Saint-Tropez sits 30 nautical miles west of Cannes. A motor yacht covers the crossing in about two and a half hours each way at a steady 12-knot cruise, or about an hour and a half on a fast yacht at 20 knots. The quicker the crossing, the more of the day is left on site for a swim at Pampelonne, lunch at a beach club and time ashore. It is the most requested full-day day charter that Ocean Five operates from Cannes.
Along the Estérel Coast
The yacht departs Cannes around 9 AM, typically from the Vieux Port or Port Pierre Canto, and heads west past the Pointe de la Croisette. Within minutes, the built-up seafront gives way to the Estérel massif, a volcanic coastal range stretching from Mandelieu-la-Napoule to Saint-Raphaël. The cliffs are rhyolite, which gives the rock its distinctive red-orange color. There are no buildings along much of this stretch, only pines, red stone and open water. The Corniche d’Or coastal road runs along the base of the massif, visible from the sea as a narrow line cut into the rock.
The captain can slow down or stop along the Estérel if the group wants to swim. Several calanques (rocky inlets) sit below the cliffs, reachable only from the water. Calanque d’Anthéor and Calanque de Saint-Barthélemy are among the better-known stops. The water in these inlets is clear and calm enough for snorkeling. Gear is included on all Ocean Five charters.
Past the Estérel, the coast opens near Saint-Raphaël and curves south toward Cap Camarat, the rocky headland that marks the entrance to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Pampelonne Bay
Most day charters anchor first at Pampelonne, the wide sandy bay south of Saint-Tropez. The yacht drops anchor over a sandy seabed, and guests reach the shore by tender. Ocean Five reserves tables at the beach clubs, including Club 55 and Bagatelle. Reservations are essential in July and August. Book at least two weeks ahead.
A swim from the yacht, lunch ashore and time on the sand typically account for two to three hours before the yacht moves on to the port.
For groups that prefer to stay on board, the crew can serve lunch at anchor. Pampelonne is sheltered from the Mistral (the northwest wind common on this coast), which makes it a comfortable anchorage for the middle of the day.
Saint-Tropez Old Port
From Pampelonne, the yacht rounds the headland into Saint-Tropez harbor. The old port has limited berths for visiting yachts, so most charters anchor in the bay and tender ashore. The waterfront along Quai Suffren is lined with cafes. The Citadel sits above the village, and the market on Place des Lices runs on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Saint-Tropez is compact. An hour on foot covers the harbor, the Ponche quarter and the view from the ramparts. The yacht typically departs in the late afternoon and follows the same coastal route back to Cannes, arriving in the evening.
When to Go
The season for this route runs from May to mid-October. July and August are peak months, with the heaviest traffic at Pampelonne and the longest wait times at beach clubs. June and September offer comparable weather with far fewer boats at anchor.
The coast road between Cannes and Saint-Tropez is congested in summer. By sea, the route is direct and takes the same time regardless of the month. A full-day charter typically runs about 8 hours, with timings that can be adjusted with the owner’s agreement.
Motor Yacht, Sailing Yacht or Catamaran
A motor yacht covers the 30 nautical miles in about two and a half hours at 12 knots, and in about an hour and a half on a fast yacht at 20 knots. A sailing yacht or catamaran takes four to five hours each way, which reduces time at anchor and ashore. Most clients booking a day charter to Saint-Tropez choose a motor yacht for that reason.
Half-day charters are not suited to this route. The round trip alone takes three to five hours by motor yacht, leaving too little time in Saint-Tropez. For a shorter outing from Cannes, the Lérins Islands sit 15 minutes from the port.
How to Book
Ocean Five operates crewed day charters to Saint-Tropez throughout the season. The crew handles navigation, anchoring, tender transfers and beach club reservations. Catering is arranged separately and priced by menu.
For peak season, reserve three to six months ahead. Shoulder season charters can often be confirmed with shorter notice.
Contact charter@ocean5yachts.com for a detailed quote, or browse all French Riviera charter routes from Cannes.
Last updated: October 2026
