France · BOAT TOURS IN NICE
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 boat tours in Nice that hold up, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Join Trans Côte d’Azur at Nice’s Quai Lunel for a one-hour cruise past the Baie des Anges, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. A French and English guide shares local stories, villa gossip, and coastal history while you enjoy the Riviera from the water.
“We enjoyed this tour. The boat was nice and the sights were very good. The staff was engaging and knowledgeable.”
From Port of Nice, you cruise the Baie des Anges, Villefranche Bay, Cap de Nice, and Cap Ferrat aboard a clean sightseeing boat. Bilingual English and French commentary covers Riviera history, hillside villages, villas, and celebrity homes. The one-hour route is relaxed, affordable, and easy to fit into a busy day.
“Incredible! The team are so unbelievably friendly and welcoming. The service was fabulous even pouring my glass of champagne at my seat, and when you offer them a tip they have a very wholesome tradition to tap the red pompom in the captains hat, they’re so humble. The boat was impeccably clean and tidy, and the route was perfect for sightseeing and the English translation was faultless and informative. Highly recommend!”
Ride a 12-person Black Tender from Cannes into the Esterel creeks, passing red volcanic cliffs, secluded coves, Maison Lacoste, and the Bubble Palace. Local captains such as Stephan, Damian, and Julian provide commentary, with time for swimming or snorkeling when sea conditions allow.
“I had such a great time! Worth every cent! If I come back to Cannes, I will definitely book this again!”
Join Black Tenders Events at Nice Port for a 2.5-hour ride toward Monaco on a semi-rigid Black Tender. Captains such as Damien, Florian, and Julien combine coastal facts with fast runs, scenic pauses, and, on some outings, swimming near beautiful coves.
“Damien was amazing! He was so welcoming. It was the perfect balance of learning interesting facts about the coast, swimming at cool spots, and enjoying the ride as we sped over the waves for a perfect adventure! 10/10, our favorite event in Nice!”
Leave Cannes at 2 PM, take a 15-minute ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island, then board a modern catamaran for a relaxed afternoon on the Mediterranean. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard before returning to Cannes at 5:15 PM. Bring a towel and cash for the onboard bar.
“This was absolutely perfect! The scenery was amazing, there was plenty of equipment for everyone, and they even had snacks at the end. I would do this again and again.”
Set out from Port Lympia with a French or English-speaking guide, often hosted by captains such as Leo, Jean-Baptiste, Paul, or Antoine. Cruise past Cap-Ferrat, stop to swim and snorkel in Villefranche Bay, enjoy homemade Niçois food and wine, then watch sunset from the sea.
“Leo was my favorite tour guide of all time; he knew all the history and had such good energy!! We had a great time!! strongly recommend this trip with him, his pizza was Vraiment Bonne!!”
From Poseidon in Nice, you’ll cruise by wooden boat to Villefranche Bay near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Crew provide masks, snorkels, and a wetsuit if needed, then supervise a relaxed swim among fish before the return ride. English and French are spoken, and Raffaella has helped nervous swimmers feel at ease.
“We were really pleased with this activity! The staff was excellent and spoke English. The boat had both snorkeling and scuba participants. They managed it all really well. My teen kid and I felt totally safe. The snorkeling location was great. Communication ahead was excellent. Great value for the snorkeling trip. Really pleased. We got to see some sides of Nice we wouldn't have seen if we hadn't been on the boat.”
Spend two hours sailing near Saint-Tropez or Cavalaire aboard a spacious Caseneuve Maxi Catamaran. Ryan, Vianney, Clement, Lea, or another crew member may guide the outing in English or French. Expect sunset views, an aperitif, music, and a swim stop when conditions allow.
“We had an incredible time on this catamaran trip in Saint-Tropez! The directions to find the boat were super clear and easy to follow, and the catamaran departed right on time. The captain and crew were all so kind, funny, and attentive—truly made the experience even more enjoyable. We brought our own pizza on board, which was such a fun and relaxed touch. There were paddle boards and kayaks available to use, although it was a bit too chilly the day we went to take full advantage. Still, we had a blast—especially dancing on the deck as the sun was setting. It was such a magical moment and definitely one…”
Take a private 1 or 2-hour solar boat cruise from Beaulieu-sur-Mer with an English or French-speaking captain-guide. Glide past Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa Rothschild, yachts, and coastal villas, then take the wheel under supervision. The longer trip may include time to swim.
“Our guide was very friendly and informative. We had a 1 hour cruise and it was delightful. Highly recommended.”
Take Trans Côte d’Azur’s round-trip ferry from Nice to St-Tropez, cruising about 2.5 hours each way. You’ll have the day to explore independently, with possible views or stops at Cannes and Sainte Marguerite Island. Expect a clean boat, friendly crew, onboard toilets, and cash-only snacks.
“The ferry ride was delightful along with the sights on the coastline. The crew was professional and kind. We loved St Tropez and wandering around was so easy and the harbor lovely.”
From Fréjus port, you’ll cruise along the Estérel coast toward cap Dramont, passing volcanic cliffs, caves, and sea-only coves. The 2.5-hour trip includes snorkeling, swimming time, music, and drinks. French and English-speaking crew members, including guides such as Lauren and Jacques, lead the outing.
“amazing! loved every second of it! also a big thank you to the boat driver, Jacques, a very lovely, sweet and friendly man:) highly recommended”
Sail from Saint-Raphaël’s Old Port along the Estérel coast, stopping near Cap Roux for paddleboarding, water toys, snacks, and an aperitif. You’ll pass Île d’Or, Cap Dramont, Agay Bay, and the Calanque des Contrebandiers with a French and English-speaking crew.
Spend three hours sailing near Saint-Tropez aboard a roomy catamaran with French and English crew. After an aperitif, the boat anchors for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Captains and crew such as Alex, Clément, Ryan, Gaël, and Leia have been praised for friendly service. Lunch is optional.
“Fun activity to combine relaxed sailing in front of St Tropez with swimming and SUP boarding”
Board at Cannes Old Port for a four-hour catamaran cruise to the Lérins Islands. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard when conditions allow, then enjoy a cold buffet lunch and rosé before taking the included ferry from St. Marguerite Island back to Cannes.
“Such a great trip! Was the best thing we did all weekend! Would recommend getting there early to get a good spot on the boat.”
Meet at 20 Quai Saint-Pierre in Cannes for a relaxed catamaran trip on the Mediterranean. Choose a half-day or full-day sailing, with optional buffet lunch. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard near the Lérins Islands, with the full-day route continuing toward the Esterel coast.
“None .very disappointing 😞 captain and 1st mate very rude.no sailing time.never again.dont waste your time or money.”
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