The Best Boat Rentals in Cannes

Expect small motorboats and RIBs to start around $120–$250 per hour in peak season, with simple day rentals typically €600–€1,200 before fuel. Crewed sailboats and catamarans often run about €1,500–€3,500 for a full day depending on size and season. Luxury motor yachts commonly range from €4,000–€10,000+ per day, or roughly $500–$1,200 per hour for day trips. Most listings include the boat, standard safety gear, and for captained trips a licensed skipper and basic refreshments; fuel, gratuity, island mooring fees, and special catering are usually extra. Weekdays and shoulder months can be noticeably cheaper than midsummer weekends and festival weeks.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to different groups and budgets: nimble motorboats and semi‑rigid RIBs for quick hops to the Lérins Islands, classic monohull sailboats for relaxed cruising, spacious catamarans for groups that want plenty of deck space, and mid‑size to large yachts for premium comfort and service. Pick based on group size, how fast you want to move between stops, and whether lounging space or speed matters most.

Booking with a captain is the easiest option for most planners. Skippers handle docking, route planning, and local rules, and they know the best swim coves and moorings around the Lérins Islands, Cap d’Antibes, and the Estérel coves. If you prefer a self‑drive (bareboat) rental, you’ll need the proper license and recent experience, and you’ll be responsible for navigation, anchoring, and weather calls. For stress‑free celebrations or mixed‑experience groups, a captained charter is typically the better fit.

The most common launch points are the Vieux Port (Old Port) by Quai Saint‑Pierre and Quai Laubeuf in central Cannes, Port Pierre Canto along La Croisette, and Port La Napoule in nearby Mandelieu‑la‑Napoule. During busy events, some trips may also stage from nearby marinas such as Golfe‑Juan or Antibes, so always check your meeting point when you book.

Even short outings showcase the Bay of Cannes, the palm‑lined La Croisette, and the Palais des Festivals. Many routes add the Lérins Islands for swimming by Fort Royal on Île Sainte‑Marguerite or the quiet shores of Île Saint‑Honorat. Longer cruises often loop past the villas and turquoise coves of Cap d’Antibes or along the red‑rock Estérel coastline toward Théoule‑sur‑Mer. On calm days, a snorkel stop near the Cannes Underwater Eco‑Museum off Sainte‑Marguerite is a memorable highlight.

No license is needed if you book a captained charter. For self‑drive powerboats above low horsepower, France generally requires a coastal license or internationally recognized proof of competence (such as an ICC or equivalent). Some small, low‑power “sans permis” boats can be rented without a license, and many sailboat charters accept an ICC or a solid sailing résumé. If you’re unsure, choose a captained option or confirm license requirements with the listing before you reserve.

Yes—most charters in Cannes are family‑friendly and provide properly sized life jackets for all ages. Let the owner know children’s ages and approximate weights so they can have the right sizes ready. In France, children up to 30 kg are required to use appropriately rated life jackets; your captain will brief everyone on safety before departure. For little ones, mornings tend to be calmer, and shaded boats or cabins make nap breaks easy.

On most listings you can bring your own snacks, picnic items, and beverages, and many captained boats include water and soft drinks with coolers and ice. If you prefer, ask about add‑on catering. Responsible alcohol consumption by adult passengers is typically fine; your skipper will remain sober and manage the boat. For everyone’s safety, avoid excess, and check your listing for any restrictions on glass or red wine on deck.

Some day boats welcome small, well‑behaved dogs with prior approval, while many larger yachts do not allow pets. If you plan to bring a pet, confirm in advance, pack a non‑slip mat and fresh water bowl, and expect a possible cleaning fee. Note that certain protected shore areas and beaches restrict animals, so your captain will guide you to pet‑friendly swim stops.

Summer conditions on the Côte d’Azur are usually pleasant, but wind and chop can build in the afternoon, and occasional mistral events or storms do arise. If the captain deems conditions unsafe, most trips will be rescheduled or refunded per the listing’s policy. Getmyboat listings use Flexible, Moderate, or Strict cancellation terms—check your booking for the exact cutoff times and refund percentages, and message your host early if your plans shift.

Absolutely. Crewed boats simplify the day so you can focus on the group. Many offer Bluetooth sound, swim ladders, fresh‑water showers, and easy access to coves for photos and toasts. If you’re planning around fireworks nights in July and August, the Cannes Film Festival in May, the Régates Royales, or the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, book well in advance—marinas and anchorages are busier and some security zones may affect routes and timing.

Peak boating runs May through September, with the warmest sea from July to September and the busiest crowds in midsummer. May and September often deliver the best mix of warmth and lighter traffic, while April and October can be lovely shoulder months with cooler water. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and mornings are usually calmer than afternoons. For special dates, note that many travelers plan trips around U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, while locally the Cannes Film Festival (mid‑May), the International Pyrotechnic Festival nights in July and August, the Régates Royales, and the Cannes Yachting Festival in early to mid‑September also drive demand.

Yes—these are among the most popular outings. The islands sit just off Cannes, making them ideal for half‑day or full‑day charters with time to swim in clear water, picnic at anchor, or snorkel. The underwater sculpture park lies in shallow water off Île Sainte‑Marguerite; on calm days many charters stop nearby so guests can snorkel over the artworks. Anchoring and mooring around protected seagrass zones are regulated, so your captain will use designated moorings and advise on the best, low‑impact swim spots.