Private Boat Tour Cannes Lerins Islands

A boat day out of Cannes feels like the real shortcut to the coast. This private tour gives you a calmer pace, plus a skipper who shares what he has learned from sailing around the islands for years. I also like the mix of active time (snorkel and paddle boards) and slow time (anchoring to swim, chill, and take photos).

One thing to watch: the listed price is per group, and there is an extra €200 skipper fee per booking that is not included, plus snacks and alcohol are on you.

Key things to know before you go

• Private for up to 5, so you can ask for a route that matches your group
• Snorkeling gear and a paddle board are included, so you can go straight into the water
• Saint-Honorat can include a short stroll, not just a pass by from the sea
• A swim and snorkel anchor stop comes with time to lounge and recharge
• Treasure hunt in the water adds a playful break between sightseeing
• Route can shift based on weather, with Cap d’Antibes as a common alternative

A Private Boat Day in Cannes That Feels Like Your Own Plan

Cannes looks great from the shoreline, but from the water it turns into something more relaxed and personal. You are not waiting on a crowd, and you are not stuck at someone else’s pace. Your captain, Philippe, steers you toward the best spots for the conditions that day and keeps the mood easy.

What makes this tour work is how it balances stories, time on the water, and actual free moments to do what you want. You get enough guidance to make the coastline meaningful, but you still get room to swim, snorkel, paddle, and just hang out. That balance is a big reason the day tends to be remembered as a highlight.

Price and what is actually included for up to 5

The price is $349.97 per group for up to 5 people, so it can be a good deal if you can fill the boat. Think of it as splitting the cost across a small crew rather than paying per seat like a big group tour. If your group is smaller, the value still can be worth it, but you will feel the fixed costs more.

Here is what you get without extra add-ons: private tour, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, bottled water, and gas. Those inclusions matter because they cut down on what you need to bring and what you might have to rent elsewhere.

What is not included is important for your budgeting. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included, and there is also a €200 skipper fee per booking. That fee is the piece that changes the math, so I suggest you include it in your total before deciding.

Meeting point at Restaurant Les Artistes and how the day runs

You meet at Restaurant Les Artistes, Port Camille Rayon, Av. des Frères Roustan, 06220 Vallauris, France. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you do not have to worry about a complicated drop-off.

The tour runs about 6 hours. In real terms, that is long enough for real water time, not just a single quick swim stop. It also gives your captain space to show you multiple parts of the coastline rather than racing from one photo point to the next.

One practical note: the start is near public transportation, which helps if you are not arriving by car. Also, the tour is offered in English, and it may be operated by a multi-lingual guide depending on the day.

Lerins Islands sailing, then Saint-Honorat for a change of pace

The day centers on the Lerins Islands, and you start with sailing around the area while your skipper fills in the context. This is not just a drive-by. You will get a running commentary on what you are seeing and why these islands matter, and you will learn it while you are enjoying the sea air.

One of the best itinerary moments is the chance to reach Saint-Honorat and potentially stop for a stroll. That changes the whole feel of the tour. Instead of staying on the boat the entire time, you get a short on-island break that makes the day feel more like an outing than a long scenic cruise.

A possible drawback here is simple: it depends on how the day is going. Wind, swell, and general conditions can affect when the captain can safely offer an island step. If your priority is that stroll, plan for it as a bonus, not a guaranteed checklist item.

The Man with the Iron Mask story, plus Cannes landmarks from the sea

As you move through the route, your skipper brings you into the local lore, including the Man with the Iron Mask story. The key value is that the tale is tied to what you can actually see around you, so it lands better than a detached history lesson. You also get it in small parts rather than as one long lecture.

You will also see a Cannes landmark from the water as part of the sightseeing flow. Even if you have walked around Cannes before, a viewpoint from the bay gives you a different sense of scale and placement. It helps you understand where the city sits in relation to the coastline and the islands.

The downside is that you should treat the landmarks as part of a sea-based story, not as a stand-alone museum stop. If you want lots of time on land at big attractions, this is not that kind of day.

The main water time: anchoring for swim, snorkel, paddle, and chilling

This tour earns its reputation on how it handles the water time. Your captain will find a good spot to anchor so you can enjoy a swim, snorkel, paddle, or just relax. The anchoring stop is where the day turns from sightseeing into a proper break.

Because snorkeling equipment and a paddle board are included, you are not stuck doing one activity because of gear. You can switch between them as the day changes. That freedom matters most for mixed groups, like if someone wants to snorkel while someone else wants to stay afloat and soak up the view.

Safety and comfort show up in the way the day is guided. The captain’s job is to choose manageable spots and keep your group feeling at ease in open water. If you are a first-time snorkeler or you just want a casual paddle, this setup is a good match.

One more bonus that comes up in the vibe of the day: there is time that feels spontaneous. People often look out for fish and enjoy the sea life once they are in, and that kind of moment is hard to recreate in a land-based itinerary.

Treasure hunt in crystal water, then a reset with sea views

After the swimming and gear time, the itinerary includes a playful activity: a treasure hunt in crystal water. It is exactly the kind of break that prevents a boat day from feeling repetitive. Instead of only watching scenery, you get a short, hands-on moment that keeps the group engaged.

Then you circle back to the bigger point of the day, seeing Cannes and its surrounding areas from the sea. This is one of those experiences where the setting does half the job for you. The water gives you natural pacing, shade, and that sense of being away from the noise without going far.

The small caution: the sea can be unpredictable. If the water is choppy or visibility changes, some activities may feel different than what you imagined from photos. Still, you are on a private boat, so the captain can often adjust the exact timing and how the water time is split.

When weather changes the plan: Cap d’Antibes and Billionaires Bay options

Weather matters on the water, and this tour is built with that in mind. The itinerary includes alternatives if conditions steer you away from the Lerins focus. One common swap is Cap d’Antibes, described as an alternative to the Lerins Islands.

If you choose a full day option, the plan often heads toward Cap d’Antibes in the morning. That likely means more time for coastline cruising before you settle into any main anchor period. It also means you get more chances to see how the area looks as the day goes on.

There is also a “billionaires bay” style stop, basically a look at a more famous, high-end stretch of coastline from the water. The value here is perspective. Even if you have heard of places like this, seeing them from the bay makes the geography make sense.

A small logistics consideration: routes are weather-driven. So if your heart is set on one specific island or one specific bay, you should accept that the captain might choose the safest or most rewarding alternative based on the conditions.

Food on the water, plus that little extra people plan for

Snacks and alcohol are not included, so you should think ahead about your personal comfort. If you like to snack mid-day, pack something simple or plan to buy along the way. Your captain can also help you figure out what is realistic in your specific spot and time window.

One extra that shows up in the day’s spirit is the idea of getting treats on the water. Some groups manage to order pizza to the boat, and there is even talk of an ice cream boat moment that feels like a fun local tradition when it lines up. I would not build your whole schedule around it, but it is the kind of side moment that can make the day feel special.

Bottom line: you control your comfort. Bring water if you want extra beyond what is included, and decide what you want for snacks, then let the sea time do the heavy lifting.

Who this private boat tour is best for

This is a strong choice if you want a small-group, private experience and you care about time in the water. It suits couples, small families, and groups of friends who want flexibility. If you have different comfort levels with swimming and snorkeling, the mix of activities makes it easier to keep everyone happy.

It is also ideal if you like guidance with a human touch. Philippe’s style seems to combine sailing knowledge with story-telling, and that helps the coastline feel less like background scenery and more like a place with layers.

If you are a traveler who needs lots of land time at major attractions, you might find this too water-focused. But if your dream day includes anchoring, swimming, and floating with a view, this fits really well.

Should you book the Private Boat Tour Cannes Lerins Islands?

I think this is worth booking if you want a memorable boat day rather than a checklist tour. The biggest reasons to say yes are the included snorkeling and paddle board gear, the planned anchoring stop for real swim time, and the overall balance between sightseeing and relaxing.

I would hesitate only if you are trying to keep costs ultra-tight. The public price per group can look reasonable, but the €200 skipper fee per booking plus your own food choices can change the total. Also, because it depends on good weather, you should be mentally flexible.

If you like the sound of Lerins Islands, want a chance at Saint-Honorat, and you care about spending hours on the sea in a small group, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

How many people is the private boat tour for?

This is a private tour for your group, with a maximum of up to 5 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

What does it cost?

The price is $349.97 per group.

What is included with the tour?

The tour includes private boat service, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, bottled water, and gas.

Are snacks and alcohol included?

No. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included.

Is there an extra skipper fee?

Yes. Skipper fees are listed as €200.00 per booking and are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Restaurant Les Artistes, Port Camille Rayon, Av. des Frères Roustan, 06220 Vallauris, France.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.