7 Best Anchorages Around Cannes for a Private Yacht Charter

Best anchorages around Cannes: a local broker's guide

Finding the best anchorages around Cannes depends on your yacht's draft, the time of year, and whether you want a swim stop or an overnight stay. The coastline between Cap d'Antibes and Théoule-sur-Mer offers more than a dozen reliable holding grounds within 2–12 nautical miles of the Vieux Port. Below, we break down seven anchorages our captains return to season after season — with notes on seabed type, swell exposure, and what makes each spot worth the detour. Whether you're planning a day charter or a longer Riviera cruise, these are the coordinates that matter.

Île Sainte-Marguerite — the signature Cannes anchorage

The north-facing bay between Île Sainte-Marguerite and the mainland is the most popular yacht anchorage in the area for good reason. Sand and Posidonia over a gentle slope give reliable holding in 3–8 metres, and the island blocks the prevailing south-westerly swell from April through October. Motor yachts up to roughly 40 m regularly anchor here on day charters, with tender access to the island's eucalyptus-shaded trails and the Fort Royal museum. Expect company in July and August — arriving before 10:00 secures the best swing room. A short dinghy ride puts guests on quiet pebble beaches along the island's southern shore, where the water colour shifts from jade to deep sapphire within a few strokes. If you're exploring options, browse our [fleet in Cannes](#) for yachts suited to island hopping around the Lérins.

Île Saint-Honorat — quieter water, monastic calm

Barely 700 metres south of Sainte-Marguerite, Île Saint-Honorat feels a world apart. The anchorage sits off the eastern tip where the seabed is mostly sand at 4–6 metres. Holding is good in settled weather, though the spot is more exposed to easterly wind, making it a better choice on days when the forecast shows light westerlies. The island is home to the Abbaye de Lérins, where Cistercian monks still produce wine and lavender honey. Guests often tender ashore for a vineyard walk before lunch. Because Saint-Honorat has no commercial port, the pace stays unhurried — exactly the atmosphere our clients look for on a private yacht hire along this stretch of coast.

Along the Esterel — red-rock coves west of La Napoule

Heading west past the Golfe de La Napoule, the volcanic Esterel massif drops directly into the sea, creating a series of deep, narrow calanques. Notable stops include Calanque du Petit Caneiret and the bay at Pointe de l'Aiguille, both within 8 nautical miles of the Vieux Port. The red porphyry cliffs contrast sharply with the blue water, and the rocky seabed means you'll want to set the anchor on one of the sandy patches between boulders. Draft permitting, yachts of 20–30 m fit comfortably. These anchorages are ideal for afternoon swim stops on a Cannes day charter — see our [Cannes day-charter itinerary](#) for a sample route that threads through the Esterel coastline.

7 anchorages ranked by experience type

1. Île Sainte-Marguerite (north bay) — Best all-round anchorage for families. Calm water, easy tender landing, and snorkelling over Posidonia meadows. 2. Île Saint-Honorat (east tip) — Best for couples seeking quiet. Monastery visit ashore; limited crowd even in peak season. 3. Calanque du Petit Caneiret, Esterel — Best for dramatic scenery. Red cliffs, deep-clear water, and virtually no foot traffic on shore. 4. Mouré Rouge, Théoule-sur-Mer — Best sunset anchorage. West-facing bay with warm evening light and a handful of waterfront restaurants reachable by tender. 5. Baie de la Garoupe, Cap d'Antibes — Best for a lunch hook east of the city. Sandy bottom at 5–7 m, sheltered from the Mistral. 6. Golfe-Juan — Best for overnight stays. Wide bay, good holding in sand, and a short walk into the village for morning provisions. 7. Anse de la Figueirette — Best for paddle-boarding. Shallow, protected cove near Miramar with minimal boat traffic outside weekends.

Choosing the right yacht for coastal anchorages near Cannes

Not every yacht suits every anchorage. A 50 m motor yacht draws too much to tuck into the Esterel calanques, while a compact 15 m day cruiser may lack the stabilisers guests appreciate on an overnight stay in open roadsteads like Golfe-Juan. Draft, beam, and tender garage size all influence how close you can approach shore and how comfortably you can deploy water toys. Our brokers match yacht selection to itinerary — if your priority is the Lérins Islands and the Esterel, we'll suggest a vessel with a shallow draft and a large swim platform. Browse our [luxury yacht selection](#) to compare options by length and guest capacity.

Plan your charter from the Vieux Port

Every anchorage on this list sits within an easy morning cruise of the Old Port, which means even a single-day charter covers two or three stops with time left for a leisurely lunch at anchor. The 2026 season along the French Riviera runs from late April through October, with the calmest seas typically falling in June and September. A well-planned route — Lérins in the morning, an Esterel cove after lunch, sundowners off Théoule-sur-Mer — turns a boat rental near Cannes into something that stays with you long after the tan fades.