Marseille : Calanques Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Wine

Calanques by catamaran is pure salt-air therapy. You get a 30-person sailing day in the Calanques National Park with swims, photo stops, and real time on the water, plus an all-inclusive setup that keeps lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear covered. The one drawback to keep in mind is weather. On a windy, rainy day, staying warm can take longer than you want while you wait for hot gear.

What makes the day feel worth it is the human touch. The cruise is run with two skippers, and on past departures I’ve seen names like César and Alex paired up for the route and the commentary. I love that the plan is paced so you actually get to stop and swim in places like Riou and the Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton cliffs, instead of rushing from one view to the next.

You’ll also get a proper lunch, not just a snack, with plancha cooking plus salads, rosé wine, and fruit. Between snorkeling slots, you’ll be eating and cruising, not fighting logistics. And if you tend to get seasick, plan ahead, because even on a stable catamaran, a rougher day means you will feel it.

Quick reasons this Marseille Calanques cruise feels different

• Only 30 people on board so you spend more time at the waterline, not waiting your turn
• All-inclusive comfort with lunch, soft drinks, rosé wine, snack, wetsuits (if needed), and snorkeling gear
• Guided stops in the Calanques including Riou Island and major cliff areas like Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton
• GoPro photo capture so you’re not the only one who never gets a good picture
• Protected-water snorkeling with gear provided, aimed at seeing the park’s underwater life
• Two skippers managing the day so you get local route knowledge and smoother timing

Getting on board at Port de la Pointe Rouge, no last-minute stress

The tour starts at Bleu Evasion, at the entrance number 3 of Port de la Pointe Rouge in Marseille. This is one of those spots where traffic and parking can slow you down, so build in extra buffer time. Check-in needs to happen before boarding, and you’re asked to be there about 15 minutes early.

What you’re looking for is a modern, spacious, stable catamaran with a fast, smooth feel underway. The vibe is practical and relaxed: you’re not packed into a small boat with a dozen strangers leaning over each other. With a max of 30 people and two skippers, the crew can keep the day moving while still managing swim stops.

One small detail that matters: the booking process requires a telephone number. If you keep that handy, you avoid the most common day-of headaches. Also, pets are not allowed, and that’s worth knowing if you’re traveling with animals.

Riou Archipelago: the first big swim, photo stop, and guided look

The day begins with a long-ish block in the L’Archipel de Riou area, about two hours. This is where you get your first real taste of the park by water: big limestone walls, bright coves, and that classic Mediterranean sea you can’t stop staring at.

Expect a mix of:

• a photo stop for the views,
• a guided moment on what you’re seeing,
• and swim and snorkeling time.

This stop is ideal if you want to feel like you’re doing more than sightseeing from deck. You’re given snorkeling gear and, in colder conditions, a wetsuit. If you’re new to snorkeling, this is a good place to try because the crew is right there and the water is part of a protected area.

Also, this is the stage of the day when you can be most flexible. If the sea state is friendly, you’ll likely want to stay in the water longer. If it’s choppier, you can still enjoy the scenery and join the snorkeling when it feels comfortable.

Sormiou cliffs: a shorter stop with strong viewpoint energy

Next comes Calanque de Sormiou for about one hour. This is a classic Calanques style stop: dramatic cliff faces, a strong sense of being tucked into a carved-out coastal world, and enough time to swap between viewing and quick water time if conditions allow.

Because it’s shorter, I think of Sormiou as the “reset” stop. You grab photos, stretch a bit, and get back to cruising. If you’re someone who loves scenery but also wants to stay active, this stop is a good balance.

The guidance here matters because the Calanques are easy to admire at a glance, but harder to understand without context. With an attentive captain, you’ll get a better sense of how the cliffs, coves, and sheltered waters connect.

Morgiou plus lunch on the water: your longest calanque moment

Calanque de Morgiou is the meal anchor of the trip, with about two and a half hours. This is where the cruise leans hardest into the full-day experience: sightseeing, guided narration, and a longer window for swimming and snorkeling.

Lunch is served here, and it’s described as a plancha-style meal with beef and chicken, plus salads and fruit. You also get rosé wine with the meal, along with snack items and other drinks during the day.

Why this stop works for most people: it blends the best parts of a boat day.

• You get cliff views when you’re on deck.
• You get the sea time when you’re in the water.
• You get the fuel in between, so the day doesn’t turn into grazing.

One practical note for the meal portion: eating while anchored near strong scenery can mean you’re tempted to stay focused on the view instead of your plate. I’d go for a normal pace, then head back to the water without rushing. You’ll enjoy the snorkeling more if you’re not already worn out.

A secret stop between the big names

There’s also a secret stop timed for about one hour, built into the middle of the route. This is the part of the day that often feels the most “why is this so quiet” because the calmer, less predictable cove experience can be different from the headline locations.

Expect another round of:

• photo opportunities,
• guided commentary,
• and swimming or snorkeling time depending on the conditions.

Even if you can’t tell exactly where you are at first glance, the overall feel tends to come down to shelter. The secret stop usually means a more protected water moment, which is exactly what you want for comfortable snorkeling and an easy swim.

Sugiton: final viewpoints and one last snorkeling window

The last named Calanque stop is Calanque de Sugiton, about one hour. This one is more about making the most of the final scenic burst. You get a guided component and time to settle into the last set of views.

Because the day is structured around multiple stops, Sugiton works well even if you skipped snorkeling earlier. You can take it slow, watch others in the water, and still enjoy the cliffs and coves from deck.

It’s also a nice finish if you’re thinking about photos. By this point, you’ll know what kind of shots you want: wide cliff views, close-ups of your group on deck, and those sea level moments where snorkeling gear makes you look like a pro.

Onboard comfort, food, and the GoPro factor that saves your day

The cruise is built around comfort for a small group. You’re on a stable catamaran with a spacious layout and a big bouncing-free deck feel. The highlights list includes a huge trampoline, and that’s exactly the kind of fun detail that can make the day feel less like a tour and more like a small outing. That said, one booking pointed out that items advertised like paddles or the trampoline were not there on their sailing. If those extras matter to you, I’d ask before you go so your expectations match reality.

Now the part I really like: the day is all-inclusive in a way that changes the vibe. Lunch is cooked on a plancha, you get soft drinks and rosé, and snorkeling gear plus wetsuits (if water is cold) are included. You’re not hunting for a meal, not renting equipment, and not trying to negotiate a quick snack in a tourist trap.

The GoPro piece is also smart. Instead of you fumbling a phone at the wrong time, the boat’s GoPro camera helps capture your adventure. That means more of your day can stay in your eyes and not behind a screen.

Snorkeling in the Calanques park: what you might actually see

Snorkeling here is focused on protected waters inside the national park. You’re not just jumping in for a random splash. The underwater life described for this area includes seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and fish like groupers and scorpionfish.

Real talk, conditions matter. Water visibility can shift, and sea state affects how comfortable it is to stay close to the snorkel zone. But when gear is provided and the stops are planned with snorkeling in mind, you’re more likely to have a satisfying experience than if you try to DIY it.

Also, wetsuits are part of the plan if the water is cold. I like that because it removes a common stress point. You don’t have to guess whether you’ll be shivering after five minutes.

Weather, seasickness, and packing so the day stays fun

The Calanques are beautiful, but they do not control for wind and rain. One past departure described a day that turned windy and rainy, with passengers getting cold while waiting for warm clothing. That’s not something you can fully fix from home, but you can prepare for it.

Pack for variability:

• Bring sunglasses.
• Bring a towel.
• If you run cold easily, consider bringing an extra layer you can use quickly on deck.

On seasickness, the catamaran is described as stable, but rougher water can still make you feel waves. If you’re prone to nausea, I suggest taking your anti-motion-sickness plan early. One booking advised taking medication about two hours before the cruise. Also, a note from a past passenger: crew members cannot hand out those tablets, so bring your own if you need it.

If you’re expecting a perfect, sunny day, you might end up frustrated. If you’re flexible and dressed for the possibility of wind, you’ll enjoy it more.

Price and value: where the $199 really goes

At $199 per person, this isn’t an impulse-cheap outing. The value comes from bundling the hard parts that usually cost extra on your own.

Here’s what’s included:

• Lunch with plancha cooking (beef and chicken), salads, rosé, and fruit
• Soft drinks and additional drinks during the day plus snack
• Calanques tax
• Snorkeling gear and wetsuits if needed
• GoPro camera capture
• Guided time from the skippers throughout stops

So you’re paying for time on the water, guided access to multiple Calanques areas, and the gear that makes snorkeling possible. If you were to recreate that day independently, you’d typically spend on boat time, food, and equipment separately, and you’d still be coordinating timing.

It’s also good to remember the small-group element. A max of 30 people changes the feel of the swim stops and deck time. Less crowding means you can actually enjoy the places, not just look at them.

Who this cruise is best for, and who should reconsider

This day works especially well if you want:

• a full-day Calanques experience from Marseille,
• guided stops across multiple coves,
• swimming and snorkeling with gear provided,
• and a proper lunch without a scramble.

It may not be the best fit if you have limitations. It’s not suitable for children under 2, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems. Pets are not allowed either.

If you’re traveling as a couple, small group, or even solo, the 30-person cap helps you feel like you’re on a shared trip rather than in a herd.

Should you book Bleu Evasion’s Calanques catamaran cruise?

I think this is a strong choice if your priority is a guided, all-inclusive day in the Calanques with real swimming and snorkeling, plus lunch and drinks taken care of. The small-group format and the two-skippers setup are exactly what make multiple stop timing feel smooth.

Book it if you’re comfortable with the reality that weather can affect comfort, and you’ll dress for it. If you’re picky about onboard extras like paddles or trampoline play, ask ahead so you know what you’ll actually get on your specific sailing. And if you’re sensitive to motion, bring your own seasickness solution and plan it early.

If those boxes fit you, you’re likely to come away with the thing that counts most, time in the water, cliff views you can’t replicate from shore, and a day that runs like a plan instead of a patchwork.

FAQ

How long is the Marseille Calanques catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 510 minutes, which is about 8.5 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Bleu Evasion in Marseille, at the entrance number 3 of Port de la Pointe Rouge.

What’s included with the price?

Lunch, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, rosé wine, snack, Calanques tax, and GoPro camera capture are included. Wetsuits are provided if the water is cold.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkelling gear is included, and you’ll also be offered wetsuits if conditions require it.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses and a towel.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.

Is it suitable for children or pregnancy?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years old, and it is not suitable for pregnant women. It’s also not suitable for people with back problems.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you are late for check-in, there is no refund.