In this guide
Why Antibes is the French Riviera's crew capital
If Palma is the starting point for a Med yachting career, Antibes is where careers go to grow. Port Vauban, with its 1,650 berths, is consistently ranked among the largest marinas in the world, and the superyacht quarter at the southern end of the port hosts some of the most impressive vessels in private ownership. You will see yachts here that you have only ever seen in magazines.
The French Riviera backdrop — Cap d'Antibes rising to the south, Cannes visible on a clear day to the west, Nice and Monaco within easy reach to the east — means this is ultra-high-end territory. The owners and guests arriving in Antibes expect everything to be perfect, and they pay their crew accordingly. Senior positions here attract some of the highest salaries in the Med.
Beyond the superyachts, Antibes has a thriving STCW training industry (Seascope France is well-regarded), a large crew accommodation scene centred on the La Gallice neighbourhood, and the September Antibes Yacht Show — a genuine industry gathering that concentrates captains, owners, and crew in one place for a week.
Key marinas and docks to target
Port Vauban — Quai des Milliardaires
The southern section of Port Vauban, nicknamed the Quai des Milliardaires, is where the largest superyachts berth stern-to. Yachts of 60m, 80m, 100m and above are routinely present during the summer season. Security on the main quai is more visible than in many Med ports, but the pontoons themselves are generally accessible during daylight hours when crew are working on deck.
Approach confidently, introduce yourself clearly, and have your CV ready. Captains and first officers on these vessels are accustomed to dock walkers and will give you a fair hearing if you present yourself well. Don't attempt to board — wait at the gangway and call aboard.
Port Vauban — Northern sections
The northern and central pontoons of Port Vauban hold a mix of vessels from 25m upward. These are more accessible than the superyacht quai and often represent better odds for first-time dock walkers. A mid-sized charter yacht (30–50m) in Antibes needs the same STCW-certified crew as a 70m vessel, and the captain is often more approachable.
Antibes La Salis
A smaller marina to the east of the main port, La Salis hosts a mix of racing yachts, sailing vessels, and smaller motor yachts. It's worth including in your dock walking circuit, particularly if you're interested in sailing yacht positions. The atmosphere is more relaxed and crew-to-crew introductions happen naturally here.
Golfe-Juan (nearby)
The marina at Golfe-Juan, roughly 5km west of Antibes along the coast toward Cannes, is worth a half-day visit. Less footfall from other dock walkers means less competition. A mix of charter vessels and private yachts. Easy to reach by local bus or bicycle from central Antibes.
Seasonal timing in Antibes
| Month | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Moderate | Winter layup fleet in the yards — daywork and yard positions available |
| March | Building ★★ | Season prep begins, captains start assembling crews |
| April–May | Peak ★★★ | Main hiring window — yachts departing yards, crew changeovers happening |
| June–August | Active ★★★ | Full charter season, vessels moving but captain contact still possible in port |
| September | High ★★★ | Antibes Yacht Show — excellent networking and job opportunity window |
| October | Winding ★★ | End of season crew changes, boats preparing for Atlantic crossing or Caribbean |
| November–December | Low | Most superyachts departed; layup fleet provides daywork |
Antibes-specific tips for dock walkers
- The Antibes Yacht Show in September is major. Even if you miss the main hiring window in spring, the September show brings owners, captains, and industry professionals from across the Med. It's a networking event as much as a boat show. Attend, dress appropriately, and bring business cards as well as CVs.
- Cannes is 15 minutes away. During the Cannes Film Festival in May, the Vieux Port at Cannes fills with chartered superyachts. It's worth a day trip to dock walk there while the show is on — captains are entertaining guests but crew changes happen around major events.
- STCW schools are on your doorstep. Seascope France and other training providers in Antibes and Nice run STCW and further certification courses. If you need to upgrade your qualifications mid-season, it's easy to arrange without leaving the area.
- French paperwork can be an issue. France has stricter rules around working on French-flagged vessels — you may need French maritime certifications for some positions. Most superyachts flying non-EU flags are unaffected. Be aware of this if a position requires working papers for a French-flagged boat.
- Monaco is 45 minutes away. The port of Monaco (Port Hercule) is worth a day visit during peak season. Security is very tight but crew on deck are approachable and some of the world's most valuable yachts pass through. Manage your expectations — you're unlikely to get hired on the spot, but contacts made here lead to opportunities later.
- Be prepared for a higher cost of living. The French Riviera is significantly more expensive than Palma. Budget accordingly — accommodation, food, and social costs are all higher here than in Spain.
Where crew hang out in Antibes
The old port area of Antibes, particularly the streets around the Marché Provençal and the waterfront, has a solid cluster of bars and restaurants frequented by crew. These are more concentrated and more social than equivalent spots in some other Med ports.
- Chez Helene / old town bar circuit — the streets immediately inland from the superyacht quai have several crew-friendly bars. On any summer evening you'll find a mix of nationalities, all in the industry.
- The Blue Lady — a long-standing crew haunt near the port that has hosted networking conversations leading to countless yacht jobs. Worth visiting any evening from Thursday onward.
- Beach bars at La Salis — in summer the beach bars east of the port attract off-duty crew. A more relaxed alternative to the old town bars.
The Antibes crew social scene is genuinely excellent — this is one of the ports where a conversation over a drink regularly leads to a job offer or introduction within a day or two. Show up, be yourself, and be interested in what others are doing.
Crew accommodation in Antibes
The La Gallice neighbourhood, located between the port and the Antibes La Salis marina, has become the default crew accommodation district. It's within walking distance of Port Vauban and has a concentration of crew houses and shared apartments at relatively reasonable (for the Riviera) prices.
Budget €500–800/month for a room in a shared crew house in the La Gallice area. Solo apartments command significantly more. The Antibes Yacht Crew Facebook community is the best place to find current availability — search for accommodation posts in the group and post your own request specifying your timeline.
Avoid the tourist accommodation in the old town itself — it's expensive and not particularly convenient for the marinas. Some crew stay in nearby Juan-les-Pins (walkable or cheap bus ride) where accommodation can be slightly more affordable.