Four hours on the water, zero stress. This Maxi Catamaran made in France turns the Bay of Cannes into your playground, with an anchor break by the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis and an all-inclusive aperitif setup. I especially like the spacious, clean deck for lounging and the crew energy, including captain Bertrand, who keeps it fun in both French and English. One possible drawback: the snacks feel more like a light nibble than a full meal, so eat lunch first if you’re hungry.

The sailing is the point, and you’ll feel it as the catamaran heads out from Marina Baie des Anges toward the Cap d’Antibes area and the Lérins Islands. I like that the plan builds in a real break at anchor in clear, protected water, not just a quick stop for photos.

For value, the included drinks matter: you get soft drinks plus a punch aperitif, served from eco-responsible Ôchwette fountains. If you’re after a relaxing afternoon with minimal decisions, this is a strong pick.

Key points you’ll care about before you go

• Maxi catamaran, made in France: bigger, modern, and built for comfort on open water
• Real anchor time near the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis for swimming and paddleboarding
• All-inclusive drinks with eco-friendly Ôchwette fountains and a punch planteur aperitif
• Sailing through the Cap d’Antibes / Cannes area with scenic cruising time built in
• Crew support that’s hands-on, including help for motion discomfort and extra blankets

A 4-hour catamaran escape from Marina Baie des Anges

Marina Baie des Anges is a smart starting point if you’re staying around Nice or Cannes. You’re not wasting half the day commuting. Instead, you meet right at the harbor and spend a tight, well-paced afternoon on a Maxi Catamaran called Mayba.

The vibe is exactly what you want on the French Riviera when the sun gets serious: relax first, explore second, and keep the “what’s next?” stress off your plate. A catamaran helps too. With two hulls, the ride often feels steadier than you’d expect, and the boat is designed for lounging rather than hard-core sightseeing.

You’ll also get a ship built for the day. This isn’t a tiny sailboat where you’re constantly scrambling. It’s a larger, modern catamaran with comfortable seating and enough room that you don’t feel packed in.

Boarding the Mayba: what the first 20 minutes really set up

Boarding starts at 1:50 pm at Quai O, Port de Marina Baie des Anges, on the Maxi Catamaran Mayba. There’s a crew welcome, then a short presentation of the ship and what the afternoon looks like. You’ll also get safety instructions before departure—worth paying attention to, even if you’ve sailed before.

Why this matters: when the crew makes expectations clear early, you spend the rest of the trip using the space instead of wondering where to go. It’s also part of how the staff can handle mixed groups smoothly, including families.

If you’re worried about motion sickness, this is one of those trips where you can ask for help early. The crew has blankets ready for the return leg, and they’re attentive if anyone feels off during the crossing. That’s a small detail, but it changes the experience from “hoping it’s fine” to “I’ll be okay.”

The cruise out: from Cannes coast views toward Cap d’Antibes

After you set course around 2:00 pm, you’re cruising for scenic time. Depending on weather, the catamaran heads for the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis, and you’ll enjoy the panoramas of the Bay of Cannes and the Côte d’Azur coastline along the way.

This stretch is underrated. You’re not just traveling between two points—you’re getting the “slow Mediterranean” feeling that makes the Riviera worth repeating. From the water, the coastline looks different: less postcard-perfect from a distance, more real and textured up close.

One practical note: routes and mooring spots can shift with weather. That’s not a bait-and-switch; it’s how you keep the anchorage calm and the experience safe. If you’re someone who hates surprises, just accept that the sea is in charge of the exact timing and exact spot.

The anchor stop: crystal-clear water, paddle time, and that aperitif moment

Around 3:15 pm, you’ll drop anchor in a protected natural setting with clear water. This is the main break of the trip. It’s when the catamaran goes from cruising mode into “time to be a person on vacation” mode.

Here’s what you can do with that anchor time:

• Relax on deck and enjoy the sea breeze
• Jump in for a swim
• Explore the area using a paddle (paddleboard time is part of the plan)

Then comes the highlight many people remember: an aperitif served on board while you’re anchored. You’re not drinking in a hurry. You’re drinking while the boat rocks gently and you’re surrounded by that calm, protected water feeling.

What the swim stop is like (and what to expect)

The water is refreshing, and it’s easy to settle into. Still, one caution if snorkeling is your goal: if the swim area is farther offshore during your day, the water can be deeper and visibility for snorkelers may be limited. You’ll still be able to swim, but manage expectations if you’re picturing clear, shallow reef views.

If your goal is just to cool off, float, and enjoy the moment, you’ll be happy. This is more “Mediterranean reset” than “underwater expedition.”

Drinks that feel practical: Ôchwette fountains and punch planteur

The all-inclusive drink setup is one of the strongest value points for this 4-hour format. You’ll get soft drinks plus an aperitif.

Soft drinks included:

• Still water and sparkling water
• Orange juice and multi-fruit juice
• Cola and lemonade

Aperitif included:

• Punch Planteur

The way it’s served is also thoughtful. Drinks come from eco-responsible Ôchwette via plastic-free, eco-friendly fountains. That means you’re not waiting for one person with a tray, and you’re not stuck with a line for bottled soda.

From a traveler’s point of view, this matters because it keeps the experience light. Less time forming mini-queues, more time actually enjoying the deck. Some passengers also note there’s a soda fountain feel with cold, self-serve drinks, which matches the “no fuss” philosophy of the day.

The return cruise and the 6:00 pm landing back in reality

At about 4:45 pm, it’s time to weigh anchor and head back. You’ll cruise once more with coastal panoramas, which is a nice touch because it turns the return into another mini highlight instead of a rushed ride back to port.

Disembarkation happens around 6:00 pm, bringing you back to Marina Baie des Anges. That timing is great for vacation schedules. You’re not stuck committing to an all-day excursion, and you still have plenty of energy for dinner afterward.

It also helps if you planned a tight itinerary on the Riviera. Four hours is long enough to feel like a proper break, but short enough that you can fit it between beach time and evening plans.

Price and value: why $88 works for what you actually get

$88 per person for a 4-hour maxi catamaran afternoon is reasonable when you factor in what’s included.

What you’re paying for, in real terms:

• A larger, modern boat (not a cramped feel)
• Scenic sailing out along Cannes and the Cap d’Antibes area
• A genuine anchor stop with time in clear water
• Paddle time included
• Drinks included: soft drinks plus an aperitif

If you were to buy drinks separately on many Riviera day tours, the bill adds up fast. Here, you get the drinks handled for you, and the eco-friendly fountain setup makes it feel smoother than the classic “one person, one drink at a time” approach.

The only value caution is food. The snacks tend to be light, and at least one person described them as poor. So if you’re the kind of person who needs to eat often, plan ahead:

• Eat lunch before you board
• Or pack a small snack of your own if you know you’ll get hungry

Doing that turns the trip into a true stress-free afternoon.

Who this catamaran trip fits best

This works really well for:

• Couples who want a calm day on the water without a full-day commitment
• Families with kids who can enjoy deck time, swimming, and paddleboarding
• Solo travelers who want an easy group activity with enough space to relax
• People staying around Cannes or Nice who want a convenient harbor departure

If you’re a hardcore snorkeler hunting for clear shallow water, you might find conditions vary based on where the crew can anchor. But if you want a refreshing swim, a scenic sail, and a laid-back aperitif, it’s a strong match.

What to bring so you don’t get stuck mid-day

The basics are simple, and you’ll feel prepared if you pack these:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen

Practical tip: sunscreen matters more on a reflective deck and on the water. If you forget it, you’ll feel it later. Also, bring something you can dry off with fast—this is an afternoon trip, so you’ll go from sun to shade and back again.

If you tend to get seasick, consider bringing your usual remedy. The crew can help once you’re onboard, but prevention is always easier.

Should you book Marina Baie des Anges on the Mayba?

I’d book this if you want an afternoon cruise that feels easy and well-finished. The boat is modern and spacious, the crew is attentive, and the anchor stop plus drinks make the $88 feel fair for what you actually do in four hours.

I’d think twice if your top priority is a long, food-focused outing or a guaranteed snorkeling experience with clear shallow visibility. The snacks are on the light side, and the swim spot can end up deeper depending on conditions.

If your vacation style is Mediterranean—relax, swim, sip, then repeat—this is a solid, low-effort way to spend a day on the Riviera.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran outing?

The experience lasts 4 hours.

Where do we meet for the trip?

You meet at Quai O, Port de Marina Baie des Anges, on the Maxi Catamaran Mayba.

What time does boarding and departure happen?

Boarding is at 1:50 pm, and the cruise departs around 2:00 pm.

Where does the boat anchor during the trip?

It anchors in crystal-clear waters in the Lérins Islands area or at Anse de la Salis, depending on weather conditions.

Is there an aperitif included?

Yes. An aperitif is served on board, including Punch Planteur.

What drinks are included besides the aperitif?

Soft drinks are included: still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. You can explore the anchorage area using a paddle/paddleboard as part of the stop.

What should I bring with me?

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

Does the route ever change?

Yes. The sailing route and anchorage locations can change based on weather conditions.

What language is the guide in?

The live tour guide operates in French and English.