Porquerolles looks different from a sailboat. This is a small-group sailing day from Hyères to the island beaches, with meals and drinks built in and snorkel/paddle time planned at two standout coves. The rhythm is simple: sail for views, anchor for swimming, eat on the water, then sail again.

I especially like that the day blends active water time with real downtime. You’ll get homemade food and an aperitif alongside the beach breaks, and the boat team (Anthony and Séverine, with a little help from Anna) runs it like a friendly operation—there when you need them, not hovering. One thing to consider: this trip depends on good weather, and the famous Notre-Dame beach can be very popular, so it helps to arrive with realistic expectations.

Key things that make this Porquerolles sailing day special

• Small group size (max 10 people) keeps the vibe calm and personal on the water
• Two beach anchor stops give you variety: Courtade for the big sand and Notre-Dame for the pine-forest bay
• Snorkeling plus paddle time are part of the plan, not an afterthought
• Meals and drinks included, including an aperitif, so you’re not hunting for lunch
• Hands-on sailing energy on the return leg, when conditions allow

A Porquerolles day that’s built around the water

If you’re heading to the French Riviera, Porquerolles is the kind of place that earns its hype—sun, coves, cliffs, and that classic Mediterranean “how is this real?” feeling. What I like about this trip is that it’s organized around the best reason to come: getting out on the water and using the sailboat as your way to reach beaches you can’t easily replicate from shore.

You also get a more relaxed pacing than the typical ferry-and-beach pattern. Instead of rushing from one stop to the next, you anchor, swim, snack, and reset. The boat team chooses anchoring locations with care (so the experience stays fun without feeling careless).

Meeting at Ayguade Beach in Hyères (10:30 start)

The day starts at Ayguade’s Beach in Hyères (24 Rue de la Darse, 83400 Hyères), with a 10:30 am departure. You’ll meet right at the beach, and the experience begins with a dinghy transfer to the sailboat—simple, quick, and part of the local coastal feel.

This tour uses a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English. It’s also marked as being near public transportation, which matters if you don’t want the whole day to revolve around parking. And because the group is capped at 10 people, you don’t have that large-tour shuffle on and off the boat.

The one-hour sail to Porquerolles: views first, schedules second

Crossing to Porquerolles takes about one hour, and before you even reach the island, you sail along the peninsula to see the southern side—cliffs, forests, and coves. This is one of those times where you’ll be glad you’re on a boat, not stuck with only roadside views.

I like that the itinerary gives you a proper sailing stretch before the beach breaks. It helps you shake off “what do we do first?” stress and get into the right mood: sun on your face, wind in your hair, and the island slowly coming into focus.

Plage de la Courtade: the island’s big sandy beach (plus snorkeling and lunch)

First stop is Plage de la Courtade. This is described as the largest sandy beach on Porquerolles, and it’s positioned near the port area but still edged by pine and eucalyptus forest. That mix is part of why Courtade feels good: you get proper beach space without a sterile, all-sand vibe.

You’ll anchor for about two hours, which is long enough to do more than dip your toes. Expect time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle-style fun. The plan also includes an aperitif and meals during this beach stop, so you’re not rushing off when your energy dips.

What I’d do here:

• If you like being active, use the snorkeling window early before the beach gets busy.
• If you prefer relaxing, Courtade is the easiest place to set up and just stay—shade, water, and that sandy comfort.

A small practical note: Courtade is near the port, so you should expect a lively feel compared with the quieter-looking bays you’ll see later.

Plage Notre-Dame Bay: famous sand, pine forest, and shallow swimming

After the meal, you head north to Plage Notre-Dame for another two-hour stop. This bay stretches about 800 meters and is known for its sandy shoreline set within a pine forest, which gives it a different character than Courtade.

The water is described as pleasant with shallow depth, which is great if you want a comfortable swim without feeling like you need to commit to open-water distances. Snorkeling and general lounging fit well here too.

There’s also a detail worth knowing: Notre-Dame can be less frequented depending on conditions (it’s mentioned that it’s less visited when it moves toward the northeast), but it’s still famous—so you may see plenty of people. For me, that’s the real tradeoff: you’re choosing the most celebrated beach experience, so you get the views and the setting, and you should plan for that.

Plage La Capte and the sail-back rhythm

The final beach-focused leg is Plage La Capte. After time on Porquerolles, you head back toward land and, when the weather allows, you hoist the sails. The crew even invites help—so it’s not just sit-and-watch sailing. The return portion is about one hour, which keeps the day from dragging at the end.

This is a good moment to switch modes. If you spent the morning in swim-and-snorkel mode, take this hour to rest your legs, dry off, and enjoy the coastline as it slides by again.

Food and drinks included: homemade lunch, aperitif, and a 18+ note

This trip is genuinely “all included” for the middle-of-the-day problem. You get meals and drinks, including an aperitif, and the food is described as homemade and hearty. If you’ve done Mediterranean boat days before, you know some trips treat lunch as a sad sandwich. This one is planned as part of the flow—so you can eat without losing momentum.

A quick rule check: the legal drinking age is 18 and over, so alcohol (if included in the aperitif/drinks portion) is limited appropriately.

Practical tip: even with drinks on board, bring sun protection and consider a refill bottle. Long beach time plus salt air can surprise you.

What you’re really paying for: value at $180.23 per person

At $180.23 per person for about 7 hours, it’s not “cheap,” but it’s also not overpriced when you break down what’s included. You’re paying for:

• a sailboat day with two anchored beach stops
• snorkeling gear (masks/fins are mentioned, plus paddle-style fun)
• meals and drinks, including an aperitif
• a small crew and small group setup led by Anthony and Séverine

Also, the tour is often booked about 24 days in advance, which usually signals it’s popular—especially with the max 10 travelers limit. If you’re traveling in peak season, that matters: you want to lock in your date early.

If your goal is to DIY Porquerolles via ferry and then stitch together your own beach plan, costs can creep up fast once you factor in boat/transport plus paid rentals plus lunch. This outing bundles the essentials so you spend your time on Porquerolles, not planning it.

Who this sailing day fits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a small-group day with a friendly crew
• a balance of swim/snorkel/paddle plus real beach downtime
• English-speaking guidance
• a full day where you don’t have to plan lunch

It also works well for people coming solo. The day is structured, and the group size makes it easier to feel included without awkwardness.

If you prefer strict “only sightseeing” itineraries with minimal water time, this may feel a bit too beach-and-splash focused. And because it requires good weather, you’ll want your trip to be flexible in the sense that the sea has to cooperate.

Should you book this Porquerolles sailing trip?

I’d book it if you want a classic Porquerolles day done the right way: from the water, with planned stops, and with food handled for you. The best part is that it’s not just a sail—your day is designed around swimming coves, snorkeling, and enjoying the island at a slower pace.

You might skip it if you’re allergic to boats, or you’re only interested in stepping on land for quick photos with no swim time. Also, if you strongly dislike crowds, know that Notre-Dame is famous, even if the bay can feel less crowded depending on conditions.

FAQ

How long is the sailing day around Porquerolles?

It’s listed as approximately 7 hours total, starting at 10:30 am and returning to the same meeting point.

Where do we meet, and where does it end?

You meet at Ayguade’s Beach, 24 Rue de la Darse, 83400 Hyères, France, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, so it stays small.

What’s included besides sailing and beach time?

The day includes meals and drinks (including an aperitif) and time to swim, with snorkeling and paddle-style activities supported by provided equipment mentioned in the experience details.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes—masks and fins are mentioned as being provided, along with paddle-style equipment for water fun.

Is there any alcohol, and are there age rules?

The legal drinking age is 18 and over, so any included drinks follow that rule.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.