Full-Day Catamaran Cruise Departing from Cannes

The best part of this full-day cruise is the chance to turn Cannes into a day on the water, not just a stop for expensive cafés and polished promenades. You sail from the old port, pass Pointe Croisette, reach the Lérins Islands, and later head toward the red Esterel coast.

I like the generous schedule, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and simply stretching out on the catamaran. I also like that lunch, water, snorkeling gear, and a glass of rosé are included, so the $188 price covers more than the boat ride. The main drawback is that the snorkeling can be disappointing when the boat anchors in deep water or cannot enter the coves.

Key points to know before sailing

• Two swimming stops give you a morning chance near the Lérins Islands and another opportunity along the Esterel coast.
• A cold buffet lunch and rosé are included, along with drinking water.
• Kayaks and stand up paddleboards may be available, but only when weather conditions permit.
• Snorkeling depends on the anchorage, and some places may offer little to see below the surface.
• Bring cash, since credit cards are not accepted on board and there is no cash machine.
• The day runs from Cannes to Cannes, departing from 20 Quai Saint Pierre and returning at 5:15 PM.

Leaving Cannes from the old port

You meet the Riviera Lines staff at the Trans Cote d’Azur office, 20 Quai Saint Pierre, at least 30 minutes before departure. This is not the time to arrive at the last minute with a towel under one arm and a vague idea of where the boat might be.

You collect your tickets at the office, then board the catamaran in Cannes’ old port. The crew gives you a welcome drink and an introduction to the ship before setting off. The information supplied does not give a specific guide’s name, but the cruise is led in English and French.

The opening stretch gives you an easy start. You leave the harbor, pass Pointe Croisette, and watch Cannes recede from the water. This is one reason I prefer the full-day sailing to a short harbor trip. You have time to settle in, find a comfortable place on board, and let the day develop at a slower pace.

Bring sunglasses and swimwear from the start. Towels are not included, so pack your own. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, which keeps the boat’s meal plan simple but means you should not count on bringing extra snacks or a bottle of wine.

The Lérins Islands and the first swim

The first major stop is near the Lérins Islands, just off Cannes. This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to recreation. You can swim from the boat, use the provided mask and snorkel, or remain on board and enjoy the view.

The islands give this cruise a useful sense of place. You are not simply sailing in open water with no destination. The route links Cannes with one of the best-known island areas along this part of the coast, then later continues toward the Esterel Massif.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is not a specialist snorkeling expedition. You receive basic mask and snorkel equipment, but the quality of the underwater experience depends on water clarity, weather, and the exact anchoring point.

That last point matters. If the catamaran anchors in deep water, there may be little to see below you. One practical account of the outing found the snorkeling weak for exactly this reason. Another noted that getting into smaller coves was not always possible. I would treat the mask and snorkel as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book.

The swimming itself may be the stronger attraction. You can jump into the Mediterranean, cool off, and return to the boat without needing to organize a separate beach outing. If you prefer not to swim, the catamaran gives you a comfortable alternative. The trip is not built around forcing everyone into the water.

Lunch at about 1:00 PM

Around 1:00 PM, the crew serves a cold buffet lunch. A glass of rosé and water are included. This is a practical arrangement for a full day at sea, since a cold meal avoids a long pause for cooking and keeps the boat moving along its route.

I like the value here. A full-day cruise can become expensive once you add lunch, drinks, and equipment rentals. This package includes the main meal, water, one glass of wine, and snorkeling gear in the $188 price.

You should not expect a restaurant-style lunch with a long menu. The supplied details describe it simply as a cold buffet, with no further menu information. If you have specific dietary needs, the available information does not confirm special meal choices, so check before booking rather than assuming.

Cash is important during the day. Credit cards are not accepted on board, and there is no cash machine on the catamaran. Bring enough money before you board, even though lunch and the listed drink are included. Outside food, drinks, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted.

The meal also creates a natural pause between the two swimming portions. You can eat, have your rosé, and enjoy the coastline without rushing straight from one activity to the next.

Sailing toward the Esterel Massif

After lunch, the catamaran continues toward the Massif de l’Esterel and the Corniche d’Or. The route gives you a second side of the coast. Instead of viewing Cannes from the water, you now look toward the dramatic red-rock coast associated with the Esterel.

The crew stops in a cove for another chance to swim and snorkel. This second stop is useful because conditions can vary during the day. If the first swim is not your favorite, you get another opportunity later. If you are happiest in the water, the extra stop gives the trip much of its appeal.

The same caution applies here as near the islands. The boat may not be able to anchor inside every cove, and a deep anchorage can limit what you see while snorkeling. You may find the swimming more rewarding than the underwater viewing.

Weather also affects the optional water equipment. A kayak and stand up paddleboard are included when conditions allow, but they are not guaranteed. If you especially want to use one, consider it a bonus rather than a promise. The catamaran cruise itself remains the central activity.

What the day feels like on board

This is a long day, with departure in the morning and return at 5:15 PM. That length is both the attraction and the main thing to consider. You get a proper day at sea rather than a quick ride, but you also need to be comfortable spending many hours on a boat.

I would choose this cruise if you like a mix of activity and rest. You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, try the kayak or paddleboard if available, and then return to the catamaran to sit and watch the coast. The schedule does not require you to be active all day.

The cruise works well for couples, friends, and families who want a shared outing without arranging separate beach stops. It may be less suitable if you want a detailed historical or cultural tour. The crew gives an introduction to the ship, but the available information does not promise extensive commentary about the islands or coastline.

That is a real consideration. The scenery is the main subject, and the practical help from the crew matters more than a long lecture. If you want to learn the story of each island and landmark, you may find the commentary too light. If you mainly want to swim, eat lunch, and enjoy the coast, the limited explanation may not bother you.

Is $188 a fair price?

At $188 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. The price makes more sense when you use most of what is included: the full day on the water, lunch, rosé, water, snorkeling equipment, and possibly the kayak and paddleboard.

You are also paying for the time. The cruise leaves Cannes, visits the Lérins Islands, continues to the Esterel coast, and returns to the old port in the late afternoon. That is a much fuller outing than a short coastal ride.

The value drops if you only want a quick photo cruise or do not enjoy swimming. It also drops if rough conditions prevent use of the optional equipment and make the snorkeling less appealing. I would compare this with the cost of arranging a boat day, lunch, and water activities separately. For someone who wants all three in one booking, the package is easier to justify.

The current overall rating is 4.4 from 120 reviews, which fits the experience as described: strong on the boat day, swimming, crew service, and lunch, but less certain for underwater viewing and island commentary.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive at the Trans Cote d’Azur office 30 minutes before departure. The meeting point is specific, but Cannes’ old port can be busy, and you need time to collect tickets and board.

Pack a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen if you use it, and a towel. The tour provides masks and snorkels, but not towels. Bring cash before reaching the boat because cards are not accepted on board.

Do not bring your own lunch, drinks, or alcohol. These are not allowed. Water is included, along with a glass of rosé, so the basic food and drink needs are covered.

If you are prone to motion sickness, the supplied information does not describe the boat’s movement or seating arrangement. You might find it useful to ask the operator about conditions before departure, especially if the weather forecast looks unsettled.

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times vary by date, so check availability when choosing your day.

Who should book this Cannes cruise?

I would book this if you want a full coastal day with several elements in one package. You get Cannes harbor, Pointe Croisette, the Lérins Islands, the Esterel coast, a buffet lunch, and two chances to swim.

It is a particularly good match for you if swimming from a boat sounds better than spending the day on a crowded beach. The catamaran also suits mixed groups, since one person can paddleboard or swim while another relaxes on board.

I would hesitate if your priority is serious snorkeling. The conditions may make it hard to see the seabed, and the boat may not anchor in sheltered coves. I would also look elsewhere if you want detailed guiding about the islands and coastal history.

For most people, the safest way to think about this outing is as a scenic boat day with swimming, not as a dedicated snorkeling or sightseeing lecture. Bring a towel, bring cash, and keep your expectations flexible about the water conditions. If that sounds like your kind of day, the long route and included lunch make the price reasonable.

FAQ

Where does the Cannes catamaran cruise depart?

You meet at the Trans Cote d’Azur office at 20 Quai Saint Pierre in Cannes. Arrive 30 minutes before departure to collect your tickets and board.

What time does the cruise return to Cannes?

The catamaran returns to Cannes’ old port at about 5:15 PM, where the activity ends.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The crew serves a cold buffet lunch at about 1:00 PM. A glass of rosé and water are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are provided. Snorkeling takes place near the Lérins Islands and later at a cove near the Massif de l’Esterel.

Are kayaks and paddleboards available?

A kayak and stand up paddleboard are included when weather conditions permit. Their availability is not guaranteed in every condition.

What should I bring on the cruise?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and enough cash for the day. Towels are not provided, credit cards are not accepted on board, and there is no cash machine on the boat.