Your First Private Boat Charter in France: What to Expect
No boating experience, no license and no need to know the coastline. Discover how your private French Riviera boat day works, from arriving at the marina to your final swim.
Ask Us About Your First CharterWhat happens on your first private boat charter?
Your skipper operates the boat, we help plan the day beforehand, and you join as a guest. At Beaulieu Boat Charters, L’Esquinade, our 35-foot Sunseeker Portofino 35, is reserved privately for your group of up to six guests.
You do not need a boating license, boating experience or a perfect itinerary. Your professional skipper handles navigation, maneuvering, anchoring and the practical operation of the boat.
It is natural to have questions about what to wear, swimming, lunch, bathrooms, weather and tipping. This guide explains what to expect so you can arrive feeling comfortable.
What does “private charter” actually mean?
L’Esquinade is reserved for you, your family or your friends, together with your skipper. You are not buying individual seats on a sightseeing boat or sharing the yacht with strangers.
Choose how much sightseeing, swimming and relaxing you want, and discuss where you would like lunch. Subject to safety, weather and practical arrangements, the itinerary can evolve during the day.
No experience required
Your professional skipper operates the yacht. There is no need to learn how to handle an unfamiliar boat in unfamiliar waters.
Captain or skipper?
In this context, both mean the professional responsible for the boat. “Captain” is familiar to North American guests; “skipper” is also commonly used in European boating.
Help when you need it
Our skippers combine professional experience and local knowledge with a welcoming approach. They can explain the coast, help with photos and look after the practical side of your day.
What happens before your charter?
Once booked, we discuss your group and the kind of day you would enjoy. Typical planning questions include:
- Where are you staying?
- How many guests are joining?
- Are children or teenagers coming?
- How will you travel to the port?
- Which places would you like to see?
- How important is swimming?
- What sort of lunch appeals to you?
- Do you prefer more cruising or more relaxing?
- Are you celebrating anything?
- Do you have any concerns or special requirements?
You do not need to design the route. We can suggest an itinerary and help with restaurants, beach clubs and transportation where required.
Where does the charter start?
L’Esquinade’s home is the Port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, between Nice and Monaco. For most guests, we recommend starting here. Cap-Ferrat is nearby, with Èze, Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Menton along the coast to the east.
Pickup from other suitable ports between Menton and Cannes can be arranged at additional cost. Discuss your location with us before deciding.
Getting to the marina
Travel by car, taxi or private transport. We can put you in touch with a driver partner for transport to and from the port. You will receive joining instructions and your skipper’s contact details.
Agreed start time
Our standard main-season full day runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Meet at the agreed time and location. Arriving late does not extend the agreed return time.
Your first few minutes aboard
Meet your skipper, secure your belongings and get comfortable with the layout. Your skipper explains safety, moving around the boat, swimming and the day’s conditions before departure.
Staying in Cannes, Antibes or Monaco?
Your hotel does not have to determine which coastline you experience. For a day exploring the eastern Riviera, traveling to Beaulieu can avoid using charter time and fuel repositioning the yacht. We can discuss what makes sense for your location and itinerary.
Where will we go?
Our popular eastern route explores Èze, Cap d’Ail, Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Menton. Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer and other stops can be incorporated according to your group and the day.
It helps to have a general idea, but not a minute-by-minute timetable. Some guests want more coastline; others prefer a swim, lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Conditions may also suggest a more comfortable alternative route.
Leave enough flexibility to enjoy an anchorage, spend longer over lunch or adjust the day with your skipper.
Explore Our Private Boat ItinerariesWhat is the boat like?
L’Esquinade is a Sunseeker Portofino 35, a 35-foot British-built sports cruiser. With a maximum of six charter guests, she offers different areas to enjoy throughout the day.
- Seating and dining
- Cockpit seating and a dining table for time together aboard.
- Shade
- Bimini covers over the cockpit seating and dining areas.
- Sunbathing
- A large bow sunbed for relaxing when conditions allow.
- Indoor accommodation
- An interior salon and two cabins.
- Bathroom
- A toilet and shower aboard.
- Food facilities
- An internal refrigerator, kitchenette and dining equipment.
- Music
- Bluetooth audio for your own device and playlists.
- Water activities
- Snorkeling equipment, floats and towels.
Will the skipper stay with us all day?
Yes. Your skipper operates the yacht throughout the charter and remains responsible for it while you swim or have lunch. Restaurant access and anchoring arrangements are handled according to the location.
Do we have to talk to the skipper all day?
No. Ask about the coast, local history and boats if you enjoy conversation, or have a quieter day with your group. Your skipper is available when needed without taking over your family time.
Does the skipper speak English?
Yes. You do not need to speak French to organize or enjoy your charter. If there are local boating customs or practical details you need to know, your skipper will explain them.
What should I wear and bring?
A Riviera boat day is normally informal. Swimwear with comfortable summer clothing or a cover-up is ideal. Bring something to wear for lunch and a light layer: the breeze can feel cooler on the water, especially outside peak summer.
Your personal essentials
- Swimwear and comfortable clothing.
- A hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A light extra layer.
- Phone or camera.
- Any personal medication.
Already provided
- Towels.
- Drinking water.
- Complimentary French rosé.
- Snorkeling equipment.
- Crockery, cutlery and glasses.
Extra food and drinks
Bring additional snacks, soft drinks or your favorite beverages. You can also select extra drinks when booking, including Champagne, wine, Aperol Spritz, spirits and mixers. These are charged separately.
Phones, photos and your playlist
Phones are useful for photographs, communication and Bluetooth music. Keep them secure when moving around or taking pictures beside the water. Boats move, and phones do not float. Travel light and avoid bringing more belongings than you need.
Can we swim and snorkel?
Yes, when conditions and the anchorage are suitable. Once safely anchored, you can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment or stay aboard while others swim.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer?
Swimming is optional, so you can enjoy the day without entering the water. If you are a nervous swimmer or have concerns, tell your skipper before deciding whether to swim. Never feel pressured to join others.
What happens while we are anchored?
As much or as little as you like. Swim, sunbathe, sit in the shade, listen to music, read or enjoy the view. A private charter does not need to be eight hours of constant activity.
What happens at lunchtime?
There are three main options. Discuss your preferences before the day, so lunch fits naturally into your route.
Bring lunch aboard
Bring food and eat around the dining table. Refrigeration, dining equipment and comfortable seating are aboard. Dietary requirements and familiar children’s snacks can be accommodated by bringing what suits your group.
Arrange catering
Charter-provided catering can be arranged in advance for a maximum of four people, subject to availability and sufficient notice. Discuss requirements and costs when booking.
Eat at a waterfront restaurant
Choose a relaxed, elegant, family-friendly or lively lunch. We can suggest a restaurant or beach club along your route and help arrange the reservation.
How do we get from the yacht to the restaurant?
Some waterfront restaurants use tender boats to collect guests and bring them ashore. We will explain the arrangements for your chosen venue, including any separate tender charge or gratuity.
Seasickness, weather and flexibility
What if I get seasick?
Tell us if you are prone to motion sickness. Your skipper can consider this when planning the route. If you are considering medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist beforehand what is suitable for you.
Tell the skipper if you feel unwell. We can consider adjusting the day where practical.
Is the Mediterranean always calm?
No. Wind and sea conditions vary. One side of a headland may be more comfortable than another. Your skipper retains discretion over what is safe and sensible.
Changing anchorage, route or order of stops can help make the day more comfortable.
What if it is unsafe to go out?
If Beaulieu Boat Charters determines conditions are unsafe, the charter is rescheduled where possible. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund is provided.
If conditions change during the day, the skipper may alter the route or return earlier if required.
Can children come?
Yes. Families are welcome. Tell us your children’s ages, as a day with small children may look different from one with teenagers.
If children under 16 are joining, tell us beforehand so appropriately sized life jackets can be provided.
Read our family boat charter guide →Older guests and limited mobility
A private boat can work well for multi-generational families, but boarding and moving around require a degree of mobility.
Tell us before booking if anybody has difficulty with steps, balance or movement. We can explain the boat and boarding arrangements so you can decide whether it is suitable.
How much does your first charter cost?
Our main-season full-day rate, for the whole yacht and up to six guests, is:
€1,950 + fuelYour professional skipper and French VAT are included. Fuel usually costs approximately €300–€800, depending on your itinerary and conditions. Lunch, remote pickups, requested extras and optional gratuities are additional.
Fuel is charged separately because a slow local day around Beaulieu and Cap-Ferrat differs from a longer cruising itinerary. We can estimate the fuel cost once we understand your plans.
Read the Full Charter Cost GuideBooking from the US or Canada
Arrange the booking and planning from home, in English. The booking deposit is €250, with remaining arrangements and invoicing handled afterwards.
Should I bring cash?
Cash can be useful for lunch, tender services or an optional gratuity. We also accept card payments for relevant onboard expenses. Having more than one payment method can be useful.
Should I tip the skipper?
Tipping is optional. If your skipper makes the day exceptional, a gratuity is appreciated. Our guidance is that guests who tip commonly choose approximately 5%–15% of the charter amount. It is never compulsory.
A typical first private charter from Beaulieu
No two days need to be exactly alike. This example shows how cruising, sightseeing, swimming and lunch can fit together.
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10:00 AM — meet at the marina
Meet your skipper at the agreed location. Secure your belongings, get comfortable and have your safety briefing.
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After the briefing — leave Beaulieu
Settle aboard L’Esquinade and head onto the Mediterranean. The coastline is part of the experience from the start.
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Morning — Èze and Monaco
Cruise the coast and stop for a swim where appropriate. Experience Monaco from offshore, with farther eastern destinations discussed according to your plans.
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Lunchtime — your agreed stop
Enjoy a waterfront restaurant, beach club or lunch aboard. Cap d’Ail can be an option on a route in this area.
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Afternoon — Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche
Explore more of the coastline, swim again, relax or enjoy the journey at your own pace.
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Late afternoon — return to Beaulieu
Return by the agreed time, normally around 6:00 PM on a standard full-day charter. Gather your belongings and continue with your evening. Let us know if you need help arranging a taxi.
Ten things to know before your first charter
- You do not need boating experience. Your skipper operates the yacht.
- The boat is private. Up to six guests from your group.
- You do not need a perfect itinerary. We can help design it.
- Bring less than you think. Towels, water and onboard equipment are provided.
- Swimming is optional. Enjoy the whole day without getting in the water.
- Lunch can be simple or special. Eat aboard or choose a restaurant or beach club.
- Weather may change the route. Flexibility is part of boating.
- More distance does not mean a better day. Sometimes the best decision is to stop.
- Tipping is optional. Appreciated when given, but not compulsory.
- Ask questions. If anything is unfamiliar, ask us before the day.
FAQs for first-time private boat guests
Do I need a boating license or experience?
No. You join as a guest, and your professional skipper operates the boat.
Is the yacht private?
Yes. L’Esquinade is reserved for your group of up to six guests.
Does the skipper speak English?
Yes. You do not need to speak French.
What is the difference between a captain and a skipper?
Here, both refer to the professional responsible for operating the yacht. “Skipper” is commonly used in European boating.
Is there a bathroom and shade?
Yes. L’Esquinade has a toilet and shower, with bimini shade over the cockpit seating and dining areas.
Are towels and drinking water provided?
Yes. Both are provided aboard.
Can we swim and snorkel?
Yes, when conditions and the anchorage are appropriate. Snorkeling equipment is provided. Swimming is optional.
Can we play music?
Yes. Connect your device to the Bluetooth sound system.
Can children come?
Yes. Tell us beforehand if children under 16 are joining, so suitable life jackets can be provided.
Can we eat aboard?
Yes. Bring food, or discuss catering in advance for a maximum of four people, subject to availability and notice. Restaurant or beach club lunch is another option.
What should I wear?
Comfortable summer clothing and swimwear. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a light extra layer.
What happens if I get seasick?
Tell your skipper. The itinerary may be adapted where practical. If you are prone to motion sickness, seek medical or pharmacy advice about suitable options before the charter.
What if the weather is unsafe?
The charter is rescheduled where possible. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund is provided.
Do I have to tip?
No. Gratuities are optional.
What is the usual itinerary?
Popular days explore east from Beaulieu toward Èze, Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Menton. Cap-Ferrat and other stops can be included according to your interests and conditions.
Can I book from the United States or Canada?
Yes. Booking and itinerary planning can be completed before traveling to France.
What is the most important advice for a first charter?
Know what matters to you, ask questions and leave enough flexibility to enjoy the day rather than planning every minute.
Ready for your first private boat charter?
You do not need to know boats, the coastline or French. Tell us:
- Where you are staying.
- Who is traveling with you.
- Your preferred date.
- What you enjoy.
- Whether you want to swim.
- What sort of lunch appeals to you.
- Anything you particularly want to see.
- Anything you are worried about.
We can take it from there. Once the planning is finished, step aboard and enjoy the Riviera from the Mediterranean.