Sunset on a maxi catamaran feels effortless. This Made-in-France boat, run by a confident crew, turns a simple dinner outing into a proper evening at sea—with an all-inclusive aperitif and buffet that keeps things relaxed.

If you like views that change fast, you’ll enjoy sailing along the Côte d’Azur at twilight and eating while the coastline lights up.

You’ll anchor in the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, then get a short window to paddle before dinner. The drinks package is solid too, including eco-responsible Ôchwette beverages served from plastic-free fountains.

One possible drawback: the outing is long for a “sunset-only” plan, so if you want a quick party cruise with constant alcohol flow, the pace (and buffet format) may feel less your style—especially if you’re traveling with very small kids.

Key points before you go

• Maxi Catamaran Mayba gives you real sea space, not a cramped dinner boat.
• Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat anchoring often means sea-level views of the most photogenic coastline.
• Aperitif + buffet + drinks are included, so you can budget your night without extra tabs.
• Ôchwette eco drinks use plastic-free fountains, a thoughtful touch on a classic splurge.
• Around 3.5 hours onboard works best if you like settling in and enjoying the whole arc of evening.

Why a maxi catamaran dinner from Nice beats a normal restaurant

Nice is great for food, but it’s also great for one specific upgrade: trading tableside chatter for the sound of water and a sky that turns cinematic. This is that kind of outing. You start with a sunset sail, then you finish anchored in a scenic bay and eat facing open water, not a wall.

I like that the evening is built for comfort. There’s no rush between “sights” and “meals”—the rhythm is sail, anchor, aperitif, buffet, then a calm return under stars. The maxi catamaran size matters here: you’re not squeezed into a tiny craft where every movement feels like you’re in someone else’s kitchen.

Where you meet the boat: Port de Nice and Maxi Catamaran Mayba

You meet at Quai Amiral Infernet, Port de Nice, specifically at Maxi Catamaran Mayba. Plan to arrive a bit early so you can settle, find your spot, and avoid that last-minute scramble that always happens at ports.

On board, the crew covers the ship, the program, and safety instructions before departure. That’s not the most glamorous part of the night, but it’s a good sign of how the evening will run: clear expectations, fewer surprises once the catamaran is moving.

The schedule: 7:20 boarding to 23:00 lights-out

This cruise runs about 210 minutes (3.5 hours). Times are set, but your exact route and anchorage can change with weather, which is common at sea.

Here’s the practical flow:

• 7:20 pm: Boarding at the port
• 7:30 pm: Sail out toward the Villefranche or Cap Ferrat area
• 8:00 pm: Anchorage for aperitif, a paddle window, then dinner
• 10:30 pm (22:30): Return cruise back toward Nice
• 11:00 pm (23:00): Disembark in Nice

For your planning: if you’re pairing this with other plans ashore, don’t stack too much. Starting at 7:30 means you’ll want a light meal beforehand (or be ready for the buffet to be your main meal).

Sunset sailing: why the Villefranche–Cap Ferrat coastline is the main event

Once you leave Nice, the catamaran heads toward either Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat. Even if you’re not chasing exact landmarks, the stretch of coastline is where the money goes. The coastline glows as daylight fades, and the reflection on the water changes minute by minute.

The best part of sailing at sunset is that it’s “movement without intensity.” You’re not doing hikes or museum sprints. You can stay seated, take photos when the light is right, and still feel like you’re doing something special.

And yes, this is one of those evenings where weather decides the final details. You’ll still get the core experience—depart from Nice, sail the coast, and anchor for dinner—but the exact spots may shift.

Anchoring at sea: aperitif, a paddle window, and sea-level magic

Around 8:00 pm, you drop anchor in the bay area. This is when the cruise becomes less about travel and more about being there.

An aperitif is served onboard, and you’ll have a chance to take a paddle for a break from sitting. This is the moment I’d aim for if you’re traveling with a “let’s do one active thing” mindset. A few minutes in the water, with the coastline behind you, makes the whole evening feel more than just dinner on a boat.

Important reality check: you should bring what you need for a comfortable sea stop. Pack a towel and beachwear, and wear sunglasses. If you’re using sunscreen, choose biodegradable so you’re not adding pollution to a very nature-regulated part of the coastline.

Buffet dinner and included wines: what you can expect on the plate

The dinner is served as a varied gourmet buffet, prepared by a caterer using fresh, authentic flavors. You’ll eat facing the sea, with the sky dimming and the lights from shore starting to show.

Included with your meal:

• Wines: Côtes de Provence AOP (white, red, and rosé)
• An aperitif: Punch Planteur
• Drinks during the cruise (soft drinks are included throughout)

Now, a key consideration. Some diners prefer a buffet where you can pile on without limits. You may find the buffet process is run in a more controlled way—enough to keep service efficient and fair, but not a free-for-all. If you’re the type who expects unlimited “second helpings of everything,” temper that expectation.

Also, alcohol timing matters. The included wines are clearly tied to the meal portion, while the rest of the drinks lineup includes soft drinks all evening. If what you really want is a nonstop drinks party before dinner, you might feel the pace is more dinner-focused than bar-focused.

Drinks package: soft drinks, Ôchwette, and plastic-free fountains

One of the smarter details here is the drinks approach. Soft drinks included include still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, lemonade, coffee, and tea. That’s not just filler—having actual coffee or tea can make the evening feel more adult and less like a soda-only cruise.

The standout is the eco choice: Ôchwette beverages served through plastic-free fountains. It’s a practical sustainability move, and it also means you’re not stuck with single-use bottles for every sip. On a night where you’re already paying for a premium experience, it’s nice to see the “premium” includes environmental responsibility.

What the onboard vibe feels like (and when it can feel long)

This is not a short “jump on, take a few photos, eat later” outing. It’s built as a full evening arc. The catamaran sails out, anchors for the main part of the night, then returns by late evening.

Because of that, the experience works best if you enjoy:

• waiting for twilight light to hit the water
• taking your time with the aperitif
• lingering through dinner while the atmosphere stays calm

Some people may find that the overall length feels more like a lounge dinner cruise than a quick sunset hit. If you’re the type who gets restless, you’ll want to show up with a plan: sunglasses ready, towel packed, and an appetite for dinner so you’re not watching the clock.

Practical tips so you don’t end up uncomfortable

A few small things will make a big difference.

• Bring a towel and dry clothes. If you paddle, you’ll want to get comfortable fast.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen before you board. Don’t wait until you’re already thinking about it.
• Dress for evening air. South France evenings can cool off once you’re at sea.
• Eat smart before boarding. The buffet is the point—arriving too hungry makes sense, arriving too full can be annoying.
• Choose your spot with your priorities in mind. If you want photos, think about where the lights and angles look best as you anchor.

And if you’re traveling as a family: the evening can be less smooth with very young kids. The combination of time onboard, serving style, and getting kids fed may take extra coordination. If you go with toddlers, go in with eyes open and plan for it to be more work than a casual family meal ashore.

Value check: is $116 per person worth it?

At $116 per person, you’re paying for the combo: catamaran sailing + scenic anchoring + dinner + a full drinks lineup (including wine with the meal). For the South of France, that’s often where value appears—when you stop thinking only in terms of “meal cost” and start thinking in terms of a whole night of transport and experience.

Here’s how to judge the value for yourself:

• If you’d otherwise pay for a restaurant plus wine plus a tour/boat ticket, this adds up fast.
• If you only care about eating and you don’t value the sailing and anchoring, it may feel pricey.
• If you want an easy all-inclusive night with minimal logistics, it can feel like a clean deal.

For best value, treat it as the main event of your evening. Don’t plan it as a “maybe we’ll do it if we feel like it” add-on after already spending all day exploring.

Who should book this cruise—and who might prefer something else

This cruise is a strong match for:

• couples and friends who want a relaxed, scenic night
• people who like buffet dinners but also want a view upgrade
• anyone who prefers included drinks and fewer decision points

It may be less ideal if:

• you want a short, high-energy bar crawl at sea
• you’re traveling with very young children and need smooth, stress-free serving and seating
• you expect completely unrestricted buffet self-serve

In other words: go if you want a proper evening at sea. Consider another type of outing if your main goal is nonstop party energy or an ultra-quick sunset experience.

Should you book Dinner at Sea on a Maxi Catamaran?

If you want an all-inclusive dinner with real sailing time and that Villefranche/Cap Ferrat backdrop, I’d book it. The maxi catamaran size, the twilight timing, and the included meal-and-drinks setup make it feel like a thoughtful splurge rather than a gimmick.

Book it with the right expectations: it’s an evening cruise designed around dinner and calm sea time. If you’re okay with that pace—and you pack the essentials—you’ll likely come away with the kind of night you replay when you’re back on land.

FAQ

What time do we board and depart?

Boarding is at 7:20 pm, and the catamaran leaves at 7:30 pm.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 210 minutes.

Where do you sail and anchor for dinner?

You sail toward the bay of either Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, and anchorage can change based on weather conditions.

Is dinner included?

Yes. You get a buffer dinner served onboard.

What drinks are included?

You get soft drinks (including still and sparkling water, juices, coffee, and tea), an aperitif (Punch Planteur), and wines (Côtes de Provence AOP) served during the meal. Drinks are also provided using Ôchwette eco-responsible fountains.

Is there a live guide?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in French and English.

What should I bring?

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

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at RDV Quai Amiral Infernet, Port de Nice, Maxi Catamaran Mayba.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.