Renting a boat in Saint-Tropez costs between €350 and €4,500 per day depending on category. Transparent 2026 pricing breakdown, hidden items (fuel, skipper, deposit) and timing windows to pay less.
Why prices vary so much between agencies
On the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, you'll find offers displayed between €250 and €5,000 per day for seemingly similar boats. This range reflects six variables that drive final price: boat capacity (6 to 12 passengers), engine power (150 to 600 HP), model year (new boats = 20-30% more), agency reputation, skipper inclusion, and high season (July-August = 30-50% premium).
Serious agencies display a "bare-boat" rate (rental only) and clearly separate options: fuel at actual consumption, skipper per day, refundable deposit, cleaning for damages. Beware of bait pricing — it usually hides end-of-day surcharges (packaged fuel at inflated rates, mandatory supplementary insurance, inflated port fees).
At Daily Boat Rental, we publish all costs before booking. No surprises at handback. This transparency is also a quality signal: if an agency needs to hide fees, it's often compensating for an uncompetitive offer.
2026 price grid by boat category
These are real rates practised on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in 2026, based on our Sainte-Maxime fleet. Prices shown are rental only, excluding fuel and skipper. High season = July-August, mid-season = June and September, low season = April-May and October.
- RIB 6 pax (150 HP) — half-day €350 / day €550 in high season. -20% in low season.
- Day cruiser 6-8 pax (250-300 HP) — half-day €450 / day €650 in high season. -15 to -20% in low season.
- Walkaround 8-10 pax (2×150 HP) — half-day €550 / day €800 in high season. -15% in low season.
- Cruiser with cabin 8 pax (300 HP + berths) — half-day €650 / day €950 in high season. -20% in low season.
- Yacht 10-12 pax (600 HP) — half-day €1,500 / day €2,800 in high season. Skipper mandatory.
- Luxury yacht 12+ pax (SanLorenzo class) — on quote, from €4,500/day + skipper + crew.
Best value in 2026 remains the 6-8 seat day cruiser: versatile, fast, comfortable, suitable for 90% of uses (family, couple, small group of friends).
Half day or full day: which is cost-efficient?
Half-day costs about 60% of a full day. At face value, less cost-efficient per hour. In practice, it's the right choice in three cases: a focused visit (Saint-Tropez in the morning, back to the hotel for lunch), a sunset cruise (5pm-9pm), or a strict budget.
Full day (typically 9am-5pm) becomes cost-efficient once you have two objectives: for example Pampelonne + Cap Camarat, or Port Grimaud + Cogolin + L'Escalet. The gain isn't only financial: 8 hours on water allow a proper sailing rhythm without schedule stress.
Our internal simulator gives a simple rule: if you go with more than two people, with kids, or planning over 30 km of navigation, full day is the more economical option overall. If you're a couple going for a specific outing, half-day is plenty.
Fuel and skipper: the two items people forget
Fuel is on the renter with most agencies, us included. For a classic day (crossing to Pampelonne, anchorages, return), plan €80 to €120 on a 250 HP day cruiser, €150 to €200 on a 2×150 HP walkaround, and up to €300-400 on a fast yacht. Consumption depends on speed: each additional knot above 20 costs 15-20% more fuel.
The skipper costs €200 per day (€100 half-day) for a captain holding the Captain 200 licence and medical fitness. This rate includes their meal but not tips. Mandatory if no passenger holds a French coastal licence (or international equivalent), strongly recommended for complex itineraries (Saint-Tropez port, Estérel).
Deposit ranges from €1,500 to €5,000 depending on the boat. Refunded on return if the boat is handed back in order. Sign a contradictory check-in inventory at boarding.
6 tips to pay 20-30% less
Concrete levers our clients use to cut their rental budget. None compromise quality — just timing, choice or negotiation adjustments.
- Book in June or September: 23°C water, ideal weather, 20% lower than August.
- Target Monday or Tuesday: least demanded days, flexible rates possible.
- Share the boat with 6-8 people: per-person cost falls to €80-110/day — less than a cinema seat.
- Avoid long-weekend peaks (14 July, 15 August): 30% premium possible.
- Ask for "bare-boat" rental (fuel excluded): some agencies package fuel at inflated prices.
- Book 3 weeks in advance: past D-5, the best boats are gone.
FAQ
Is the rental insured?
Yes, all our boats are fully insured (civil liability, damage, theft, assistance). A refundable deposit covers any damages not covered by insurance. No supplementary insurance needed from your side.
Can I cancel and get refunded?
Free cancellation up to 72h before departure (100% refund). Between 72h and 24h: 50% refund. Less than 24h: no refund, unless weather reason confirmed by us — free rescheduling without time limit.
Does the price include safety equipment?
Yes: life jackets (adults and children), distress flares, VHF, GPS, liferaft (on cabin boats). Snorkel gear (masks, snorkels, fins 3 sizes) provided free on request.
Is there a discount for multi-day rentals?
Yes, from 3 consecutive days: 10% discount. From 7 days: 20% discount. Personalised inquiry by phone recommended for custom rates (weekly or monthly charter).
How much does a skipper cost per day?
€200 for a full day (8h), €100 for half-day (4h). Rate includes their meal on board. Skipper holds Captain 200 licence and professional medical fitness. Tips optional at end of trip.
