★★★★★
Very relaxing: most of the trip was spent lying on the nets, with a good view of the big boats.
Nicole · Germany · September 2026
Saint Tropez Catamaran Sailing: Three Hours on the Coast
A place on a shared catamaranCogolin, Cavalaire or Le LavandouSkipper at the helm
Three hours under sail on a large catamaran you share with other travellers. An aperitif is poured as you leave the dock, the boat anchors for a swim, and the kayaks and paddleboards go over the side. You pick one of three harbours when you book, and the price is per person, with nothing to pay on the day.
Three hours, one harbour, one long swim
Priced per head
$74 a person, the lowest fare you can book here, and no fuel surcharge on top.
An aperitif as you leave
A drink as the boat clears the harbour, before the sails go up.
Kayaks and paddleboards
In the fare, for the stop at anchor; you bring swimwear and a towel.
Three harbours to choose from
One inside the gulf, two further west along the coast. Choose the one nearest you.
4.8 from 478 reviews
Travellers mention the crew, the nets to lie on and the shade on deck.
Three harbours, one boat each
This is not one boat that collects from three places. Each harbour has its own sailing, and you choose it when you book. Marines de Cogolin is the one inside the gulf, round from Saint Tropez at its head. Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Le Lavandou are further west along the coast, outside the gulf, and suit you if you are staying on that side. Wherever you board, you come back to the same quay.
Be at the quay 20 minutes before the start. The crew asks you to allow for traffic, and in summer the coast road into any of the three can be slow. The meeting-point map shows all three harbours, and where to stay says which base suits which start.
The anchored stop: swim, kayak, paddle
After the sail out, the catamaran drops anchor and the swim is yours for as long as the stop lasts. You can jump in, take a kayak, try a paddleboard, or stay on the nets at the bow, which is where many travellers spend the trip. One traveller in September describes an hour's swim in the Canoubiers, with a snack boat coming alongside to sell ice cream and coffee. Where you anchor depends on your harbour and the wind that day.
Want the water to yourselves instead? The private bay boat for six anchors in the same bay for an hour with skis and tubes, for $435 a group plus fuel.
The €18 lunch box, and bringing your own
Lunch is not in the fare. From Marines de Cogolin only, you can add a lunch box with soft drinks for €18 a person: a pasta salad, a chicken wrap and a cookie. Order it at least 48 hours before you sail. It is not vegetarian or vegan. You may bring your own food on board instead, and one traveller found water, soft drinks and fruit on board too.
Important. Each boat sails with at least eight people.
If yours falls short, you may be moved to another boat, or offered a new date or a refund. Animals
are not allowed on board: if you travel with a dog, the private bay boat takes up to
two.
Eight on board or it moves
The catamaran is big, and no maximum is published. In high summer it can be busy, though one August traveller found it never felt crowded. The crew speaks English and French. If you want a smaller boat with people you know, our page for a private boat tour Saint Tropez compares every boat you can have to yourselves, with the fuel each one adds.
The three hours, stage by stage
- Board. At Marines de Cogolin, Cavalaire-sur-Mer or Le Lavandou, the harbour you chose, 20 minutes before the start.
- An aperitif. Poured as the catamaran leaves the dock.
- Along the coast. Under sail, with shade on deck and the nets at the bow.
- At anchor. Swim, kayak or paddleboard, or stay on board in the sun.
- Back to the same harbour. Three hours after you left.
Who this suits, and who should book something else
Book it if
- You want a morning on the sea without paying for a whole boat.
- You are a couple, a solo traveller or a family with swimmers.
- You like a slow sail more than a fast boat: most of the trip is spent lying on deck.
- You want a fixed price, with no fuel figure to settle.
Book something else if
- You are six and want the boat to yourselves. The private bay boat costs $435 a group, plus fuel, with skis and tubes.
- You are here for the big regatta week. The regatta catamaran follows the race starts for $85 a person, with two aperitifs.
- You want the evening on the water with drinks poured. The sunset boat leaves from the port in town for up to eight.
- You need a vegetarian lunch. Bring your own: the €18 box is not vegetarian.
What $74 covers, and what it leaves out
In the fare
- Half-day catamaran sail with crew
- An aperitif as you leave the dock
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
Not in the fare
- Lunch box and non-alcoholic drinks
- Towels and swimwear: bring your own
Where to board, and when
Your booking names the harbour, and the meeting point follows it: the catamaran quay at Marines de Cogolin, at Cavalaire-sur-Mer or at Le Lavandou. Check the confirmation before you set off, because the three are far apart by road.
If you have no car and are staying in Saint Tropez, Marines de Cogolin is the one to choose. The Bateaux Verts ferries cross to it from town in about 25 minutes. The visitor guide covers the ferries and buses round the gulf.
Know before you go
- What to bring. Swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Bring some cash. For the snack boat at anchor and anything the crew does not serve.
- Order the lunch box early. 48 hours ahead, and only from Marines de Cogolin.
- Arrive 20 minutes early. Allow for summer traffic on the coast road.
- No animals on board. Leave the dog ashore, or book the private bay boat.
- You may be moved. Below eight people per boat, you go on another boat or get a new date.
What travellers said back on the quay
★★★★★
An easy-going trip with a friendly crew. Water and soft drinks are on board, fruit comes round all the way, and there is shade on deck.
Stefan · Germany · September 2026
★★★★★
The right length, a terrific crew and wide views. Skipping the water activities took nothing away from the trip.
Renee · United States · September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is lunch included?
No. From Marines de Cogolin you can add a lunch box with soft drinks for €18 a person, ordered 48 hours ahead. You may also bring your own food on board.
Which harbour should we choose?
The one nearest where you are staying. Marines de Cogolin is inside the gulf, round from Saint Tropez; Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Le Lavandou are further west.
Do we have to swim?
No. The kayaks, paddleboards and the swim are there if you want them, and plenty of travellers stay on deck. The trip works just as well as a sail.
Can we have a boat to ourselves?
Yes, but not this one. The private bay boat for six is yours alone for $435 a group plus fuel, and our page for a private boat tour Saint Tropez lists the larger boats.
What if not enough people book?
Each boat needs eight. Below that you may be moved to another boat, or offered a new date or a full refund.
Can we cancel?
Yes: you get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. Nothing is paid on the day, since the fare has no fuel surcharge.
Other ways onto the water
Ready for three hours under sail?
Pick your harbour and check the sailings still open, with a full refund up to 24 hours ahead.
Check availability