A boat day in Cannes with turquoise water is a treat. I love the Lérins Islands snorkeling time in calm, clear water, and I also like how the skipper turns the day into a relaxed mix of swimming, paddling, and an onboard aperitif. The main thing to factor in is the €200 skipper fee, which you pay on the boat.

You’ll cruise out from Cannes, spend real time in the water, and still get views of the city from a speedboat. If you’re traveling with a small group (up to 5), this private setup can feel like a lot of value for a half day on the Riviera.

Key takeaways before you go

• Real swim time: snorkeling sessions are built into the schedule, with breaks to hang out.
• Stand-up paddle included: you’re not stuck watching others do the fun part.
• Private group pacing: it’s not a “stamp-and-go” day; you get to settle in.
• Skipper-led spots: the day is steered toward good swimming locations with a friendly approach.
• Onboard wine and snacks: an aperitif-style setup keeps the vibe easy, even while you’re active.

Why the Lérins Islands day feels special off Cannes

Cannes is pretty from land, sure. But the Lérins Islands area hits differently when you see it from the water: turquoise tones, small coves, and a sense of getting away without spending the whole day traveling.

What I like most is that this tour doesn’t treat the sea like an accessory. You get time to actually use it—snorkeling around the islands, floating and swimming, and even gliding on a stand-up paddle to reach quieter corners. That’s the big reason this feels worth planning around.

One more detail: the skipper approach matters. From what I’ve seen in how the trips run, captains like Micka/Michael focus on making you feel comfortable and safe, while also sharing what to look for around the coastline and where the best water conditions tend to be.

Your boat for the day: Beneteau Flyer 7.7 SunDeck and a small-group vibe

This is a private half-day on a Beneteau Flyer 7.7 SunDeck. Translation: you’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder. You’ve got room to change your plans on the fly—sunbathing when you want, then gear up for snorkeling when the time comes.

A speedboat also changes how you experience the day. You get more coastline in less time, and you’re positioned to reach multiple spots before the sun starts to feel heavy. On a Riviera day, that time-to-water ratio is huge.

You should know the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it’s not for children under 3. Also, the day includes water activities, so plan for getting wet and moving around a bit.

Getting oriented in Cannes from the sea

After you meet at Port de Cannes Marina (Capitainerie area), you start with a short cruise around Cannes. The schedule calls for about 30 minutes of cruising—enough time to get your bearings fast from the water.

This part is more than “getting there.” It sets the mood. You’ll see Cannes’ coastline in a new way before you slow down at the islands. It also helps you understand where the tour is heading, so later stops feel intentional instead of random.

Practical note: the meeting point is a staircase just before the harbor master’s office, on your left. Give yourself a little buffer—marinas can be easy to misread the first time you walk in.

Snorkeling at Lérins Islands: your first big water window

Your first major stop is the Lérins Islands, with about 1 hour of cruising and snorkeling. This is where the day turns into the kind of experience you remember: clear water, a chance to look around underwater, and the option to float and swim even when you’re not snorkeling.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to bring your own set. The biggest advantage of doing snorkeling here is simple: you’re close enough to spend real time enjoying it, not just doing a quick dip and rushing off.

What to do to get more out of the hour:

• Put sunscreen on before you gear up.
• Keep your swim simple and relaxed; use the time to check conditions.
• If you’re new to snorkeling, start with short breaths and slow, steady fin movement.

Sainte Marguerite Island: a second snorkeling hour that keeps the day balanced

Next comes Sainte Marguerite Island with another 1 hour of snorkeling time. Having a second water window is smart because it gives you a do-over if conditions aren’t perfect for your first session.

It also breaks up the day so you don’t burn out. A boat tour can feel like a nonstop “look, look, look.” Here, you alternate between movement and play in the water, which is exactly what makes a half day feel full without feeling exhausting.

From the way skippers run these days, you can expect them to help you find good spots and keep the experience comfortable. Guides who are good at this tend to help you feel safe, not rushed.

Saint-Honorat Island visit: land time without losing the sea vibe

After water time, you get about 1 hour to visit Saint-Honorat Island. This is your slower, on-foot moment.

I like this stop because it gives you contrast. You’re not just bouncing from one swim spot to the next; you get a chance to experience the islands at a human pace for a bit. Even if your focus is mostly the water, the land time helps you feel like you actually visited something, not only circled it.

The key here is pacing. One hour is long enough to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere, but short enough that you’re not stuck waiting for the group while everyone else is ready to get back in the water.

La Croisette from the water: the Riviera payoff at the end

Once you’re done with the island segments, the schedule includes a 30-minute visit back toward La Croisette. This is your “wow, that’s Cannes” moment from sea level.

It works because you’ve already seen the coast from a cruise early on. By the end of the day, the city views feel like part of the story, not just a backdrop. You’ll return to port with the feeling that the tour didn’t just take you away—it also helped you appreciate where you started.

Aperitif onboard: wine, snacks, and an easy social vibe

Food on a boat day can be basic. Here, the onboard setup is part of why the tour feels generous.

The tour includes wine, water, soda, and snacks, and there’s an aperitif-style board included. On similar outings run by skippers like Micka/Michael, you may see offerings like cheese and crackers or a charcuterie board alongside the drinks. It’s the kind of laid-back French touch that makes the day feel less like a checklist.

This matters because it changes how you experience the water time. Instead of rushing from one activity to the next on empty energy, you get a chance to cool down a bit, talk, and enjoy the day’s highlights while you’re still on the boat.

Price and fees: how to judge value for a group up to 5

The advertised price is $672 per group (up to 5) for about 4 hours. That’s for the private boat experience and includes fuel, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddle, plus wine/water/soda/snacks.

But there’s one essential add-on: a skipper fee of €200 paid on the boat. So the true total depends on that currency timing and your departure option.

There’s also a possible departure add-on of +€50 if you start from Port Canto on Boulevard de la Croisette instead of the Port de Cannes Marina location listed.

So is it worth it? For a small group, this often pencils out well because your onboard items and guided time are included, and you’re getting private pacing instead of joining a crowded schedule. It’s especially good if your priority is water time and you want a calmer day than you’d get on larger public boats.

If you’re traveling solo, you might consider whether splitting costs with a friend or two makes the math work. If you’re a couple or family of up to 5, it tends to feel much more reasonable.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want to think twice)

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a private half-day with multiple island stops.
• Plan to snorkel and swim, not just watch from the boat.
• Like active downtime: paddle boarding, relaxing in coves, then back to the water.
• Appreciate an onboard aperitif and don’t want to scramble for food afterward.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re not comfortable with getting in and out of the water.
• Your group includes very young kids (it’s not suitable for children under 3).
• Mobility limitations matter (it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments).

Practical tips for a smooth, fun 4-hour Riviera outing

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen—these are clearly the basics for a day like this. Also, expect sun exposure even if you’re moving around on the deck; you’ll spend enough time outside that sunburn can sneak up on you.

If you want snorkeling to feel easier, aim to start relaxed. Don’t force the first try. Use the first minutes to get comfortable with breathing and the water temperature.

And since it’s a private group, do a quick pre-game chat with your party before you hit the water. Agree on who wants to snorkel first, who wants to paddle, and how you want to spend the downtime. That simple coordination makes the hour blocks feel longer—in a good way.

Language is covered too: the guide/skipper experience is in French and English, so you’re not stuck guessing what’s going on.

Should you book this Lérins Islands private boat tour?

I’d book it if your ideal Cannes day looks like: speedboat views, real snorkeling time, paddle boarding, and an onboard aperitif that turns a few hours into a memory. The private setup makes it easier to relax, and the schedule balances movement with plenty of time to be in the water.

I’d think twice if you hate water activities or you’re worried about additional fees. Once you’re comfortable with the extra €200 skipper fee paid on the boat (and the possible +€50 departure option), the rest of the inclusions make the experience feel straightforward and well rounded.

If you’re a small group and you want a sea-focused day that actually uses the water, this is a very solid plan.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and where do I meet?

You meet at Port de Cannes Marina Copropriété – Capitainerie. There’s a staircase just before arriving at the harbor master’s office, on your left.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is 4 hours, and starting times vary by availability.

What islands and city areas are included?

You’ll visit the Lérins Islands, Sainte Marguerite Island, and Saint-Honorat Island. You also cruise around Cannes and include a La Croisette visit.

Is snorkeling included, and how much time do we get?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the schedule includes snorkeling for about 1 hour at the Lérins Islands and about 1 hour at Sainte Marguerite Island.

Is stand-up paddle included?

Yes. Stand up paddle is included as part of the experience.

What’s included in the price?

Included are stand-up paddle, snorkeling equipment, wine, water, soda, snacks, and fuel.

Is there an extra fee for the skipper?

Yes. There is a skipper fee of €200 that you pay on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen.