Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Half Day Private Yacht Charter on our Pershing 40 in Saint Tropez
St Tropez looks better from the water. A half day on a Pershing 40 turns the French Riviera into something personal, with cruising plus swim stops where you can actually get in the water. I love that your time is flexible, with a private charter setup for your group and a captain who builds the day around what you want to do.
I also like the human touch. In past charters, English-speaking captains such as Scott, Eric, Peter, Ian, Tjeerd, and Steve have been praised for taking care of people and adjusting to requests, which makes the whole outing feel smooth and unforced.
The main catch is weather and cost details. This experience needs good conditions, and a fuel surcharge is not included, so it is smart to confirm that total before you go.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you book
- Your Half Day Charter On The Pershing 40: What You’re Really Paying For
- Morning Vs. Afternoon On St Tropez Water: How To Pick The Right Slot
- Where You Start: Ports, Pickup, And That One Simple Goal
- Cruising The Golfe du Saint Tropez: Superyachts, Iconic Water, And A Real Sense Of Place
- Canoubiers Bay, Then Other Swim Spots: The Day’s Best Use Of Time
- Saint Tropez Town Views And The Citadelle Area: See The Land From The Best Angle
- What’s On Board: Snorkel Gear, Paddleboard, Snacks, And Small Comfort Wins
- Crew Quality And Communication: Why That Matters More Than You Think
- Price And Value For Up To 8: When This Charter Makes Sense
- Who This Is Best For (And Who Might Want A Different Option)
- Should You Book This Pershing 40 Half Day Charter In St Tropez?
- FAQ
- How long is the Pershing 40 half day charter?
- How many people can fit on the charter?
- What language is offered during the experience?
- Where can pickup take place?
- What is included on board?
- Is fuel included in the price?
- Is there a minimum weather requirement?
- Where is the meeting point?
Key things to know before you book
- Pershing 40 on a private timeline: a true half day that stays in your control, with time to cruise and time to swim
- Morning or afternoon departures: you can match your charter to beach clubs, dinner plans, or a later arrival
- Billionaires Bay area, plus more swim time: Canoubiers gets the celebrity spotlight, and the route also heads toward other calm anchor spots
- Water toys included: snorkel equipment, and a stand up paddleboard, plus snacks and soft drinks
- Crew-first comfort details: past groups praised things like clear communication and help when someone got seasick
Your Half Day Charter On The Pershing 40: What You’re Really Paying For

This is one of those St Tropez activities where the price makes sense when you think in “private experience” terms, not “tour bus” terms. You’re renting a high-end boat experience for about 4 hours for your own group (up to 8 people), and the package already covers the fun part once you’re on board.
What you’re paying for is simple: time on the water in a fast, stylish Pershing 40, plus the freedom to stop where conditions allow. Instead of a checklist of photo stops, you get actual water time, with anchored swims and gear on hand.
Value gets even better because several essentials come included: bottled water, snacks, soda or soft drinks, snorkel equipment, and a stand up paddleboard. You are not paying extra for the basic “enjoy the sea” items, and that turns the charter into a plan you can use fully, even if you came straight from lunch plans on land.
One practical note: the listing says a fuel surcharge may apply and is not included. That is common for yacht charters, but it is still worth checking so there are no surprises when your total is calculated.
Morning Vs. Afternoon On St Tropez Water: How To Pick The Right Slot

Your schedule choice matters more than you might think. With morning or afternoon departures, you can decide what kind of day you want:
If you pick morning, you often get calmer energy on the water and a smoother start for a swim-focused half day. If you pick afternoon, you can pair the charter with a longer beach day earlier, then shift to the water for sunsets and late-day views.
Either way, the charter is set up as a private experience, so your captain is not rushing a whole fleet of groups. Past groups described easy communication and hosts who adjusted to requests, which is exactly what you want when the goal is a relaxed swim and cruise.
Also, because this is weather-dependent, your best strategy is to keep expectations realistic. If conditions are rough, the operator can cancel for safety, which means you may need a backup date.
Where You Start: Ports, Pickup, And That One Simple Goal

This charter can start from a few different local ports, including Port Grimaud, Sainte Maxime, Saint Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin. That flexibility is handy if you’re not staying right in Saint Tropez town or you want to cut down on the commute.
Your exact pickup details are confirmed ahead of time, and you’ll get contact via WhatsApp or email to specify the exact meeting location within 5 days. On the day, there is a specific meeting location listed around Ramatuelle (4 Imp. des Jardins, 83350 Ramatuelle), and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
The smartest move here is to plan to arrive early and be ready to follow the captain’s instructions quickly. Yacht charters run on tight timing, and even small delays can reduce the time you get in the water.
Cruising The Golfe du Saint Tropez: Superyachts, Iconic Water, And A Real Sense Of Place

Once you’re out, the big draw is the cruising itself. The Golfe du Saint Tropez is one of those areas where the coastline and the marina scene look like a movie set. You pass by luxury boats at close range, and the water view gives you a different perspective than any promenade.
Part of the fun is that St Tropez does not feel like just one place. From the water, you see multiple “versions” of the coastline, from sleek harbor edges to more secluded bays where anchored boats dominate the view.
This is also where your captain’s local knowledge matters. When you’re cruising, the goal is to keep the trip comfortable, so you spend time enjoying the scenery and not fighting a rough ride. In past comments, crews were praised for taking great care and communicating clearly, which tends to show when the day runs smoothly.
If you love Mediterranean water because it looks different depending on light and wind, this route is built around that. You’re not just traveling to an activity, you’re seeing the Riviera in motion.
Canoubiers Bay, Then Other Swim Spots: The Day’s Best Use Of Time

The half day format works because it includes actual time to get in the water. A highlight route commonly includes Canoubiers Anchorage, which gets nicknamed Billionaires Bay and is associated with celebrity lore like Brigitte Bardot.
Anchoring here changes the vibe from “cruise around” to “pause and enjoy.” This is where you can swim, and if you want activity, you can also use the stand up paddleboard. The snorkel equipment being included helps, because you don’t have to bring your own set or guess whether it’s available.
From there, the day typically continues toward other scenic areas around the St Tropez coastline, including spots such as Parcs de Saint Tropez and Salins beach. The practical value of having multiple swim-capable anchor areas is that you’re not stuck with only one plan. If one part of the water is busy or conditions change, a good captain can make the day still feel relaxed.
What to consider: anchored swims are great, but you’ll want to be comfortable with the fact that you are getting water time, not a strict land sightseeing schedule. You’ll likely spend more time on the deck and in the water than wandering streets.
Saint Tropez Town Views And The Citadelle Area: See The Land From The Best Angle

Even if you never step off the boat, you still get the classic St Tropez payoff: the coastline landmarks and the famous waterfront feel close when you approach by water.
A key stop area you’ll pass through is Saint Tropez itself, plus the Citadelle de Saint Tropez, Musee d’histoire maritime area. From the water, the fortress and waterfront profile are impressive, and you get a very “here we are” sense of place.
The limitation is simple: this is not described as a museum entry or guided walking stop. Think of it as a visual, photo-friendly moment from the sea rather than a land tour. That is fine because the half day is tight, and your time is better spent swimming and relaxing.
If you want the best of both worlds, do one land activity earlier in your day, then use the charter for water views and easy downtime.
What’s On Board: Snorkel Gear, Paddleboard, Snacks, And Small Comfort Wins

This charter includes the essentials that make a water day actually work without extra spending. You get:
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Soda or soft drinks
- Snorkel equipment
- A stand up paddleboard
From the on-board experience described in past notes, the boat setup also includes comfort items like a restroom on board and a diving board. Those details matter because they make it easier to stay out longer in the water without feeling like you have to ration your time.
A nice extra: multiple captains have been praised for being accommodating when it comes to day comfort and requests. One group mentioned being able to listen to their own music on board, which is a small detail but a big mood shift. If you like a personal playlist, bring it and ask the crew what works best.
Also, if you’re traveling with kids or a mixed-age group, the included snorkel and paddleboard gear creates natural options. Adults can relax while others rotate through activities, and everyone gets involved without needing to rent anything.
Crew Quality And Communication: Why That Matters More Than You Think

A boat day can go sideways fast if the crew is disorganized or communication is unclear. The good news is that the experience has strong feedback around captain care and coordination.
Past comments highlight hosts like Scott, Eric, Peter, Ian, Tjeerd, Mark, Glen, and Steve, plus mention of hosts such as Niamh. The recurring theme is that the crew handled requests, managed timing well, and were quick with practical help, including one case where a seasick guest needed support.
For you, that translates into a smoother day: clearer pickup coordination, more comfortable cruising, and fewer stress moments when you’re trying to enjoy the scenery.
If you want your charter to feel truly custom, be direct before you set off. Tell your captain what kind of day you want, for example: more swim time versus more cruising, paddleboard time for certain people, or a quiet, music-forward vibe.
Price And Value For Up To 8: When This Charter Makes Sense

The listed price is $1,802.19 per group for up to 8 people, for around 4 hours.
To judge value, I think in three buckets:
- Private boat time
You are not sharing with strangers or waiting in lines. You get your own schedule.
- Included activity gear
Snorkel equipment and a paddleboard are included, so you are not paying add-ons just to enjoy the water properly.
- Easy refreshments
Snacks and soft drinks are part of the package, so you can stay on the boat longer without constantly thinking about food.
If your group fills close to 8 people, the per-person cost drops in a way that makes this feel more like a high-end group outing than a “special occasion only” splurge.
If you are going as a smaller group, it can still be worth it, but you should treat it like a premium experience. This is best when you want a memorable day and you’d otherwise pay for separate pricey activities plus multiple ride logistics.
Fuel surcharge not being included is the one item that can raise your total. Still, most of the day’s fun is already packaged, which makes budgeting easier once you confirm final charges.
Who This Is Best For (And Who Might Want A Different Option)
This charter fits several travel styles:
- Small groups and families who want a private, water-based day with equipment included
- Couples who want something romantic and different from beach clubs, while still getting time to swim
- People who care about views and want superyacht-bay energy from the deck
- Groups with mixed preferences, because snorkelers, swimmers, and paddleboard users can all find something to do
Where it might not fit as well:
- If you want a land tour with structured stops inside towns, this is not that kind of day. You’ll get landmark visibility, but the core experience is on the water.
- If you are traveling in a period where weather often turns, understand that the operator requires good conditions and can cancel for safety.
Should You Book This Pershing 40 Half Day Charter In St Tropez?
I’d book it if you want your half day to be simple and feel high-end. The strongest reasons are the private time on a Pershing 40, the included snorkel and paddleboard gear, and the built-in swim stops around places like Canoubiers. If you also value good captain communication and adaptability, the past feedback suggests you’ll be taken care of.
I’d hesitate if you have a tight schedule with no flexibility, because weather can force changes. And I’d check your total with any fuel surcharge before you confirm, so the final number matches your expectations.
If you’re the kind of traveler who thinks the best souvenir is a memory from clear water, plus photos with St Tropez framed by coastlines and marinas, this is a strong match.
FAQ
How long is the Pershing 40 half day charter?
It runs for about 4 hours.
How many people can fit on the charter?
The price is listed per group for up to 8 people.
What language is offered during the experience?
The charter is offered in English.
Where can pickup take place?
Pickup is offered, and options include Port Grimaud, Sainte Maxime, Saint Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin. You’ll be contacted to specify the exact meeting location within 5 days.
What is included on board?
Included items are bottled water, snacks, soda or soft drinks, snorkel equipment, and a stand up paddleboard.
Is fuel included in the price?
Fuel surcharge is not included.
Is there a minimum weather requirement?
Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Where is the meeting point?
The start location is listed as Yacht Charter – Location bateau saint tropez | Vente Yacht saint tropez, 4 Imp. des Jardins, 83350 Ramatuelle, France, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
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