La Ciotat is a seaside town that makes the most of its stunning Mediterranean landscape. Its rugged coastlines, limestone cliffs, and clear waters are perfect for engaging tours and memorable experiences. Whether you’re interested in paddling along the coast, exploring the historic town with a local guide, or cruising the Calanques by boat, La Ciotat offers a diverse array of activities. We particularly love the La Ciotat Private Kayak Rental for its flexible timing and personal connection to the scenery, and the Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour for its active, all-day adventure. Both options let you see the coast from a fresh perspective, with the water providing a front-row seat to the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the Boat Tour in the Calanques with swimming offers a scenic cruise with snorkeling stops, perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with some underwater exploration. For those interested in local history and humor, the Visit of La Ciotat: Humorous | Instructive | Old Center provides a lively, story-filled walk through the town’s past. No matter your style, La Ciotat delivers memorable tours that highlight its natural beauty and unique charm.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of kayaking adventures, boat tours, and guided walking experiences. For those eager to paddle, the Private Kayak Rental and the Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour are excellent choices. If you prefer a relaxing day on the water, the Calanques boat tour with swimming offers snorkeling and scenic views. For a taste of local history, the Old Center guided walk combines humor, stories, and cultural insights.
1. La Ciotat Private Kayak Rental in the Calanques National Park
At number 1, this private kayak rental is a fantastic way to experience the Calanques from the water. For around $49.14 per person, you get a flexible rental window, allowing you to choose times that suit your schedule. After a quick briefing and safety demo, you’ll be on your own to explore the rugged coastline, rocky inlets, and tiny islands like Île Verte. This tour emphasizes the freedom of paddling at your own pace, making it ideal for adventurous travelers who want an intimate look at the scenery.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on personal exploration. You can paddle to see Bec de l’Aigle rock formation or glide through calm waters that reveal the coastline’s raw beauty. The reviews are glowing, with a 5.0/5 rating from 73 reviews, highlighting Justine’s kindness and the smooth rental process—even when clients arrive a bit late. This is a perfect choice for independent travelers or small groups who love a custom, self-paced adventure.
Bottom Line: If you prefer flexibility and the chance to set your own pace while admiring stunning Mediterranean scenery, this kayak rental offers great value and serenity.
2. Visit of La Ciotat: Humorous | Instructive | Old Center
For a taste of local culture and stories, the Old Center walking tour is a two-hour journey through La Ciotat’s past. For just $17.91 per person, you’ll explore historic squares, medieval sites, and learn about the town’s development from Celto-Ligurian origins to its role in the cinema industry. Led by an engaging guide, you’ll hear anecdotes, riddles, and songs that bring the town’s history to life.
The tour is especially praised for its lively storytelling, with one reviewer calling the guide a “beau troubadour,” full of cultural insights and humor. Starting at 6:30 pm, it’s a wonderful way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, especially if you enjoy discovering local legends and enjoying the town’s scenic piazzas. This experience is best suited for those who want a relaxed, informative evening with a humorous twist.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs or anyone looking to connect with La Ciotat’s lively past and local character in a fun, engaging way.
3. Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour
At number 3, the Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour offers a comprehensive, active experience for about $129.34 per person. This full-day trip takes you out on the water to see highlights like Île Verte, Bec de l’Aigle, and Mugel Creek. With instructions provided before you set out, this tour is suitable for those who want to combine physical activity with sightseeing.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on covering multiple key sites while maintaining an intimate, water-level view of the cliffs and inlets. Alex, the guide, is highly praised for knowing the best spots and organizing lunch and swimming breaks. The reviews highlight the quality of the tour, with guests noting the incredible scenery and expert guidance. It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy paddling and want to see as much as possible.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a full-day, physically engaging way to experience the Calanques from the water, this kayak tour hits the mark with its curated route and expert guide.
4. La Ciotat: Boat Tour in the Calanques with swimming
Number 4 on our list is a boat tour that combines sightseeing with refreshing swims. For around 4 hours, you’ll cruise the Calanques with a skipper, visiting iconic spots like Calanque d’En-Vau and Port Pin. Snorkeling gear is provided, and you can take dips into the clear waters, making it a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
This tour emphasizes the scenic beauty of the Calanques while offering the flexibility of swimming and snorkeling. The small group size (max 12 people) ensures a personalized experience. The tour’s reviews reflect a positive experience, with guests mentioning the knowledgeable skipper and the opportunity to enjoy unbeatable views and underwater life. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a laid-back day with a bit of adventure in the water.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who enjoy boat trips, snorkeling, and want to see the Calanques from a comfortable vessel with a knowledgeable guide.
5. La Ciotat: Boat Tour to Cove of Var / Embiez and swimming
Number 5 offers a full-day boat tour exploring the Coves of Var and Embiez Islands. For a reasonable price, you’ll cruise along La Ciotat’s coast, stopping to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The tour provides a professional skipper and commentary, making it both relaxing and informative.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on multiple island stops and the opportunity to swim in secluded coves. Guests can enjoy the relaxed pace, with options to explore the coastline or just unwind on the boat. The itinerary includes visits to Bendor and Ile des Embiez, with plenty of time for swimming and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a leisurely, full-day exploration of the area’s islands and coves, perfect for families or small groups seeking a mix of sightseeing and swimming.
6. La Ciotat: Calanques Morning Boat Tour with Snorkeling
Rounding out the list, this morning boat tour provides an efficient, three-hour introduction to the Calanques. Departing from La Ciotat, you’ll visit key sites like Port Pin and En-Vau, with stops for snorkeling in the clear waters. The tour is guided by a skipper, offering both scenic views and underwater exploration.
This tour is ideal for travelers short on time or those wanting a quick, scenic overview of the Calanques. It emphasizes comfort and convenience, with the chance to snorkel without needing extra gear, as masks and snorkels are provided. Reviewers mention it as a good way to see the highlights without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a quick, scenic boat trip with the option of snorkeling, offering a taste of the Calanques’ beauty in just a few hours.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your experience in La Ciotat, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For a flexible adventure, the Private Kayak Rental is excellent if you enjoy independent exploration. For active travelers seeking a full-day immersion, the Calanques Kayak Day Tour offers an all-encompassing experience. Families or those pressed for time might prefer the Morning Boat Tour with snorkeling, which provides a quick but thorough glimpse of the coast.
If you want to combine sightseeing with swimming and relaxing, the Boat Tour with swimming and the Cove of Var / Embiez tour are fantastic options. Booking early helps ensure you get your preferred time, especially in peak season.
Final Thoughts
La Ciotat offers a rich selection of tours that fit every type of traveler—from solo explorers wanting a self-paced kayak adventure to groups seeking scenic boat trips with swimming and snorkeling. For those seeking a personalized experience, the kayak rentals stand out, while the full-day boat tours provide a leisurely, in-depth look at the Calanques and islands.
If you’re a history enthusiast, the humorous guided walk offers a unique and lively perspective on the town’s past. For active travelers, kayaking and full-day boat tours deliver both exercise and breathtaking scenery. To make the most of your trip, consider your interests and time constraints carefully—and don’t forget to book your preferred tour early, especially during peak months. La Ciotat’s natural beauty and welcoming charm await—so pick your adventure and get out on the water or into the streets soon!