Saint-Tropez by boat – how the harbour, bookings and prices work

More than a row of superyachts

Saint-Tropez is one of the Mediterranean’s most talked-about harbour names. The large yachts along the quay are part of the picture, but the harbour is also used by smaller boats, and different parts of the facility have different rules and tariffs. What matters is not whether you own a glamorous boat, but its length, beam and berth category.

For those arriving by sea, the village is easy to explore on foot: the quays, narrow streets and market are all close by. However, finding a berth at short notice can be difficult during the peak season. The harbour authority’s official booking route should be your first stop when planning.

Book the right way – under or over 18 metres

Port de Saint-Tropez distinguishes between boats under 18 metres, which use Navily, and larger boats, which are directed to Magelan eResa. The official booking page links to the appropriate system.

One important detail for smaller boats: the harbour’s FAQ states that booking requests via Navily can normally be submitted no earlier than 48 hours before the desired arrival date, and that replies are sent on the morning of the arrival date. This is not the same as having a berth confirmed well in advance. Read the harbour’s FAQ before building your entire holiday schedule around a single stop.

How the harbour fee is calculated

Saint-Tropez has published a 2026 price list in which the daily fee is calculated as the boat’s overall length × overall beam × rate per square metre, with different rates depending on the season and harbour area.

As an illustration, the official 2026 table gives a rate of 9.24 euros/m² during the busiest period, 10 July–20 August, for the Old Port. A 12.0 × 4.0-metre boat would, according to the basic formula, cost 443.52 euros for one day in that particular tariff zone, before any additional charges. This is a calculation example, not a quote or confirmation that the boat will be allocated such a berth.

Rates are lower in other parts of the harbour. For the same period, the 2026 table gives a rate of 2.94 euros/m² in Bassin Jean Lescudier, which would mean a basic fee of 141.12 euros for the same example. The difference shows why a general claim that “Saint-Tropez costs X euros per night” can be misleading.

See the official 2026 price list (PDF) and the harbour’s current booking and pricing information. Always check which tariff applies to your dates, which basin you are offered and what additional charges may apply.

Why the berth location matters

The harbour consists of several areas, including Vieux Port, Quai Estienne d'Orves, Jean Réveille and Bassin Jean Lescudier. Mooring arrangements, size limits and prices vary. The harbour’s 2026 information, for example, specifies maximum lengths for certain quays and a draught limit for Estienne d'Orves. The harbour office’s current instructions for your particular boat are the ones that apply.

According to the harbour’s FAQ, water and electricity are normally included in the published tariffs, while some extras, such as adapter hire and tourist tax, may be charged separately. Larger boats may be required to pay a deposit and provide documentation. Read the booking terms before paying.

Once the boat is safely moored

Saint-Tropez is best experienced by leaving the quay and walking into the old town. Visit Place des Lices, see the colourful houses along the harbour and take the walk towards the citadel for views across the bay. Those looking to understand the town’s history beyond its yachting scene can also explore the local museums and the old fishing quarters.

For longer stays, the beaches around the peninsula are part of the appeal, but getting there can take time during summer traffic peaks. Don’t assume that every attraction is within a short walk of the boat.

A better way to plan a visit to Saint-Tropez

Start by checking whether your boat falls under the Navily or Magelan system. Then calculate the full cost of the berth you are offered and have an alternative harbour nearby. On arrival, follow the harbour authority’s instructions; the central harbour is not an unrestricted visitors’ pontoon.

For local events and current visitor attractions, see Saint-Tropez tourist information. For weather and navigation decisions, consult up-to-date marine forecasts and charts.

Nautical Insider’s advice: Saint-Tropez is a good example of why a price illustration with clearly stated dimensions is more useful than a vague “from” price. Check the basin, season and booking terms before deciding to stay.

Use the right boat measurements – not just the length

The harbour has an unusually useful public pricing structure. According to the booking and tariffs page, the fee is calculated based on the boat’s overall length × overall beam × the tariff for the season and basin. This means that two boats of the same length may pay different prices if their beams differ. An outboard, swim platform and other projecting parts may affect the length that must be declared; check with the harbour which measurement they use.

The harbour website displays a price list valid 5 August–30 October 2026. It is useful for understanding the pricing model, but it is not a promise of the same price next season. Always check the current tariff for your dates and basin. The harbour states that water and electricity are normally included in the berth fee, while hire of electrical connection equipment and tourist tax may be charged separately. According to the harbour’s FAQ, certain diving services may be included for specific quays and seasons.

Where can the boat berth?

Saint-Tropez is not a single quay with one set of rules. The harbour specifies different areas and length limits: Bassin Jean Lescudier accommodates boats up to 25 metres, Vieux Port is for vessels in the 25–50-metre range, and Môle d’Estiennes d’Orves accommodates vessels up to 90 metres, with a stated maximum draught of 4 metres. These are the harbour’s published limits, not a guarantee that a particular boat can be placed there. The booking system and harbour master determine the actual allocation.

For short visits, boats under 18 metres use Navily and larger boats use Magelan eResa. The harbour also states that bookings for boats over 18 metres are confirmed after a deposit of 50 per cent of the stay’s cost, excluding tourist tax and additional services. Read the cancellation terms before paying.

When is the harbour most expensive?

The harbour’s FAQ defines the peak pricing season as 10 July–20 August. There are also high, mid and low seasons. Dates may be adjusted around the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta. For boat owners with flexible schedules, shifting a visit by a few days can make a substantial difference to the price. So compare more than just the “price per night”: check the exact dates, boat dimensions, basin and any additional charges.

Time ashore – plan around your stay at the quay

If you have only an afternoon, you can walk from the harbour to the old town and on to Place des Lices, a natural starting point for exploring local life. For a longer stay, you can plan trips to the beaches on the Pampelonne peninsula, but allow for land transport and time to get back. The harbour’s central location is an advantage; make the most of it rather than trying to cover the whole peninsula in a few hours.

Before arrival: check whether an event, regatta or temporary traffic restriction is in place. Even with a paid berth, you must follow the harbour’s instructions on arrival time, traffic and mooring.