A day on Eleanor Mary is a great way to feel the South of France. You get a small-group sail, Calanques snorkeling, and a real lunch on board, all wrapped up with generous organic wine. The main thing to consider: the captain’s route depends on wind and sea conditions, so you might sail less than you hoped on a low-wind day or feel extra motion if the sea is rough.

I like that this cruise doesn’t try to tick off every cove. Instead, you’ll head toward the Calanques National Park or Calanques of la Côte Bleue and anchor where it makes sense for swimming and views. I also like the hands-on vibe: if conditions allow, you can help with the sails, and the crew keeps it friendly and capable.

One practical drawback: it’s a proper time on the water. If you’re pregnant, you’ll need a doctor’s agreement for any sea trip, and if you’re over 6 months the crew could refuse boarding when there’s swell.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, big boat energy: max 12 people, with a professional crew focused on keeping your day comfortable and moving at the right pace.
• Captain chooses your day: your route to the Calanques (and whether you get full sails) depends on weather and sea conditions.
• Lunch plus wine is baked in: a chef-prepared vegetarian buffet, plus organic white and rosé with a generous approach.
• Snorkel gear and swim belts provided: you don’t need to pack anything besides swimwear and sunscreen.
• Sunset swim on the Frioul Islands if conditions allow: it’s a highlight when the weather cooperates.

Meeting Eleanor Mary in Marseille Old Port (what “easy” really means)

You’ll meet right where the action is—Marseille Old Port, at the pontoon numbered 2, in front of the city hall. The plan is simple: show up, get settled on the yacht Eleanor Mary, and then the crew handles the rest.

What I’d pack for this type of day is straightforward. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a bit salty. No high heels, and skip large bags or anything that makes boarding slower for the crew.

The best attitude here is to dress like you’re going to spend a chunk of the day outside—because you are. You’ll want your swimsuit ready, since you’ll be stopping to swim more than once.

A 7-hour Calanques sail: the captain sets the day, not a fixed checklist

This is a 7-hour cruise running from 10am to 5pm. The big detail is that it’s not a stop-by-stop tour of the Calanques. The captain decides the sailing plan each day based on wind and weather, with the goal of finding the best secret corners for views, anchoring, and swimming.

That flexibility is a good thing, even if you’re the type who hates uncertainty. When sea conditions are right, you can get the classic “proper sailing” feeling—with full sails when the crew can safely do it. When wind is light, you may still get a relaxing sail and scenic anchoring rather than the full drama.

Either way, you’re not spending the day in transit between endless viewpoints. You’re spending your time where it matters: on the water, at swim stops, and at the lunch table.

Welcome snack, then a chef-made vegetarian lunch with organic wine

Right after you board, you start with a welcome snack: tea, coffee, and Marseille-style biscuits (navettes). It’s a small start, but it sets the tone—this cruise feels like a day with a crew, not a factory tour.

Lunch is one of the reasons this outing earns strong marks. You’ll get a fresh, satisfying vegetarian buffet prepared by the chef on board. The vegetarian part isn’t a compromise; it’s built into how they plan the meal, and it’s served in a way that fits a sailing schedule.

Then there’s the wine. Organic rosé and organic white are included, and they don’t ration it like a museum event. The practical takeaway: this is a “slow down and enjoy” day, not a strict timeline for people who want to jump off at every chance to race back to town.

If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian, it’s worth asking ahead of time. I like that the crew has shown willingness to handle allergy situations with separate food so everyone can eat comfortably.

Snorkeling in the Calanques: where the water does the selling

The Calanques are the star, and the cruise targets them for swimming and snorkeling. Depending on conditions, you’ll go toward either the Calanques of la Côte Bleue or the Calanques National Park.

A key detail: this isn’t just “look at the rock walls.” You’ll stop so you can swim with a view, and you’ll have snorkeling time. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment plus swim belts, which makes the whole experience easier—especially if you’re not an experienced swimmer.

When you’re choosing what to do in the water, think about this: you’re in open sea conditions that can vary. Wear sunscreen even if it’s not scorching, and treat your first snorkel session as a warm-up. If you’re comfortable, you can linger. If not, it’s still a great day just floating, watching light play on the water, and taking photos.

One more practical note: the crew decides where they anchor for the best access and conditions. That means you shouldn’t expect the same spot every day, but you can expect the crew to aim for places that make swimming worth the effort.

Sunset swim on the Frioul Islands: the payoff moment

The cruise includes snorkeling and swimming at sunset in the Frioul Islands if the weather permits. This is the part that turns a nice outing into a memory-maker, because the light changes fast and the water tends to feel different at that hour.

Even if you’re not chasing big marine life, a sunset swim is still a sensory experience: warm light on the water, cooler air after hours in the sun, and a softer tone to the landscape. You’ll also appreciate that this is built into the day—so you don’t have to come back later to catch golden hour.

Because it depends on weather, be flexible. If the sea doesn’t cooperate, the cruise still delivers the core elements—Calanques scenery, anchoring, lunch, and snorkeling—but the exact timing and sunset component may shift or be limited.

Help with the sails, but don’t stress it

One of the nicest touches is that this isn’t a “sit and watch” experience the whole time. If conditions allow, the crew lets you experience the magic of traditional sailing with full sails. You may even get a chance to help—hands on, with real sailors guiding you step by step.

That matters because it changes how you feel on the boat. Instead of being a passenger, you’re briefly part of the team. Even if you don’t help much, you’ll still enjoy the vibe of people who know what they’re doing.

The crew is professional and attentive, and the boat is designed to handle a small group. With a max of 12 people, you’re not stuck in a crowded feeling. You can move, swim, eat, and relax without the constant bottlenecks.

Price and value: what $159 really buys you

At $159 per person for a 7-hour sailing day, the value comes from stacking the big items you’d otherwise pay separately.

Here’s what’s included that adds up quickly on the coast:

• Lunch on board (chef-made vegetarian buffet)
• Organic wine (white and rosé)
• Snorkeling gear and swim belts
• A paddleboard to share
• A professional crew, with day-of route decisions for weather and safety

If you try to build this yourself, you’d pay for boat access, then add food, then add gear rentals or guided snorkeling. This cruise rolls it into one price with a small-group feel, which is why people repeatedly call it worth it.

Another value point: you don’t just get a “scenery stop.” You get actual water time—swimming and snorkeling—plus the chance to enjoy the boat while it moves.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might prefer a different day)

This is an excellent fit for couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed day on the water with real food and time to swim. If you like the idea of Calanques scenery but also want to get in the water instead of just taking photos, you’ll be very happy.

It also works well for people who enjoy a small group. With max 12 guests, it feels more personal than many day cruises.

Consider skipping or choosing something else if you:

• Need a very rigid, fixed itinerary (because the captain adapts to weather)
• Have mobility constraints that make boarding or water access challenging (the activity is water-focused)
• Are extremely sensitive to sea motion, since the day is on the water and swell can happen

Pregnancy is handled seriously here. You’ll need your doctor’s agreement for any sea trip during pregnancy, and if you’re above 6 months, boarding may be denied if there’s sea swell.

A quick reality check on what you can’t control

This is the part most day trips leave out: you’re sailing on the Mediterranean, and conditions change. The itinerary depends on wind and sea conditions, and the captain chooses where the day goes to maximize safe sailing and swim time.

That can be disappointing if you came for one specific version of the day. But it’s also why the experience stays good. The crew isn’t forcing the plan; they’re adjusting it to match the day the ocean gives you.

If wind is light, you might not get as much sail action. If seas are rough, it’s still fun for many people, but you’ll want to go in with a sensible mindset and pack seasickness precautions if that’s part of your travel routine.

Should you book this Marseille sailboat cruise?

If you want a day that blends Marseille energy, real time on the water, and a proper lunch with included wine, I think this is a strong choice. The small-group size, professional crew, provided snorkeling gear, and built-in swim stops make it feel like a complete package rather than a half-day tactic.

Book it if:

• You’re excited to snorkel the Calanques and also get sunset time on the water
• You want an on-board chef lunch and don’t want to plan food
• You like the idea of a captain adapting the route for the best day, not a rigid script

Skip it if you absolutely need a guaranteed sailing performance every time or you’re traveling with medical limits related to sea swell.

Bottom line: for value and for the mix of sailing + swimming + good food, this cruise makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at Pontoon number 2, right in front of the city hall in Marseille Old Port, at Eleanor Mary.

How long is the sailboat cruise?

The experience lasts 7 hours, from 10am to 5pm.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes a welcome snack, a fresh vegetarian lunch buffet, organic white and rosé wine, snorkeling equipment and swim belts, and a paddleboard to share.

Is the lunch vegetarian?

Yes. Lunch onboard is described as mostly vegetarian and prepared by the chef on board.

Where do you go for snorkeling and swimming?

You’ll snorkel and swim in the Calanques of la Côte Bleue or Calanques National Park, and if the weather permits you’ll also swim/snorkel at sunset in the Frioul Islands.

Do you provide snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swim belts are included.

Are the routes and sailing plans fixed?

No. The captain decides the sailing programme each day based on weather conditions, and the day is not designed to visit every calanque one by one.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable clothing. High-heeled shoes, baby strollers, luggage or large bags, chewing gum, and pets are not allowed.

Is there anything special for pregnancy or cancellations?

For pregnancy, a doctor’s agreement is necessary for any sea trip, and if you are above 6 months pregnant the crew could deny boarding in case of sea swell. You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.