The maritime shuttle between Saint-Raphaël and Saint-Tropez covers the Gulf of Saint-Tropez aboard Les Bateaux Bleus catamarans. The service runs year-round from Gare maritime on Quai Amiral Nomy, with multiple daily crossings and return options through the evening. This page covers the departure schedule, ticket structure and what to expect at the terminal.
Quick answer
The boat saint raphael to st tropez operates daily from 09:30 to 17:30, departing from Gare maritime at Quai Amiral Nomy in Saint-Raphaël. One-way adult fare is 27 EUR; round trip is 42 EUR. The crossing takes approximately 60 minutes depending on sea conditions and stops. The last return departure from Saint-Tropez leaves at 17:30, so plan your arrival window between 09:30 and 16:30 to ensure sufficient time for the return journey.
The Côte d'Azur's most direct water link bypasses the coastal road's summer congestion and delivers passengers to the Vieux Port de Saint-Tropez in under 70 minutes. Les Bateaux Bleus operates modern catamarans from Saint-Raphaël's maritime terminal, a facility purpose-built for passenger ferry traffic and located at the eastern edge of the city's harbor district. The route crosses open water before threading through the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, offering unobstructed views of the Massif des Maures and the peninsula's protected coastline. Departures from Gare maritime follow a fixed schedule throughout the week, with no seasonal reduction in frequency. The terminal itself is a compact embarkation point with ticket counters, waiting areas and direct quayside access. Boarding begins 15 minutes before each scheduled departure, and passengers are expected to arrive with tickets already purchased or available for collection. The catamarans are enclosed-cabin vessels with outdoor viewing decks, seating for approximately 300 passengers and onboard facilities including restrooms and a refreshment counter. The Saint-Raphaël to Saint-Tropez ferry appeals to day-trippers, locals commuting between the two towns and visitors seeking an alternative to the Route de la Plage. The crossing itself is a utility service rather than a sightseeing excursion, though the approach to Saint-Tropez's harbor offers a perspective unavailable from land routes. Return sailings depart from the Vieux Port's ferry terminal throughout the day, with the final departure timed to accommodate evening diners and those staying through sunset. Weather permitting, the service maintains its schedule year-round, though winter months see reduced foot traffic compared to the July and August peak. Fare structure is straightforward: a single adult one-way ticket or a round-trip option that includes return passage on any scheduled departure the same day. Children and infants follow a separate pricing tier, and group bookings are accommodated with advance notice. Tickets can be purchased online through the operator's website, at the terminal ticket office or via authorized resale partners. The boat saint raphael to st tropez remains the most reliable method of crossing the gulf when road traffic exceeds tolerable thresholds, particularly during the Tropézienne summer season when vehicular access to the peninsula becomes gridlocked by mid-morning.
“The maritime shuttle bypasses the coastal road's summer congestion and delivers passengers to the Vieux Port in under 70 minutes.”
The boat departure point is located at the Gare maritime on Quai Amiral Nomy in Saint-Raphaël. It is centrally positioned within the harbor area, making it easily accessible for pedestrians and those arriving by vehicle.
Walk from Saint-Raphaël-Valescure train station via Rue Waldeck Rousseau
Follow signage for Port de Plaisance and park at Parking du Vieux Port
Local Agglobus lines to Saint-Raphaël Gare Routière
The Gare maritime is located at Quai Amiral Nomy, 83700 Saint-Raphaël. Parking is available at the nearby public lots, though arriving early ensures a smooth transition to the boarding area.
The boat service between Saint-Raphaël and Saint-Tropez operates on a consistent schedule seven days a week. Visitors can rely on these daily hours to plan their travel between the two locations.
The cost of transit between Saint-Raphaël and Saint-Tropez depends on whether you purchase a single journey or a return ticket.
Verdict: A typical adult pays 27 EUR for a one-way fare, with the total cost increasing to 42 EUR if a round-trip ticket is selected.
The best arrival window is between 09:30–16:30 to manage mid-day heat exposure and ensure sufficient time for the last return departure at 17:30. Planning your trip within this timeframe allows for a more comfortable experience while securing your return transit.
Mild temperatures (15-20°C)
This period offers comfortable weather and fewer tourists before the peak summer heat.
Hot temperatures (25-30°C)
Expect peak tourist numbers and high temperatures, requiring careful planning around the 09:30–16:30 window.
Pleasant temperatures (18-24°C)
This is an efficient time to visit with lower passenger volumes and cooling sea breezes.
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Mid-week travel during morning hours provides the most consistent access to boat services.
Verdict: The best time to visit is mid-week from Tuesday to Thursday during the shoulder months of May or September, arriving at the 09:30 opening.
A few practical steps will keep your departure smooth and on schedule.
Everything you need to know about boat saint raphael to st tropez
You can find information and scheduling for your crossing via the official website, which funnels visitors to the necessary booking tools. Planning your excursion through official channels ensures you have the most accurate availability for your travel dates.
The entrance fee for a one-way adult ticket is 27 EUR, while a round trip costs 42 EUR. These fares apply to the standard maritime service connecting these two coastal destinations.
The service operates daily from 09:30 to 17:30. Visitors should plan their schedule within these hours to ensure they can complete their planned itinerary.
We recommend traveling between 09:30 and 16:30 to avoid mid-day heat and ensure you have sufficient time for the last return departure at 17:30. Following this window helps manage the coastal crowds effectively.
The maritime connection departs from the Gare maritime, located at Quai Amiral Nomy, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France. This terminal serves as the primary hub for sea-based transit in the area.
Families are welcome to use this transit option, though it is important to check booking requirements for younger passengers on the official site. The crossing offers a scenic alternative to navigating the busy coastal roads by car.
The final return departure from the harbor is at 17:30. If this is missed, visitors will need to arrange alternative transportation back to their origin point, as there are no subsequent shuttle services provided.
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