Silence on the water beats anything in Cannes. This private charter turns the Old Port into a launch point for anchor time in clear turquoise water and the comfort of a Grand Banks 36 motor yacht. You get a real day at sea, not a drive-by sightseeing loop.

You’ll also appreciate the way French Captain Gérard works the day. He’s friendly, tuned in to what you want, and still respects the quiet space that makes a private boat feel like a personal escape.

One important consideration: the price you see doesn’t include the skipper fee (€200 per booking), and there’s also an extra rate if you go beyond the included navigation time. Add good-weather expectations to that budget math, and you’ll feel prepared instead of surprised.

Key things to know before you book

• Private charter, up to 6 people: Just your group on ARGO, so the day stays flexible.
• Grand Banks 36, classic comfort: Traditional style with comfortable deck seating and cabin space.
• Captain Gérard sets the tone: Friendly, attentive, and focused on the Riviera’s best moments.
• Time at anchor is the star: The plan is built around swimming and relaxing from the boat.
• Snorkel kit and paddle are included: Masks, snorkels, and a paddle help you use the water time fully.
• Budget for the skipper and possible extra navigation: Skipper (€200) and navigation over the included hour (85€/extra hour) affect the real total.

Your 10:00 am start from Cannes Old Port

Starting in the Old Port of Cannes is exactly the right vibe for this kind of trip. You’re already in the thick of the action, with the boats and waterfront energy nearby, then you switch modes fast: a short hop onto ARGO and suddenly the sea takes over.

The scheduled start is 10:00 am, and the tour runs about 4 hours. That timing matters because it’s long enough for a proper anchor stop and swims, but short enough that you’re not exhausted when you head back to the shoreline. It’s also the kind of morning that tends to feel cooler and calmer before the day fully heats up.

The meeting point is Esplanade Pantiero (Prom. de la Pantiero, 06400 Cannes), and the activity ends back at the same place. It’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re mixing this with other Cannes plans.

ARGO, a Grand Banks 36 built for real comfort

ARGO is a Grand Banks 36, a style of yacht known for traditional lines and sturdy comfort. On a day trip like this, comfort isn’t just luxury—it’s how you’ll actually enjoy the ride. When the boat feels solid and well kept, you relax faster and you pay more attention to the sea views instead of your own discomfort.

The yacht setup includes two cabins, and one key detail from onboard experiences is the bow cabin being quiet and comfortable, with windows. That’s the kind of thing that sounds minor until you’re actually on the water and you want a calm place to reset between swims and cruising.

Deck time is also a big part of the experience. You’ll have space to lounge, take in the coast from the water, and watch the horizon for the moment when the light turns golden near sunset.

That said, there’s one practical cabin note you should know: the toilet closet has been called out as needing improvement. It won’t ruin the day, but if you’re sensitive to small onboard spaces, plan for that.

Captain Gérard and the style of a private day

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That changes everything about pacing. You’re not stuck with a rigid schedule that’s built for strangers. If your group wants more quiet time at anchor, you can feel the difference; if you want more swimming breaks, the day can lean that way too.

The captain is French Captain Gérard, and the tone of his guiding is consistently described as attentive and fun, with the professionalism to keep the day smooth. In practical terms, you’re not just paying for a boat—you’re paying for local competence on how to use the coastline and plan the timing.

Fuel is included for 1 hour of navigation. After that, navigation beyond the included hour costs 85€ per additional hour. For you, that means the day’s “moving around” time may depend on what your group wants—anchor time tends to be the sweet spot, and that’s also where this charter shines.

Lerins Islands: the anchor stop that defines the day

The core stop is Lerins Islands, and it’s designed as a true “at anchor” experience. Instead of continuously touring, you spend time in calmer water where swimming feels easy and the sea looks calm enough to actually enjoy.

From Cannes, the vibe shifts quickly: you go from harbor sights to smaller island scenery and wide open water. Once anchored, the day becomes about small pleasures—cooling off in the sea, floating near the boat, and watching the horizon.

This is also where the “spectacular sunset” moments fit. Several onboard experiences highlight anchoring between small islands and then enjoying sunset from the water. If your group cares about photos, this is the part of the day where they happen naturally because the view doesn’t require effort—it just keeps getting better.

The main tradeoff with an anchor-heavy plan is that you may not see as many distant landmarks in one go. If your goal is check-list sightseeing, this isn’t built for that. If your goal is water time, it’s built perfectly for it.

Cap d’Antibes scenery from the water (and the Billionaires Bay feel)

Even though Lerins Islands are the main stop, your day is framed around cruising the coastline around Cannes, including Cap d’Antibes. Onboard experiences mention passing by the Cap d’Antibes area and seeing that stretch of coastline people often describe as the Bay of Billionaires.

From a yacht, Cap d’Antibes is all about scale and contrast. From shore, you can feel the reputation. From water, you see it in the details: the way the coastline curves, how the coastline lighting changes, and how the bigger boats look when you’re close enough to feel the marina life.

You’ll likely spend time cruising through the bay, then returning in a loop that brings you back toward Lerins before heading home. That kind of routing makes the day feel varied without turning it into constant motion.

If you want a mix—some coastline views, then a calm anchor swim—this charter fits that pattern nicely.

Snorkel masks, paddle, and easy water fun

Good water gear matters on a boat day, and you’re covered here. Masks and snorkels are included, plus a paddle. There’s also water and coffees provided, so you’re not stuck rationing drinks during the best hours.

What I like about included gear is that it lowers friction. You don’t need to plan extra stops or rentals. You can get in the water quickly and spend more time doing the fun part.

A practical note: snorkel time is easiest when the sea is calm, visibility is decent, and you’re not rushed. Since the day depends on weather conditions, you’ll get the best results when conditions are stable. If the water’s choppy, you might shift to a slower swim or paddle time instead.

Food and drinks: calm pacing, captain-led touches

This charter is set up for relaxation, and food tends to show up as part of that pace. Some onboard experiences describe the captain preparing an excellent lunch on the boat, with extra care given to the day’s comfort.

The water and coffees being included helps keep the start easy. And there’s also a realistic way to handle treats: one experience described buying champagne and oysters in central Cannes and enjoying them onboard. That suggests it’s normal for groups to add their own celebration items for the day, as long as you keep it easy and respectful of the onboard space.

If your group has food expectations, keep them flexible. This is not described as a formal meal service with a written menu. Instead, it’s a private, captain-led day where comfort and good timing usually matter more than strict dining structure.

Price reality check: what $602 covers, and what to add

The listed price is $602.06 per group, for up to 6 people, and the tour duration is about 4 hours. That’s a solid baseline price for a private yacht charter, especially with included water, coffees, and the snorkel/paddle gear.

But the “real total” is affected by two items that are easy to overlook if you only look at the headline rate:

• Skipper fee: €200 per booking (not included)
• Fuel included for 1 hour of navigation, then 85€ per additional hour

So, you’re balancing comfort and privacy against the operating costs of a private boat. If your group is the full six people, the math tends to feel better because the day’s fixed costs spread out.

If you only have two or three people, you’ll still likely get a memorable day—but it becomes more of a “splurge with a specific purpose” purchase. The purpose here is clear: anchor time, swimming, and that classic yacht comfort while you cruise Riviera coastline.

Meeting point, timing, and how to prepare

Logistically, you’ll want to arrive a little early for Esplanade Pantiero so your boarding doesn’t feel rushed. You’ll have a mobile ticket, which is convenient, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and simple sun protection. You’re on the water, and water reflection can be sneaky. If you plan to snorkel, keep your mask-fitting expectations practical—just use the included gear and take it slow the first time.

Also consider timing against the type of day you want. With only about 4 hours, you’ll feel every minute. If you want the best mix of swimming and views, aim to be ready to use the gear soon after you’re at anchor.

Finally, this experience requires good weather. If weather cancels it, you’ll get offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right setup for a boat day because sea conditions can change fast.

Who this private boat trip is best for

This charter is a great fit for groups that want privacy and water time more than checklist sightseeing. It’s ideal for friends or family, especially if you like the idea of spending a few hours anchored rather than constantly traveling.

It also suits travelers who care about comfort and character. ARGO’s classic Grand Banks style, the quiet cabin option, and the deck lounging space all point to a slower pace.

If your group is the type that loves planning little personal details—like bringing treats you bought in Cannes for the ride—this kind of private day gives you room to do that.

If you’re expecting a huge, nonstop route with multiple long stops, you might find the four-hour window feels short. But if you want a calm, confident boat day, you’ll likely feel like four hours is just right.

Should you book ARGO for Lerins and Cap d’Antibes?

I’d book it if your priorities are these: a private day, anchor time for swimming, and classic yacht comfort with Captain Gérard running the show. The included snorkel and paddle make the water time easy, and the Lerins Islands stop is the part that tends to create the most memorable moments.

I’d think twice if your budget is tight and you don’t want to factor in extra costs like the €200 skipper fee and any extra navigation time beyond the included hour. Also, if you’re the kind of traveler who hates weather uncertainty, remember this depends on good conditions.

One more smart way to decide: check whether your group wants a relaxed day at sea. If yes, this is the kind of charter that turns Cannes from a destination into a launching pad—then lets the sea do the rest.

FAQ

How many people are included on this private boat trip?

It’s a private tour/activity with only your group participating, up to 6 people per group.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are water, coffees, masks and snorkels, and a paddle.

What costs are not included?

The skipper fee (€200 per booking) is not included. Fuel/navigation is included for 1 hour of navigation, and after that, 85€ per additional hour applies.

Where do we meet, and what time does the trip start?

You meet at Esplanade Pantiero (Prom. de la Pantiero, 06400 Cannes). The start time is 10:00 am, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. After that, refunds aren’t available.