Antibes

Port Vauban and the IYCA

Port Vauban is one of the best-known superyacht harbours in the Mediterranean and includes the International Yacht Club d’Antibes, which was developed specifically for large yachts. The port’s scale and location make it a regular base for yachts operating between Monaco, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Corsica and the wider western Mediterranean.

Berthing arrangements, maximum dimensions and availability vary by quay and season, so captains should confirm current requirements directly with the port. The surrounding Antibes service cluster remains valuable even for yachts berthed elsewhere because many crew, technical and shore-side suppliers operate throughout the Riviera.

Port Vauban waterfront redevelopment: architectural project illustration, not a photograph of completed works. Image: Les Éclaireurs.

Nice Airport and yacht arrivals

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the principal aviation gateway for Antibes and is used extensively by yacht owners, charter guests and crew. Road transfers connect the airport with Port Vauban and the surrounding marinas, while business-aviation arrivals can also be coordinated directly with chauffeur providers.

Ground transport therefore forms part of the yacht-arrival chain rather than being limited to hotel transfers. Crew changes, luggage-heavy charter arrivals, provisioning runs and owner movements all create regular demand for reliable airport-to-marina transport.

Chauffeur and yacht-transfer services

Local service provider: Kokolimo provides private chauffeur and yacht-transfer services between Nice Airport, Port Vauban and other Riviera yacht centres. Its yacht-focused services include owner and guest transfers, private-aviation pickups, crew changes, provisioning runs and event transport.

Kokolimo operates across Antibes, Nice, Cannes, Monaco and Saint-Tropez, allowing yachts to use one ground-transport provider for movements across much of the French Riviera. The company also provides hourly chauffeur hire and larger vehicles for groups, luggage, crew bags and provisioning requirements.

Antibes superyacht service network

The wider Antibes business cluster includes yacht agents, crew agencies, technical specialists, provisioners, brokers, refit support, training providers and shore-side logistics companies. Superyacht Guide groups these businesses within the Antibes Superyacht Business Hub to make operational suppliers easier to identify.

For visiting yachts, the combination of Port Vauban, nearby Nice Airport and a large resident yacht workforce makes Antibes particularly practical for crew rotations, maintenance periods and Mediterranean season preparation. This commercial infrastructure is one of the main reasons the town remains important well beyond its role as a cruising destination.

Cap d’Antibes and time ashore

Beyond the marina, Cap d’Antibes offers coastal walking, beaches and hotels, while the old town provides restaurants, markets and local services close to Port Vauban. Cannes and Juan-les-Pins are also within easy road reach, expanding the range of dining, events and hospitality available to owners, guests and crew.

Antibes therefore combines the operational advantages of a major yacht-service centre with the character of a Riviera destination. For yachts spending extended periods in port, that balance is one of its strongest advantages.

Antibes old town and Fort Carré

For owners, guests and crew with a few hours ashore, the historic centre offers a practical cultural route close to the marina. The Provençal Market on Cours Masséna, the Musée Picasso and the old town’s streets are worthwhile stops before returning to the waterfront.

On the other side of Port Vauban, Fort Carré overlooks the harbour and gives visitors another perspective on Antibes’ maritime history. Check the municipal Fort Carré visitor information for current access arrangements before planning a visit, particularly if time ashore is limited.