A Pershing on the Riviera feels unreal. This full-day private yacht charter turns St Tropez into something you watch from the water, with celebrity-bay viewpoints and beach time built into the schedule.

What I love most is the smooth, spacious ride quality people rave about, and how it makes the whole day feel easy and comfortable. Second, you get real time to play in the water thanks to snorkel and paddleboard gear, plus snacks and soft drinks waiting on board.

One thing to consider: marina timing can matter. If you’re starting in the busiest St Tropez area, you may hit a waiting bottleneck before you get underway, and one family specifically recommended starting from a nearby port instead.

Quick hits before you book

• Private Pershing 40 for up to 8 people with a full-day plan (about 8 hours)
• Swim-and-snorkel stops across Les Canoubiers, Pampelonne, Cap Taillat, L’Escalet, and Cap Camarat
• Paddleboard and snorkel equipment included, plus restroom on board
• On-board snacks, soda, and bottled water so you do not need to hunt for refreshments
• Captain-led storytelling, including a view of Citadelle de Saint Tropez from the water
• Port choice can affect your departure mood, since busy marinas can add waiting time

Why a Pershing 40 full day in St Tropez works so well

St Tropez is the kind of place where the land experience can feel like a crowd-wrangling exercise. On a private yacht day, you flip the script: you glide between coves, pause where the water looks right, and spend the day mostly outside, with the sea doing the entertaining.

A big part of why the Pershing 40 setup is so appealing is that you are not squeezing a lot of people into a cramped schedule. You get a real private-group pace, with enough time at each stop to actually go swimming and not just look at the shoreline.

The vibe also tends to skew “relaxed luxury.” The boat is described as gorgeous, spacious, and with a smooth ride, which matters in the afternoon when the wind shifts and boats can get bouncy.

Price and value: what $2,889.87 per group is buying

This charter runs $2,889.87 per group (up to 8) for about 8 hours. That sounds steep until you break it down the way a private day should be measured: you are paying for the boat, the captain, the time on the water, and included gear and refreshments.

If you fill all 8 spots, you are roughly around $360 per person before any extras like fuel surcharge. If you have fewer people, the per-person cost climbs, but you still get something worth paying for: you do not share the boat with strangers, and you can enjoy multiple swim stops in one day without the stress of public transport or parking.

You should also note what is and is not included. Fuel surcharge is not included, so your final total may be a bit higher depending on how the day runs. Still, snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, snorkel equipment, paddleboard gear, and a restroom on board are part of the deal, which helps keep the day from turning into constant add-on costs.

Meeting at the marina and the 10:00 departure reality

The day starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. Your boats are berthed in Marines de Cogolin (you might also see the name written as Marines de Cangolin in some materials), and you get the exact berth location by WhatsApp or email within 5 days.

You can also arrange collection from another nearby port at booking time, which is more than a convenience—it can be a mood saver. One family called out that starting right in the St Tropez marina area can mean a 30+ minute wait when things get crowded. If you have the option, choosing a calmer nearby port can help you spend more of the day actually moving.

Also, the operator uses a mobile ticket, and the day is offered in English. If you like knowing what is happening without a language barrier, that checks a lot of boxes.

The route overview: variety from celebrity bays to secluded coves

What makes this charter feel like a full-day experience is the mix of shoreline types. You start with a glamorous-feeling bay (Les Canoubiers/Billionaires Bay), swing through the famous beach stretch of Pampelonne, and then shift into quieter, more nature-focused waters at Cap Taillat and L’Escalet. You end with Cap Camarat, where the focus is rugged cliffs and panoramic views.

The timing is built around longer beach-and-water blocks: about 2 hours at the first three major stops, then 1 hour each at the last two. That structure is ideal if you want a day that is active but not exhausting.

Les Canoubiers and Billionaires Bay: the celebrity-bay swim zone

Your first stop is Les Canoubiers, often linked with the idea of Billionaires Bay of Saint Tropez. The area is associated with well-known names, including Brigitte Bardot, which gives the day a fun, almost cinematic starting point.

What you actually do here matters more than the fame. You get about 2 hours with time to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard, and there is even mention of possible dolphin spotting. Even if you do not see dolphins, you get the payoff of being in the kind of water people travel for: calm coves and clear moments that make snorkeling worth the effort.

One practical advantage of starting with a longer swim block is that it helps you catch the best light and the easiest conditions early in the day, before you’re tired and before everyone else is out there.

A water-level look at Citadelle de Saint Tropez

Between swim stops, you get a moving moment with a viewpoint. You’ll take in the view from afar of Citadelle de Saint Tropez, with your captain explaining what the monument is and what it holds today.

This is a smart addition because it gives you a historical anchor without forcing you into a museum schedule. From the water, you also get a different angle on the coastline and the way the town sits above the sea.

Do not expect a long stop here. This part works best as a “watch, listen, and keep going” break—use it to reset and rehydrate before the next beach time.

Pampelonne Plage: movie fame meets both families and party people

Next up is Plage de Pampelonne, about 2 hours. This is the beach stretch that became world-famous through Brigitte Bardot’s 1958 film And God Created Woman, and it still carries that iconic St Tropez energy.

What you get here is a contrast: Pampelonne can be both family-friendly for a relaxed day out and also a place where the party crowd shows up. Being on a yacht gives you the flexibility to enjoy it without being trapped in the densest parts of the beach scene.

A thought for your planning: this is a stop where you may want to coordinate how you’ll use your time. If you want calmer water for swimming, aim for the earlier part of the window. If you want the classic beach-atmosphere energy, you can save some time to just float and watch the shoreline activity.

Cap Taillat: a secluded reach that’s hard by car

Then you shift to Cap Taillat, another 2-hour stop where the point is seclusion. It’s described as a secluded paradise that is difficult to reach by car, which is exactly why a boat day pays off here.

You’ll spend time around the Blue Lagoon area, with the water and surrounding nature doing most of the work. This stop tends to be about quiet, clearer views, and the kind of snorkeling and swimming that feels less like a chore and more like a break.

If you’ve ever felt like St Tropez gets too crowded too fast, this is likely the moment that makes your whole day feel worth it. A good charter day needs at least one “exhale” stop.

Plage de l’Escalet: quick, scenic, and made for photos and lounging

Plage de l’Escalet is a 1-hour stop, and it feels different from the bigger-name beaches. Here, the emphasis is the coastline and turquoise water, with time for relaxation and capturing those postcard angles.

Even though the window is shorter, this stop can still be perfect if your goal is to switch from active swimming to a calmer mood. Think of it as your “hang out” moment—float, rinse off when you’re done, then enjoy the views while you know the day is still moving toward the final cliff area.

Cap Camarat: rugged cliffs and the last stretch of big views

Your final stop is Cap Camarat, another 1-hour block focused on rugged cliffs and panoramic vistas. This is the spot that can make you feel like you’re seeing the whole peninsula in one sweep.

If the wind picks up in the afternoon, this stop is also where you’ll appreciate a smooth, well-handled boat day. The ride quality gets mentioned for a reason: it keeps you comfortable during the longer cruising sections between coves.

It’s also a good finale because it’s scenic even if you do not want to spend the full hour swimming. Some people will want to jump in; others may want to just soak up the views.

On-board comfort: snacks, drinks, restroom, and captain pacing

This charter includes snacks, soft drinks, and bottled water, which sounds simple, but it changes how the day feels. In a place where you can end up spending money just to stay hydrated, having refreshments on board helps you stay in the moment.

You also get a restroom on board, plus snorkeling equipment and stand up paddleboard gear. Translation: you can keep moving through the day without turning stops into logistical break times.

The captain and hosts matter here too. One day led by captain Glen is described as an especially wonderful experience, with a smooth ride and lots of space. Another group praised Niamh and Mark for taking care of everything and making it feel like they were sailing almost as a private family bubble. In another account, Steve and Niamh were credited for sharing the day in an interesting way and taking the group to different coves.

You may also find that time on the water includes more than just paddleboard and snorkel. One family account mentioned kayak time alongside paddleboarding. That may not be the same on every day, but it shows how some charters can run with extra water toys depending on what’s available.

Lunch and beach-club plans: how your hosts can help

The itinerary is centered on water time, but beach-food plans are part of how people actually enjoy a day in St Tropez. One group specifically mentioned that their hosts helped arrange lunch reservations at Tahiti Beach.

That kind of support can be a big deal if you want to avoid scrambling while you’re already enjoying the sea. If lunch matters to your plan, you’ll likely appreciate working with hosts who help connect you with a beach club or reservation where it makes sense for the day’s timing.

Who this charter is best for

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private day for a group up to 8
• A mix of swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
• A comfortable boat experience where you can relax between stops

It also tends to work well for families and multi-generation groups, because the day is flexible and revolves around water enjoyment rather than strict touring. One family account emphasized how the hosts made everyone feel looked after and how it felt like a real private day.

If you’re on a honeymoon or a couples trip, it’s also a good choice because the private format plus quiet coves can reduce the “we’re sharing the experience with everyone” feeling.

Practical tips to make your day feel smooth

• Set expectations on timing. You start at 10:00 am and your stops are scheduled in blocks, so plan your day around that. Waiting at a crowded marina can shift your first hour, so if you have a choice of port pickup, consider the calmer option.
• Bring water-appropriate basics. Even with gear on board, you’ll want your own swim essentials like sunscreen and a light layer for breezier cruising time.
• Use the long stops first. The two-hour windows early and mid-day are where you’ll get the most benefit from swimming and snorkeling.
• Ask your captain about the views. The Citadelle viewpoint is paired with captain storytelling, so it’s worth paying attention during the travel segments, not just during swims.
• Plan how you’ll do lunch. If you want a beach-club lunch, it can be worth requesting help so you do not lose time later.

Should you book this St Tropez Pershing 40 charter?

If your goal is to see St Tropez in a way that feels more personal, more relaxed, and more water-centered than the typical land route, I’d say yes, book it. The combination of a private Pershing 40 day, included snorkeling and paddleboard gear, and on-board snacks and drinks gives you a lot of value for the money—especially when you have enough people to share the group cost.

I would be a little pickier if your biggest priority is starting and ending instantly with zero waiting. If you know you’ll be caught in marina congestion, talk about port options during booking so your day starts with motion, not time in line.

Ultimately, this is the kind of day that works because the schedule matches the payoff: multiple swimming coves, a couple of iconic beach areas, and final panoramic cliff views. If you want a St Tropez day that feels like you’re living on your own schedule, this one fits.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

It’s about 8 hours.

How many people can be on the yacht?

It’s priced per group for up to 8 people.

What time does the charter start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do we meet, and what port is used?

The boats are berthed in Marines de Cogolin, and the exact location is sent to you by WhatsApp or email within 5 days. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. You may be able to arrange collection from another nearby port at the time of booking.

What’s included on board?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, stand up paddleboard, bottled water, snacks, soda, and a restroom on board.

Is fuel included in the price?

Fuel surcharge is not included.

What language is the experience offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Does it operate in all weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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