The 12 Best Calanques Boat Trips & Hikes

1.Côte Bleue Calanques Half-Day Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 877 reviews · 3 hours · from $64Our pick

Set out from Sud Kayak at Port de la Lave with a French or English-speaking guide such as Loup, Jordan, or Audrey. Paddle a two-person sea kayak along Establon and Aragnols, stop for swimming, and possibly reach Figuerolles. Bring water, swimwear, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes.

“Very nice kayak tour that is suitable for absolute beginners. Our guide Jordan made sure that the tour was an amazing experience for all of us. We had kayaks for two people which is helpful if on the way back your muscles feel a bit tired because you don't do the work alone. I am definitely not a fit person but the 3 hour trip was absolutely perfect both for people like me and people who are more into sports. It is a wonderful way to explore the coastline, the local animals and the beautiful sea.”

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2.2.5-Hour Esterel Calanques Boat Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 808 reviews · from $88

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!”

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3.From Sagone/Cargèse: Scandola Calanques Piana Girolata Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 670 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $76Top rated

Spend about seven hours aboard Isula Croisières from Sagone, exploring Scandola, Girolata, the Gulf of Porto, Piana’s red cliffs and Capo Rosso. Expect a swim stop, onboard commentary, shaded areas, a bar and a group of up to 73 people. French may dominate despite the English option.

“The operator canceled the tour and Viator did not provide a refund. Very poor customer service. We booked this tour after missing the previous day’s tour because of a flight delay and got no refund for that.”

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4.Calanques National Park Guided Hike with Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 516 reviews · 5 hours · from $41Best value

Spend five hours hiking the Calanques with guides such as Adrien, Jade, Geoffroy, or Sebastian. Expect steep rocky paths, coastal views, plant and history talks, a shared picnic, and free time to swim, with the route changing by season and weather.

“The tour was amazing! Geoffroy is the best guide ✨ the hike was great, he showed us different plants. The route we took was super nice! he prepared a lovely picnic, and I was travelling with teenagers and they loved it!! Millions of thanks, I hope that if you take the tour, Geoffroy will be your guide. Highly recommended to do this activity!”

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5.Calanques National Park Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $41

Meet your English or French-speaking guide at Luminy for a 7.51-kilometer Calanques hike with more than 250 meters of elevation. Expect pine woods, rosemary, limestone cliffs, a picnic, swimming, and an optional 700-meter round-trip swim to the Blue Grotto.

“We enjoyed the hike so much! Our guide Geofroy was also great and told us nice things about sights we came across. 100% recommend!”

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6.Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 433 reviews · from $113

Join a skipper-led sail from Marseille’s Mucem dock to the Frioul Islands. In a group of up to eight, you can help raise the sails, steer, swim, and snorkel in a calanque before returning. Skippers such as Valentin, Julian, and Leo are praised for patient instruction and local insight.

“What a wonderful afternoon! We arrived as strangers and left feeling like a team. Our fearless leader and boat captain was also head of the company, and his ernest enthusiasm was contagious. We each helped sail the boat and got to see the beautiful countryside from the water. The spot where we swam was protected and a little chilly but exceptional. I highly recommended this experience”

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7.Calanques Côte Bleue Marine Park Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 429 reviews · from $102

Spend four hours on a comfortable semi-rigid boat from Marseille’s Mucem district, with stops for swimming at Calanques des Eaux Salées, Madrague, Méjean, and l’Érevine. French-speaking skippers such as Cédric, Thomas, Maxence, and Guillaume guide the route, with caves, ports, music, and a sun awning along the way.

“Cedric is a great captain with professional guidance, making all visitors relaxing on the boat and in the sea. I can’t forget this incredible journey in Marseille! It is worthy!”

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8.Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 411 reviews · 7 hours · from $159

Spend seven hours aboard Le Don du Vent 1947, a historic sailing yacht leaving from Marseille City Hall. The French and English-speaking crew, including Sam and Samir, serve coffee, navettes, a vegetarian buffet, organic wine, and rosé. Swim and snorkel at coves chosen according to weather.

“My boyfriend and I had an incredible time. There was plenty of food and drinks served, the crew was very sweet and constantly asked if we needed anything like more water. The stops were great as well. Solid day!”

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9.Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 411 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $93

From Marseille’s Vieux-Port, sail with a friendly English and French speaking crew toward Vallon des Auffes, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands. You get swim stops, snorkels, paddle boards, soft drinks, light snacks, and a GoPro, with guides such as Nico, Julie, and Marie sharing local stories.

“We had an amazing time on the afternoon tour around the Frioul archipelago. The catamaran was spacious and comfortable and the two stops to swim and paddle in the calanques were great fun. Our Captain Nico (Nicotine) was friendly, funny and informative, giving us a glimpse into the history of the area. There are some drinks provided but I would recommend bringing some with as well as snacks.”

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10.Ultimate Calanques Panoramic e-bike Ride – 3h (Small Group)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 335 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $83

Ride from Pointe Rouge through Marseille and Calanques National Park on a pedal-assist e-bike. Guides such as Martin, Vincent, Iris, and Frank lead a three to four-hour route with coastal viewpoints and a possible swim at Sormiou or Morgiou. The ride suits confident cyclists comfortable with gravel and hills.

“A must do in marsellie, Martin is an amazing tour guide with a lovely personality and the views are just incredible!!”

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11.Hiking in the Calanques National park from Marseille

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $42

Join Planetazur for a five-hour guided hike from Marseille into the Calanques National Park. Walk toward Sugiton and Morgiou, tackle rocky slopes and a chain-assisted section, then enjoy a shared picnic and possible swim. Guides including Adrien, Alex, Yana, David, and Freddie lead small groups in English.

“WOW! What a place!this natural area is magic .Freddy was a AMAZING guide, He information and presence is vital to the full experience!! As we walked he spoke of all the things that surrounded us, with his historical insight and passion for the natural flora and fauna and the environment, I felt we received the most while we were out there!!We had a swim in the ocean,and even explored a cave, later.as we Dried on rocks taking the Mediterranean sun ,as we listened to Freddie’s lore of the Calanques he l layed out a spread of snakes and we all had a small lunch, while he explained the marine biodiversity.thankyou…”

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12.Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park (Ciotat)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $82

Paddle from ExpéNature in La Ciotat toward the Calanques, Grand Mugel, and Île Verte on a stable sea kayak. Guides such as Elle, Romuald, and Raphaëlle lead small groups in English or other languages, with safety instruction, photos, lockers, and showers included.

“They called less than 24 hours before tour to try to reschedule for later in the day. Which i could not do becaise of departure reservations.They pffered a remtal and i could “go on my own”why would i have made a tour reservation? So disappointing. They say my refund is in process”

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