Nice is a fantastic place to explore the Mediterranean beneath the waves. Its calm, clear waters, stunning coastlines, and abundant marine life make it a prime spot for snorkeling. We’ve rounded up six of the best options, from leisurely boat tours to speedy adventures, so you can choose the perfect way to get in the water and see the underwater world. Our top pick? The Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala Cave with Snorkeling — it combines scenic coastline, insider knowledge, and the chance to snorkel in crystal waters all in one trip. But each experience here offers something special, whether it’s the intimacy of a small group or the thrill of a fast-paced speedboat.
If you’re after a comprehensive day with multiple stops, the Nice: Guided Boat Tour from Nice to Monaco with Snorkeling offers a longer, more luxurious journey along the coast. Looking for a quick splash and snorkel? The Sunset Speedboat with Snorkeling in Villefranche gives you the magic of sunset light in just an hour and a half. Dive in for a detailed look at each tour to see what suits your style and schedule best.
Quick Overview
Our list highlights six top snorkeling excursions in Nice, each with its own flavor. The small-group boat tours focus on exploring hidden caves and secluded coves, perfect for those who want to learn about the coastline and snorkel in peaceful waters (Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala cave with Snorkeling). For those eager for speed and marine discovery, the Villefranche Bay speedboat paces things up with a lively, guided snorkel. The monaco tour combines sightseeing with underwater exploration for a longer, more comprehensive adventure. And if you’re after a sunset experience, the speedboat cruise offers a spectacular evening on the water.
Read on to find out what each tour offers, how they differ, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala cave with Snorkeling
Starting from Port Lympia, this small-group tour takes you along the French Riviera, visiting stunning spots like the Mala Caves in Èze and the pretty towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The highlight is the visit to the Mala Cave, a secret spot only accessible by boat, with emerald waters framed by dramatic rock formations. The boat cruise itself is about 25 minutes, followed by a 45-minute stop for snorkeling and exploring the crystal-clear waters. Gear is included, making it easy to jump right in.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention from a local guide and the chance to discover hidden coves that most visitors miss. The onboard commentary enriches your experience, sharing insights into the ecosystem and coastline. Guests consistently praise the friendly captain Leo and the overall value — a typical review calls it the highlight of their trip in the Côte d’Azur.
The combination of scenic cruising, snorkeling in pristine waters, and learning about local nature makes this ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience. It’s perfect if you enjoy small groups and uncovering secrets of the coast.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, engaging tour offering snorkeling in private coves and personalized guiding. Great for those who value a small-group atmosphere.
2. Nice: Snorkeling Speedboat Tour in Villefranche Bay
This half-hour speedboat trip from Nice whips you straight to the Vibrant Villefranche-sur-Mer Bay, with snorkeling on the agenda. Led by a certified instructor, the tour includes snorkel gear and a chance to see a variety of local marine life, including fish and octopuses. The fast boat allows you to cover more ground quickly, making it ideal for those who want to maximize their time on the water.
The captain Chris, known for his friendly attitude and engaging commentary, makes sure everyone feels safe and included. The clear waters of Villefranche Bay make for excellent visibility, and the marine life is often surprisingly abundant. Reviewers mention the fun pace and beautiful scenery, with many noting it’s a perfect afternoon activity. Some advise bringing a wetsuit if you tend to get cold, and watch out for jellyfish during certain seasons.
This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a quick, lively experience with plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel. It’s particularly good if you’re short on time but want a memorable water adventure.
Bottom Line: Fast-paced, fun, and packed with marine life, this tour offers a lively way to snorkel in Villefranche Bay, ideal for active visitors.
3. From Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala cave with Snorkeling
For around $77 per person, this two-hour boat tour from Nice offers a comprehensive exploration of the French Riviera’s coastal highlights. The trip kicks off from Nice’s port and takes you to the Mala Cave, a stunning enclave only accessible by boat, where you’ll have time for snorkeling in its turquoise waters. Gear is provided, and the guides lead you through the dramatic rock formations that make this spot so unique.
After the cave visit, the boat cruises along the wild coastline of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, showcasing the lush peninsula and its famous villas. The tour continues with stops at Villefranche Bay, offering panoramic views and a chance for swimming. The crew receives high praise for being friendly, informative, and ensuring everyone gets a chance to snorkel.
What sets this apart is the combination of scenic cruising and snorkeling in a well-paced tour that’s suited for travelers wanting a longer, more detailed experience without the crowds. Several reviewers highlight the “awesome time” and the opportunity to see the underwater world in a manageable half-day trip.
Bottom Line: A balanced mix of sightseeing and snorkeling, this tour appeals to those seeking a longer, more immersive Riviera experience at a fair price.
4. Boat tour guided from Nice to Monaco with snorkeling
If you’re looking to combine coastal sightseeing with underwater discovery, this three-hour guided boat tour from Nice to Monaco hits the mark. Starting from Nice, the trip takes you past the famous Monégasque port, known for its luxury yachts, before heading toward the Mala caves in Èze. The trip then continues to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where you’ll snorkel in the clear waters along the coast.
The experienced guides provide engaging commentary about the coastline, local villas, and the marine environment, making the journey both scenic and educational. Guests rave about the breathtaking views, with many mentioning how the snorkeling was a highlight, especially in Villefranche’s calm waters.
This tour is perfect if you want a luxury experience with the added bonus of underwater exploration. The value for money is solid considering the length and scope, and it’s suited for travelers who appreciate a blend of culture, scenery, and marine adventure.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a longer, comprehensive tour with a mix of sightseeing and snorkeling, this is a top choice.
5. From Nice: Snorkeling & Scenic Swim Stop in Villefranche
This 1.5-hour tour offers a combination of sailing and snorkeling around Villefranche-sur-Mer. Starting at Balade en mer, the boat takes you along the coastline where you’ll reach a secluded swim spot accessible only by boat. Here, you’ll enjoy turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.
The tour emphasizes personalized experiences, with time to observe marine life and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The guides are welcoming, and many reviews highlight how this trip feels like a calm escape from busy tourist spots. The opportunity to see Monaco from the water adds a touch of elegance to the journey.
Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic experience with a focus on underwater exploration in a quiet environment. The small-group setting guarantees personal attention.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, intimate trip suited for those wanting a gentle, scenic snorkel with a taste of Monaco’s coast.
6. Nice: Sunset Speedboat Cruise with Snorkeling
This 1.5-hour sunset cruise transports you from Nice to the Bay of Villefranche, with a quick speedboat ride. Once there, you’ll stop at a designated snorkeling site to explore the underwater scene in the fading light, adding a touch of magic to your day. As you cruise back, the sunset views of the coast make for an unforgettable scene.
The tour includes a safety briefing and provided gear, making snorkeling straightforward and safe. Reviewers love the picturesque sunset, the fast-paced ride, and the chance to see marine life in a peaceful setting. The mixture of adventure and scenery makes it popular among couples and sunset seekers.
This tour is perfect for those who want a romantic evening or a quick, exhilarating outing with snorkeling. It’s less about lengthy exploration and more about enjoying the moment.
Bottom Line: A short, scenic, and charming experience that combines speed, sunset views, and snorkeling for an unforgettable evening.
How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Experience
When choosing among these tours, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience you prefer. For example, if you want a small, intimate tour with plenty of snorkeling, the Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala Cave offers personalized attention. On the other hand, if you’re eager for a longer exploration with scenic cruising, the guided Monaco trip provides a comprehensive day out.
For those who love speed and adrenaline, the Villefranche Bay speedboat gets you in the water quickly and emphasizes marine wildlife. If a relaxed, scenic experience is more your style, the scenic swim stop in Villefranche is ideal.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months when tours fill quickly. Check availability in advance and consider what you most want to see and do — whether it’s caves, marine life, or simply enjoying the coast from the water.
Final Thoughts
Nice offers a wide variety of snorkeling adventures suitable for different travel styles. Whether you want a luxurious, multi-stop tour or a quick sunset splash, each of these options provides a chance to experience the Mediterranean from an entirely new perspective. For families, the calmer tours with included gear are perfect; for adventure lovers, the speedboat options deliver the thrill.
Two standout choices? The Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala Cave for its combination of scenery, snorkeling, and personal guide, and the guided Monaco trip for its mix of sightseeing and underwater exploration. Whichever you pick, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable water-based adventures in Nice.