Discovery of Sailing Porquerolles with meals included

Porquerolles is the kind of place that ruins you for ordinary beaches. This sailing day from Hyères pairs meals included with time to swim, snorkel, and paddle around coves, run by Anthony and Séverine of Voiles Filantes. I love how the vibe feels intimate with a maximum of 10 travelers, and I also like that snorkeling time is built into the day rather than treated like an optional add-on.

The only real catch is the day depends on good weather. If conditions are rough, the whole plan can shift, and you will want sun protection because you are spending hours outdoors by boat and on sandy beaches.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Small group sailing (max 10) keeps the pace relaxed and questions answerable in English
• Homemade lunch, aperitif, and drinks make the “all inclusive” feeling real, not marketing fluff
• Courtade plus Notre-Dame gives you variety, from a big sandy beach to a pine-forest cove vibe
• Snorkeling and paddle time are part of the plan, with masks and fins provided
• Anchoring locations chosen to respect the environment means the experience is focused on the sea, not on crowd control

From Ayguade’s Beach To Your Boat, The Day Starts Simple

Your morning begins at Ayguade’s Beach in Hyères, at 24 Rue de la Darse (start time is 10:30 am). The tour runs about 7 hours and loops back to the meeting point at the end, so you are not dealing with getting stranded across the island.

A detail I appreciate: you meet the captain off the beach and then board by dinghy before you take off. That is common in this part of the Riviera, but it also tends to make the day feel local and practical. One more plus for planning: the activity is offered in English and you get a mobile ticket, which keeps things smooth when you are traveling light.

Also, note the maximum group size. With up to 10 travelers, you can typically ask questions about the route, the coves, and what is worth watching when you are actually on the water. If you like your tours to feel less like a schedule and more like a day out, this structure fits.

Sailing Along The Peninsula To Porquerolles In About An Hour

Once you leave Hyères by sea, you spend the first stretch sailing along the peninsula. The goal is sightseeing, especially the southern side of the island with its cliffs, forests, and coves.

Then it is crossing time. The trip to Porquerolles takes about an hour. That hour matters because it is long enough to settle into the motion of sailing, but short enough that you are still fresh when you reach your first beach stop. This is the sweet spot for people who want the “on the water” experience without turning the whole day into transit.

If you are sensitive to sun or sea spray, this is also when you can grab your place on deck early. You get your first big chunk of open water, and later the day becomes more about anchoring, swimming, and relaxing.

Plage de la Courtade: Where Swimming, Snacks, And Snorkeling All Fit

Courtade is the first beach stop, and you get about 2 hours there. It is Porquerolles’ largest sandy beach, and the setting is part of the appeal. It sits near the port, but it is also on the edge of a pine and eucalyptus forest, so you get both that classic sand-and-sea feeling and shade from the trees.

This stop is built for time in the water. You can swim, snorkel, and paddle, and there is an aperitif plus meals included as part of the beach period. That is a big value point for me. Instead of eating on the fly while everyone rushes to the next photo spot, your meal is scheduled when you are already set up to enjoy the surroundings.

Here is what to expect during this stretch:

• You anchor at Courtade and settle in for swimming and snorkeling
• Paddle time is available, and many people like it because it is low effort and fun once you are in calm water
• Your food and drinks are part of the beach block, so you do not have to choose between eating and going in the sea

One practical consideration: Courtade is a sandy beach, so it can be bright and hot. Even if you are planning to swim, bring sun protection and a hat, and plan to take breaks when the light gets intense.

Plage Notre Dame: The Pine-Forest Beach With Shallow Water And Breathing Room

After lunch, you head north to Plage Notre-Dame, also known as Notre-Dame Bay. This stop runs about 2 hours. The beach stretches roughly 800 meters, and it is famous, so yes, it is popular. What balances that out is its location.

Notre-Dame Bay is farther from the port than some other beaches, which helps it feel less crowded in practice. The setting also changes the mood. It sits within a pine forest, and the swimming is described as pleasant with shallow depth, which makes it a good beach for people who want to wade in and stay in the water longer without fighting deep waves.

It is also the kind of place that earns its reputation. The beach has been voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, and that matters because it signals not just good marketing but a real combination of sand, water access, and dramatic surroundings. At the same time, because it is very visited, you should expect that it can get busy at peak times.

How to enjoy Notre-Dame best:

• Use the shallow water to make snorkeling and floating easier
• If you want a calmer feel, keep an eye on the flow of people over your two-hour window
• Pair sunbathing with short swim sessions, the beach structure makes it easy

If you are traveling with anyone who does not love snorkeling, this is the stop where “just hang out” works. Sunbathing and relaxing are genuinely part of the day here, not a backup plan.

Plage La Capte And The Sail Back: When Conditions Let The Sails Fly

The final stop is Plage La Capte, and you get about 1 hour. This is the shift back toward the water and the return journey. As soon as the weather permits, you hoist the sails with the help of passengers who want to pitch in. If you have ever wanted to do more than sit and watch, this is the moment that turns sailing into participation.

You are not just returning in a straight line. The day keeps a sense of movement, from anchoring at beaches to getting back underway. This final hour helps you feel like the trip is still going, even though the main beach time is done.

A heads-up to set expectations: sailing depends on conditions. If wind is light, you may spend more time enjoying the scenery and less time with dramatic sail hoisting. That is normal, and it is also part of why the captain’s decisions matter.

Why The Included Meals And Drinks Feel Like Real Value

The price is $180.23 per person for roughly 7 hours. At first glance, you might compare it to ferries and beach day tickets and wonder if it is too much.

Here is where the math changes. Your day includes:

• Meals while you are anchored at the beach
• Drinks and an aperitif
• Snorkeling gear like masks and fins, plus paddle options such as paddleboarding

In other words, you are not paying for just transportation. You are paying for a full-day experience where you get time in the sea, time on two very different beaches, and food handled for you.

This also affects the pacing. I like all-inclusive setups because you spend less time thinking and more time enjoying. When hunger hits, it is already part of the plan. When the water calls, your gear is already on hand.

One thing you should consider for personal needs: dietary restrictions are not spelled out in the provided details. If you have allergies or specific requirements, message the operator in advance and ask what they can accommodate.

The Small-Group Advantage: Easy Conversation, Better Attention

A maximum of 10 travelers sounds like a detail, but it changes the whole tone of the day. With a smaller group, you tend to get more direct attention, especially when people want to know what they are seeing or how to use the snorkeling equipment.

It also helps with the flow of the day. You are less likely to feel herded. Instead, the captain and hostess, Anthony and Séverine, guide you through the experience and keep things organized without crowd pressure. Many people highlight that the guides are warm and present, but not hovering.

This matters most if you are solo. The setup is welcoming, and you are likely to find it easier to chat, share a moment on deck, or ask for tips on where to go in the water.

Price And Logistics: What You Need To Know Before You Go

This is offered in English, starts at 10:30 am, and uses a mobile ticket. That helps you avoid stress if you are bouncing between multiple Riviera stops.

Also, you should know the experience requires good weather. If conditions are not workable, the tour can be canceled and you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is not a weakness, it is part of how sailing works. Still, it means you should avoid booking this as your only plan on a day where everything else depends on the weather.

Finally, drinks are included, but there is a legal drinking age of 18 and over. If you are traveling with a younger group member, plan accordingly.

Who This Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Another Day)

This sailing day is a strong match for:

• People who want two beach experiences rather than one long stop
• Travelers who actually plan to swim and snorkel, since gear is available
• Solo travelers who appreciate an energetic but not chaotic group size
• Couples and small families who want a relaxed day at sea with meals handled

It might be less ideal if:

• You cannot handle time outdoors in the sun for 7 hours
• You hate the idea of weather dependency, since sailing days need workable conditions
• You want a strict, shore-only itinerary with no water activities

If you fall into the middle category, focus on the compromise. The day still gives you lots of beach time even if you do not snorkel every moment.

Practical Tips So The Day Feels Effortless

You do not need a lot of gear to enjoy this day, but a few choices help:

• Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes for the ride back
• Pack sun protection because beach time is real and you are exposed on the water too
• If you plan to snorkel, use the provided masks and fins, but check fit before you head in
• Bring a small bag for essentials so you are not juggling items during stops

And about tipping: some people mention tipping the crew. If you feel the service is worth it, that is a normal part of the experience in many sea-tour settings.

Should You Book This Porquerolles Sailing Day?

Book it if you want Porquerolles the practical way: a small group, real time in the water, and a full-day experience where meals, drinks, and snorkeling are part of the schedule. I also think it is a good value for what you are getting, especially when you factor in the all-in setup rather than paying separately for food and activities.

Skip it or choose a different option if weather dependence would stress your trip plan. Sailing days in the Riviera are fantastic, but the ocean runs the show.

If you are deciding between “just ferry and beach” and “a guided sea day,” this is the latter done thoughtfully, with attention to where you anchor and how the day stays enjoyable from start to finish.

FAQ

How long is the sailing experience?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Ayguade’s Beach, 24 Rue de la Darse, 83400 Hyères, France. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How many travelers are in the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What is included with the meals and drinks?

Meals are included, along with aperitif and drinks.

Is snorkeling or paddle time included?

Snorkeling is part of the experience, and paddle time is mentioned in connection with the beach activities.

What should I know about drinking age?

The legal drinking age is 18 and over.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Is weather a factor?

Yes. This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.