Boat itinerary in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: where to go?
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 27
The question everyone asks before booking a boat in Saint-Tropez: where to go? The Gulf of Saint-Tropez offers a remarkable range of destinations within a radius of under 20 nautical miles. Wild coves, white sand beaches, unspoilt islands, colourful rocky headlands: here's how to build your ideal itinerary based on your group, your boat and your wishes.
The classic route: Pampelonne + Briande
This is the gulf's great classic, and for good reason: it combines Saint-Tropez's most famous beach with one of the Mediterranean's most sheltered coves.
Departure from the Quai Claude Meiffret at 9:30am. Head due south along the coast, 15 minutes' sailing. First stop at Pampelonne for a swim and lunch at a beach restaurant. Depart in the early afternoon toward Briande cove, 20 minutes further south. Quiet anchorage, snorkelling, relaxing at the end of the day. Return to port around 6pm.
The active route: Cap Camarat + L'Escalet
For groups who want to sail more and discover the gulf's least crowded spots.
Early departure, around 9am. Direct sail to Cap Camarat, 30 minutes from Saint-Tropez. Pass beneath the cliffs of the cape and the Camarat lighthouse, the second most powerful in France. Stop at Bonne Terrasse cove or below the lighthouse for a swim and snorkelling. Move on to L'Escalet in the early afternoon, a further 15 minutes' sailing. Return along the coast to enjoy the scenery.
The big adventure route: the Calanques de l'Estérel
For groups who want to see something different from the usual gulf and treat themselves to a radically different landscape.
Departure at 9am to maximise time on site. 45 minutes to 1 hour's sailing to the first calanques of the Estérel, near Saint-Raphaël. The red and orange volcanic rocks plunging into turquoise water offer a sight unique in the Mediterranean. Stops at the Maubois, Gaillarde or Cap Dramont calanques. Return in the early afternoon. Route reserved for boats with a professional captain.
The island-hopping route: Porquerolles and Port-Cros
The Iles d'Hyères are reachable from Saint-Tropez with an offshore licence or under the guidance of a professional captain. Porquerolles is about 25 nautical miles away, or 1 hour to 1.5 hours' sailing depending on the boat. The island offers unspoilt beaches, exceptional seabeds and a timeless atmosphere. Port-Cros, a marine national park, offers a uniquely rich underwater biodiversity found nowhere else in France.
These destinations require a full day and a fast boat. The Pershing 70 Aqua or the Sunseeker Predator 65, with top speeds of 45 and 40 knots respectively, allow you to get there and back comfortably in a single day.
Distance table from Saint-Tropez
Pampelonne: 4 nautical miles · 15-20 minutes. Baie des Canebiers: 2 nautical miles · 10 minutes. Briande cove: 7 nautical miles · 25-30 minutes. Cap Camarat: 8 nautical miles · 30-40 minutes. L'Escalet: 10 nautical miles · 35-45 minutes. Calanques de l'Estérel: 20 nautical miles · 45-60 minutes. Porquerolles: 25 nautical miles · 60-90 minutes.
Practical information
Departure: Quai Claude Meiffret, Saint-Tropez. For all routes, the Octopussy captain adjusts the plan based on the day's weather and sea conditions. Routes beyond 6 miles from shelter are reserved for boats with a captain or those holding an offshore licence. Booking: 06 10 25 61 26 or WhatsApp on the same number.