French Riviera Private Boat Charters for Families & Teenagers
Swimming for the kids, coastal views for the adults and space for everyone to relax. A private Mediterranean day built around your family.
Plan Your Family Boat DayIs a private French Riviera boat charter good for families?
Yes. Beaulieu Boat Charters offers private family day charters for up to six guests aboard L’Esquinade, our 35-foot Sunseeker Portofino 35. Depart from Beaulieu-sur-Mer and enjoy a flexible day of cruising, swimming, snorkeling, lunch and relaxation.
A family vacation brings different interests and energy levels together. Parents may want to see the coast. Teenagers may want swimming and music. Younger children may need a slower pace, while grandparents may prefer comfortable shade.
On a private boat, everyone can enjoy the same day differently. There is no compulsory route, no unrelated group waiting for you and no need for everybody to join every activity. Your family has the boat privately.
Why a private boat works for families and teenagers
A boat day changes as it unfolds. There is cruising, swimming, snorkeling, music, lunch and new coastline to see. Nobody needs to remain enthusiastic about the same activity for eight hours.
Teenagers set their own pace
Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, listen to music or relax with headphones. Teenagers can enjoy the parts of the day that appeal to them without a fixed sightseeing schedule.
Adults enjoy the coastline
Cap-Ferrat, Èze, Monaco and the eastern Riviera unfold around you. The scenery comes with the journey, rather than requiring another walk, parking stop or change of transport.
Space to slow down
Sit in the shade, relax aboard or leave longer for lunch. If everyone is happy at an anchorage, there is no need to move simply to follow a checklist.
A family boat day from Beaulieu toward Menton
Our most popular family route explores the coast east from Beaulieu, with swimming and lunch along the way. Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche can also be incorporated according to your interests.
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Èze coastline
- Cap d’Ail
- Monaco
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
- Menton
This is a starting point, not a checklist. If the children would prefer another swim, or everyone wants longer to enjoy a view, we can adjust when conditions and practical arrangements allow.
Explore our private boat itinerary guide →
Why families enjoy the Nice-to-Menton coastline
The scenery keeps changing. Cap-Ferrat brings greenery, villas and bays. Below Èze, mountains rise above the sea. Monaco offers superyachts, Port Hercules and the Rock, followed by the greener headland of Cap Martin. Menton’s colorful old town sits beneath the mountains near the Italian frontier.
That variety gives children and teenagers new things to notice without repeatedly getting in and out of cars or walking between attractions.
What ages are suitable?
Children and babies are welcome aboard. Some children love boats and water; others are less comfortable with movement or unfamiliar surroundings. Tell us their ages and needs before booking, so we can discuss the pace, itinerary and swimming stops.
Life jackets and supervision
Please tell us before your charter if children under 16 will be aboard, so appropriately sized life jackets can be provided.
Your charter is operated by a professional skipper, and safety and sea conditions take priority over the itinerary. Parents remain responsible for supervising their children, particularly around the water and while swimming.
No activity at sea is completely risk-free. If a route, anchorage or activity is unsuitable, the plan will change.
Can grandparents come too?
Yes, provided they are comfortable boarding and moving around the boat. Multi-generational families can enjoy different levels of activity while still sharing lunch and the journey. Discuss any limited mobility with us beforehand so we can assess boarding and whether L’Esquinade is suitable.
What facilities does L’Esquinade have?
We deliberately limit charters to six guests, keeping the day a private family experience. The boat offers several spaces for sunshine, shade and time to rest.
- Seating and dining
- U-shaped cockpit seating for three, with a dining table for five or six.
- Shade
- Biminis cover the cockpit seating and outside dining areas.
- Sunbathing
- A large bow sunbed and lounge area farther aft. Sun and shade vary as the boat changes position.
- Bathroom
- A freshwater toilet and shower aboard.
- Indoor space
- An interior salon and two cabins below deck.
- Food facilities
- Kitchenette, microwave, sink, preparation space, an internal refrigerator and outside cooler.
- Music
- Bluetooth audio for your own device and playlists.
- Swimming equipment
- Snorkeling equipment, floats and towels.
Sun, shade and a little space
Some family members may prefer the bow sunbed, while others stay under the bimini or rest inside. Follow your skipper’s guidance on where to sit or relax while underway, depending on sea conditions. Bring appropriate sun protection.
Can the kids swim and snorkel?
Yes, when conditions and the anchorage are appropriate. Your skipper chooses stops based on weather, wind, sea conditions, other boats and your route.
Some families want several swimming stops; others prefer one long swim. If swimming is important to your children, tell us so we can make it a larger part of the day.
Snorkeling equipment is aboard for children and adults to use when the location and conditions are suitable. Not every stop is chosen specifically for snorkeling.
What if someone does not want to swim?
They can stay aboard and enjoy the seating, shade and scenery. Nobody needs to participate in every activity.
What if someone gets seasick?
Tell us before booking if a family member is prone to motion sickness. Conditions vary, and this can influence the route and pace of your day. Tell your skipper if someone feels uncomfortable; the itinerary may be adjusted where practical.
For preventative medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist what is appropriate for you or your child and follow their instructions.
What do families do for lunch?
Choose what works for your group. A simple lunch aboard or a restaurant by the water can both fit into a memorable family day.
Bring your own lunch
Eat around the cockpit dining table. Refrigeration, kitchenette facilities, crockery and cutlery are aboard. This can keep the day straightforward with children.
Arrange food in advance
We can arrange food for the charter for a maximum of four people. Discuss requirements, availability and costs before your day.
Lunch ashore
We can suggest waterfront restaurants or beach clubs that fit your itinerary, including options around Cap d’Ail toward Monaco.
What food and drinks are provided?
Water, towels and complimentary French rosé for adults are provided. You are welcome to bring additional food, soft drinks and snacks. Familiar snacks and drinks can be useful for children even when a restaurant lunch is planned.
What should children bring?
Towels, snorkeling equipment and floats are already aboard. Useful personal items include:
For swimming and sunshine
- Swimsuits.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hats.
- A change of clothing if wanted.
For comfort
- Personal medication.
- Favorite snacks.
- Additional soft drinks.
- Any familiar items your children need.
For the day
- Phones or cameras.
- Your music playlists.
- Cash for any restaurant tender charges.
- Only the belongings you actually need.
Is a full eight-hour charter too long for children?
It depends on the children, but many families enjoy a full day because it combines different activities. Cruising, swimming, lunch, music and rest give the day variety.
A teenager can relax for an hour. A younger child can rest. Someone can sit inside. Everybody does not need to stay continuously engaged.
Do we have to start at 10:00 AM?
Our normal full-day charter runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Earlier or later starts can be discussed, with flexibility between sunrise and sunset. Confirm your agreed hours when booking.
What if the children change their minds?
That is normal. Perhaps everyone wants another swim rather than continuing to Menton. Perhaps lunch lasts longer, or somebody needs a rest.
Subject to safety, weather and practical constraints, we can adapt. Your private charter gives you more freedom than a fixed group schedule.
A successful family day is measured by what your family enjoys, rather than the number of destinations reached.
Private charter or group boat tour for a family?
Both can be good choices. A group excursion is usually less expensive, while a private charter gives you:
- The entire boat for your family, with no unrelated guests.
- A flexible itinerary and swimming stops.
- Your choice of lunch arrangements.
- Space for children and teenagers to relax.
- A skipper focused on your group.
- The option to slow down or change plans when practical.
For a family of five or six, compare the overall group cost rather than a charter price against one group-tour ticket.
A simpler day in the middle of your vacation
After days of sightseeing, walking, trains and decisions, a boat day can give everyone a break. Your skipper handles the boat, lunch has been discussed and the coastline comes to you.
Families visiting from the United States and Canada
We regularly welcome North American visitors. Booking and planning can be arranged before you travel to France. Tell us your children’s ages, what the family enjoys and whether swimming, Monaco or the route toward Menton appeals to you.
You do not need to understand the geography before contacting us. We know the coastline. You know your family. Together, we can work out the day.
What if we are staying in Cannes or Antibes?
For a day exploring Cap-Ferrat, Èze, Monaco, Roquebrune and Menton, traveling to Beaulieu by road can avoid using a large part of your boat time reaching this coast.
If you prefer a day around Cannes and Antibes, collection from a suitable nearby port can be discussed. The boat must cross the Bay of Nice to reach you, affecting time, fuel and arrangements. These are different itinerary choices; plan one area rather than trying to combine both in the same day.
How much does a family charter cost?
Our main-season full-day charter price is for the entire boat and up to six guests:
€1,950 + fuelYour professional skipper and French VAT are included. Fuel typically costs approximately €300–€800, depending on itinerary and conditions.
A useful starting budget
Approximately €2,250–€2,750 for the boat, skipper, VAT and typical fuel, before lunch, other selected extras or any optional gratuity.
For six guests, that is approximately €375–€458 per person before additional costs. You are chartering one private yacht, rather than buying individual tickets.
Family boat charter FAQs
Are children allowed on Beaulieu Boat Charters?
Yes. Families, children and babies are welcome aboard L’Esquinade. Tell us the children’s ages before booking.
What is the maximum family size?
We can carry up to six charter guests.
Do you provide children’s life jackets?
Tell us in advance if children under 16 are joining you, so appropriately sized life jackets can be put aboard.
Is the boat good for teenagers?
Teenagers can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, listen to their own music and enjoy sightseeing at their own pace.
Is there shade?
Yes. Biminis provide shade over the cockpit seating and dining areas.
Is there a bathroom?
Yes. L’Esquinade has a freshwater toilet and shower.
Can children swim from the boat?
Yes, when conditions and the chosen anchorage are appropriate. Parents remain responsible for supervision.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is aboard.
Are towels provided?
Yes. Towels are provided.
Can we bring snacks and drinks for our children?
Yes. Familiar snacks and additional soft drinks are welcome.
Can we eat lunch aboard?
Yes. Bring food and use the dining space, refrigeration and kitchenette facilities. Food arranged by us in advance is available for a maximum of four people.
Can we stop at a restaurant?
Yes. We can help recommend and arrange waterfront restaurants or beach clubs according to your route and preferences.
Is eight hours too long for children?
Many families enjoy a full day because it combines different activities and time to rest. Tell us about your children so we can discuss what suits them.
Can grandparents come too?
Yes, provided they are comfortable boarding and moving around the boat. Discuss mobility issues beforehand.
What happens if a child gets seasick?
Tell your skipper if anybody feels uncomfortable. The route may be adjusted where practical. If motion sickness is a known concern, ask a doctor or pharmacist about appropriate preventative options beforehand.
Where do most family charters go?
Our popular eastern route explores Beaulieu, Èze, Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Menton. Cap-Ferrat and other stops can be included according to your interests and conditions.
Do we have to stay in Nice or Monaco?
No. Travel to Beaulieu to explore the eastern coast, or discuss collection for a day around Cannes and Antibes. Choose the area you want to experience when planning.
Can Americans and Canadians book before traveling?
Yes. Booking and planning can be arranged before you come to France.
Plan your family’s French Riviera boat day
When you contact us, tell us:
- Your group size and children’s ages.
- Where you are staying.
- Your preferred date and how long you are in the area.
- Whether anybody is nervous about boats.
- How important swimming is.
- Which places you particularly want to see.
- Whether you prefer lunch ashore or aboard.
- Whether your family prefers activity or relaxation.
- Whether you are celebrating anything special.
You do not need everyone to want exactly the same thing. We will help build a day around the people aboard.