From Port Grimaud: Half-Day Classic Yacht Sailing Experience

Old boats make the best Riviera stories. This four-hour private sailing trip aboard the Edwardian gaff cutter LONA II offers two things I especially like: real hands-on sailing atmosphere and time to swim or snorkel from the yacht. You also get an easygoing view of Saint-Tropez Bay, including its famous super yachts, without spending the day in a crowded motorboat.

The main consideration is that this is a small classic sailing boat, not a floating resort. Space is limited, picnic food is not included, and people prone to seasickness may find the trip uncomfortable. Bring your own food, sun protection, and a towel, then let the captain and crew handle the sails.

Key points to know before you go

• LONA II is an Edwardian gaff cutter: You are sailing on a distinctive classic yacht, not simply taking a ride on a modern tour boat.
• The trip leaves from Port Grimaud: Meet on the quayside near the Grimaud Beach restaurant at 9 Rue de la Giscle.
• Saint-Tropez Bay is the main stage: Expect coastal views, anchored super yachts, clear Mediterranean water, and time under sail.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the outing: The yacht anchors so you can get into the water and look for marine life.
• Ian and Carolina create a personal sailing experience: They are experienced sailors who share a clear passion for the boat and the sea.
• Bring your own picnic food: Drinks and snacks are included, but the picnic lunch itself is not.

Why this classic yacht trip feels different

A half-day on LONA II is about the way you travel as much as where you go. The sails go up, the boat moves with the wind, and the pace slows down. From the cockpit, you can feel involved in the sailing without needing to know how to sail.

That matters in Saint-Tropez, where many boat trips focus on speed, glamour, or a quick look at the waterfront. This outing gives you a quieter view of the Golfe. You sit on deck, listen to the crew, watch the coastline pass, and take in the contrast between an old working sailing design and the large super yachts anchored nearby.

I especially like that sailing knowledge is not required. The captain and crew take care of the practical work, including the safety briefing and handling the boat. You can ask questions about the sails, the yacht, and points of interest without feeling that you need to arrive with nautical experience.

The small private-group format also changes the mood. You are not being moved through a large crowd or directed from one photo stop to the next. The boat has a saloon with seating for four, a toilet, a cockpit, and a foredeck for use when anchored. This is a cozy arrangement, so it works best if you enjoy close quarters and a social, personal setting.

Meeting at Port Grimaud

The starting point is at 9 Rue de la Giscle, on the quayside close to the Grimaud Beach restaurant. You need to make your own way to Port Grimaud, since transport to and from the marina is not included.

Allow enough time to find the quayside without rushing. The meeting point is specific, but a marina can still take a few minutes to navigate, especially if you are unfamiliar with Port Grimaud. Have the exact address ready on your phone and look for the boat near the stated restaurant.

The experience begins with a welcome aboard LONA II. The captain and crew give you a tour of the vessel before explaining the safety points. This introduction is worth paying attention to because it helps you understand what makes the boat special. You are not simply stepping onto a generic charter boat. You are entering a classic yacht with an original interior and traditional sailing character.

Ian and Carolina are the hosts named for this sailing experience. They are experienced sailors, and their enthusiasm for the boat is an important part of the appeal. If you have questions about classic yacht sailing, this is a good time to ask them.

Sailing from Port Grimaud toward Saint-Tropez

Once the briefing is complete, the sails are raised and LONA II heads out into the bay. The boat’s gaff cutter design gives the trip a more traditional feel than a modern yacht charter. You will notice the difference in the way the vessel looks and moves, even if you know little about sailing.

The cockpit is the best place to feel connected to the action. You can watch the crew work while still having a comfortable place to sit. If you prefer a quieter view, the deck gives you room to relax and watch the French Riviera slide past.

The ride is not built around a packed schedule of sights. The pleasure comes from the open water, the wind, and the broad views across Saint-Tropez Bay. The crew can talk with you about sailing options and local points of interest, so the trip can be as conversational or as restful as you prefer.

You will also pass the many super yachts anchored in the Golfe. This is one of the more entertaining contrasts of the excursion. LONA II has the lines and character of a classic sailing vessel, while the bay may be filled with enormous private yachts. You can enjoy a drink as you pass them and take photographs, but the old boat remains the more memorable subject.

Drinks and snacks are included. The information also makes clear that picnic food is not included, so plan to bring your own lunch. This is an easy detail to miss. If you expect a complete catered meal, you could be disappointed. If you pack something simple and easy to eat on deck, the arrangement makes sense.

The swim and snorkeling stop

At anchor, the trip shifts from sailing to a relaxed water stop. You can swim or snorkel directly from the yacht, using the clear Mediterranean water as your setting. The chance to get into the sea gives the half-day outing a useful break from sitting on deck.

This stop is valuable because you do not have to fit a separate beach visit into your day. You can move from classic sailing to swimming and marine-life viewing without changing locations or dealing with a busy shore.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera are also sensible items from the recommended list. A camera with a secure strap is a good idea around any boat, though the supplied information does not specify what equipment is available onboard.

Snorkeling conditions can depend on the day, and the experience does not promise a particular species or quantity of marine life. Think of it as a chance to look below the surface in clear water, not as a specialist wildlife excursion. You can also simply swim or remain on deck if that suits you better.

The foredeck is available while the yacht is anchored, giving you another spot to sit in the sun. This is likely the most peaceful part of the outing. You can stretch out, enjoy your food, and watch the water around the boat. Remember that classic yachts have less open space than large day cruisers, so keep your belongings compact.

The boat itself, from cockpit to saloon

LONA II is central to the experience. The yacht has a very original interior, with a saloon seating four people and a toilet forward of the saloon. That makes it useful for a short trip, but it is not designed for large groups or extensive indoor lounging.

On deck, the cockpit lets you stay close to the crew and the sailing activity. At anchor, the foredeck provides more room for sunshine and quiet views. This arrangement gives you a few different ways to spend the four hours, although none of them should be mistaken for a spacious cruise ship deck.

I would choose this trip for the boat’s character rather than for maximum comfort. The original interior, traditional rig, and small-group atmosphere give it a sense of personality. In exchange, you accept tighter quarters and a more basic setup.

Smoking is not allowed. That rule helps keep the small yacht pleasant for everyone and is especially relevant when people are sharing a compact cockpit and saloon.

What the four-hour schedule really offers

The listed duration is four hours, including the departure from Port Grimaud, sailing in Saint-Tropez Bay, the swimming or snorkeling opportunity, and the return. That is long enough to feel like a proper outing rather than a brief harbor cruise, but short enough to fit around other plans on the French Riviera.

The route is flexible in spirit. You sail toward Saint-Tropez, enjoy views of the bay, spend time near the anchored yachts, and stop for the water activities before returning to Port Grimaud. The exact balance between sailing, anchoring, swimming, and conversation may depend on the conditions and the captain’s judgment.

That flexibility is a plus for people who prefer a relaxed day on the water. It is less suitable if you want a tightly timed sightseeing program with a list of named landmarks. The focus is the yacht, the bay, and the experience of being at sea.

The private-group arrangement can make the time feel more personal. You have more room to ask questions and discuss what you are seeing. It also means the group size and atmosphere matter. A small boat is most enjoyable when everyone is comfortable with a quiet, shared outing.

Comfort, seasickness, and what to pack

The clearest warning is for people prone to seasickness. A classic sailing boat moves with the water, and the combination of wind, waves, and time on board may be uncomfortable for some people. If you know you get motion sick, consider your usual tolerance before booking.

Pack light. The most useful items are:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Hat and sunscreen
• Water
• Camera
• Snacks or your own picnic food

The included drinks and snacks are helpful, but they do not replace lunch. A compact meal that is easy to eat on deck is the practical choice. Avoid bringing more bags than you need because the boat has limited interior seating and a compact layout.

Wear clothing that works for both sun and wind. The supplied details do not specify a dress code or special footwear, so you should follow any instructions from the crew on the day. Keep valuables secure and avoid loose items that could blow across the deck.

The yacht has a toilet, which is useful during a four-hour trip. Still, the saloon seats only four, so do not plan on spending the entire outing indoors.

Who will enjoy LONA II most

I would recommend this outing to people who like historic boats, gentle sightseeing, and time on the water. It is a strong choice if you want to see Saint-Tropez Bay from a slower, more personal angle and you like the idea of swimming from the yacht.

It also suits first-time sailors. You can enjoy the sails and ask questions without being expected to help operate the boat. The crew handles the technical side, leaving you free to watch, relax, take photographs, or join the conversation.

Couples, friends, and small private groups are likely to appreciate the setting. The boat’s limited space means the experience is more intimate than a standard group cruise. Families may also enjoy it if everyone is comfortable around open water and follows the crew’s safety instructions, though no specific child facilities are provided.

I would be more cautious if you want a luxury yacht experience, a full restaurant meal, a large sun deck, or a fast route between several stops. This is classic sailing, not a polished resort boat. It offers charm and direct contact with the sea, but not unlimited space or extensive onboard service.

Is the experience good value?

The value depends on what you are buying. You are not paying only for transportation from Port Grimaud to Saint-Tropez. You are paying for four hours aboard a distinctive classic yacht, a private-group setting, drinks and snacks, a crew-led introduction to the boat, sailing time, and the chance to swim or snorkel from the deck.

That is meaningful value for someone who cares about the experience of sailing. A cheaper motorboat trip might cover water faster, but it would not provide the same traditional atmosphere or the same connection with the boat.

The missing picnic food is the main cost detail to plan for. Bring your own lunch rather than assuming the phrase picnic-style means a meal is supplied. Once you account for that, you can judge the outing against other Saint-Tropez boat trips on the basis of atmosphere, group size, and time on the water.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add flexibility. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around the cruise.

Should you book this Saint-Tropez sailing trip?

Book it if you want a small, relaxed sailing experience with a memorable boat, friendly hosts, clear water, and views of Saint-Tropez Bay. The strongest reasons are LONA II’s classic character, the personal attention from Ian and Carolina, and the chance to combine sailing with swimming and snorkeling.

Skip it if you are prone to seasickness, need lots of room, or expect a fully catered luxury cruise. Bring your own picnic food, arrive at the quayside near the Grimaud Beach restaurant, and treat the four hours as time to slow down rather than race through a sightseeing checklist.

FAQ

Where does the yacht trip depart from?

It departs from 9 Rue de la Giscle in Port Grimaud, on the quayside close to the Grimaud Beach restaurant.

How long is the sailing experience?

The experience lasts four hours, including the sailing trip, time in Saint-Tropez Bay, the swimming or snorkeling stop, and the return to Port Grimaud.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. Sailing knowledge is not essential. The captain and crew handle the sailing and explain the boat and safety procedures.

Is food included?

Picnic food is not included. Drinks and snacks are provided, and you should bring your own picnic food if you want lunch during the trip.

Can I swim or snorkel from the yacht?

Yes. The yacht anchors during the outing, giving you the opportunity to swim or snorkel from the boat.

What languages are available?

The live tour is available in French and English.

Is the yacht suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Is smoking allowed onboard?

No. Smoking is not allowed on the yacht.