early evening at the Vieux Port de Cannes or Port Pierre Canto. The yacht heads out into the Bay of Cannes or toward the Lérins Islands. Drinks and canapés are served on deck as the light changes.
The pace is relaxed. The captain positions the yacht so the sunset sits ahead, facing west toward the Estérel massif. After sundown the yacht cruises back to port with the lights of the Croisette reflecting on the water. The whole format lasts about 3 hours, depending on the season and the schedule of the group.
Clients book this format for post-congress receptions, team celebrations, client entertainment and private milestones.
When to Go
Sunset time in Cannes shifts by about two and a half hours across the charter season. On the 21st of each month it falls at (gaisma.com):
- May: 8:56 PM
- June: 9:17 PM
- July: 9:06 PM
- August: 8:26 PM
- September: 7:28 PM
- October: 6:39 PM
In June and July a departure around 7:00 PM leaves time for drinks before the sun reaches the horizon. In September and October an earlier departure (5:30 to 6:00 PM) keeps the same rhythm. The captain adjusts the schedule to the light.
Route Options from Cannes
Three routes work well for a sunset charter. The Bay of Cannes loop stays close to port. The yacht cruises past the Croisette and the Lérins Islands and returns with the Estérel sunset as a backdrop. This is the shortest route and suits groups who prefer time at anchor with drinks.
The Lérins Islands route heads to the anchorage off Île Sainte-Marguerite, where guests can swim before the cocktail service begins. The islands are about 15 minutes from the Vieux Port at cruising speed. More on this route in our Lérins Islands charter guide.
The Estérel coast route heads west along the red porphyry cliffs of the Estérel, a coastal mountain range. The yacht anchors in a sheltered cove along the coast. Agay is about 1 hour from Cannes at 12 knots, so this route suits a longer evening. The cliffs catch the last light of the day and shift from orange to deep red as the sun sets.
Crew and Catering
On a yacht above 20 meters the crew includes a captain, a deckhand and a stewardess who manages the cocktail service on board. On smaller yachts the captain handles both navigation and service. Full details on the crew setup in our crewed charter guide.
Ocean Five arranges the catering for a sunset cocktail. The typical setup includes champagne or wine, a selection of canapés, fresh fruit and cheese. Menus are built around the group size and the occasion. Ocean Five adapts each menu to dietary requirements.
What It Costs
Day charter rates in Cannes start at 2,500 EUR excl. VAT + expenses for a yacht under 20 m. They start at 4,000 EUR under 24 m and 7,500 EUR over 24 m. A sunset cocktail charter is shorter than a full day and is quoted according to the yacht, the group size and the catering brief. See the day charter pricing for the full picture.
On top of the charter fee, expenses are charged at cost: fuel, port fees, food, drinks and any extras. Ocean Five keeps you informed throughout and provides a full statement of expenses at the end. For a full overview of charter pricing, see What Does a Day Charter in Cannes Actually Cost?
How to Book
Send your dates, group size and occasion through the contact form or to charter@ocean5yachts.com. Ocean Five comes back as soon as possible with a yacht selection, a route proposal and a catering menu tailored to the format. Peak season runs July and August. The earlier you reach out, the wider the yacht selection.
Last updated: November 2026
