Planning your first motor boat rental can be a daunting task. There are so many places you can see on the French Riviera and it’s difficult to know which boat is right for you. 212 Yachts have used our years of experience in luxury boat rental to create your all-inclusive guide to your first day on the water, as well as all the places you need to visit with these useful motor boat rental tips!
Which Boat to Choose for your Motor Boat Rental
The vessel you choose for your luxury motor boat rental will depend on the size of your group, the people you’re travelling with and your personal tastes. Here is a selection of the choices most popular with our guests:
Motor Boat Rental: VanDutch
VanDutch is one of 212’s most popular brands as their luxury boats cater for all occasions. Both the VanDutch 40 and VanDutch 55 offer luxury cruising with lots of space to relax with your guests, they can hold up to 10 passengers while cruising. The VanDutch models are popular with our corporate clients as there is more than enough space to entertain and network in style. The yachts’ convenient sizes also allow them to be tied up next to each other to allow networking among bigger groups of people. VanDutch 40 and 55 have a modern design that uses fluid lines and straight-edges to create a sleek feel.
Alternatively, these luxury motor boats are also a top choice for family outings. With ample space for families to relax in peace, our skippers know the best swimming hotspots on the Mediterranean where you can make some unforgettable memories. VanDutch are also perfect for a romantic getaway, we had two proposals on our VanDutch 40s this summer!
Motor Boat Rental: Riva
Riva is the ideal choice for your motor boat rental if you are looking to impress. Established in 1843, the Italian brand is well-known for timeless style and is well respected among the boating community. With twin 400HP Volvo Penta engines, the Rivamare 38 can reach top speeds of 40 knots, perfect for thrill-seekers! The layout is intelligently designed with comfort throughout. Spacious seating accommodates 7 people while the iconic wraparound windshield will ensure that you and your guests stay dry.
Ideal for lovers of design, the Rivamare 38 features a shark grey hull and delicate stylings such as pinstriped Mahogany, a chrome-plated horn and sleek, stainless steel grills. This is a popular choice for our corporate clients also, as professionals enjoy impressing new partners or colleagues with the prestige this boat exudes.
Motor Boat Rental: Wajer
VanDutch’s main competitor, we find that our clients are either drawn to the modern straight-edge lines of a VanDutch or the elegant curves of a Wajer. Like the VanDutch, the Wajer 38 is adaptable to any kind of luxury motor boat rental. Reaching a top speed of 45 knots, the Wajer 38 will get you where you need to go! Accommodating 12 guests while cruising, the Wajer 38 provides all the space you need for any occasion. This luxury boat is popular with families as the spacious seating area allows everyone to sit comfortably while enjoying quality time together. A well-established brand exuding sophistication, the Wajer 38 is also a great choice when looking to impress prospective clients or business partners.
Motor Boat Rental: Sunseeker
Perfect for a Riviera day trip, the Sunseeker 64 is built with the Mediterranean lifestyle in mind. With plenty of outside space, spend an afternoon sunbathing on the sun-pads or relaxing on the comfortable sun-lounger. The open-air dining table is perfect for a meeting or family meal in the fresh ocean air. The Sunseeker 64 also offers a large swimming platform where you and your guests can lie in the sun after a swim or snorkel in the clear waters. There is a sound system on the main deck which makes this space ideal for enjoying cocktails or a meal with your nearest and dearest. The Sunseeker 64 is ideal for a relaxed day out with your guests, spent soaking up all that the French Riviera has to offer.
Where to Go on your Motor Boat Rental
There are so many places to visit in this beautiful part of France, it can be difficult to decide which ones to choose! We estimate that in 1 day of boat rental, you may only be able to see 1 of the following places if you don’t want to feel rushed. But don’t worry, our skippers know all of the best beaches and swimming spots you can visit in between! Here are some of the best things to see while on your luxury motor boat rental:
Cannes
A great place to start your luxury boat rental, our office’s location in Port Canto will mean that help is never far away! As you exit the port you will be able to see the whole stretch of Baie de Cannes and the luxury hotels it is home to. For a taste of this glamorous town, stroll along the Croisette to experience beautiful views of Cannes’ old town. Have your photo taken on the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals and follow the footsteps of decades of movie stars and celebrities. If you fancy something to eat, you will find Salsamenteria di Parma is in the old town. Offering excellent wine and Italian food, the restaurant showcases the great mix of Franco-Italian culture in this part of France.
Lérins Islands
A popular destination of choice for many on a luxury motor boat rental is the Lérins Islands! Île de Sainte Marguerite is the largest of the two and features beaches, forest and some beautiful restaurants. La Guerite offers beachside seating where you could eat a gourmet meal while enjoying the amazing views of Cannes and Mandelieu-La Napoule. Île de Saint-Honorât houses 21 monks. Anchor here to see their breath-taking monastery which leads into the sea and to explore the stunning vineyards which surround it. These monks are famous for their wine, be sure to try some while you’re here!
The Corniche d’Or
A mountain range branching from Théoule-sur-Mer to Marseille, the Corniche d’Or has some of the most spectacular views on the Mediterannean. The coastline is well-known for its jagged red cliffs and natural beauty. If you cruise westwards to Rade d’Agay, you can anchor under the Massif d’Estérel for a picnic and take in the wonderful scenery. This area is a local favourite for swimming as you can float in the calm waters and watch your worries slip away.
Saint-Tropez
The perfect place to indulge, Saint-Tropez is an ideal stop on any luxury boat trip. Drift into the bay to watch the biggest boats and superyachts come in and out of the harbour. To relax, anchor near Pampelonne beach. The most popular bay in Saint-Tropez, you can gaze at all of the A-list beach clubs that line the stretch from the comfort of your luxury day yacht. This would be an ideal location to sunbathe and watch the world go by. If you wish to explore on shore, there are a number of designer boutiques here to fulfill your curiosity, La Girelier is just off of the harbour and serves exquisite seafood, making for an amazing meal before you head back out on the water!
Antibes
Stop in Antibes to explore an old town steeped in history and culture. To discover the town’s naval past visit star-shaped Fort Carré, one of Antibes’ key landmarks. Stroll through the quaint little streets, exploring the boutiques, patisseries and fromageries as you go. Many art-lovers are drawn to the Picasso Museum, housed in 14th Century Château Grimaldi. Visit here for an exclusive collection of Picasso’s work, given to the museum in exchange for his 6 month stay in the castle! Even if art isn’t your strong-suit, come here to see the breath-taking sea views at the top of the tower.
Antibes is also home to the world-famous Restaurant Mamo Michelangelo. Visited by stars such as Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Beyoncé, dine here for top quality Italian food at the height of sophistication. If you’re looking to relax in your luxury boat, anchor somewhere around Cap d’Antibes. This area shows you the more rugged and wild side to the Côte d’Azur. Picnic here and watch the waves crash against the jagged cliffs and rock formations.
Nice
You can recognise the city of Nice from a mile away with its sea of terracotta roofs. The Bay of Angels sweeps round for 7km and allows you to see a beautiful view of the old town and Castle Hill, the city’s most historic areas. You could dock here in Port Lympia and take a stroll through the beautiful vieille ville. Place Masséna is the main square and features stunning architecture and the famous Fontaine de Soleil. Have lunch at one of the many independent restaurants which run along old town’s winding streets of colourful buildings before returning to your luxury boat to continue the adventure!
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Nestled in between Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the beautiful Villefranche-sur-Mer. A quieter alternative to Antibes and Nice, Villefranche features wide beaches and picturesque buildings. This is the ideal place to anchor and have a picnic under the Alpes-Maritimes. If you want to explore on shore, take a trip to Chapelle de Saint Pierre, a beautiful church famed for its unique architecture. If you’re hungry, Mayssa Beach is a highly recommended French restaurant. Pull up a chair here and enjoy some local cuisine while gazing out onto the bay.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Just east of Villefranche lies Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This small town is built into the greenery between Nice and Monaco. As you cruise around Pointe de Saint-Hospice, try and catch a glimpse in the distance of the famous Rothschild Villa! Featuring a mansion and nine bespoke gardens, this land has become Cap Ferrat’s most famous landmark. There are lots of coves around here created by the jagged cliffs and views of the Alpes-Maritimes that will take your breath away. Anchor your luxury boat here for some unbeatable holiday pictures!
Monaco
Monaco, the home of sophistication and designer goods. This is the perfect stop if you’re craving a taste of the high life. See some of the biggest superyachts as you drift into Port Hercules, with the opulence of Monte-Carlo towering over you. Dock here to explore the world-famous Monte-Carlo Casino and Hotel de Paris in the centre of Place du Casino. You could spend hours here browsing the designer shops along the pavillion. For lunch, head to Hotel Hermitage. There is a terrace here which serves excellent food and wine, all experienced with a beautiful view of Port Hercules and the surrounding cliffs.
What to Bring
- Suncream – This is an absolute must when spending any time at sea! The sun’s rays are magnified on the water, making it much easier for your skin to burn. Make sure to reapply every couple of hours.
- Snorkel gear – One of the best activities on a luxury motor boat rental is exploring beneath the waves. If you cruise east of Cannes you can find some beautiful coves where you can explore the ocean floor in total privacy. This is also a great idea if your boat rental includes children, our skippers know bays where with a loaf of bread, the children will be surrounded by fish within seconds!
- Comfortable clothing – Although you’re out on a luxury boat, the dress code at sea is always casual. You’ll want comfy clothes that you can throw on after a swim in the clear waters. Leave your high heels on shore in favour of some flip flops!
- Sunglasses – The sun is always out on the French Riviera, don’t forget your shades!
There are endless possibilities when starting your boat rental in the French Riviera. And we can help create an itinerary that suits your tastes. Search our yachts to find the ideal choice for you and use these motor boat rental tips to find the solution that matches your taste and style.
To discuss your luxury motor boat rental, please contact our team of expert charter brokers.