On the French Riviera, entertaining has never been confined to the shore. From Cannes to Monaco, much of the region’s social life has always unfolded on the water — where champagne is poured a little more freely, the coastline drifts slowly past, and the pace of the day softens with the rhythm of the sea.
A yacht naturally lends itself to gathering people together. Long lunches stretch into the afternoon, friends move between sun decks and swim platforms, and the backdrop is constantly changing — from the red cliffs of the Esterel to the quiet bays around the Lérins Islands.
Most private yachts, however, are limited to 12 guests under standard charter regulations. For smaller groups this works perfectly well, but it can become restrictive when the occasion calls for something larger — a birthday celebration, a family reunion, a group of friends visiting the Riviera together, or a corporate day that deserves something more memorable than a table on the beach.
There are, fortunately, a number of yachts along the Riviera that are commercially certified to welcome larger groups for day charters. These vessels are licensed to host more than 12 guests while maintaining the same level of service and safety expected from any professionally run yacht. In practice, this simply means more space, crews who are used to managing bigger groups, and the ability for everyone to share the experience together rather than splitting across multiple boats.
It changes the atmosphere of the day. The yacht becomes less of a private escape for a small party and more of a relaxed floating setting for a celebration — whether that’s anchoring for lunch off Cap d’Antibes, cruising past Monaco with music playing on deck, or spending the afternoon swimming and enjoying the coastline.
Curated by Bespoke Yacht Charter, the following yachts are among the best options available for day charters accommodating more than 12 guests, each offering the space, crew and easy Riviera style that make a day on the water feel effortless.
1. AVA — Up to 49 Guests (Day Charter)
Commanding and elegant, AVA stands among the most notable yachts available for large group day charters on the Côte d’Azur. The 40-metre CRN motor yacht is based in Monaco and is licensed to host up to 49 guests while cruising — a rare capacity for a yacht of this calibre, and one that makes AVA particularly well suited to events on the water.
For anyone planning a larger gathering along the Riviera, AVA solves a common problem. Most yachts are restricted to 12 guests, which often means splitting groups across several vessels. With AVA, everyone stays together on one yacht, creating a far more natural atmosphere for celebrations, corporate entertaining, or special occasions.
Built by the Italian shipyard CRN, the yacht carries the proportions and quiet confidence of a classic superyacht. Her 40 metres translate into generous deck space, something that becomes immediately noticeable once guests step aboard. Even with larger groups, the yacht remains comfortable and easy to move around. Guests naturally drift between the aft deck, the upper levels and the swim platform, with plenty of room to relax, talk and enjoy the view as the Riviera coastline unfolds.
The outdoor areas are where the yacht truly comes into its own. Wide decks make it easy to host standing receptions, relaxed lunches or a leisurely afternoon cruise along the coast. Whether anchored off Cap d’Antibes or cruising past Monaco’s harbour, AVA provides the kind of setting that makes a day on the water feel special without ever feeling overly formal.
Inside, the yacht offers the calm and refinement you would expect from a vessel of this pedigree. The salon provides a cool retreat from the midday sun, while maintaining the understated elegance of a private yacht rather than a staged event space. It’s comfortable, polished and very much in keeping with the style of the Riviera.
At the helm is Captain Jeffrey Pearlman, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a charter captain in the south of France. His long familiarity with the Côte d’Azur — from its harbours to its quieter anchorages — adds a reassuring sense of ease to every charter. Under his guidance, the yacht operates with quiet professionalism, supported by a crew well accustomed to hosting larger groups with discretion and efficiency.
From her base in Monaco, AVA yacht is perfectly positioned for exploring the highlights of the Côte d’Azur. Cannes, Cap d’Antibes, the Lérins Islands and the bays around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are all within comfortable reach. Wherever the yacht cruises, AVA brings a sense of scale, presence and occasion that few day charter yachts on the Riviera can match.
Base: Monaco
Day charter capacity: 49 guests
2. ACCAMA DELTA — Up to 36 Guests (Day Charter)
Sleek, contemporary and perfectly proportioned, ACCAMA DELTA has become a familiar sight along the Côte d’Azur and a natural choice for stylish day charters from Cannes. The 30-metre Azimut motor yacht is licensed to cruise with up to 36 guests, offering the kind of space and flexibility that works particularly well for larger groups who want to spend the day together on a single yacht.
For groups arriving on the Riviera — whether friends, families or corporate parties — ACCAMA DELTA strikes an appealing balance. She retains the look and feel of a modern private yacht while offering the capacity needed for lively day charters. Wide exterior decks allow guests to move easily around the yacht, settling in with a drink on the aft deck, stretching out on the sun pads above, or gathering near the water at the swim platform.
Much of the time aboard is naturally spent outside. The yacht’s layout lends itself to relaxed cruising along the coast, with plenty of space for conversation, music and sunshine as Cannes fades behind and the coastline opens up. For many charter guests, however, the real highlight is the journey further west.
ACCAMA DELTA has become a go-to yacht for day trips to the famous beach clubs of Pampelonne in Saint-Tropez. Cruising across the bay and arriving by yacht adds a certain sense of occasion — far removed from the busy summer traffic on land. Guests often step ashore for lunch at one of the legendary beach clubs before returning to the yacht for swimming, drinks and an easy cruise back along the coast.
At the helm is Captain Mathieu, whose experience navigating these waters ensures the day unfolds smoothly from start to finish. Well known among returning charter guests, he understands exactly how to pace a Riviera day charter — when to cruise, when to anchor, and how to time an arrival at Pampelonne so everything feels effortless.
Inside, ACCAMA DELTA reflects the clean, contemporary style associated with modern Azimut yachts. The interior offers a cool retreat from the afternoon sun, though most guests naturally gravitate back outside where the Riviera scenery is always changing.
Departing from Cannes, ACCAMA DELTA yacht is perfectly placed for exploring the best of the coastline — from the Lérins Islands just offshore to the open waters leading toward Saint-Tropez. With her sleek profile, generous guest capacity and experienced crew, the yacht has earned a reputation as one of the Riviera’s most reliable and enjoyable choices for larger day charters.
Base: Cannes
Day charter capacity: 36 guests
3. ANTISAN — Up to 40 Guests (Day Charter)
With her refined profile and generous deck areas, ANTISAN is a yacht designed for effortless entertaining. Based in Cannes, the 33-metre motor yacht is certified to host up to 40 guests for day charters — a capacity that makes her a natural fit for larger gatherings along the Riviera, from corporate events to private celebrations on the water.
While many yachts of this size are restricted to smaller groups, ANTISAN offers the freedom to bring everyone together on a single yacht. The effect is immediately noticeable once underway. Guests move comfortably between decks, conversations unfold in small groups across the yacht, and there is always space to enjoy the views as the coastline drifts by.
The exterior areas are particularly well suited to social occasions. The aft deck becomes a natural meeting point for drinks and conversation, while the upper decks offer space to stretch out in the sun or take in the Riviera scenery. With thoughtful proportions and a well-balanced layout, the yacht maintains a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere even when hosting larger numbers on board.
ANTISAN has quietly built a reputation as a favourite charter yacht among high-profile guests visiting the south of France. Celebrities, professional athletes and private groups often choose the yacht for her discretion, her space and the ease with which she handles larger gatherings without losing the feel of a private yacht.
A large part of that reputation is owed to Captain Andrea Bianchi, a respected charter captain known along the Côte d’Azur for his calm professionalism and attention to detail. With years of experience running charters in the region, Captain Andrea understands how to shape the rhythm of a day on the water — whether that means anchoring in a quiet bay near the Lérins Islands, cruising along Cap d’Antibes, or guiding the yacht toward Monaco as the afternoon light begins to soften.
Inside, ANTISAN maintains the same understated elegance found on deck. The interiors offer a cool and comfortable retreat from the Mediterranean sun, though much of the day is naturally spent outside, where the Riviera provides a constantly changing backdrop.
Departing from Cannes, the yacht is ideally positioned for exploring some of the most beautiful stretches of the Côte d’Azur. From the calm waters around the Lérins Islands to the glamour of Monaco or the open run toward Saint-Tropez, ANTISAN yacht offers a refined and welcoming setting for larger groups looking to experience the Riviera by yacht.
Base: Cannes
Day charter capacity: 40 guests
4. ZAFFIRO — Up to 40 Guests (Day Charter)
Lively yet refined, ZAFFIRO is a yacht that lends itself naturally to social occasions on the Côte d’Azur. Based in Menton, just minutes from Monaco, the 26.3-metre Canados motor yacht is perfectly positioned for charters along one of the Riviera’s most glamorous stretches of coastline. Licensed to accommodate up to 40 guests while cruising, ZAFFIRO offers the rare ability to host larger groups on a single yacht without sacrificing comfort or style.
For day charters departing Monaco, ZAFFIRO has become a favourite choice for celebrations and relaxed gatherings on the water. Her layout encourages an easy flow between spaces, allowing guests to circulate naturally between the aft deck, the sun areas and the swim platform. The atmosphere tends to feel lively but never crowded — ideal for cocktail receptions, birthdays, or simply a group of friends enjoying a Riviera afternoon together.
The yacht’s exterior decks are the heart of the experience. Wide open seating areas and sun pads provide space for guests to relax while the yacht cruises along the coast, whether heading past the dramatic cliffs of Èze and Cap d’Ail or gliding out toward the open Mediterranean. Music, drinks and conversation tend to define the mood on board, with the sea always just a few steps away.
One of ZAFFIRO’s greatest advantages is her location. Departing from Menton allows guests to be underway within minutes, cruising past Monaco’s harbour or toward the elegant coastline of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It’s a part of the Riviera where the scenery feels particularly cinematic, and arriving by yacht adds an extra sense of occasion.
Inside, the yacht maintains a relaxed and welcoming tone. The interior provides a cool retreat from the midday sun, though most guests naturally gravitate back to the decks where the Riviera views remain front and centre. The balance suits the style of charter ZAFFIRO is known for — social, unpretentious and effortlessly enjoyable.
For groups looking to celebrate on the water without the formality that sometimes accompanies larger yachts, ZAFFIRO yacht strikes exactly the right note. Spacious, well located and easy to enjoy, she remains one of the most appealing yachts for larger day charters departing the Monaco area.
Base: Menton
Day charter capacity: 40 guests
5. LADY JERSEY — Up to 36 Guests (Day Charter)
Timeless and understated, LADY JERSEY is a yacht that captures the quieter side of Riviera elegance. Based in Monaco, she welcomes up to 36 guests for day charters, offering a setting that feels refined, relaxed and distinctly classic. For those who appreciate traditional yacht lines and a sense of heritage on the water, LADY JERSEY stands apart from many of the more contemporary yachts cruising the Côte d’Azur.
Her profile reflects an earlier era of yacht design — balanced, graceful and unmistakably nautical. Where some modern yachts lean toward sharp angles and bold styling, LADY JERSEY carries the soft proportions and polished presence of a classic motor yacht. It’s a look that feels entirely at home along the Riviera, recalling the golden age of Mediterranean yachting when Monaco, Antibes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat first became playgrounds for life at sea.
The yacht’s decks are generously arranged for entertaining, allowing groups to gather comfortably while still preserving a sense of calm and space. Guests tend to settle naturally between the aft deck and the sun areas above, enjoying drinks, conversation and the gentle rhythm of cruising along the coast. Even with larger numbers on board, LADY JERSEY maintains a relaxed atmosphere that suits more refined gatherings.
This is a yacht often chosen for occasions where discretion matters — elegant lunches at anchor, family celebrations, or private events that favour style over spectacle. The experience feels more like stepping aboard a well-kept private yacht than arriving at a floating venue.
Departing from Monaco, LADY JERSEY yacht is ideally placed for a day exploring some of the Riviera’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. A leisurely cruise toward Cap d’Ail, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or the bays around Villefranche-sur-Mer provides the perfect backdrop for a day on the water, where the scenery is timeless and the pace naturally slows.
For guests drawn to classic yachts and the understated charm they carry, LADY JERSEY offers something increasingly rare on the modern charter market — a yacht defined not by spectacle, but by quiet luxury and enduring style.
Base: Monaco
Day charter capacity: 36 guests
6. MISS CANDY — Up to 36 Guests (Day Charter)
Playful, social and effortlessly chic, MISS CANDY brings a lighter, more festive spirit to large-group charters on the Côte d’Azur. The 30-metre Versilcraft yacht, based in Cannes, is licensed to host up to 36 guests while cruising, making her a popular choice for groups looking to enjoy a lively day together on the water.
From the moment guests step aboard, MISS CANDY feels relaxed and welcoming. Her layout has been arranged with socialising in mind, allowing people to move easily between the main deck, the sun areas and the swim platform. It’s the kind of yacht where groups naturally spread out — some enjoying the sun with a drink in hand, others gathering for conversation while the coastline drifts by.
The atmosphere aboard MISS CANDY tends to be cheerful and informal. Music, laughter and the occasional swim stop quickly become part of the rhythm of the day. With space for larger groups, the yacht lends itself particularly well to celebrations — birthdays, milestone gatherings or simply a day out with friends who want to experience the Riviera from the sea.
Departing from Cannes places the yacht within easy reach of some of the most enjoyable cruising grounds on this stretch of coast. Many charters begin with a short cruise to the calm waters around the Lérins Islands, where guests can swim, relax on deck or enjoy lunch while anchored just off the islands. From there, the day can unfold at an easy pace, perhaps with a gentle cruise along Cap d’Antibes before returning to Cannes later in the afternoon.
Despite her lively personality, MISS CANDY still retains the comfort and refinement expected of a Riviera charter yacht. The interior offers a cool and stylish retreat from the midday sun, though most guests naturally gravitate back outside where the Mediterranean views and sea breeze set the tone.
For groups seeking a yacht that feels celebratory without becoming formal or over-structured, MISS CANDY yacht offers exactly the right balance. Spacious, welcoming and full of Riviera charm, she has become a natural choice for fun, relaxed day charters along the Cannes coastline.
Base: Cannes
Day charter capacity: 36 guests
A New Way to Experience the Riviera
Large-capacity day charters have become increasingly sought after on the French Riviera, particularly during the height of the summer season and around the region’s major international events. When Cannes fills for the Film Festival, Monaco for the Grand Prix, or Saint-Tropez for its long summer weekends, the demand for yachts that can comfortably host larger groups rises sharply.
These yachts offer something that is surprisingly rare along such a celebrated coastline: the ability to bring everyone together on the water without sacrificing comfort or privacy. Rather than dividing guests across several boats or settling for crowded venues ashore, a single well-appointed yacht creates a setting that is both exclusive and relaxed. The pace is your own, the views constantly changing, and the day unfolds naturally between cruising, anchoring and time spent simply enjoying the sea.
There is also a certain perspective that only a yacht provides. From the water, the Riviera reveals itself differently — the villas hidden among the pines, the cliffs falling into deep blue water, the quiet bays just beyond the busy harbours. It is a setting that lends itself effortlessly to celebration, whether that means a long lunch at anchor, an afternoon swim off the islands, or a sunset cruise as the coastline begins to glow in the evening light.
For groups who want to experience the Riviera this way, larger-capacity yachts open up possibilities that smaller vessels simply cannot offer. They allow the atmosphere of a gathering to remain intact — friends, colleagues or family sharing the same deck, the same music, the same moment as the yacht moves along the coast.
For those who believe the Riviera is best experienced from the water — and best enjoyed together — these yachts offer a way to do exactly that, turning a simple day charter into something far more memorable.
