Working on superyachts in Antibes: complete crew guide 2026

If you're serious about a career in the superyacht industry, sooner or later you'll end up in Antibes. Port Vauban is home to more superyachts than anywhere else on the planet — over 2,000 vessels pass through every year, ranging from 24-metre motor yachts to 100-metre giants.

I've spent three seasons crewing out of Antibes. Here's what nobody tells you before you arrive.

When is the Antibes season?

The main Med season runs May to October, with the peak in July and August. But Antibes is busy year-round because the largest superyachts refit here over winter. Key windows for crew hiring:

• March–April: Captains and chief officers recruit before season. Best time to dock-walk.
• May–June: Charter season starts. Deckhands, stewardesses and chefs still in demand.
• October–November: End-of-season crew changes. Some boats head to the Caribbean and need passage crew.
• December–February: Refit season. Engineers and dayworkers get steady work in Port Vauban boatyards.

Port Vauban: the superyacht hub

Port Vauban is split into two sections: the inner port (older quays, smaller vessels) and the newer quay extensions that accommodate yachts over 80 metres. The surrounding area of Antibes Juan-les-Pins also has smaller marinas like Port Gallice and Port du Crouton.

For crew looking for work, the dockside cafés near the outer quays — like Crew & Crew — are meeting points where captains and crew managers post opportunities on physical boards. In 2026, most hiring has moved online, but dock-walking is still effective for day work.

Salaries on the French Riviera

French Riviera rates are the highest in the Mediterranean, typically 15–25% above Spanish equivalents due to the vessel size and charter rates.

• Captain (40m+): €7,000–14,000/month + accommodation + tips
• Chief Officer / First Mate: €4,500–7,000/month
• Stewardess (experienced): €2,800–4,500/month
• Deckhand / Sailor: €2,200–3,500/month
• Yacht Chef: €3,500–6,000/month
• Day Worker: €150–250/day

Tips on high-end charter vessels can add 10–25% to your monthly income. All figures are net of French social contributions when employed through a French flag vessel.

What certifications do you need?

For vessels over 500 GT operating commercially, STCW Basic Safety Training is the minimum entry requirement — no exceptions. For officer roles, OOW (Officer of the Watch) or PPER (Spanish equivalent) is required. French-flagged vessels may require Brevet de Capitaine 200 or Capitaine 500 for command positions.

Practical certifications that stand out on the Riviera:

• ENG1 medical certificate (or equivalent STCW medical)
• Powerboat Level 2 / PWC licence
• Diving certification (PADI Open Water minimum for tender operations)
• Wine and service training (WSET Level 1+) for interior crew

Visas and work permits

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in France. Non-EU nationals need to check their vessel's flag and charter area carefully:

• UK passport: Post-Brexit, a Schengen long-stay visa (type D) is required for contracts longer than 90 days.
• Non-EU hired on a Cayman/Marshall Islands flag vessel: You technically work at sea, not "in France" — but consult a maritime lawyer for your specific situation.

How to find crew work in Antibes

The most effective channels in 2026:

1. Yemplea: Post your crew profile and apply to openings from Mediterranean yachting companies including those based in Antibes and Monaco.
2. Crew agencies in Antibes: EYOS, Faststream, Luxury Yacht Group have offices in or near Antibes.
3. Dock-walking: Still works for day work and last-minute berths — wear clean, professional crew clothing and carry a printed CV.
4. Online forums: The Crew Lounge Facebook group, Dockwalk.com, and Crewseekers are active for the Riviera.

Register your Yemplea profile at yemplea.com/registro — free, no commission, and your profile is visible to companies operating throughout the Mediterranean.

Cost of living while job-hunting

Antibes is expensive. Budget €800–1,200/month for accommodation if you're not on a boat. Shared crew houses in Juan-les-Pins or Biot run €400–600/person. Most crew eat at the port cafés (€10–15/lunch) or self-cater. The upside: once you land a berth, accommodation and meals are included.

The bottom line

Antibes rewards persistence. The first season is the hardest — landing that first berth with no Med references takes patience. Arrive in March, dock-walk, take day work to build references, and use online platforms like Yemplea to get your profile in front of the right companies. By season two, the calls will start coming to you.