Lunch at sea in Cannes is pure ease. You sail on a Made-in-France Maxi Catamaran with room to breathe, then enjoy an all-inclusive lunch and drinks while anchored near the Lérins Islands, with Captain Francois and his crew keeping the day running smoothly. It’s the kind of outing where the “hard work” is mostly choosing where to park yourself for the next swim stop.

One possible snag: parking information near the harbor isn’t especially clear for long stays, so plan ahead so the morning isn’t a guessing game.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Two anchorages, two moods: lunch at the Lérins Islands, then a second, calmer swim stop around Cap d’Antibes
• All-inclusive food and drinks on board: aperitif, buffet lunch, and Côtes de Provence wines are included
• Eco-minded drink service: Ôchwette drinks via plastic-free, eco-friendly fountains
• Real time in the water: paddle access and a proper chance to swim and snorkel
• Weather-based route changes: anchorages and sailing can shift when conditions require it
• Crew that actually cares: Captain Francois’ team is attentive and responsive, including with families

Setting off from Marina Baie des Anges: the start you want

This trip runs out of Marina Baie des Anges (Quai O), right by Cannes. You board the Maxi Catamaran Mayba, get a safety briefing, and hear the plan for the day before you head out.

Boarding is at 9:20, then the catamaran leaves at 9:30. That timing matters. You get to settle in early enough to enjoy the coast at a relaxed pace, rather than feeling rushed while everyone is still finding their shoes, sunscreen, and favorite spot on deck.

Lérins Islands first stop: lunch anchored in turquoise calm

The crossing toward the Lérins Islands is built for views. Think Côte d’Azur coastline, villa-lined stretches, and that “we’re actually on the water” feeling that doesn’t happen on buses.

Around 10:45, you drop anchor between the Lérins Islands. This is where the day switches from “sailing” to “doing almost nothing”—and doing it well. You can lounge on deck, take in the scenery, or use the paddle gear to explore nearby.

Then comes the best part of this half-day: lunch at anchor. An aperitif is served on board first, followed by a gourmet buffet lunch. One useful detail: some hot items can be prepared fresh by the crew (chicken breast strips and gambas were highlighted in a past sailing). Even if you’re not a “food person,” that makes a difference because buffet lunch on a boat can sometimes feel lukewarm or purely repetitive.

Practical note: because you’re anchored, you’ll want to keep towels and beachwear within easy reach. The “I’ll change later” plan tends to evaporate once everyone starts floating.

Cap d’Antibes sailing: why that coastline stretch is worth the wait

After lunch, the pace shifts again. At 2:45 pm, you depart and sail toward Cap d’Antibes. This section of the ride is less about a strict destination and more about the feeling of moving slowly past secret coves and prominent coastline homes.

You’ll arrive at the second area at about 3:15 pm, but the time in between is part of the fun. It’s long enough to enjoy the motion, catch a view from a new angle, and not feel like the boat is rushing you out the door.

Also, Cap d’Antibes is popular for a reason. Even when you’re not swimming, the coastline is dramatic in a very “South of France” way: strong light, little inlets, and water that looks good enough to spoil you for plain beaches.

Second anchorage near Cap d’Antibes: swim time with options

At 1st spot lunch you’re already in vacation mode. The second anchorage is where the day keeps its softness. Your captain drops anchor in one of several coves around Cap d’Antibes, such as Anse de la Salis, Garoupe, or Olivette.

From there, you get time to relax on deck and switch into swim mode. The water is clear enough that even if you don’t snorkel, you’ll probably end up staring at what’s below your knees.

Paddles are provided again, and that’s a big quality-of-life detail. It gives you something to do without needing a full plan. You can go slow, hug the shoreline, or just drift and watch the light. If you came on a day trip thinking you’d be stuck in one place, this stop disproves that.

When conditions change (and why that’s not always bad)

There’s a built-in reality on the water: the captain may adjust where you anchor based on weather conditions and on-site rules. One sailing experience included a decision to head to another nearby bay when the first planned anchorage couldn’t work as hoped due to wind and boat traffic. The key takeaway for you is that the goal stays the same: keep you safe, keep you comfortable, and still deliver good water time.

Food, drinks, and the Ôchwette plastic-free touch

This is an all-inclusive day in the real sense, not just “bring your own appetite.” You get:

• An aperitif (punch planteur)
• A buffet lunch
• Drinks all day including soft drinks and Côtes de Provence AOP wines served with the meal

What I like is the drink setup. Instead of plastic bottles, you get eco-responsible beverages from the local brand Ôchwette, dispensed through plastic-free fountains. That’s a small detail, but it keeps the deck less cluttered and reduces waste—without making the drinks feel like an afterthought.

Soft drinks include still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, lemonade, coffee, and tea. If your idea of a “successful boat day” is having caffeine or tea available while you’re lounging, this is a win.

Comfort on the Mayba: an 8-hour day that doesn’t feel squeezed

The total duration is about 8 hours. On paper, that can sound like “a long day on the water.” In practice, the pacing helps: sail, anchor, swim, eat, anchor again, then sail back.

The catamaran is described as a magnificent and comfortable Maxi Catamaran made in France, and that comfort matters when you’re out long enough to want to lie down, not just stand and pose. The layout also helps you find a place that matches your mood—shade vs. sun, quiet vs. chatty.

Group size isn’t listed, but one helpful hint from a previous family booking: the boat wasn’t full, so it didn’t feel overcrowded. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces on day tours, that’s a good sign to keep in mind when availability lets you choose.

Price and value: what $175 buys you on this kind of day

At $175 per person, this isn’t a cheap add-on. But you’re paying for the hard parts that many “bargain” day trips skip: catamaran time, the staff and crew, real time at anchor, and a full meal plus drinks.

If you’ve ever tried to replicate this kind of day on your own—getting a boat, paying for fuel/crew, then adding lunch and drinks—the math gets ugly fast. Here, the cost is bundled. You know what’s included, you don’t have to do the budgeting mid-trip, and you spend your attention on the day instead of receipts.

The value gets even better if you factor in that it’s not just a “sightseeing boat.” You actually get water time at two locations, plus paddle access. That means you leave with memories that feel like an activity, not just photos.

Practical tips: what to pack and how to avoid morning stress

Bring the essentials listed for the trip:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear

The biodegradable sunscreen note isn’t random. When you’re swimming and anchored in marine areas, you want products that are less harsh on the environment. It’s a small effort that fits the spirit of sailing responsibly.

Also plan your morning around the meeting point. The ride starts at the harbor in Marina Baie des Anges, and the one drawback that comes up is that parking near the area for longer stays isn’t communicated clearly. So do this: check parking options before you go, arrive early enough to park calmly, and give yourself buffer time even if you’re comfortable driving in Cannes.

Who this catamaran day trip suits best

This works best if you like:

• A low-effort day on the water with two swim-friendly pauses
• Food that’s actually part of the day (aperitif + buffet lunch, plus wines)
• A crew-led experience where you don’t need to manage the details

It’s also a solid fit for families. One example involved a family with two kids (ages 14 and 8) who appreciated that there was enough time to snorkel/swim and use the stand up paddle-style gear, without the schedule feeling frantic.

Who might want to look elsewhere

If you need a totally fixed itinerary with no weather-based changes, this is less ideal. The route and anchorages can shift for conditions, and that flexibility is part of what keeps the day safe and enjoyable.

Should you book this Lérins and Cap d’Antibes catamaran day?

If your ideal day is sailing out of Cannes, anchoring between islands for lunch, then floating again near Cap d’Antibes with drinks taken care of, I’d say yes. It’s strong value for an all-inclusive catamaran day at this part of the Côte d’Azur, especially because you’re not just watching the coast—you’re in the water.

Book it if you:

• Want food and drinks included without thinking about logistics
• Prefer a relaxed pace with two different anchorages
• Like the idea of eco-minded beverage service (Ôchwette on plastic-free fountains)

Pass or plan carefully if:

• Parking at the harbor is a dealbreaker for you (arrive early and verify options)
• You’re uncomfortable with weather-driven changes to anchorage plans

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day trip?

The cruise lasts about 8 hours.

What time do we board and when do we leave?

Boarding starts at 9:20 am, and the catamaran departs at 9:30 am.

Where do we meet the crew?

Meet at Quai O in the Port of Marina Baie des Anges (Maxi Catamaran Mayba).

What’s included in the price besides the boat ride?

Lunch is included (aperitif plus a gourmet buffet lunch), and drinks are included during the cruise.

Are drinks included all day?

Yes. Soft drinks are included, along with punch planteur as an aperitif and Côtes de Provence AOP wines served with the meal.

Where do we stop to swim and relax?

You’ll anchor near the Lérins Islands for lunch, then you’ll have a second anchorage near Cap d’Antibes (such as Anse de la Salis, Garoupe, or Olivette).

Are paddles provided?

Yes, paddles are provided for use during the swim/anchorage times.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide offers French and English.

Can the itinerary change due to weather?

Yes. Sailing routes and anchorages are subject to change depending on weather conditions, with priority given to respecting local fauna, flora, and regulations.