Four hours, and you’re off the busy strip. This private boat outing runs between Cannes and the Lérins Islands, with calm cruising plus real swim time in clear water around the islands.

You’ll spend your time anchored at relaxing spots, not stuck in traffic or waiting around, and you get the islands’ views from the best seat in town. Lérins Islands are the main character here.

What I like most is the swim-and-snorkel stop in protected, clear water, including time for snorkeling gear and a floating mat so you can just hang out. The second big win for me is the casual feel: drinks are part of the day, and the boat stays small enough that it genuinely feels like your private escape.

One thing to factor in: there’s a mandatory additional captain fee on top of the group price, so your final cost depends on how many people are in your boat.

Key moments you’ll care about most

• Anchor time in clear water around the Lérins Islands, built for swimming, snorkeling, and drifting
• Underwater museum snorkeling for a different kind of island experience
• SUP paddleboard access plus a floating mat XL for an easy hang-on-the-water day
• Drinks included, and the vibe is relaxed enough to bring your own snacks if you want
• Smooth, flexible navigation so the skipper chooses pleasant routes and calmer stopping spots
• Small private group up to 8 makes it feel uncrowded and easy to coordinate

A private dayboat between Cannes and the Lérins Islands

This is the kind of trip that makes sense if you want the South of France feel without the logistics headache. You meet at Port Pierre Canto on the Croisette in Cannes, then you’re off on a modern, stable dayboat with a licensed skipper focused on comfort and good timing.

The group size is up to 8, which matters more than it sounds. When the boat is that size, you can actually talk, relax, and move around without feeling like you’re sharing space with a crowd. And because the plan includes multiple water stops, having a smaller group makes the whole schedule feel calmer.

If you’re staying in Cannes and you’re tired of the same beach routine, this outing gives you a different angle: pine-covered shoreline, changing shades of blue on the water, and the Royal Fort view that appears naturally from the sea. You’re not just passing by the islands. You’re stopping where the water is good.

How the 4-hour pacing works (and why it feels relaxed)

The day is short by design—4 hours—but it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s set up like a floating sequence:

First, there’s a 30-minute speedboat run to get you out toward the islands. Then you’ll pass the Lérins Islands for about 30 minutes, with time to take in the coastline from the water.

Next comes a brief photo stop on Sainte Marguerite (around 10 minutes). After that, you get the main block of fun: about 1.5 hours anchored around the Lérins area for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Finally, you head back toward Cannes with another 30-minute speedboat return.

Here’s the practical takeaway: the schedule gives you just enough land-facing moments to orient yourself, then it spends the bulk of the time on the water—where this trip really delivers.

Sainte Marguerite: a quick photo stop with strong coastal payoff

Sainte Marguerite is the island you’ll see first as the boat runs along the pine-covered shoreline. From the water, you’ll catch that “how is it already there?” feeling when the Royal Fort appears in the landscape facing the bay.

You only get a 10-minute photo stop, so don’t plan on a long wandering visit. This part is more about grabbing the view and continuing with your day. If you like photography or you just want one clean moment of island scenery before the swim time, it works well.

The trade-off is obvious: if you’re craving lots of on-island walking or museum time on land, a short stop won’t scratch that itch. Think of this as a sea-view intermission, not a full island visit.

Lérins Islands swim and snorkel: the star of the show

This is where the tour earns its rating. The boat anchors in calm, protected waters around the Lérins Islands, which is a big deal because clearer, calmer conditions make snorkeling far more enjoyable.

You’ll get snorkeling equipment included, plus a floating mat XL so you can keep things easy even if you’re not trying to swim nonstop. There’s also time for snorkeling and swimming, with the option to use the SUP paddleboard to explore nearby.

One extra detail that makes this feel special: the snorkeling stop includes the chance to discover an underwater museum. That turns the water time into something more memorable than just seeing fish and rocks.

A tip that makes a difference: treat your snorkel time like you’re doing a slow, relaxed activity, not a sprint. Put on the gear, get comfortable, and give yourself a few minutes for your eyes to adjust in the water. If you’re with kids or a mixed group, this is also where a calm pace helps everyone enjoy it.

SUP, floating mats, and easy water time for different comfort levels

Even though this trip is built around swimming, it’s not only for people who want to push hard in the water. The included SUP paddleboard gives you a different option—move gently near the boat, explore coves, or just enjoy the sun while you float and watch.

And the floating mat XL changes the tone. It’s the difference between getting in and out over and over versus settling in and treating the anchor stop like your own little sea lounge.

If you’re traveling as a couple, this setup is great for taking turns—one person swims or snorkels while the other stays comfortable on the mat. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s a built-in way to let people enjoy the day at their own speed.

Drinks and snacks onboard: value beyond the itinerary

The experience includes drinks throughout, and you’ll also have 1 bottle of wine and bottled mineral water included. That’s a nice baseline because it keeps the day from feeling like you need to scramble for refreshments once you’re out on the water.

At the same time, the overall setup encourages the relaxed, bring-your-own vibe for extra snacks. In practice, I’d think of it like this: you’ll be covered for the essentials, and you can top it off with whatever you personally like—simple picnic-style food, light snacks, whatever makes your group happy.

The best part isn’t the alcohol or the snacks. It’s the mood. When the boat day includes something to drink, you naturally slow down. And on a trip where the best moments are anchor time and clear-water swimming, slowing down is the point.

The optional Saint-Honorât lunch idea (without forcing it)

If you want more than just sea time, there’s an option connected to Saint-Honorât. You can choose between a restaurant stop on Saint-Honorât (subject to availability and reservation) or a relaxed lunch onboard.

This flexibility is helpful because different groups want different things from the islands. Some people want to stay focused on the water and keep it simple. Others like the idea of adding one island-meal moment.

My practical advice: decide based on your energy level for the day. If you plan to snorkel hard and you’ll be hungry after, a lunch plan can make the trip feel more complete. If you just want to drift and swim and keep the schedule light, onboard lunch is often the easiest fit.

Price and what you’re really paying for

The advertised price is $1,297 per group up to 8 for a 4-hour private outing. That sounds straightforward until you factor in the mandatory additional captain fee of €300.

So how do you judge value? Do a quick per-person check:

• If you book with the full group (8 people), the base price spreads out nicely.
• If you book with fewer people, the per-person share rises fast, because private means you’re paying for the whole boat.

On the inclusions side, you do get real value baked in: snorkeling equipment, a SUP paddleboard, floating mat XL, and bottled mineral water plus 1 bottle of wine. That’s not just a vague marketing list. It directly affects your day because it’s the gear and the comfort that make the swim time enjoyable.

Also, keep an eye on the optional add-on: an optional Seascooter Seabob is listed at an extra €200. If your group wants that extra thrill, it can add fun. If not, you’re already getting plenty of water time without it.

Who should book this boat escape (and who might not love it)

This tour is a great match if you want a crowd-free, private experience from Cannes with real swimming and snorkeling time. It also fits well for families and groups of friends because the activities have multiple entry points: snorkel gear for those who want it, SUP for those who want to glide, and a floating mat for people who want to relax.

You might want to look elsewhere if your dream day is mostly on-land sightseeing and walking. This is a sea-first experience. The island touches are brief and scenic, then you return to the water.

And if your group includes people who aren’t comfortable swimming, don’t panic. The anchored setting means you can still watch, relax, and enjoy the views. Just be honest about comfort levels so everyone’s expectations match the water-heavy format.

Quick practical checklist before you go

This kind of day is simple if you show up ready. Bring:

• Towel
• Beachwear

A couple of extra practical thoughts: wear something you can get wet, and plan to dry off a bit when you’re back on land. If you’re using snorkeling gear, your comfort matters more than speed—take the first few minutes to settle in.

Should you book this private Cannes-to-Lérins boat trip?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a calm, clear-water day with real time in the sea, and you like the idea of a small boat where the skipper can adjust to your pace. The included snorkeling gear, SUP paddleboard, and floating mat XL make the water time feel complete, not like a rushed add-on.

I’d pause if you’re trying to minimize total cost or you’re looking for a long land visit. With the mandatory captain fee, your final budget depends on how many people are sharing the boat price.

If you do book, my best advice is to treat it like a float-and-swim afternoon. Don’t over-schedule the rest of your day. The whole point is to slow down between Cannes and the Lérins Islands, then spend your time where the water looks best.

FAQ

Where do we meet in Cannes?

You’ll meet at Port Pierre Canto, Cannes, on the Croisette.

How long is the tour and how many people can be on the boat?

The experience runs for 4 hours and is a private group for up to 8 guests.

What’s included for swimming and water activities?

Included are snorkeling equipment, a SUP paddleboard, and a floating mat XL, plus bottled mineral water and 1 bottle of wine.

Is there an extra captain fee?

Yes. There is an additional captain fee of €300, and it’s marked as mandatory.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel and beachwear.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.