Family boat day in Saint-Tropez: the complete guide
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Saint-Tropez by boat is an experience that stays with you. And contrary to what you might think, it is also perfectly suited to families with children. With the right preparation, the right boat and the right coves, a family day at sea in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez becomes the holiday memory everyone will still be talking about years later.
Which boat to choose for a family outing?
The choice of boat is the first decision to make, and it depends primarily on the number of children, their ages and what you want to do with your day.
For smaller family groups: the Zodiac Medline
For a family of 4 to 6, the Zodiac Medline 7.50m or 9m is the ideal choice. Manoeuvrable and easy to anchor in shallow coves, it lets you get close to rocks and fine sand beaches. Its generous living space and sun canopy offer welcome comfort for children throughout the day.
For larger family groups: day boats with skipper
For groups of 8 to 12 including children and grandparents, boats like the Med 42 or the Numarine 52 are ideal. The professional skipper included in the rate is a significant advantage: parents enjoy the day fully without having to manage navigation. The Med 42 also includes a paddleboard and snorkelling kit, perfect for children.
The best coves for families with children
Baie des Canebiers: calm and shallow
Ten minutes from the marina, the Baie des Canebiers is the most accessible and most family-friendly cove in the gulf. The water is shallow near the shore, the bottom sandy and the swell virtually non-existent. The perfect stop for small children who want to paddle in complete safety.
Pampelonne by boat: the mythical beach without the crowds
Arriving at Pampelonne by sea means bypassing the traffic jams and full car parks entirely. Children love the approach by boat to this iconic beach. The northern end of the beach offers calm, shallow water ideal for swimming. You can also have lunch at a beach restaurant directly from the boat.
Crique de Briande: snorkelling in crystal-clear water
For children aged 7 or 8 and above who enjoy snorkelling, the crique de Briande is paradise. The rocky seabed shelters abundant marine life: colourful fish, sea urchins, starfish. The water is crystal clear with excellent visibility. A mask and snorkel are all you need for an unforgettable underwater show.
Water activities for children
A day at sea is not limited to sailing and swimming. Octopussy offers several water activities suited to children. Paddleboarding is accessible from age 6 and is available on board the Med 42. The Sublue Navbow underwater scooter on the Numarine 52 captivates children from age 10 upwards.
Practical tips for a successful family day
Sun cream is essential and should be reapplied every two hours. The reflection of the sun on the water intensifies UV exposure. Depart early, ideally before 9.30, to reach the coves before the heat of midday. The sea is calmer in the morning, which makes water activities easier and reduces seasickness risk for younger children. Bring plenty of food: sea air creates real appetites, and the coves are far from any shops or restaurants.
Practical information
Departure: Quai Claude Meiffret, Saint-Tropez. Recommended boats for families: Zodiac Medline 9m from €1,100/day, Med 42 with paddleboard and snorkelling kit included from €2,800/day, Numarine 52 with Sublue Navbow from €2,200/day. Professional skipper included on premium yachts. Booking: +33 6 10 25 61 26 or WhatsApp on the same number.