Antibes Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes

Antibes’ central Riviera position makes it one of the most versatile departure points on the coast. Cannes and the Îles de Lérins lie 7 NM to the west. Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat are 11–18 NM east. Monaco is 20 NM along the coast. The red Estérel cliffs begin 15 NM to the west. The 3-day and 4-day itineraries below cover different stretches of coastline and can be combined into a 7-day voyage without repeating a single anchorage. Every route is fully customisable by your captain and Boatcrowd charter specialist.

Day Charter Routes from Antibes

Antibes to the Îles de Lérins: Monasteries and Crystal Water

Depart Port Vauban mid-morning and cruise south-west to the Îles de Lérins (5 NM, roughly 20 minutes). Anchor between the two islands in crystal-clear water over sandy seabed for a morning swim and snorkel. Tender ashore to Île Sainte-Marguerite: walk the pine-shaded paths to the Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned for 11 years, and explore the botanical trails along the island’s southern coast. After a chef-prepared lunch on the aft deck, cross to Île Saint-Honorat: the fortified monastery has been home to Cistercian monks since AD 410, and the abbey shop sells wines and Lérina liqueur produced on the island. Return to Antibes by late afternoon for an evening stroll through the old town. Duration: 6–8 hours.

Antibes to Cap d’Antibes: The Peninsula Circuit

A short but rewarding day charter tracing the coastline of Cap d’Antibes. Depart Port Vauban and cruise south along the western shore of the cap, passing the grand estates and pine-covered headlands. Round the southern tip with views of Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc perched on the rocks above. Anchor off the Garoupe beaches on the eastern side for a morning swim in sheltered, crystal-clear water. Tender ashore for a walk along the Sentier du Littoral coastal path – rocky headlands, hidden coves and panoramic views. Lunch on the aft deck at anchor, then cruise back to port via Juan-les-Pins for an optional afternoon on the sandy beach. Duration: 5–7 hours.

Antibes to Cannes and the Estérel: The Sunset Run

Cruise west from Antibes past the Îles de Lérins to Cannes (7 NM, 25 minutes). Explore the Vieux Port and Le Suquet from the water, then continue west along the dramatic Estérel coast (10 NM from Cannes). The volcanic red porphyry cliffs and hidden calanques between Théoule-sur-Mer and Agay are among the most striking geological formations on the Riviera. Anchor in a sheltered calanque for a late swim and lunch. Time the return journey for sunset, when the Estérel rock glows an extraordinary shade of crimson. Duration: 8–10 hours.

3-Day Antibes Yacht Charter Itinerary: The Western Riviera

Day 1: Antibes to the Îles de Lérins and Cannes

Board your yacht at Port Vauban by mid-morning. After a welcome briefing, cruise south-west to the Îles de Lérins (5 NM, 20 minutes). Anchor between the islands for a swim in crystal water, then tender ashore to explore Île Sainte-Marguerite’s Fort Royal and Île Saint-Honorat’s monastery. Your chef prepares lunch on the aft deck with the islands as your backdrop. In the afternoon, cruise to Cannes (3 NM from the islands) and berth in the Vieux Port or Port Canto. Stroll the Boulevard de la Croisette, explore Le Suquet’s narrow lanes and restaurant terraces, and dine ashore at one of Cannes’ Michelin-starred tables or at a harbourside bistro.

Day 2: The Estérel Coast

Depart Cannes mid-morning and cruise west along the Estérel coast (10–15 NM). The volcanic red porphyry cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, punctuated by hidden calanques accessible only by boat. Anchor in the Calanque du Petit Caneiret or the Anse de Camp Long for a morning swim surrounded by red rock walls. Continue to Agay or Saint-Raphaël for a waterfront lunch ashore, or dine on the aft deck in one of the sheltered bays. In the afternoon, explore the coastline by tender – sea caves, rocky platforms and swimming spots that feel completely private. Anchor overnight in a quiet Estérel calanque for dinner on deck as the cliffs glow in the sunset light.

Day 3: Return via Juan-les-Pins and Cap d’Antibes

Cruise east from the Estérel back past Cannes and on to Juan-les-Pins (roughly 20 NM, 75 minutes). Anchor off Juan-les-Pins’ sandy beach for a late-morning swim and a final water-sports session. Continue around Cap d’Antibes, pausing at the Anse de la Garoupe for a sheltered anchorage and a farewell lunch on the aft deck with views across to Nice and the Alps. If time allows, tender ashore for a walk along the Sentier du Littoral before returning to Port Vauban by mid-afternoon. Guests wanting a longer voyage can combine this 3-day western route with the 4-day eastern itinerary for a full 7-day Riviera experience covering the Estérel, the islands, Cannes, Cap d’Antibes, Nice, Villefranche and Monaco.

4-Day Antibes Yacht Charter Itinerary: East to Nice, Villefranche and Monaco

Day 1: Antibes to Nice via Cap d’Antibes

Board your yacht at Port Vauban and cruise south around Cap d’Antibes. Anchor off the Garoupe beaches for a late-morning swim, then tender ashore for a walk along the Sentier du Littoral with views across to the Îles de Lérins. Continue east past Cagnes-sur-Mer to Nice (11 NM from Antibes, roughly 40 minutes). Berth at Port Lympia, below the Colline du Château, and spend the afternoon exploring Vieux Nice: the Cours Saleya market, the Baroque churches, socca from Chez René Socca, and the narrow lanes of the oldest quarter. Climb the Colline du Château for panoramic views over the Baie des Anges. Dinner ashore in Vieux Nice or at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat

Depart Nice mid-morning and cruise east to Villefranche-sur-Mer (4 NM, 15 minutes). Drop anchor in one of the deepest natural bays on the Riviera, framed by pastel-coloured houses cascading down to the waterfront. Swim from the yacht’s platform in the sheltered water, then tender ashore for a morning coffee in the old town and a visit to the Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1957. After lunch on the aft deck, cruise around Cap Ferrat (2 NM). Anchor off Plage de Passable or Plage Paloma for an afternoon swim. Explore the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its extraordinary gardens by tender and taxi (15 minutes). Return to anchor in Villefranche for dinner on deck as the bay’s lights reflect on the still water.

Day 3: Monaco

Cruise east from Villefranche to Monaco (4 NM, 15 minutes). Secure a berth in Port Hercule or anchor in the bay. Spend the morning exploring the Principality: the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Océanographic Museum (founded by Prince Albert I in 1910), the Prince’s Palace and the old town on Le Rocher. Lunch at one of Monaco’s celebrated restaurants – Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse holds three Michelin stars – or dine on the aft deck overlooking Port Hercule. In the afternoon, explore Fontvieille or take a tender to the beach at Larvotto. Dinner ashore in Monte-Carlo or at a harbourside restaurant in the Condamine.

Day 4: Return via Èze and the Corniche

Depart Monaco mid-morning and cruise west along the coast. Anchor off Èze-sur-Mer (6 NM from Monaco) and tender ashore for a taxi up to Èze Village – a medieval hilltop settlement perched 410 metres above the sea, with narrow cobbled lanes, artisan shops and the exotic garden at the summit offering panoramic views from Cap Ferrat to Cap d’Ail. Return to the yacht for a late lunch on the aft deck, then continue west past Nice to Antibes (11 NM from Èze, roughly 40 minutes). Arrive at Port Vauban by mid-afternoon. Guests combining this 4-day eastern route with the 3-day western itinerary enjoy a full 7-day Riviera charter covering the Estérel, Îles de Lérins, Cannes, Cap d’Antibes, Nice, Villefranche, Cap Ferrat, Monaco and Èze – the complete Côte d’Azur from a single Antibes base.