There’s nothing like spending a day in the stunning turquoise sea of the French Riviera on a private yacht or boat, but before you let the concierge at your hotel make the booking, there are some things you should know — and why booking direct with a local company is a better option.
Unqualified advice, rushed boat rental booking
Hotel concierges are great for booking restaurants and recommending other general tips, but when it comes to custom yacht charters, many hotel concierges have no specific knowledge of the local detaiil and options available.
They often deal with many guests at the same time, and your boat day is just one of the many checklists they are managing.
They don’t put any thought into matching the right boat to you, or even bringing you the appropriate itinerary, and instilling unrealistic expectations about your day.
Hidden Commissions and overinflated fuel costs…
Here’s the dirty little secret: many hotel concierges are booking with charter companies that pay the most commission, and that cost gets passed to you.
One way is that many charter companies overestimate fuel and charge an inflated rate. If you are simply going for a standard day trip, you can be overcharged 20–30%, and not be aware of it.
Check out our Boat rental fuel calculator.
Limited choices and not focusing on you
Many concierges are focused on fostering relationships with companies that pay the most commission – not necessarily that have the best quality and service.
As a result, you will have limited boat choices and there’s a good chance you will located on a boat that does not meet your expectations, or charge a substantial delivery fee.
A day charter on the perfect yacht should have more value than this.
So, what is a better option to book your boat rental?
Book within your preferred travel agency or professional concierge service or stay with a trusted local company like Charterminute.
As a small local business in the South of France, Charterminute provide high-quality, and highly personalized day charters. We focus on giving you a great trip; not on increased commissions or quotas we must meet.
All of our boats and yachts are kept in the best-maintained manner, and our experienced and knowledgeable skippers will tailor-make your charter based on what you request.
From hidden coves to beach clubs with lots of luxury, or simply a quiet family day out at sea, you can expect a great experience on a quality charter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I choose my boarding spot and time?
You can opt for your preferred boarding spot, but there may be a delivery/re-delivery charge. There are many boarding spots from the ports of Monaco to Saint-Tropez, including Cannes and Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
Our inclusive charters allow flexibility for boarding times, allowing you to customize and suit yourself about where to explore. - Is your crew qualified?
Yes, upon your large group yacht charter you will be able to draw on a certified Captain 200 licensed skipper and their crew, with the support of a professional charter broker with 15 years of experience. - How long is a boat rental?
A typical yacht charter is roughly a 7 hour day. We also offer sunset cruises, and firework boat rentals – please contact us for a bespoke quote. - Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Contact us for more information. - How far in advance do I need to book for my boat event?
We recommend booking at least one week in advance. - Can I bring my pet?
No, pets can easily suffer from seasickness and we do not recommend you bring your favourite animal with you - Can I smoke onthe boat?
Yes, we have a designated smoking area onboard our vessels. - Are there specific clauses to protect my interests in case of bad weather?
Here are our general conditions:
Disclaimer
The information provided on our website, including yacht details and pricing, is presented in good faith and is believed to be accurate at the time of display. However, this information is not contractual and is subject to change without notice.
Charterminute does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information or images presented, and disclaims any liability for errors or omissions.
To confirm yacht specifications, availability, and final pricing for your desired dates, please contact your preferred charter broker. Starting prices listed are typically for a one-day charter in the specified currency, unless otherwise noted.
Additional resources
- Fuel cost calculator
- Avoid boat rental scams and hidden fees
- Group day charter for 12+ guests
- Cannes to Club 55 all inclusive boat rental packages (2025)