Cannes Boat Tours

The best things to do and see in Cannes wouldn't be complete without boat trips. Yes, that exciting way to discover the Côte d'Azur by cruising the Mediterranean and, in this publication, you'll find everything you need to know.

Timetables, prices, advantages, disadvantages, activities included and details so you can cruise from the Estérel Massif, along the coastline of the Corniche d'Or and the Lerins Islands, with a special focus on the islands of Saint Margaret and Saint-Honorat. Here we go!

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

From the very beginning, visitors will be amazed by the vibrant palette of colours of the Estérel Massif. A gradation of reddish tones reveals the traces of the erosion of the volcanic rock over millions of years. In contrast, this town on the Côte d'Azur coastline displays its turquoise sea between coves, natural pools, beaches, caves, as well as the mystical coastline of the Corniche d'Or or Golden Corniche.

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

Once in the area, the boat will stop for a dip, snorkelling or just lying in the sun and enjoying 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.
• Timetable: morning.
• What the tour may include: transfer service from Cannes to the Massif Estérel and back by boat. Bottled water.
• Means of transport: 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. Snorkelling equipment may not be included.

Can't decide between a boat trip or a diving excursion? We have the solution: embark on a boat trip from Cannes at sunset with a snorkelling break, you'll get everything you wanted! The best thing about it? 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 see Saint Margaret Island, where the Iron Mask Museum and Royal Fort are located, the impressive Fort Royal castle, home of the Man in the Iron Mask, as well as the Fort de la Convention.

Other points of interest on this trip include Saint-Honorat Island, where the medieval monastery of the Abbey of Lerins is located, as well as the surrounding islets: La Tradelière Island and Saint-Ferréol. And if you decide to stop off at Estérel, be prepared to be delighted by 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 Côte d'Azur.

Interesting details

• Price: from €45 per person.
• Duration: approximately 90 minutes.
• Timetable: afternoon.
• What the tour may include: boat trip to Isla Margarita and back. Bottled water. Captain service.
• Means of transport: small boat.
• Pros: with this tour you have time to take pictures all over the Lerins Islands, take a dip in the beaches and go snorkelling. Unlike the direct ferry, the captain of the boat or small boat customises the experience to suit groups, so times at each site of interest can be adjusted.
• Cons: The tour does not include meals, drinks or transfers to Cannes harbour. Snorkelling equipment will be available for an additional supplement. Often the boat captain 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 Ile Sainte-Marguerite, one of the 12 hidden gems of the world according to The Nation.

The journey 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 at every turn to offer visitors a delightful combination of activities.

During the journey, 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 of which are well signposted 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 wide variety of unique species of flora while migratory birds are on display.

And if you feel like discovering the island's emblems, two places are a must. First, the FortRoyal, a former prison-fortress built by the Spanish in the 17th century. Secondly, theEcomuseum, where you will find some of the underwater sculptures signed by 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.

Interesting details

• Price: from €21 per person.
• Duration: 15 minutes.
• Timetable: morning and afternoon.
• What the tour may include: transfer service from the port of Cannes to Santa Margherita Island.
• Means of transport: ferry.
• Pros: Isla Margarita is also one of 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'll be in 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 adventurers who prefer boat trips further afield than our previous option, consider taking a ferry to Saint Tropez from Cannes, a trip 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 such as 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 Notre Dame de l'Assomption, home of Saint Torpes de Pisa, patron saint of Saint Tropez. Walk around the citadel. Sit and admire 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.

Interesting details

• Price: from €73 per person.
• Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Timetable: morning. The boat departs from Cannes at around 10:00 and returns in the afternoon at around 16:15.
• What the tour may include: transfer service from Cannes to Saint Tropez and back.
• Means of transport: ferry.
• Pros: You can 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 in a group to take the party to the sea? This half day catamaran trip is the one for you.

Enjoy all that the sea has to offer, whether it's lounging on deck, kayaking, paddle surfing or snorkelling among the coral reefs, this trip has everything you need. And the best thing is that everything is included! You'll enjoy a glass of wine and a cold buffet lunch on this cruise, which departs 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 cool off and admire some of the must-see islands of the Côte d'Azur: such as the Ile Sainte-Marguerite 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 favourite water sport, you will find all you need on board. At the end, after 3 hours at sea, you will be taken back to your point of departure in the old port of Cannes.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Timetable: afternoon.
• What the tour may include: Catamaran captain service. Boat trip. Bottled water. Glass of wine. Buffet lunch. Snorkelling, paddle surf and kayak equipment.
• Means of transport: 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. No need to worry about bringing your favourite sports equipment, often everything is included. Some of these excursions are offered with lunch, so your only worry will be deciding between sunbathing on the deck or jumping in the water and meeting the marine wildlife.
• Cons: Groups can be large, with a catamaran taking between 15 and 80 people on each trip.

Are you ready to enjoy a night cruise on the Mediterranean? Get ready for a unique experience under the stars! At around 8:30 pm, a speedboat or small boat will be waiting for you at the old harbour 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. Opposite, you will see another of the Côte d'Azur's jewels, the island of Saint-Honorat, which has been home to a historic community of monks since the 5th century in the Lérins Monastery.

Don't forget to bring your snorkelling 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 display in the bay of Cannes.

The boat will be located in a strategic spot, just 300 metres away from the show. Delight your senses with a show of lights and colours, 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. Are you up for this boat adventure with a small group of friends or family?

Interesting details

• Price: from €70 per person.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Timetable: at night. Often from 20:00 hours onwards.
• What the tour may include: boat captain service. Bottled water. Fireworks show. Tour of the Lerins Islands.
• Means of transport: 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 walk is only available between July and August. Food and snorkelling 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 the hassle.
• For those interested in snorkelling, I recommend that you confirm beforehand that the equipment is included in your chosen trip, or even on the boat.
• If you are interested in sunset or evening trips, consider that they are offered in high season, between June and September, on a regular basis. If your trip is during other months, you can opt for private boat charters.