Half-day costs 40% less but gives 4 hours on water instead of 8. Who it fits, who it doesn't, and how to make the right choice based on your itinerary and group.
Key figures: price and time on water
Half-day lasts 4 hours (typically 9am-1pm morning, or 1pm-5pm afternoon, or 5pm-9pm evening) and costs €350 to €650 depending on the boat. Full day lasts 8 hours (9am-5pm) and costs €550 to €950 for the same boats — about 60% of day rate for half-day.
Per hour, full day is slightly better value (€69/h avg vs €87/h half-day). But this math ignores field reality: half-day allows a focused, restful outing; full day allows stringing together 2-3 destinations but requires more energy.
For a couple on a first sea outing, half-day is plenty and avoids fatigue. For a family with children or group of friends, full day is justified as soon as you have 2 objectives (e.g. Saint-Tropez + Pampelonne).
Half-day: who and what for
Half-day is the right choice in three specific cases. First: focused visit. You want to visit Saint-Tropez or Port Grimaud — 4 hours is plenty (crossing + village visit + return). Second: sunset. Our sunset cruise (5pm-9pm) is a half-day format capturing the magical mood without tiring. Third: tight budget. Half-day delivers a real experience without committing to a full day.
It is NOT suitable for Pampelonne from Sainte-Maxime: 35-45 min one way, same return = 90 min of navigation for 2h30 on site. Too short for Club 55 lunch + afternoon swim. Same for Estérel or Cap Taillat — these destinations need a full day.
Full day: the go-to format for 90% of cases
Full day (8h) is the most-requested format — 80% of our clients choose it. It allows a real sailing rhythm: relaxed crossing, anchorage 1 (swim), anchorage 2 (lunch), anchorage 3 (afternoon), return. No schedule stress, no race against time.
The gain isn't only temporal. A day on water creates a bubble out of daily life — phones disconnect, kids exhaust themselves in the water, the group finds its rhythm. It's the full "Saint-Tropez" experience you come for when renting a boat.
Full day includes the right to a 6pm-7pm extension (beyond 5pm) at no charge if weather and skipper availability allow. Ask at the start of the day.
Our recommendation by profile
Formats we most often recommend based on your situation. This matrix reflects 7 years of client feedback in Sainte-Maxime.
- Childless couple, first outing: afternoon half-day (€450, relax)
- Couple, proposal or birthday: sunset half-day (€450 + champagne)
- Family 2 adults + 2 children: full day to amortise preparation (€650)
- Group of friends 6-8 pax: full day, shared at €80-110/person (€650)
- Bachelor/bachelorette: full day mandatory for the vibe (€650-850)
- VIP or pressed clients: focused half-day (fast trip, single objective)
- Resident expats: full day to master the itinerary (€650)
FAQ
Can we switch from half-day to full day during the outing?
Yes, if boat and skipper availability allow. Prorated rate: +€200 to upgrade from half-day to full day. Request before 12:30pm same day. Also depends on weather (extension if favourable).
Morning or afternoon half-day: which is better?
Morning (9am-1pm): calmer sea, fewer boats at anchor, soft light. Perfect for snorkelling and first beach lunch. Afternoon (1pm-5pm): warmer water (23-24°C), livelier vibe at private beaches. Personal choice; if in doubt, morning more comfortable.
How long is a beach lunch?
Plan 2h at Club 55 or Bagatelle (premium service). 90 min at simpler beach shacks (L'Esquinade, Chez Camille). Add buffer if half-day: Club 55 lunch + return = too tight in 4h.
What if we booked half-day but want to stay longer?
Call the skipper's day number before 12:30pm (morning) or 4:30pm (afternoon). If available, prorated extension. If unavailable (another booking after), you return as planned but can book another day at preferential rate (-10%) within 30 days.
