Cap Camarat by boat from Saint-Tropez: coves, lighthouse and turquoise water
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At the southernmost tip of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, where the coast turns from tourist hotspot to wild and uninhabited, Cap Camarat stands as one of the most striking landmarks of the French Riviera. Its pink granite cliffs plunge directly into deep blue water, and the Camarat lighthouse overhead is the second most powerful in France. From the Quai Claude Meiffret, it is 30 minutes by boat: one of the most rewarding short passages in the gulf.
The Camarat lighthouse: a landmark visible from far out to sea
The Phare de Camarat is 133 metres above sea level and has a focal height of 58 metres, making it the second most powerful lighthouse in France after the Cordouan. Its light is visible for more than 60 kilometres on a clear night. Approaching by boat and watching the lighthouse appear over the headland is one of those moments that defines a day at sea in the gulf.
The coves at the foot of Cap Camarat
Calanque de la Bonne Terrasse
Directly below the cap, this calanque is accessible only from the sea. Depths of 8 to 12 metres, exceptional water clarity. The rocky seabed shelters a rich variety of marine life: grouper, moray eel, octopus, crayfish. The lighthouse overhead and the cliffs on three sides make this one of the most dramatic anchorages in the gulf.
The coves between Cap Camarat and l'Escalet
Between the cap and l'Escalet, a series of small unnamed coves alternate sandy and rocky bottoms. They receive very little traffic even in August. Mixed seabed, very clear water, excellent for snorkelling. These are the spots that Octopussy skippers keep for clients who want to go a little further off the beaten track.
Recommended itinerary: Cap Camarat full day
Depart Saint-Tropez at 9.30. Navigate south along the coastline, passing Pampelonne and Briande. Arrive at Cap Camarat around 10.30, pass below the lighthouse and anchor in the Calanque de la Bonne Terrasse. Morning swim and snorkelling. Move to one of the smaller coves between the cap and l'Escalet for lunch at anchor. Return to Saint-Tropez in the early afternoon, cruising back along the coast.
Practical information
Departure: Quai Claude Meiffret, Saint-Tropez. Distance: 8 nautical miles from Saint-Tropez. Sailing time: 30 to 35 minutes. Best period: May to October, morning preferred for calm water. Professional skipper included on all Octopussy premium yachts. Booking: +33 6 10 25 61 26 or WhatsApp on the same number.