6 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Cannes

The best things to do and see in Cannes would not be complete without boat trips. Yes, that exciting way to discover the French Riviera as you sail across the Mediterranean. In this post, you'll find everything you need to know.

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

On this boat trip through the Esterel 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 calanques of this reserve. Come and explore one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Mediterranean!

From the outset, visitors are left speechless by its vibrant palette of colours. A gradient of reddish tones reveals the traces of erosion of the volcanic rock over millions of years. In contrast, this village on the French Riviera showcases its turquoise sea among coves, natural pools, beaches, caves and the mystical coastline of the Corniche d'Or or Golden Corniche.

Are you eager to discover it? Here's a video to give you an idea.

Once in the area, the boat will stop so you can take a dip, go diving or lie in the sun and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. After almost three hours, you will be taken back to your starting point.

Details of interest

• Price: from £66 per person.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Schedule: morning.
• What the tour may include: return transfer service from Cannes to the Estérel Massif by speedboat. Bottled water.
• Transportation: speedboat or small boat.

Îles de Lérins

Can't decide between a boat trip and a diving excursion? We have the solution: embark on a nautical excursion from Cannes at sunset with a break for snorkelling. You'll get everything you wanted! While you admire the marine fauna in the lagoon. 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 trip, you can admire Sainte-Marguerite Island, home to the Iron Mask Museum and Fort Royal, the impressive castle where the Man in the Iron Mask lived, as well as the Fort de la Convention.

Other points of interest on this trip include Saint-Honorat Island, home to the medieval monastery of Lerins Abbey, as well as the surrounding islets of La Tradelière and Saint-Ferréol. And if you decide to stop at Estérel, prepare to be enchanted by its red caves nestled between rocky inlets and beaches. Or you can choose to stop halfway between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, at the Plateau du Milieu or Meseta de Medio.

The sunset tour also invites you to enjoy the sunset over the sea during the high season, between June and September. At the end of the trip, you will be taken back to the old port of Cannes, after enjoying the French magic of the Côte d'Azur.

Details of interest

• Price: from £45 per person.
• Duration: approximately 90 minutes.
• Schedule: afternoon.
• What the tour may include: return boat trip to Margarita Island. Bottled water. Captain's service.
• Transportation: small boat.

There is much to see and do on the French Riviera beyond sunbathing on the beach. If you are looking for something more adventurous, consider boarding a ferry from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island, one of the 12 hidden gems of the world according to La Nación.

The trip to this small island takes only 15 minutes from Cannes. It is part of the Lerins Islands archipelago in the Gulf of Naples, where nature, history and culture blend together 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 signposted and with different levels of difficulty. Stroll through dense forests or simply walk to the Batéguier pond.

Another place that often arouses interest is the Point de la Convention, where you can appreciate the wide variety of unique flora while migratory birds show off their skills.

And if you want to discover the island's emblems, there are two places you must visit. First,Fort Royal, an old prison-fortress built by the Spanish in the 17th century. Second,the Ecomuseum, where you will find some of the underwater sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, the same British artist who left his mark on Lanzarote.

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 Sainte-Marguerite Island.
• Means of transport: ferry.

For adventurers who prefer boat trips to more distant destinations than our previous option, consider taking a ferry to Saint Tropez from Cannes, a trip that takes you to explore the charms of Provence, just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Europe's most famous film city.

See the cliffs, coves and beaches up close, such as La Musa Saint Tropez, one of the best beaches in the world 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 coast.

Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, home to Saint Torpes of Pisa, patron saint of Saint Tropez. Tour the citadel. Sit and contemplate the landscape from the Place des Lumières, visit the boutiques, discover the Ponche district, browse the art galleries and fishing villages, or visit the Museum of the Annunciation, 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 leaves Cannes at around 10:00 and returns in the afternoon at around 16:15.
• What the tour may include: return transfer service from Cannes to Saint Tropez.
• Means of transport: ferry.

Would you like to discover Cannes in a group and take the party to the sea? This half-day catamaran trip is just right for you.

Enjoy everything the sea has to offer, whether it's relaxing on deck, kayaking, paddle surfing or diving among the coral reefs, this trip has everything you need. And best of all, everything is included! You'll enjoy a glass of wine and a cold buffet lunch on this cruise, which departs from Quai Laubeuf.

Leaving from the old port of Cannes, your catamaran will sail through the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Napoule and 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 French Riviera, such as Sainte-Marguerite Island and the Lérins Islands. The boat will dock between the islands or at one of the beachesof the Esterel massif.

Take a dip and practise your favourite water sport; you will find everything you need on board. At the end of the trip, after 3 hours at sea, you will be taken back to your starting point 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 trip. Bottled water. Glass of wine. Buffet lunch. Snorkelling, paddle surfing and kayaking equipment.
• Transport: catamaran.

Are you ready to enjoy a night cruise on the Mediterranean? Get ready for a unique experience under the stars! At around 8:30 p.m., a speedboat or small boat will be waiting for you at the old port of Cannes, the Quai Laubeuf. After meeting up, the boat will sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean while you enjoy the coastal scenery on your way to the Lerins Islands.

You can admire the Island of Sainte-Marguerite, home to the iconic Museum of the Iron Mask and the Royal Fortress. Opposite, 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 in the Lérins Monastery.

Don't forget to bring your snorkel mask! The boat will make a short stop so you can enjoy the wonders of the seabed around 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 positioned in a strategic location, just 300 metres away from the show. Delight your senses with a show of lights and colours that will make this the most magical night of your visit to Cannes.

After two and a half hours of excitement, you will return to the port of Cannes having enjoyedthe art of living in the French city of cinema like the locals. Are you ready to experience this adventure by boat with a small group of friends or family?

Details of interest

• Price: from £60 per person.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Schedule: evening. Often from 8 p.m. onwards.
• What the tour may include: boat captain service. Bottled water. Fireworks display. Tour of the Lerins Islands.
• Transport: small boat.

• Bring cash. Don't be fooled by the size of the boats; even the largest boats do not have credit or debit card terminals. Bring cash with you to avoid any inconvenience.
• If you are interested in snorkelling, I recommend confirming in advance that the equipment is included in the chosen trip or even on the boat.
• If you are interested in sunset or night-time trips, please note that these are offered regularly during the high season, between June and September. If you are travelling during other months, you can opt for private boat hire.