Imagine gliding smoothly across calm, turquoise waters, feeling the wind in your hair as you explore one of the most scenic spots along the French Riviera. That’s what this Lérins Islands Sailing Discovery promises—a relaxed yet engaging way to experience Provence’s natural beauty and maritime history. Whether you’re a sailing novice or a seasoned ocean enthusiast, this tour offers a blend of fun, discovery, and tranquility.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the hands-on sailing introduction with a passionate skipper, Valentin, makes navigation accessible and fun. Second, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with gear provided for an easy underwater exploration. Third, the stunning views and peaceful anchor spots ensure you’ll soak up the scenery in comfort. On the downside, some guests noted that if you’re not a confident swimmer or have mobility issues, this might not be your perfect fit. Still, it’s ideal for travelers who love scenic boat trips, gentle adventures, and quality guidance.
If you’re after a scenic day on the water that combines a bit of history, nature, and swimming, this tour suits those looking for a relaxed yet memorable outing on the French Riviera.
This experience made our article of Vallauris’s 3 Best Cruises And Boat Tours (With Prices & Reviews).
Key Points
- Expert guidance: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Valentin make the experience engaging and safe.
- Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views of the coast, the Fort Royal, and the unspoiled islands.
- Snorkeling fun: Masks are provided, and the waters are perfect for exploring marine life underneath the historic Fort Royal.
- Eco-friendly sailing: The boat runs on environmentally conscious principles, making it a responsible choice.
- Small group: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
- No on-land activities: Focus is on sailing, swimming, and relaxing aboard the boat.
What to Expect from This Sailing Adventure
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Starting Point and Itinerary Overview
The tour begins just in front of Rios Banana Café in Cap d’Antibes, a convenient and lively meeting point. From there, you embark on a roughly 4-hour journey that takes in sea views, historical sights, and snorkeling spots. The itinerary is flexible, with stops designed to maximize your comfort and experience.
The Sailing Cruise
Your journey kicks off with a brief introduction to the boat and its equipment, giving you the chance to learn basic sailing skills. The boat itself is spacious and comfortable, perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, or simply taking in the scenery. You’ll feel the thrill of sailing as the skipper navigates along the coastline, passing by iconic sights like Sainte-Marguerite Island with its legendary Fort Royal and the silhouette of the fortress famously linked to the Man in the Iron Mask.
Guests frequently mention how knowledgeable and personable guides like Valentin make all the difference, sharing stories about the islands’ history and ensuring everyone feels included. As one reviewer shared, “Valentin was absolutely amazing! Would recommend to all my friends,” highlighting how guides add a personal touch that elevates the experience.
Scenic Stop at Fort Royal
One of the highlights is stopping in a secluded cove beneath Fort Royal on Sainte Marguerite Island. Here, you’ll anchor in transparent waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Reviewers love the quality of the water—“The water was so blue and a perfect temperature,” says Stephanie—highlighting how refreshing and enjoyable it is to dip into these calm, shallow waters. Masks are provided, making it accessible for most guests to explore the seabed and spot marine life.
Some guests, like Sunita, do caution that if you aren’t comfortable swimming, you might find snorkeling less enjoyable due to the absence of life jackets (which are available on board but might not be suitable for everyone). The underwater scenery often features underwater statues and marine creatures, adding an extra layer of interest.
More Great Tours NearbyFree Time and Snorkeling at the Lérins Islands
Next, the boat heads to the Lérins Islands, where you’re given around an hour of free time. This break is perfect for photos, lounging, or more snorkeling if you wish. The reviews emphasize how this is the most relaxed part of the trip—just floating in beautiful waters with stunning island views in the background. The peaceful environment makes it a hit among travelers seeking a break from busy sightseeing.
Additional Scenic Views and Wildlife Watching
Throughout the cruise, you’ll enjoy scenic views around the coastline and passes by notable landmarks, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography. The boat also makes a stop at a viewpoint, offering a panoramic perspective of the islands and the mainland—an ideal spot for memorable photos.
Return and End of the Tour
The cruise concludes back at the starting point, with many guests feeling they’ve experienced a well-rounded glimpse of the Riviera’s natural and historic charm. The entire experience is designed to be leisurely—no rush, plenty of time for relaxation, and plenty of opportunities to chat with your guide and fellow travelers.
How the Tour Is Valued
Price and What’s Included
This 4-hour experience delivers excellent value. The price covers sailing, snorkeling gear, insurance, life jackets, and music onboard—elements that enhance comfort and fun without extra costs. The small group size (limited to 9) ensures personalized attention from guides like Valentin, who many reviews praise for their friendliness and expertise.
What’s Not Included
Guests need to bring their own drinks, sun protection, and a change of clothes. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so planning transportation to the meeting point ahead of time is recommended. Considering the relaxed nature of the trip, it’s best suited for those comfortable with being on a boat and in open water.
Practical Tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid missing the departure.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, towel, and water.
- Wear comfortable beachwear and consider a change of clothes after snorkeling.
- Not suitable for children under 4 or people with mobility issues, as stated in the tour info.
- No alcohol or drugs are permitted on board, ensuring a safe environment for all.
The Guest Experience: Authentic Insights
Guests consistently commend the guides and the boat’s comfort. As Morgan put it, “Valentin was an excellent boat captain and we were honestly amazed at his ability to run this boat on his own,” emphasizing the professionalism behind the scenes. Others appreciated how flexible the skipper was, adjusting the itinerary based on weather and swimmer comfort.
The water quality also receives high praise. Stephanie’s review mentions “the water was so blue and a perfect temperature,” which is a big plus for anyone looking to swim or snorkel in inviting conditions. However, some reviewers point out that if you’re not confident in the water, snorkeling might be less enjoyable due to the lack of life jackets, though masks are provided.
The feeling of being on a well-maintained boat with friendly, knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety and fun is a common thread among reviews, making this a dependable choice for a memorable day.
The Bottom Line: Who Will Love This?
This tour is ideal for travelers who crave a relaxed, scenic sailing experience with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and stunning views. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy a small, intimate group where guides are attentive and knowledgeable. The mix of gentle adventure and cultural sights makes it perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends.
If you’re looking for a day that combines natural beauty, maritime history, and leisure without the hassle of land-based excursions, this experience hits the mark. It’s especially appealing for those who want to enjoy France’s coast from a different perspective—on the water, amid the islands’ peaceful charm.
However, if you prefer more active, land-based exploration or are traveling with very young children or mobility-impaired guests, this might not be the best fit. Also, expect a focus on sailing and swimming rather than onshore sightseeing or extensive history.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While masks are provided for snorkeling, there are no life jackets available for snorkeling, so non-swimmers might find it challenging to fully enjoy the water activities. The boat itself is stable and comfortable, but confidence in swimming is recommended for snorkeling.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, towel, water, change of clothes, and beachwear. Don’t forget your camera for the scenic views. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed onboard.
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including sailing, stops, swimming, and relaxing time.
Is hotel pickup available?
No, the tour begins at the specified meeting point in front of Rios Banana Café, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting location.
What’s included in the price?
The fee covers sailing, snorkeling gear, insurance, life jackets, onboard music, and a guided experience in both English and French.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.
Final Thoughts
This Lérins Islands Sailing Discovery offers a beautifully balanced mix of scenic sailing, historical scenery, and snorkeling fun, all in a small-group setting that encourages connection and personalized attention. Guided by experts like Valentin, you’ll experience the stunning coastlines and tranquil waters that make the French Riviera so special.
It’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed day on the water—no rush, just the gentle rhythm of sailing, swimming, and taking in breathtaking views. If your idea of a memorable holiday includes enjoying nature’s beauty from a comfortable boat, this tour is well worth it.
For those seeking a scenic, small-group adventure that combines the thrill of sailing with the serenity of underwater exploration, this experience delivers. It’s a genuine chance to see Provence from a different angle—on the water, in peace, and with plenty of opportunities to unwind.
📍 This experience made our list of the 3 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Vallauris