Renting a private skipper in Saint-Tropez: everything you need to know
Updated: Jul 27
Sailing in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez without a boat licence is entirely possible. Even better: it's often the best option, even for licence holders. Having a private skipper on board completely transforms the experience: you're a passenger, you enjoy the day, you handle nothing. Here's everything you need to know about boat rental with skipper in Saint-Tropez.
What is a private skipper in Saint-Tropez?
A private skipper, also called a professional captain, is a qualified sailor who takes charge of navigating the boat for you. He knows the gulf's corners, local weather conditions, anchorage areas, harbour protocols and which coves are accessible depending on the boat's size. His role goes beyond simply steering: he's also responsible for safety on board, anchoring, fuel management and organising the day.
Why take a skipper even with a boat licence?
It's a question many people ask. The answer is simple: sailing in a gulf you don't know, on a boat you're discovering on the day, with a group of passengers relying on you, is a source of stress that ruins the day. A skipper removes that stress entirely.
He knows the spots the charts don't show. He knows which coves get crowded in August and which stay quiet even in high season. He anticipates local weather, manages the gulf's boat traffic and takes you exactly where you want to go, without stress, without detours. Meanwhile, you enjoy the sun with your group.
Which boats include a skipper at Octopussy?
Across the Octopussy fleet, a professional captain is included in the rate on the vast majority of boats. Here's the breakdown.
Captain included in the rate: Liberty Itama 42, Med 42, Fjord 40, Numarine 52, Gianetti 55 Sport, Apreamare Gozzo 45, Invictus TT 420, Pardo 43, Med 52, Axopar 45, Marex 440, Princess V55, Pardo 50, Sunseeker Predator 65, Riva Ribelle 66, Sunseeker Manhattan 68, Pershing 70 Aqua. Skipper available as an option for an extra €300/day: Axopar 37. Independent sailing possible with a coastal licence: Zodiac Medline 7.50m and Zodiac Medline 9m.
The Octopussy captain's role during the day
In the morning, the captain greets you at the Quai Claude Meiffret, introduces the boat and equipment, and sets the day's route based on your wishes and the weather. He fully handles navigation, anchoring and the launch of water toys. At the end of the day, he brings you safely back to port and takes care of docking.
Octopussy's captains are certified professionals who have been sailing the Gulf of Saint-Tropez for several years. They know the least crowded coves, the best snorkelling spots, the beach restaurants directly accessible from the boat, and the typical sailing conditions for each part of the season.
Practical information
Departure: Quai Claude Meiffret, Saint-Tropez. Captain included on all premium yachts in the Octopussy fleet. Private skipper option on the Axopar 37: extra €300/day. Rental rates from €750/day (Zodiac Medline 7.50m) up to €6,500/day (Pershing 70 Aqua). Booking: 06 10 25 61 26 or WhatsApp on the same number.
Also worth exploring: our guide to choosing the right boat for your group, the gulf's secret coves that only your captain knows, and the water toys available on board.