The complete pre-charter checklist from booking to boarding. Documents, packing, dietary requests, and everything to tell your crew before departure.
At a glance
Fleet figures updated
- Destination
- French Riviera yacht charter
- Best season
- May to October. Peak season July to August. May to June and September offer superb weather, lower rates, and fewer crowds.
- Typical duration
- 7-day charters cover Saint-Tropez to Monaco with stops at the finest destinations. 10 to 14 days allow extension to Corsica or the Italian Riviera.
- Yachts, West Mediterranean region
- 538 crewed yachts, 326 of 24m and above
- Weekly rate, 24m and above
- $7,600 to $3,400,000 per week, typical $85,000 (USD, October 2026)
- Reading time
- 2 minutes
A little preparation goes a long way toward a perfect charter. This checklist covers everything from the moment you book to the moment you step aboard, so nothing is left to chance.
Before You Book
- Confirm your travel dates and group size (including children's ages)
- Set a budget, including charter fee, APA, and extras
- Decide on your preferred departure port (Saint-Tropez, Cannes, or Monaco)
- Research yacht types, day charter, weekly, or superyacht
- Check passport validity, at least 6 months remaining for non-EU guests
After Booking to 2 Weeks Before
- Send your preference sheet to the crew: dietary requirements, allergies, favourite foods and drinks
- Share your beverage preferences, wine, champagne, spirits, soft drinks
- Confirm any special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals (the crew can prepare surprises)
- Arrange airport transfers to the marina
- Purchase travel insurance that covers yacht activities and water sports
- Send a copy of all guests' passports to the charter company
The Day Before
- Pack soft bags (not hard suitcases), yacht cabin storage is limited
- Charge all electronics and bring waterproof phone cases
- Download offline maps of your charter area
- Confirm your marina arrival time with your charter consultant
- Bring prescription medications and motion sickness tablets if needed
Boarding Day
- Arrive 30 minutes early for your crew welcome and safety briefing
- Remove shoes before boarding (the crew will provide deck shoes if needed)
- Meet the captain and discuss your ideal itinerary and pace
- Familiarise yourself with the yacht layout, safety equipment, and water toys
- Settle in, pour your first glass of champagne, and relax, you're on holiday!
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for a yacht charter?
You'll need a valid passport (for non-EU nationals) and your booking confirmation. No boating licence is required, your professional captain handles all navigation. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
What is a preference sheet?
A preference sheet is a form you fill in before your charter detailing food preferences, allergies, dietary requirements, favourite drinks, special occasions, and any specific requests. Your chef and crew use this to personalise your experience.
How early should I arrive at the marina?
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled departure for the crew welcome, safety briefing, and to settle in before casting off.
Plan this charter
- DestinationFrench Riviera yacht charterThe Legendary Côte d'Azur
- DestinationSaint-Tropez yacht charterGlamour, Beaches & Coastal Escapes
- DestinationMonaco yacht charterLuxury, Prestige & Mediterranean Elegance
- DestinationCannes yacht charterFilm, Festivals & Riviera Glamour
- Itinerary7-Day French Riviera Grand Tour Yacht Charter7 Days / 6 Nights
- Itinerary7-Day French & Italian Riviera Yacht Charter Itinerary7 Days / 6 Nights
- GuideYacht charter cost guideFull pricing breakdown
- FleetWest Mediterranean yachts for charterBrowse the fleet with weekly rates
Written by
Charter Broker, EU
Olivia designs bespoke yacht itineraries across Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes, delivering seamless charters with a balance of elegance and comfort. As our primary content author, she shares insider knowledge from hundreds of charters along the French Riviera.
More articles by Olivia G.Ready to plan your French Riviera charter?
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