Private French Riviera Boat Charters for American & Canadian Travelers
A private Sunseeker, an English-speaking captain and a day on the Mediterranean planned around you. Arrange your charter before you leave home.
Check Charter AvailabilityCan you arrange your French Riviera charter from North America?
Yes. American and Canadian travelers can book a private French Riviera boat charter with Beaulieu Boat Charters before traveling to France. We offer captain-led day charters for up to six guests aboard L’Esquinade, our 35-foot Sunseeker Portofino 35, based in the Port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer between Nice and Monaco.
A day on the Mediterranean can be one of the most memorable experiences of your vacation. Booking in another country can also raise questions about language, costs, departure arrangements and what the day will actually involve.
Our charters are personal rather than packaged. Tell us where you are staying, who is traveling with you and the sort of day you would enjoy. We will help plan an itinerary around your group. You do not need to know the French Riviera. That is our job.
French Riviera private boat charters at a glance
- Private charter
- The boat is reserved for your group.
- Group size
- Up to six charter guests.
- Your boat
- L’Esquinade, a Sunseeker Portofino 35 motor yacht.
- Home port
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer, on the coastline between Nice and Monaco.
- Cruising area
- The French Riviera between Menton and Cannes.
- Your captain
- A professional, experienced, English-speaking skipper.
- Typical summer charter
- Full-day charters generally run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Your itinerary
- Personalized around your interests and conditions on the day.
- What you can do
- Cruise, sightsee, swim, snorkel, relax at anchor or enjoy lunch aboard or ashore.
- Provided aboard
- Towels, water and complimentary French rosé.
Booking from the United States or Canada
Many guests organize their charter while still at home in North America. Contact us to discuss the boat and itinerary, choose your preferred date and arrange your booking remotely. Once booked, we can continue planning by email.
You do not need to arrive in France and start looking for a boat. Booking in advance is particularly helpful during the busiest summer months.
Share your travel plans
Tell us your preferred charter date, where you are staying and how many people will be joining you.
Plan everything in English
You do not need to speak French. Communicate with us in English throughout the booking, planning and charter process.
Know what to expect
Discuss your route, departure arrangements, inclusions and likely costs before booking, then refine the details ahead of your visit.
Where is Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
Beaulieu-sur-Mer sits between Nice and Monaco, beside Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and close to Villefranche-sur-Mer and the Èze coastline. It is a convenient starting point for exploring the central Côte d’Azur by boat.
When you leave the harbor, you are already surrounded by coastline to explore. Depending on your itinerary, options include:
You do not need to decide everything in advance. Tell us what sort of day you want and we will suggest a suitable itinerary.
Can you collect us from another port?
Collection from other ports between Menton and Cannes can often be arranged at additional cost. Whether this makes sense depends on where you are staying and your preferred itinerary.
Sometimes traveling to Beaulieu gives you more time to explore by boat, rather than paying for the boat to travel to collect you. Tell us where your hotel or villa is located. We can help you decide and assist with arranging transportation to and from Beaulieu-sur-Mer if required.
What can you do during a private charter?
There is no single correct way to spend the day. Some guests want to see more coastline. Others prefer a beautiful bay, a swim, a long lunch and time to relax. We like to understand your group before deciding on the itinerary.
Cruise & sightsee
Explore around Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche, head east toward Monaco and the coastline around Èze and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, or discuss a route west toward Nice and beyond.
Swim & snorkel
Choose several swimming stops or one longer stop at anchor. Your skipper selects appropriate places according to your itinerary and conditions.
Lunch & relax
Enjoy lunch aboard or discuss a waterfront restaurant or beach club. Leave time for sunshine, shade, music and simply being on the Mediterranean.
Can we visit Nice and Monaco in the same day?
Tell us which places matter most and we will help create a realistic route. Trying to visit as many places as possible can mean spending much of the day traveling. Often the most memorable charters combine cruising with swimming, lunch and time at anchor. Weather and sea conditions mean the final route should remain flexible.
Families, teenagers & comfort aboard
We regularly welcome families. A private boat day offers sightseeing, space to relax in sun or shade, and swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow. With a maximum of six guests, the experience stays personal.
Traveling with children?
Please tell us beforehand if children under 16 are joining you, so appropriately sized life jackets can be provided. Share their ages and any particular needs when planning your day.
Comfort for six guests
L’Esquinade has U-shaped cockpit seating around a dining table, a bow sunbed and shaded seating beneath the bimini. We limit charters to six guests so everyone has space to enjoy the boat.
Practical facilities
An interior salon, two cabins, a kitchenette, refrigerators, a toilet and shower, Bluetooth audio and snorkeling equipment help make your day comfortable.
Do we need boating experience?
No. Your professional skipper operates the boat, navigates the coastline and handles the practical aspects of the charter. You are there to enjoy the day.
What do we do for lunch?
You can have lunch aboard, bring food, arrange catering in advance or visit a waterfront restaurant or beach club. Discuss arrangements and any additional costs before your charter.
We are happy to help with restaurant recommendations and reservations. Tell us whether you prefer something elegant, relaxed, gastronomic, family-friendly or lively.
For many guests, arriving for lunch from the sea becomes one of the most memorable parts of the day.
What is included on board?
Towels and water are provided aboard L’Esquinade, together with complimentary French rosé. Discuss additional food and drink requirements before your charter.
Refrigeration, dining facilities, a kitchenette and Bluetooth music are available aboard. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear and any personal items you would like for the day.
How much does a private French Riviera charter cost?
Charter prices vary by date, itinerary and fuel required. Current charter rates are published on our booking page.
The charter price includes your skipper and French VAT. Fuel is additional. A relaxed day around Beaulieu, Villefranche and Cap-Ferrat has a different fuel requirement from a longer cruising itinerary.
We will discuss your plans and explain the likely costs before your charter, so you understand the real cost of your day.
View Current Charter PricesWill we pay in dollars?
Prices and invoices are in euros (€). Payment methods include credit card or bank transfer. Your card provider may convert the transaction into US or Canadian dollars and apply foreign-exchange charges.
Check with your card issuer if you are unsure about its charges.
Should we tip the captain?
Tipping is not compulsory. If your captain makes the day exceptional and you would like to leave a gratuity, it is appreciated.
Please never feel that a gratuity is mandatory.
What about extra arrangements?
Confirm the costs of catering, restaurant visits, alternative pickup ports and other requested extras when planning your day.
We want you to understand the arrangements before you arrive.
Weather & choosing your date
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If adverse weather makes it unsafe to go to sea, your charter can be rescheduled. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund is provided.
We recommend booking your charter earlier in your stay, leaving some flexibility if the weather affects your original date.
When is the best time to charter?
The main boating season runs through the warmer months. Peak summer brings the classic Riviera atmosphere, while late spring and early fall can offer a quieter coastline.
Conditions vary from day to day. If you have several possible dates, tell us and we will help where we can.
Why choose a private charter over a group tour?
The main difference is freedom. A group tour has a set schedule, route and stops. On a private charter, the boat is reserved for your group.
Choose more sightseeing or more swimming, a long lunch or a quick one, a relaxed pace or a wider-ranging itinerary. Plans can change during the day when circumstances allow.
Why book Beaulieu Boat Charters?
Our aim is to help you have an exceptional day, starting with your first inquiry.
We help think through your itinerary, recommend places that fit your interests, arrange restaurant reservations where required and discuss transportation. Our captains combine professional experience and local knowledge with a welcoming approach.
The best charter is not necessarily the one that travels farthest. It is the day that is right for you.
Frequently asked questions for US & Canadian travelers
Can Americans and Canadians charter a boat in France?
Yes. You can book our professionally skippered private charter without needing to operate the boat yourself.
Do I need a boating license?
Not as a guest on our professionally skippered charters. Your skipper operates the boat.
Does the captain speak English?
Yes. You can communicate in English throughout the planning and charter process.
How many people can come?
L’Esquinade accommodates up to six charter guests.
Where does the boat leave from?
Our home port is Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Collection from other ports between Menton and Cannes can often be arranged for an additional charge.
Can children come aboard?
Yes. Please tell us in advance if children under 16 will be aboard, so appropriately sized life jackets can be provided.
Can we swim and snorkel?
Yes, conditions permitting. Snorkeling equipment is carried aboard and your skipper helps choose appropriate swimming stops.
Can we have lunch at a beach club or waterfront restaurant?
Yes. We can recommend restaurants and help organize reservations when planning your itinerary.
Are towels provided?
Yes. Towels are provided aboard L’Esquinade.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes. L’Esquinade has a toilet and shower.
Is there shade?
Yes. The cockpit has a bimini providing shaded seating.
Can we play our own music?
Yes. The boat has Bluetooth audio.
Is fuel included?
Fuel is charged separately because consumption depends on your itinerary and conditions. We can help estimate the cost while planning your route.
What happens if bad weather prevents the charter?
If conditions are unsafe, the charter can be rescheduled. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund is provided. Booking earlier in your stay gives you more flexibility.
Can I book while still in the United States or Canada?
Yes. Booking and planning can be handled before you travel to France.
Let us help plan your French Riviera boat day
You do not need a perfect itinerary before contacting us. Simply tell us:
- Where you will be staying.
- Your preferred charter date.
- How many people are traveling.
- Whether children or teenagers are joining you.
- Anything you especially want to see.
- Whether you prefer sightseeing, swimming, lunch or relaxation.
- Whether you are celebrating something special.
We can take it from there. Get in touch and tell us about your trip.