A water break along the red coast or the islands

Choose one direction and give it time

Give the day a direction: Théoule and the Estérel coast, or the waters towards Lérins. Ask how much time the chosen route leaves for the activity itself. A compact route with room to pause may serve the group better than reaching both areas and repeatedly packing away the equipment.

The departure port needs confirming even if your accommodation is close to one marina. Equipment from a separate provider may have its own meeting point. Establish whether it comes aboard before departure, is arranged at an authorised stop or requires a shore session, and count that movement in the day’s timing.

Match the equipment to the people

A paddleboard request and a swimming request do not require the same preparation. Explain how many guests want to participate, whether they have used the equipment before and who would prefer to stay aboard. Ask about appropriately sized flotation equipment, instruction and how the activity will be supervised.

For family outings, look at the actual water access as well as the table and shade. Request a photograph of the ladder or stern platform and discuss any assistance needed to return aboard. Check where towels, footwear and wet equipment will go so the rest of the group can still move around comfortably.

Check the stop rather than promise a cove

A red-rock view does not establish a suitable anchorage or an authorised activity area. The captain should check local restrictions and seabed protection for the proposed stop. If your itinerary reaches the Cannes and Lérins sector, Cannes publishes orders covering navigation, anchoring and water sports for that area.

Powered equipment and towable activities need their own assessment, with an identified operator and permitted location. Ask about eligibility, instruction, insurance and any additional transfer. The yacht’s ability to carry equipment is only one part of the arrangement; it is not permission to use it anywhere along the coast.

• City of Cannes — orders for the Cannes and Lérins sector (not a substitute for rules at other stops)

Build a day that still works if plans change

Allow time to get dry before lunch, especially if a shaded meal is the reason several guests are joining. Ask the crew whether the water session fits better before or after eating and how the route would change if the planned stop becomes unsuitable. A shorter coastal option may preserve more of the day than chasing a second distant destination.

Your written offer should name any included toys and requested extras, the supervision supplied and the treatment of charges if an activity cannot run. Send your preferred port, date, group details and first-choice activity. Those decisions help shape a Mandelieu proposal without assuming a fixed package or guaranteed stop.