Nice to Menton by Private Boat: The Perfect French Riviera Day
Experience an extraordinary concentration of bays, villas, headlands, and villages from the Mediterranean aboard L'Esquinade.
Check Charter AvailabilityExperience the Riviera from the Mediterranean
If you are visiting the French Riviera, one of the best ways to understand why this coastline became famous around the world is to see it from the Mediterranean.
Between Nice and Menton lies an extraordinary concentration of bays, villas, headlands, villages and dramatic coastline:
They are close together geographically, yet remarkably different when seen from the water. A private boat charter allows you to experience them as a coastline rather than as a collection of separate destinations.
At Beaulieu Boat Charters, we are based in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, almost halfway between Nice and Monaco, aboard our 35-foot Sunseeker Portofino 35, L'Esquinade. That location gives us an exceptional starting point for exploring this part of the French Riviera.
Can you take a private boat from Nice to Monaco?
Yes. A private charter can take you along the coastline between Nice and Monaco, either as part of a day beginning in Beaulieu-sur-Mer or, when arranged in advance, with collection from another suitable port.
But we think there is an important distinction to make. A Nice-to-Monaco private boat charter is not really about transportation. If your only objective is to get from Nice to Monaco as efficiently as possible, there are simpler and less expensive ways to travel. The reason to make the journey by private boat is the coastline itself.
The Coastline
Experience places difficult to appreciate from a road or train, including the Bay of Villefranche, Cap-Ferrat villas, hidden coves, and Monaco rising from the water.
Total Freedom
Unlike a land journey, you can stop, swim, have lunch, drop anchor, change direction, or simply turn the engines off and enjoy where you are.
The Historic Heart
Explore the historic heartlands of the Riviera where Belle Époque villas, grand hotels, and gardens meet the Mediterranean.
Why is Beaulieu-sur-Mer such a good starting point?
Beaulieu-sur-Mer sits between Nice and Monaco, immediately beside Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. From our home port, some of the most beautiful coastline on the Côte d'Azur is only moments away.
To the west lie Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Nice. To the east lie the coastline beneath Èze, Cap d'Ail and Monaco. This means you can spend more of your charter experiencing the coast and less of it simply trying to reach it.
If you are staying in Cannes, Antibes, the United States, Canada, or further afield, traveling to Beaulieu-sur-Mer for the day makes the charter itself a destination.
What does a Nice-to-Menton private boat day look like?
Every charter is tailored, but here is an example of a full-day experience:
Leave Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Meet your captain aboard L'Esquinade in the Port of Beaulieu and head straight out onto the Mediterranean with Cap-Ferrat right beside you.
Cap-Ferrat & Villefranche
Explore the wooded peninsula of Cap-Ferrat, the great natural harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer, and drop anchor for swimming and snorkeling.
Èze & Monaco
Cruise past the steep cliffs beneath Èze, Cap d'Ail, and Plage Mala, culminating in a breathtaking approach to Monaco from the sea.
Two Ways to Experience the Route
The Short Riviera day: Focus on a smaller stretch (Beaulieu → Cap-Ferrat → Èze → Cap d'Ail → Monaco) with plenty of time for swimming and lunch.
The Grand Riviera day: Cover more of the coast from Menton down to Cannes with selected stops along the way.
How much does a Nice-to-Monaco private boat charter cost?
Our current main-season full-day charter price is €1,950 + fuel for the entire boat and up to six guests.
- Charter Price
- €1,950 for up to six guests.
- What is Included
- L'Esquinade, professional skipper, French VAT, towels, water, complimentary French rosé, and snorkeling equipment.
- Fuel Costs
- Additional, usually costing approximately €300–€800 depending on route and sea conditions.
- Group Size
- Maximum of six guests for maximum comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Boat Trips
Can you take a boat from Nice to Monaco?
Yes. Private boat charters can cruise between Nice and Monaco and explore the coastline between them.
Can Beaulieu Boat Charters pick us up in Nice?
Pickup from suitable ports between Menton and Cannes can often be arranged for an additional charge. Alternatively, guests can travel to our home port in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Nice is possible, but not recommended due to commercial port delays.
Can we swim during the charter?
Yes, conditions permitting. Swimming and snorkeling stops are a popular part of our charters.
Can we stop for lunch?
Yes. We can help arrange a waterfront restaurant or beach club, catering aboard, or you can bring food with you.
Does the captain speak English?
Yes. Beaulieu Boat Charters only uses professional English-speaking skippers.
How many guests can come?
L'Esquinade accommodates up to six charter guests.
Ready to Experience the French Riviera from the Sea?
You do not need a perfect itinerary before contacting us. Simply tell us where you are staying, how many people are traveling, your preferred date, and what kind of day you envision.