Discover the Lérins Islands and the Bay of Cannes by Private Boat

The best part of this Cannes outing is the freedom to shape the day around your group. Micka takes up to six people by private boat toward the Lérins Islands, stopping at clear-water coves for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and time with an underwater scooter.

I like the relaxed pace and the small-group setting. You are not being moved from one crowded activity to the next. I also like the extras: wine, water, soft drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, fuel, and water toys are provided. The main consideration is cost clarity, since the advertised price is per group but a separate €300 skipper fee is paid on the boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to six people: Your group has the boat and skipper to itself, which makes the experience flexible and personal.
• Four hours on the Mediterranean: The route combines swimming stops, island views, water sports, and a cruise past Cannes.
• Micka, Michael, or Mika as skipper: The provider is referred to by several versions of his name, and English communication is available.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboarding, and an underwater scooter are part of the experience.
• Aperitif supplies are provided: Expect wine, water, soft drinks, and snacks, with some outings including a cheese or charcuterie board.
• Weather and water temperature matter: Wind can change the timing, and the sea may feel cool in May or early June.

A private start from Port Pierre Canto

You meet at Port Pierre Canto, at the eastern end of the Boulevard de la Croisette. This is a useful starting point because the boat heads quickly away from the city shoreline toward open water and the islands.

The tour lasts about four hours. That is enough time to visit several places without turning the day into a rushed checklist. You will spend part of the outing moving between sites, but the point is not simply transportation. The boat ride itself gives you a fresh view of Cannes, its waterfront hotels, and the curve of the bay.

This is a private activity, so only your party joins the boat. That matters most for families, couples, and friends with different ideas about the perfect afternoon. You can spend longer swimming, skip a water activity, or ask for a quieter cove if conditions allow.

Micka has also adjusted departure plans when wind made an afternoon less pleasant, offering a morning departure instead. That kind of flexibility is useful on the French Riviera, where wind and sea conditions can shape the day more than the calendar does.

Swimming and snorkeling near the Lérins Islands

The first part of the outing takes you toward the Lérins Islands and their coves. The water is described as clear and turquoise, with opportunities to swim using the provided masks and snorkels.

Do not expect a major reef or a formal marine park visit. This is a Mediterranean swim stop, best suited to seeing fish close to shore, cooling off, and enjoying the water from a private boat. The snorkeling is one part of a wider day rather than the sole purpose of the trip.

The supplied snorkel equipment has been praised for being easy to use, including mask and snorkel designs that allow underwater viewing. You can also use the underwater scooter, which gives older children and teenagers something active to do between swims.

Water temperature is worth taking seriously. In August, the sea can feel wonderfully warm, but in the second week of May it may be chilly. One early June outing had water around 22 degrees Celsius, comfortable for some swimmers but too cold for anyone used to Caribbean temperatures. Bring a towel and wear a swimsuit under your clothes so you can decide quickly once you see the conditions.

An aperitif beside the underwater museum

One hour is set aside around the Lérins Islands for swimming, snorkeling, and an aperitif. The underwater museum adds a special reason to look below the surface rather than simply float beside the boat.

The setting is the real pleasure here. Turquoise water, rocky islands, and boats scattered across the bay create a pleasant Mediterranean break. Micka provides wine, water, soft drinks, and snacks. Some groups have also enjoyed a cheese or charcuterie board, which turns a swim stop into a light lunch or early afternoon treat.

You should think of the aperitif as informal. It is not a restaurant meal, and the supplied information does not promise a full lunch. If you need substantial food, eat beforehand or bring any extra items you require.

This stop works especially well for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink and enjoy the view. The private format means you do not need to match the pace of strangers.

Sainte-Marguerite and a quiet cove

The boat then anchors in a cove near Île Sainte-Marguerite. This is another chance to swim and jump into the water, with the island forming a more sheltered setting than the open bay.

Sainte-Marguerite is one of the best-known islands off Cannes, but this boat trip is not presented as a full walking tour of the island. Your time here centers on the cove and the sea. If you want to explore the island on foot, ask Micka how much time is possible, since four hours must also cover the other stops.

This is a good place to slow down. The day has no fixed demand that you spend every minute in the water. You can swim, use the paddleboard, try the underwater scooter, or simply sit on the boat while the rest of your group plays.

Some outings have included cliff-jumping spots, but this should never be treated as a guaranteed feature. Conditions, safety, and local rules can affect what is possible. Follow the skipper’s instructions and do not jump unless he confirms that a spot is suitable.

Saint-Honorat, the island of monks

The next stop is Île Saint-Honorat, also called the Island of Monks. The route presents the island as a scenic and cultural contrast to the swimming coves.

You may be dropped at the island for a short visit, depending on the schedule and conditions. Saint-Honorat is known for its monastery and religious community, and the supplied description specifically calls attention to the island’s character rather than treating it as another swimming stop. One outing included time on the island and a purchase of local olive oil.

This part of the trip gives you a chance to put your feet on land. It also breaks up the water activities with a quieter stop. Since the total visit lasts only half a day, do not expect a full historical tour or long island walk. You are getting a taste of Saint-Honorat within a boat excursion.

Wear shoes that are comfortable for a short shore visit. The supplied information does not specify the length or exact route of the island stop, so keep your plans flexible.

The Croisette from the water

The final sightseeing segment follows the Boulevard de la Croisette from the sea. From the boat, Cannes looks different. The famous avenue, its grand hotels, and the waterfront line up in a single view that is hard to get from the pavement.

This is a worthwhile finish because it connects the natural side of the outing with the polished city that most people associate with Cannes. You have spent the day around islands, coves, and open water, then return with a new angle on the city’s most famous shoreline.

The boat returns to Port Pierre Canto, the same place where you began. If you are visiting Cannes from a cruise ship, check the meeting point carefully. The stated start is Port Pierre Canto, not every marina used by cruise vessels. One party faced an unexpected taxi issue after a port change caused by construction, so confirm the exact location before the day of departure.

What the €120.94 price really means

The advertised price is $120.94 per group of up to six, but the separate €300 skipper fee is paid on the boat. That fee changes the real cost substantially, so calculate the full amount before booking and check the current exchange rate.

For a full group of six, the cost can be reasonable for a private four-hour boat, especially because fuel, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard use, underwater scooter use, and refreshments are included. For two people, the same skipper fee makes the per-person cost much higher.

The value comes from privacy and flexibility rather than from the number of formal attractions. A standard group cruise may be cheaper, but you usually have less control over swimming time and fewer chances to choose your own pace. This outing is strongest when your group genuinely wants time in the water and appreciates having a skipper who can adjust the route.

The boat has been described as clean, spacious, and well equipped for groups of four. A music speaker has also been available on some outings. None of this turns the trip into a luxury yacht charter, but it does make a four-hour ride more comfortable.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this boat trip to families with children over three, couples celebrating a special occasion, and friends who want an active half-day at sea. Teenagers in particular should enjoy the paddleboard and underwater scooter.

It also suits people who prefer a private setting. You can do as much or as little as you like, within the limits of weather and the schedule. That is a major advantage if one person wants to snorkel while another prefers a drink and a view.

This is not the best choice for someone who dislikes boats, cannot swim, or wants a land-based history tour. The experience depends heavily on the sea. If the water is too cold for you and you do not want to paddleboard or snorkel, there may be limited entertainment beyond sitting aboard and watching the coast.

Children under three are not accepted. The activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give specific details about wheelchair access or the boat’s boarding arrangement. Ask before booking if you have mobility needs.

Timing, weather, and booking advice

The experience is often booked well ahead, with an average booking time of about 50 days. Summer dates and private boats can fill quickly, so reserve early if your schedule is fixed.

Choose a weekday if your plans allow. The bay can be much busier on Saturdays, while a Tuesday outing may feel calmer. This will not remove every other boat from the islands, but it can make the coves more pleasant.

Wind is the main practical concern. The skipper may suggest changing from afternoon to morning when the forecast looks poor. The activity requires good weather, and if it is canceled for that reason, you can receive another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local French time.

Should you book the Lérins Islands private boat?

Book it if you want a flexible, private day built around swimming, snorkeling, and the scenery of Cannes. Micka’s friendly hosting, English communication, attention to comfort, and willingness to adjust the pace are central to the experience.

Before paying, confirm the full price with the €300 skipper fee included, verify the port, and check the forecast. If your group can handle cool water and wants more than a sightseeing cruise, this is a strong way to see the Lérins Islands without spending a full day on a large organized boat.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip begin?

The meeting point is Port Pierre Canto, Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Port Pierre Canto.

How long does the experience last?

The private boat trip lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The advertised rate covers one private group of up to six people.

Is the skipper fee included in the advertised price?

No. A €300 skipper fee is paid on the boat per booking.

What water equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, and an underwater scooter are included.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. The experience includes wine, water, soft drinks, and snacks. Some outings have also included a cheese or charcuterie board.

Are young children allowed?

Children under three years old are not accepted.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you can be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.