Boat Tours and Cruises in Cannes

The best things to do and see in Cannes would not be complete without Boat Tours. Yes, that exciting way to discover the Côte d'Azur by cruising the Mediterranean and, in this publication you will find everything you need to know.

Schedules, prices, advantages, disadvantages, activities included and details so you can stroll from the Massif Estérel, through the coastline of the Corniche d'Or and the Lerins Islands, with special attention to the islands of Saint Margaret and Saint-Honorat. Let's go there!

On this boat trip in the Estérel National Park, you will sail the waters of the Mediterranean in search of the volcanic landscapes that separate Saint-Raphaël and Cannes to discover the caves and creeks of this reserve. Come and explore one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Mediterranean!

From the beginning, visitors will be amazed by the vibrant palette of colors of the Estérel Massif de l'esterel. A gradient of reddish tones exposes the traces of the erosion of volcanic rock from millions of years ago. In contrast, this coastal town of the Côte d'Azur exhibits its turquoise sea between coves, natural pools, beaches, caves, as well as the mystical coastline of the Corniche d'Or or Corniche of gold.

I leave you a video here to give you an idea.

Once in the area, the boat will stop for a dip, diving or lying under the sun and enjoy the serene atmosphere. After almost three hours of cruising, you will be taken back to your point of origin.

Details of interest

• Price: from 66 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Schedule: morning.
• What the tour may include: transfer service from Cannes to the Massif Estérel and back by boat. Bottled water.
• Means of transportation: speedboat or small boat.
• Pros: despite the beauty of the place, it is one of the least crowded places in Cannes, so it is ideal for intimate getaways or small groups.
• Cons: The boat crew often speaks only English and French. Snorkeling equipment may not be included.

Can't decide between a boat trip or a snorkeling excursion? We have the solution: embark on a nautical excursion from Cannes at sunset with a snorkeling break. You'll get everything you wanted! While watching the marine fauna in the lagoon. The best of all? This type of excursion allows you to choose between two stops: the Lerins Islands, Estérel or the "Plateau du Milieu".

During your walk you will be able to contemplate Saint Margaret Island, where the Iron Mask Museum and Royal Fort are located, the impressive Fort Royal castle, the residence of the Man in the Iron Mask, as well as the Fort de la Convention.

Other points of interest of this tour are: the Saint-Honorat island, where the medieval monastery of the abbey of Lerins is located, as well as the surrounding islets: the island of La Tradelière and Saint-Ferréol. And if you decide to stop in Estérel, be prepared to delight yourself with its reddish caves between creeks and beaches. Or opt to stop in the middle of Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, at Plateau du Milieu or Plateau de medio.

The sunset tour also invites you to enjoy the sunset at sea during the high season, between the months of June and September. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to the old port of Cannes, after having enjoyed the French magic of the French Riviera.

Interesting details

• Price: from 45 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 90 minutes.
• Schedule: afternoon.
• What the tour may include: round trip boat ride to Isla Margarita. Bottled water. Captain's service.
• Means of transportation: small boat.
• Pros: with this tour you have time to take pictures in all the Lerins Islands, take a dip in its beaches and snorkel. Unlike the direct ferry, the captain of the boat or small boat customizes the experience according to the groups, so the times at each site of interest can be adjusted.
• Cons: The tour does not include meals, drinks or transfers to the port of Cannes. Snorkeling equipment will be available for an additional supplement. Often the captain of the boat speaks only French and English.

There'splenty to see and do on the Côte d'Azur beyond sunbathing on the beach. If you're looking for something more adventurous, consider hopping aboard a ferry from Cannes to Saint Margaret Island or Ile Sainte-Marguerite, one of the 12 hidden gems of the world according to The Nation.

The ride to this small island takes just 15 minutes from Cannes. Part of the Lerins Islands archipelago in the Gulf of Naples, nature, history and culture merge in every corner to offer visitors a delightful combination of activities.

During the trip, enjoy the scent of pine and eucalyptus that envelops the place. As soon as you step off the ferry, it's time to start exploring. Choose one of the island's many hiking trails, all well marked and of varying levels of difficulty. Stroll through dense forests, or simply walk to the Batéguier pond.

Another area that often attracts interest is the Point de la Convention to appreciate the great variety of unique species of flora while migratory birds are showing off.

And if you feel like getting to know the emblems of the island, you have a must-see at two places. First, the FortRoyal, a former prison-fortress built by the Spanish in the 17th century. Second, theEcomuseum, where you will find some of the underwater sculptures with the signature of Jason deCaires Taylor, the same British artist who left his mark on Lanzarote.

Did you know that

The Fort Royal was the setting where Leonardo DiCaprio played the mysterious man in the iron mask, a half-brother of Louis XIV in Martin Scorsese's film: The Sinister Island.

Details of interest

• Price: from 21 € per person.
• Duration: 15 minutes.
• Schedule: morning and afternoon.
• What the tour may include: transfer service from the port of Cannes to Santa Margherita Island.
• Means of transportation: ferry.
• Pros: Isla Margarita also enters Traveller's top 22 destinations and you can discover it at your own pace. Enjoy the local gastronomy, even take your lunch with you. You will have control of the excursion, just remember to write down everything you want to visit so you don't miss anything. At the end of the day, you can take the ferry back to Cannes.
• Cons: This is a one-way ferry ticket.

For those adventurous types who prefer boat rides to more remote peripheries than our previous option, consider taking a ferry to Saint Tropez from Cannes, a ride that takes you to explore the charms of Provence 1 hour and 15 minutes from Europe's most famous film city.

Get up close to cliffs, coves and beaches like La Musa Saint Tropez, one of the world's best beaches according to Forbes. You can walk, swim, kayak or jet ski during the 5 hours you have available to explore the natural beauty of the French coastline.

Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, home of Saint Torpes de Pisa, patron saint of Saint Tropez. Walk around the citadel. Sit and contemplate the scenery from the Place des Lumières, visit the boutiques, see the Punch Quarter, browse the art galleries, the fishing villages or enter the Annunciation Museum, another must-see when exploring the Provençal charm of Saint Tropez.

Details of interest

• Price: from 73 € per person.
• Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Schedule: morning. The boat departs from Cannes around 10:00 and returns in the afternoon around 16:15.
• What the tour may include: transfer service from Cannes to Saint Tropez and back.
• Means of transport: ferry.
• Pros: You will be able to discover the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region at your own pace with the confidence that in the afternoon the ferry will be waiting for you to return to Cannes.
• Cons: The ferry ticket allows you to enjoy the daily activities in Saint Tropez, however, the city is known for its vibrant nightlife, you would have to change your plans to join the action.

Would you like to discover Cannes as a group to take the party to the sea? This midday catamaran tour is the one for you.

Enjoy everything the sea has to offer, whether it's lounging on deck, kayaking, paddle surfing or snorkeling among the coral reefs, this tour has everything you need. And the best part is that everything is included! You will enjoy a glass of wine and a cold buffet lunch on this cruise, departing from Quai Laubeuf.

Departing from the old port of Cannes, your catamaran will sail the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Napoule through the Bay of Cannes while you relax on deck or lie in the sun. You will have free time to freshen up and admire some of the must-see islands of the French Riviera, such as Saint Margaret Island and the islets of the Lérins Islands. The boat will dock between the islands or on one of the beaches of theEsterel Massif.

Take a dip and practice your favorite water sport, you will find everything you need on board. At the end, after 3 hours at sea, you will be taken back to your point of origin in the old port of Cannes.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Schedule: afternoon.
• What the tour may include: catamaran captain service. Boat ride. Bottled water. Glass of wine. Buffet lunch. Snorkel, paddle surf and kayak equipment.
• Means of transportation: catamaran.
• Pros: they are cheap, thanks to the groups, you get the best rate on boat trips in Cannes. You have the opportunity to explore the Margaret Island and its surroundings with a diverse group of people. You leave aside the worry of bringing your favorite sports equipment, often everything is included. Some of these excursions are offered with lunch, so your only concern will be deciding between tanning on the deck or jumping in the water and getting to know the marine fauna.
• Cons: Groups can be large, with a catamaran accepting between 15 and 80 people on each trip.

Are you ready to enjoy a night cruise on the Mediterranean Sea? Get ready for a unique experience under the stars! Around 8:30 pm, a speedboat or small boat will be waiting for you at the old port of Cannes, the Quai Laubeuf. After the meeting, the boat will sail through the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, while you enjoy the scenery of the coastline towards the Lerins Islands.

You will be able to admire the Island of Saint Margaret, where the iconic Iron Mask Museum and Royal Fort are located. In front, you will see another of the jewels of the French Riviera, the island of Saint-Honorat, home to a historic community of monks since the 5th century at the Monastery of Lérins.

Don't forget to bring your snorkeling mask! The boat makes a brief stop so you can enjoy the wonders of the seabed of the Lerins Islands, but the best is yet to come. You will witness the famous fireworks show in the bay of Cannes.

The boat will be located in a strategic place, just 300 meters away from the show. Delight your senses with a show of lights and colors, which will make this night the most magical of your visit to Cannes.

After two and a half hours of emotions, you will return to the port of Cannes having enjoyed the art ofliving in the French city of cinema like the locals. Do you dare to live this adventure by boat with a small group of friends or family?

Details of interest

• Price: from 70 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Schedule: at night. Often from 8:00 p.m. onwards.
• What the tour may include: boat captain service. Bottled water. Fireworks show. Tour of the Lerins Islands.
• Means of transportation: small boat.
• Pros: this is an ideal night tour to share in the intimacy of a couple or with friends. Under the moonlight you will have a different perspective of the Côte d'Azur, when glamour and luxury come alive.
• Cons: This fireworks tour is only available between July and August. Food and snorkeling equipment are not included.

• Carry cash. Don't be fooled by the size of the boats, even the larger boats lack credit or debit card terminals. Take cash with you to avoid hassles.
• For those interested in snorkeling, I recommend that you confirm beforehand that the equipment is included in the chosen tour, or even on the boat.
• If you are interested in sunset or night tours, consider that they are offered in high season, between June and September, on a regular basis. In case your trip is during other months, you can opt for private boat rentals.