If you want St-Tropez without the crowds, do this by yacht. A private Pershing 40 charter lets you slide into the real Riviera rhythm: cruise the Golfe du Saint-Tropez, then anchor in swim-ready bays with gear included.

I like that you’re not stuck with a rigid sightseeing checklist. You can choose morning or afternoon, and your captain can shape the day around where the water looks best and where you want to spend time.

One thing to think about: this is weather-dependent. If seas are choppy or storms roll in, the operator may shift plans or cancel for safety, so build in some flexibility.

Key Highlights Worth Planning For

• Private yacht time on a Pershing 40 with a captain guiding the route and stops
• Anchor-and-swim breaks at spots known for clear water and easy access from the boat
• Included water toys like snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboard
• Iconic Riviera scenery: Golfe du Saint-Tropez, Canoubiers, and St-Tropez from offshore
• Port options for boarding, including Port Grimaud, Sainte Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin
• Snacks and soft drinks included so the day stays relaxed, not rushed

A Pershing 40 Half-Day: What You’re Really Paying For

This half-day private charter is priced per group at $1,802.19 for up to 8 people, for about 4 hours. That sounds pricey until you do the math: you’re essentially paying for boat time plus a professional captain, in a small-group setting where you’re not sharing space with strangers.

In practice, the value comes from three things. First, the boat itself is the point: a sleek Pershing 40 feels built for cruising and quick access to the water. Second, you’re buying time in the exact places that make this coast famous—seen from a distance on land, but much more fun when you’re floating right in front of it. Third, you get included “day-on-the-water” extras (snorkeling gear, paddleboard, snacks, and soft drinks) so you can keep the day simple.

The charter also leans into customization. The route includes classic areas, but the captain’s job is to help you make the most of the hours you have.

Morning or Afternoon: How the Timing Changes the Whole Experience

Choosing morning or afternoon isn’t just a schedule option. It changes the vibe.

A morning departure often feels crisp and fresh, with a calmer start and that early-light look along the coastline. An afternoon departure can feel more relaxed, with longer golden-hour views as you cruise back toward port. Either way, your total time is still about four hours, so the captain will focus on quality over quantity.

My practical advice: pick the departure that matches when your group is happiest and least rushed. If you’re tying this into a food or beach plan on land, choose the yacht slot that won’t make you sprint across town.

Where You Board: Ports, the Ramatuelle Meeting Point, and Easy Coordination

Boarding is designed to be flexible. You can start from one of several ports in the St-Tropez area, including Port Grimaud, Sainte Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin. That matters because the French Riviera is not a “one-size-fits-all” geography. Starting closer to where you’re staying saves real time.

There’s also a specific meeting-location address tied to the booking area: 4 Imp. des Jardins, 83350 Ramatuelle, France. For pickup, the operator will contact you via WhatsApp or email to confirm the exact meeting location within five days.

So here’s the smart move: have your phone ready, and watch for those messages. One frustrating experience you might want to avoid is a mismatch in timing—there’s at least one reported case where a charter was scheduled the wrong day, and the fix involved arranging a delayed departure and refund. You can’t control operator mistakes, but you can reduce your stress by confirming the date, the port, and the meeting instructions ahead of time.

Cruising the Golfe du Saint-Tropez: The Superyacht Bay Feeling

This is the part people picture, and it delivers. The cruise through the Golfe du Saint-Tropez puts you among the coastline and the harbor energy that makes the area famous. You’ll see a lot of superyachts, close enough to feel the scale, but not so close that it turns into traffic.

What I like about this segment is that it sets expectations for the rest of the day. You quickly understand how the coastline is laid out, where the coves sit, and why anchoring matters here. From the deck, the Riviera stops looking like a postcard and starts looking like a place you can actually play.

It’s also a nice buffer time. If your group wants conversation, photos, or just a slow “we’re on vacation now” moment, this is where it happens.

Canoubiers, Billionaires Bay: Swim Time With Celebrity-Water Energy

Your route includes Plage des Canoubiers, often linked to Billionaires Bay. This anchorage is famous for its glamour history, and the name gets associated with Brigitte Bardot and other well-known figures.

Why this stop is worth your half-day: you’re not just looking at pretty water. You can get in it. With the included snorkeling equipment and the boat’s swim-friendly setup, you can do quick swims, float time, or just a relaxed dip while the boat handles the logistics.

Possible drawback: this kind of iconic water draws attention. Even if you’re away from the crush on land, you’ll still want to be ready for a lively atmosphere in the general area. If your group likes quiet, you may enjoy spending a bit more time on the boat between swim breaks.

Port Grimaud and the St-Tropez Coast Line: Views, Not Just Stops

The day can include Port Grimaud as a first stop, a place often known for its canal-like waterfront feel. You’ll get that “little Venice” vibe from the water angle, which is a different story than walking the streets.

From there, the route continues toward Saint-Tropez, where offshore views give you context before you return to the mainland. When you see the town and coastline from the sea, it’s easier to understand what you’ll want to explore later on foot—if you have time.

One consideration here: time is limited. With only about four hours, the cruise is more like a highlight reel than a full sightseeing day. If you’re hoping for a long walk in town or museum time, treat the yacht as the main event and keep land plans light.

Citadelle de Saint-Tropez and the Maritime Museum Area: A Cultural Bookmark From Sea Level

The itinerary includes the area around Citadelle de Saint-Tropez – Musée d’histoire maritime. From the boat, you’ll get the sense of the fortress and the town’s maritime identity without having to schedule a museum visit.

Why this is useful for you: seeing the citadel from the water gives you a stronger mental map. When you later look back at the skyline from shore, you’ll recognize what you saw and why it matters.

The tradeoff is simple. If museum stops and long walks are your priority, a half-day charter won’t replace that. But it can set up the rest of your trip so you don’t feel like you’re just passing through.

Parcs de Saint-Tropez and Salins Beach: Where the Day Gets Peaceful

After the glitz comes the calmer part of the coast. The route includes Parcs de Saint-Tropez and then heads toward Salins beach, described as a quieter stretch with pristine, clear water.

This is where the included gear pays off. When the boat anchors near calmer water, snorkeling becomes more worth it because visibility helps. Stand-up paddleboarding also feels more natural when conditions allow you to move without fighting waves.

Possible drawback: beach conditions can vary with wind and sea state. If the water is rough, the captain may adjust how long you stay at certain anchorages or how the swim breaks work. That’s not a fault in the tour; it’s the reality of operating on the Mediterranean.

Still, the overall rhythm is right for families and couples alike: cruise, anchor, play in the water, then cruise again.

On Board Comfort: Snacks, Soft Drinks, Gear, and Those Little Extras

Included onboard are bottled water, snacks, soda/soft drinks, plus snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard. The goal is to keep you fueled so you don’t waste precious minutes hunting for food on land.

A few experience details that stand out from real-world use:

• Captains can help coordinate time ashore or at beach settings, including arranging a way to tender in for a drink.
• Several groups mention being able to listen to their own music while onboard, which makes the trip feel more personal.
• One reported advantage is that the boat setup includes amenities that make a stop feel easier for everyone in the group.

What to pack (practical, not fancy): bring swimwear, a light towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and something easy to throw on if you cool down after swimming. If you’re prone to seasickness, keep that in mind and let the captain know early so they can support you if conditions feel active.

Captain Styles and Communication: Why It Matters on a Private Charter

On a private charter, the captain is half the experience. The good news is that the operator clearly runs this with an eye toward hosting.

Multiple captains are referenced across experiences, including Scott, Eric, Ian, Peter, Tjeerd, Mark, and Glen—and communication is repeatedly described as strong, with English-speaking captains noted. That matters because it helps you understand the plan, where you are, and what you can do safely at anchor.

There’s also a simple hosting pattern that keeps showing up: check-ins at return points, quick help if someone needs a hand, and flexibility around what you want to do during the swim breaks.

My advice: if you have any must-do priorities—extra swimming time, a calmer anchorage, or a specific kind of water activity—tell the captain early. You’ll get better results with clear requests than with vague hopes.

Fuel Surcharge and Other Cost Reality

The big cost note is that fuel surcharge is not included. That’s not unusual for yacht charters, but it’s worth budgeting for so there are no surprises.

When you judge value, include what’s covered. You’re paying for:

• Private boat time (with a captain)
• About four hours
• Included water toys (snorkeling gear and paddleboard)
• Included food and drinks (snacks, bottled water, soft drinks)

So even with the fuel add-on, it can still pencil out well for families or small groups who want a true private Riviera day without the hassle of managing transfers, tickets, and crowded tours.

Should You Book This Pershing 40 Half-Day Charter

Book it if you want St-Tropez the way most people can only imagine: from the water, with time to swim, snorkel, and paddle without feeling like you’re running a schedule.

Don’t book it if your group hates weather uncertainty. Because the experience depends on safe sea conditions, a rough day can mean delays or cancellation. If your vacation calendar is tight, make sure you have some flexibility built in.

If you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a family with kids who genuinely enjoy water time, this is a strong fit. You’ll get that “big vacation energy” fast, and you’ll see the coastline in a way that sticks after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the Pershing 40 half-day charter?

It runs for about 4 hours.

What group size is this charter priced for?

The price is listed as per group up to 8 people.

Where can we board the yacht?

You can board from nearby ports such as Port Grimaud, Sainte Maxime, Saint-Tropez, or Marines de Cogolin.

Is pickup offered?

Pickup is offered, and the operator will contact you by WhatsApp or email to confirm the exact meeting location within five days.

What’s included during the charter?

Included items are bottled water, snacks, soda/soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a stand-up paddleboard.

What isn’t included in the price?

A fuel surcharge is not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

The 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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