Choosing a private boat hire is, above all, about choosing your freedom. With a Pampelonne boat charter itinerary, there are no shuttle timetables, no queues on a crowded beach, no prying eyes: just you, your crew and the Mediterranean. To help you plan your day at sea, we’ve put together three itineraries, ranging from the liveliest to the most secluded, taking in Pampelonne Bay, the coves of Ramatuelle and wide-open stretches of open sea.
Itinerary 1: your Pampelonne boat hire along the legendary beach-restaurant route
This is the classic route, the one that has made Saint-Tropez famous since the 1950s. Stretching for several kilometres, Pampelonne Beach is home to the Côte d’Azur’s most iconic venues, all of which are accessible directly from the sea.
- Le Club 55: founded in 1955 on the set Et Dieu… créa la femme it is the bay’s historic venue, renowned for its elegant simplicity and its private jetty, which allows guests to moor directly for lunch.
- Nikki Beach: a lively atmosphere, DJs and fine wines in a refurbished setting, ideal for a lunch that turns into an after-beach party.
- Bagatelle: refined Mediterranean cuisine and a lively atmosphere, very popular with groups on board; booking is essential several days in advance during the high season.
- Tropicana La Plage, Verde Beach or La Réserve à la Plage: for a variety of atmospheres, from family lunches to boho-chic vibes and Côte d’Azur-style sophistication.
The advantage of a private boat here is not just logistical: it allows you to anchor off the coast of the establishment of your choice, and to board or disembark in complete privacy via your tender, without having to jostle with the crowds of visitors arriving by road at the height of summer.
Itinerary 2: your boat hire trip to the hidden coves of Ramatuelle
For those seeking peace and quiet above all else, true luxury lies not in seeing and being seen, but in disappearing. To the south of Pampelonne, the Saint-Tropez peninsula offers much wilder and more secluded anchorages.
- Cap Camarat: its turquoise waters and rocky seabed make it a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling, away from the busier beaches.
- L’Escalet: accessible only by boat or via a coastal path, this unspoilt stretch of beach offers simple Mediterranean cuisine in a much more intimate setting than the large beach clubs.
- Anse de Bonne Terrasse: a sheltered cove, perfect for a stopover at anchor before setting sail again.
On this itinerary, your boat literally becomes your own private beach: you choose your cove, your time and your own pace, without ever setting foot on a towel that isn’t yours.
Itinerary 3: your private boat en route to the Lérins Islands and La Guérite
Pour une sortie à la journée plus ambitieuse, certains de nos clients aiment pousser plus loin, en direction de Cannes et des Îles de Lérins. Sur l’Île Sainte-Marguerite, le restaurant La Guérite est devenu un lieu mythique de la Côte d’Azur : niché dans une crique rocheuse classée, accessible uniquement par la mer, il propose une cuisine méditerranéenne signée par le chef Yiannis Kioroglou, dans un cadre de pins et d’eau cristalline à mille lieues de l’agitation du port.
Comptez environ une heure de navigation depuis la baie de Pampelonne : c’est l’excursion à privilégier pour une journée complète en mer, à réserver de préférence en semaine pour profiter du site dans le calme. Là encore, la location privée fait toute la différence : pas de navette partagée ni d’horaire imposé, vous arrivez et repartez quand vous le souhaitez.
Our tips for a successful boat hire around Pampelonne
A few useful tips before you set off: the most popular spots in Pampelonne (Club 55, Bagatelle, Nikki Beach) often need to be booked one to two weeks in advance in July and August. It’s best to arrive in the late morning to enjoy a quiet spot before the lunchtime rush, and save the afternoon for a more secluded cove, such as L’Escalet or Anse de Bonne Terrasse, where swimming is more peaceful.
A Pampelonne boat hire designed with discretion in mind
Our fleet of boats for hire is aimed at guests seeking both exclusivity and freedom. No groups, no public beaches, no crowds: your boat becomes a private space where you can plan your own itinerary, taking in Pampelonne’s iconic spots, Ramatuelle’s hidden coves and long trips out to Cannes, all in complete privacy.
Fancy putting together your own bespoke itinerary? Get in touch with our team to book your boat and organise a day at sea tailored entirely to your preferences.