Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Cruise, Picnic, & Swimming

Limestone cliffs, but with your own little boat. This Marseille Calanques catamaran feels small-group from the start, with stops that go beyond the usual viewpoints. I especially like the all-inclusive setup, meaning you get food, drinks, and the gear to swim and snorkel without extra errands.

The big drawback to keep in mind is the day depends on wind and water conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, go in knowing catamaran rides are usually comfortable, but you can still feel waves on a windy day, and late arrivals mean you can miss boarding.

Key things to know before you go

• 24 people max, two skippers, and four toilets so the boat stays comfortable and not cramped.
• Riou Island plus multiple Calanques swim stops, not just a drive-by from the coast.
• Snorkeling gear and wetsuits if the water is cold, with the chance to swim in caves and coves.
• Homemade picnic with rosé plus snacks, so you are not hunting food during the day.
• GoPro cameras are included, which is great if you want water shots without handling your phone.

A small catamaran makes the Calanques feel personal

I love the way this trip avoids the big-tour vibe. With a maximum of 24 people and two skippers, the crew can actually manage the day, guide you where the water is right, and keep the pace from turning into a sprint. You are not just watching the coastline, you are moving along it with time to stop, swim, and reset.

The second thing I like is the effort that’s baked in. You get snorkeling gear, wetsuits if the water is cold, and even GoPro cameras, plus a homemade picnic with rosé and dessert. That matters because the Calanques day can easily turn into lots of small purchases. Here, the tour handles it.

One more detail I appreciate: you’re cruising from Port de la Pointe Rouge, so you start the day in Marseille, not an hour away. It’s a clean way to add the Calanques without feeling like you’ve lost half your trip just getting to the water.

Meeting at Bleu Evasion in Port de la Pointe Rouge

Plan to arrive early. The meeting point is Bleu Evasion at the entrance number 3 of the Port de la Pointe Rouge. You’ll want to be there 15 minutes before boarding for check-in, because this is a shared catamaran.

Also note the practical stuff:

• Bring a telephone number for the customer details they require.
• Traffic jams happen. If you show up late, there is no refund for missing boarding.
• Pets are not allowed on the tour.

Once you’re checked in, the mood shifts fast. The boat is set up for a day on the water, and with only 24 people, you can spread out. That translates into a calmer start before you even reach the first views.

Departing to Riou Island: first views, then swim time

Riou is where you usually get that immediate, wow-you’re-here feeling. Your plan includes time in the L’Archipel de Riou, with a mix of photo stops, guided touring, and sightseeing, plus a chance to swim and snorkel. This stop is listed at about 75 minutes, which is long enough to enjoy the scenery and still get into the water more than once.

Why Riou works so well early in the day:

• You see the coast with the light still fresh.
• The crew can check water conditions and keep the day feeling organized.
• You start building confidence if you plan to snorkel in the Calanques water.

In water like this, the snorkeling moment is not just about seeing fish. It’s also about cooling off and breaking up the day so you’re not only standing and taking photos. Even if you only float around for a bit, it makes the trip feel active.

Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton: how the crew strings together coves

After Riou, the route keeps you in the thick of the Calanques National Park experience. You get a sequence of stops that blend quick photo moments with guided sightseeing and time to enjoy the scenery from the water.

Here’s what to expect from each of the main Calanques named on the plan:

Calanque de Sormiou

You’ll have a photo stop and guided sightseeing here. This stop is designed as part of the visual circuit, letting you see limestone cliffs and protected coves from angles that are hard to get from shore.

Potential drawback: Sormiou is scenic, but the value is in the combination of stops. If you expect one long, beach-style hang, you might find it feels more like a crafted waypoint.

Calanque de Morgiou

Morgiou is another planned stop with sightseeing and a break time component, including photo viewing and guided tour. Your schedule lists about 45 minutes for this segment.

This is one of those places where the water makes the difference. If conditions are good, it becomes a swim-and-reset stop. If conditions are rougher, you still get the view, but the time in the water can feel more cautious.

Calanque de Sugiton

Sugiton is where the plan gives you more time, about 75 minutes, with photo time, guided sightseeing, and free time, plus swimming and snorkeling. In other words, this is closer to the stop where you can slow down.

What I like about having a longer stop here is that it matches how people actually enjoy swimming. You get a first swim to get your bearings, some time to float and watch, then you can go back in if you want.

The secret stop and the Blue Cave: the stops you remember later

This is where the day feels special. In the middle of the route you’ll make a secret stop for photo viewing, guided sightseeing, and swimming and snorkeling, with about 45 minutes allotted.

Secret stop means the vibe is different. These aren’t just listed highlights you can Google. You are more likely to feel like you’re seeing a quiet pocket of coastline that regular land routes don’t give you. If you like the feeling of being “in the know,” this is the part that delivers it.

Then there is the Blue Cave and En-Vau. The plan includes Calanque d’En-Vau, about 1 hour, and it also mentions the Blue Cave experience as a possibility, with En-Vau dependent on weather. That weather note is important. When water and light line up, cave stops can be magical. When they don’t, you still get excellent scenery and swimming time in other coves.

Practical tip: if cave access is offered, keep your routine simple. Put on your wetsuit properly, do a quick check of the snorkeling gear, and follow the skippers’ pace. You want calm, not rushed.

Snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and why GoPro matters

The best way to think about the included swim gear is this: it removes friction. You don’t need to rent anything, and you don’t need to figure out whether you can handle the water temperature. The tour provides snorkeling gear, and wetsuits if the water is cold.

In early October, for example, people noted the water can be chilly, and the wetsuits help you enjoy the swim instead of counting minutes until you get out.

You should also know what the crew focuses on in the water. The Calanques area includes protected marine ecosystems, with seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and fish like groupers and scorpionfish. The snorkeling gear helps you actually see that, and the stops are planned so you are swimming in the right places, not just any random spot.

Then there’s the small but smart inclusion: GoPro cameras. Even if you don’t care about filming, it reduces the pressure to balance your phone while you’re in the water. You’ll come away with shots that feel like they belong to the day, not like accidental selfies.

Lunch and rosé on the water: a picnic that actually feels like lunch

This tour is generous with food and drink, and that shows in how the day flows. For lunch you get a homemade sandwich, dessert, and rosé wine, along with soft drinks and snacks throughout the ride.

I like that you are not stuck figuring out lunch after you swim, or trying to find a café that matches your schedule. It’s also a value win. At $104 per person for a half-day plus multiple swim stops, you are paying for boat time, guide time, and the included provisions. Since drinks, picnic lunch, and snorkel gear are already handled, you can keep your spending simple.

One note: the day is built around movement and water time. If you’re the type who prefers a long seated lunch, you might feel it’s more like eating and relaxing briefly between swims. But that’s also part of the fun: you are on the water, not doing a strict land meal.

Comfort on board: space, toilets, and the catamaran rhythm

A lot of people worry about boat comfort before they do a sea trip. This catamaran is set up for it. You’ll have four toilets on board, and the boat is described as ultra-comfort with a small max group size.

You’ll also have two skippers, which makes a difference in how the boat handles the day. It helps the crew keep things organized during stops, including managing snorkeling moments and maintaining smooth timing.

From a practical standpoint, this is the kind of boat day where you can actually enjoy the ride. You get sea breeze, you can move around, and with fewer people, there’s less waiting around for views.

Timing and seasickness reality check

Even with a comfortable catamaran, this is still open water. If you get motion sick easily, bring whatever you usually rely on. The tour includes wetsuits for cold water, so you will spend time changing and getting ready for swimming, which can also affect how you feel if the boat is rocking.

Also remember that you need to be at the meeting point on time. Boarding happens at Bleu Evasion, and being late means missing the trip with no refund.

This is not the right tour if you want zero movement. But if you’re okay with a real day on the sea and you like the idea of multiple swim stops, it fits perfectly.

Who this Calanques catamaran suits best

This is best for adults and older kids who want an active, scenic boat day. It also works well for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a balance of guidance and freedom.

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems

If you’re a strong swimmer, you’ll get even more joy out of the cave and snorkeling moments. If you’re not, the wetsuits and short swim windows still make it doable, especially if you go in at the crew’s pace.

Should you book the Bleu Evasion Calanques cruise?

If your goal is to see dramatic Calanques cliffs and actually get into the water, this is a strong pick. I’d book it if you want:

• A 24-person max catamaran day with minimal crowding
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, not just one quick dip
• Included food and rosé, plus the gear so you can travel light
• A crew-led route that reaches places like Riou and includes a Blue Cave option when conditions allow

I would skip it only if you know you cannot handle rougher water, or if the health limits apply for your situation, like pregnancy or back issues. And if you tend to arrive late, this tour is unforgiving about timing.

Overall, it’s a practical way to experience Marseille’s coastline like it’s meant to be seen, from the deck first, then from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Calanques catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 5 hours, about 450 minutes.

Where is the meeting point in Marseille?

Meet at Bleu Evasion in Marseille, at the entrance number 3 of the Port de la Pointe Rouge. Arrive 15 minutes before boarding.

What’s included for swimming and snorkeling?

You get snorkeling gear and swimming stops, plus wetsuits if the water is cold. GoPro cameras are included as well.

Is lunch and rosé included?

Yes. The picnic includes a homemade sandwich, dessert, rosé wine, soft drinks, and snack items.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses and a towel.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnancy?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

What is the cancellation and late-arrival policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is no refund if you are late for boarding.