The Mediterranean sunset from the sea is incomparable: orange and pink hues spreading over Pampelonne or the Cassis calanques, the silhouette of the coast in counter-light, the village of Saint-Tropez lighting up. A 2-3 hour cruise that fits perfectly as the start of an evening.
Departure 1h-1h30 before sunset (depending on the season — 9.15pm in June, 7.30pm in September). Navigation along the coast (Pampelonne beaches if departing from Saint-Tropez, Bandol calanques if from Bandol), anchorage in a calm cove for an aperitif on board, return at nightfall.
Three formats: shared sunset cruise (you share the boat with other guests, more affordable), private sunset cruise (your own boat, your own group), special-occasion cruise (champagne, scenography, music — for proposals or anniversaries).
Pricing and formats
Different formats:
- Shared sunset cruise (8-12 people on a larger boat): €60-110 per person. Drink and snacks included.
- Private sunset cruise (6-10 people): €450-800 for the boat. Skipper, soft drinks, basic snacks.
- Premium private (8-12 people on motoryacht): €800-1,500. Champagne, gourmet platters.
- Anniversary/proposal cruise: €600-1,200 with scenography (rose petals, candles, music).
Most cruises include the skipper, mandatory safety, soft drinks. Champagne and chef-prepared platters extra (€60-150 per bottle, €25-50/person for platters).
Best departure ports and itineraries
Where to depart:
- Saint-Tropez area: from Cogolin or Port Grimaud. Sail towards Pampelonne, anchor near Cap Camarat for sunset.
- Bandol: cruise along the calanques, sunset over La Ciotat horizon.
- Hyères: sail towards Porquerolles, sunset between Hyères and the islands.
- Le Lavandou: along the Maures coast.
- Saint-Raphaël: red Estérel rocks at sunset (the rocks glow orange).
Sunset times by month
When to depart:
- April: 8.30pm sunset → depart 7pm.
- May: 9pm sunset → depart 7.30pm.
- June: 9.15pm sunset → depart 7.45pm.
- July: 9.10pm sunset → depart 7.45pm.
- August: 8.50pm sunset → depart 7.30pm.
- September: 8.10pm sunset → depart 6.45pm.
- October: 7pm sunset → depart 5.30pm.
The 'magic hour' starts 30 minutes before sunset and continues 30 minutes after — the best light for photos.
Add-ons and tips
Make it special:
- Champagne: €50-150 per bottle on board, served chilled.
- Cheese & charcuterie platter: €25-40 per person, ordered ahead.
- Live music: solo singer or DJ on board, €300-600 for 3 hours.
- Photographer for the sunset (proposals, anniversaries): €300-500.
- Custom decoration (rose petals, candles): €100-250.
Bring: a light jacket (cooler at sea once the sun sets), camera, and a sense of awe — the colours are usually breathtaking.
Frequently asked questions
Best season for the sunset?
June to September for warm light. September-October: golden hour even more striking. In June, sunset around 9.15pm; in September, 7.30pm.
Can we book on the day?
Yes if there's space. Best to book 24-48h ahead in season.
If the weather is bad?
We reschedule or cancel with refund. Wind alert from 25 knots = cancellation.
Is the cruise dressy?
No specific dress code, but light clothing (cooler at sea) and shoes that don't mark the deck.
Can we swim during the cruise?
Yes — many cruises anchor for 15-20 min in a calm cove. Bring swimwear and a towel.