Cannes: Private Boat Trip to Lerins Islands & Cap d’Antibes

Private days on the water feel like a secret.

This private boat trip from Camille Rayon Marina takes you past the Côte d’Azur coast to the Lerins Islands and Cap d’Antibes, with a skipper onboard who adjusts the route to your mood. You can swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in calm, turquoise water, then add a bit of island strolling if you have time.

I love the flexible stop plan, not a rigid schedule. I also love that the boat comes with snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards, so you are not just watching the coast, you are part of it.

One consideration: the price does not include the skipper fee, so plan on paying €200 on the boat. You also need your own way to reach the marina in Cannes.

Key Points Worth Getting Excited About

• Private group for up to 5 passengers + skipper, which makes the day feel personal and easy
• Snorkeling gear, life jackets, swim noodles, and a stand-up paddleboard included for time in the water
• Route flexibility with anchor stops for swimming and time for an island stroll
• Lerins Islands plus Cap d’Antibes in one outing, with big Riviera views from the sea
• Food and drinks are permitted onboard, and delivery boats to the water can bring snacks and drinks

Setting Off From Camille Rayon Marina, Then Watching the Coast Unfold

The best part of this trip is the change in pace the moment you leave the marina. From Cannes and nearby Antibes, the coastline looks busy from shore, but from the water it turns into a slow ribbon of coves, headlands, and bright water.

You start at Camille Rayon Marina and meet your skipper, Philippe, who connects with you shortly before the tour. He shares the meeting time and location and also checks weather conditions with you, so the day starts with fewer surprises and more confidence.

The boat itself is set up for comfort. You get a large cockpit with passenger seating and a table, plus storage space and a fore-cabin. There is also a swimming platform, which matters because it makes getting in and out much easier than climbing around at the side.

Cap d’Antibes Views: Why Seeing It by Boat Works Better

Cruising toward Cap d’Antibes is where the Riviera begins to feel less like a postcard and more like a real coastline you can understand. You move along the Golfe-Juan coast with open water around you, so the scenery changes constantly as you go.

Cap d’Antibes is known for dramatic coastline angles and elegant waterfront views. From the deck, you get those long sightlines and those classic bends in the shore that you just do not get when you are stuck walking or driving.

This is also one of the best sections of the day to sit back and let your skipper handle the navigation. The tour is private, so you can keep things relaxed, even if you want a slower pace with lots of photos.

Lerins Islands Timing: Saint Marguerite and Saint Honorat at Human Speed

After Cap d’Antibes, you cross toward the Lerins Islands. The fun here is that you are not just passing by, you get time to anchor and enjoy the water, and you can add a stroll on one of the islands if your time allows.

The two most common island experiences on this route tend to be tied to Saint Marguerite and Saint Honorat. If you have the right timing, Saint Marguerite is a solid choice for swimming, snorkel time, and the kind of underwater scenery people rave about. Saint Honorat is often the stop that turns into a slower walk, with monastery atmosphere and a chance to see the islands up close on foot.

Keep your expectations realistic. You are doing a boat tour, not a full island day with buses and tickets. The island walk is best as a stroll, with the real highlight still being your time floating, swimming, and exploring from the water.

Snorkeling, Paddleboards, and the Water Toys That Actually Matter

This is the kind of trip where “optional activities” do not stay optional. You get snorkeling gear plus a stand-up paddleboard, and there are life jackets and swim noodles onboard, which helps a lot if someone in your group wants an easier, more playful way into the water.

What I like about this setup is that it fits different comfort levels. A strong swimmer can snorkel, a beginner can use the noodles and paddleboard, and someone who simply wants to cool off can float and watch the coastline without pressure to do anything dramatic.

Some departures include snorkeling stops near the Eco Musée area, where people talk about seeing underwater sculpture features, including head-shaped statues. Even if snorkeling is new to you, having a skipper on hand makes a difference because you are not left guessing where to go and how to manage the time.

A practical detail: it is a floating day, so bring a towel and expect to get wet. The swim platform helps, and the included gear helps even more.

How Long Is Long Enough: 3 Hours vs 6 Hours

You have a choice between 3 to 6 hours, and I genuinely think the right length depends on what you want most.

If you pick the shorter window, you will likely pack in a cruise and at least one swim or snorkel anchor. That is great if you are already doing land plans in Cannes or Antibes and just want one knockout block of sea time.

If you pick closer to the 6-hour range, you usually get more breathing room between stops. People who choose longer trips often talk about having enough time to swim more than once, paddleboard without rushing, and still add an island stroll. In practical terms, it gives you less of a clock-pressure feeling and more time to settle into the day.

My rule of thumb: if you are traveling with kids, or you are the type who wants to paddleboard even if the first try feels awkward, go longer. The extra hour or two can be the difference between trying it once and feeling comfortable.

Onboard Comfort, Shade, and the Food and Drink Reality

Food and drinks are not included, but they are allowed onboard. That is a nice middle ground, because you can keep it simple with snacks you bring, and you can also take advantage of marina and island options when you are stopped.

There are also delivery boats around that can bring items like snacks, ice cream, and drinks. That is a fun way to keep the day easy, especially if you want to stay anchored and keep the momentum without going ashore.

The boat is built for comfort during the ride and the stops. The cockpit has seating and a table, so it is not just standing room. There is also storage space for bags, and you might find onboard amenities like a small fridge, which is helpful when you bring drinks.

Bring cash. Even if you plan to bring your own snacks, you may want cash for island or marina purchases, or for small extras at stops.

Price and Value, Plus the €200 Skipper Fee

The price is $342 per group up to 5 for a private outing that includes the boat and all the key water gear. If you compare this to the real cost of multiple tickets on group cruises, plus renting gear, it often pencils out well, especially for families and small groups who want flexibility.

The one thing you must plan for is the skipper fee of €200 paid at the boat. That fee is separate from the upfront price, so it is worth treating it as part of your true budget from the start. For a private day that includes guidance in the water and personalized routing, it can still feel like good value.

Big picture: what you are paying for is time. You are paying for a slow, flexible day on the Riviera where you can choose between swimming hard, floating easy, or adding a short island walk when the timing feels right.

Who This Trip Fits Best, and Who Might Want a Different Option

This outing is a good fit for couples who want a romantic, quiet day away from crowds. It also works well for families with kids, because the gear helps younger swimmers stay safe and comfortable, and a skipper can adjust how the time in the water works based on your group.

For small groups, the private format is the win. You do not need to align with strangers’ swim speeds, you can ask for specific photo angles, and you can choose when you want to anchor versus cruise.

It is not for everyone, though. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is not recommended for children under 3. Also, if no one in your group wants to swim or be in the water at all, you might find a shore-based Riviera day more comfortable.

Practical Tips That Make the Day Smoother

Come ready to be in swim mode. Bring swimwear, a towel, weather-appropriate clothing, and cash. Since high heels are not allowed, wear footwear you can handle if you get it damp, or keep it simple and comfortable.

Check your messages before the tour. Your skipper will contact you shortly before departure with details about the meeting point, boat info, and weather conditions. That communication step is small, but it is part of what keeps the day smooth.

Finally, think about what you want from the water. If snorkeling is the priority, you will enjoy the stops that give real time in the anchor area. If paddleboarding is the priority, plan to spend a little time learning how to stand and balance so it stays fun, not stressful.

Should You Book This Private Boat Trip?

I would book this if you want your Riviera day to feel like a private experience, with real water time and a skipper who can shape the route around your group. The mix of Lerins Islands and Cap d’Antibes is efficient, and the included gear turns the day into an activity, not just a scenic ride.

Skip it if you need a fully land-based itinerary, or if your group cannot get to the marina easily. Also, go in knowing that the €200 skipper fee is separate, so your budget matches what you will pay on the day.

If you want a confident, flexible plan for one of the most beautiful stretches of the French Riviera, this private boat trip is one of the smartest ways to spend your time on the water.