Boat Tours in the French Riviera: The 15 Best Bookings

1.1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise to Villefranche Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,747 reviews · 1 hour · from $33Our pick

Spend one hour on a sightseeing boat from Nice’s Port to Villefranche-sur-Mer and back along the Baie des Anges. A live guide speaks French and English while pointing out villas, hilltop villages, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and the Promenade des Anglais. Bring cash for drinks, arrive early for the best seats, and remember that you stay aboard throughout.

“Lovely trip around the bay. Nice narration. Beautiful boat.”

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2.Mediterranean Coastal Sightseeing Cruise from Nice

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 887 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Board Trans Côte d’Azur at Nice’s Port for a one-hour cruise through the Baie des Anges and Villefranche-sur-Mer. You’ll pass Cap de Nice, the Citadelle, Cap Ferrat, seaside villas, yachts, and the Promenade des Anglais while hearing commentary in English and French. Morning and afternoon departures make this an easy addition to a Nice itinerary.

“Very enjoyable trip, clean and tidy boat. Polite crew that worked very hard to attend to all the passengers, serve drinks and give a commentary on the scenery. Their customers service was just as great on the 5pm ferry as it was on the 9am trip, despite the hard work and the heat. The ticket office staff were knowledgeable and we ended up booking a second trip for later in the week. Our first trip was the 1 hour cruise, we booked it for our first morning to help us get to know the area. It was more than enough time and gave us several ideas for things to do.…”

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3.2.5-Hour Esterel Calanques Boat Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 808 reviews · from $88

From Port du Béal, a small Black Tenders boat carries you along the Esterel coast toward Cap Roux. Expect jockey-style seats, local commentary in English or French, red volcanic cliffs, sea caves, natural pools, and usually one or two swimming stops. Captains such as Stephan, Damian, Julian, and Alex are praised for making the trip safe and lively.

“Thank you our captain David , everything is perfect , I recommend to take towels with you , one thing is difficult to swim because jellyfish , also life jacket is available , if you go by car you should pay for parking 10 euros”

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4.Coastline Boat Cruise to Monaco

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 464 reviews · from $85

Board a semi-rigid Black Tender at Nice Port for a 2.5-hour coastal ride toward Monaco. Your English- or French-speaking captain points out Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and La Mala. Expect wide sea views, local stories, quick turns, and possible swim stops, with Damien, Florian, or Julien among the captains praised for their friendly style.

“Such a brilliant boat trip! We booked this for our last full day in Nice, and so glad we did. The 2.5 hours went by so fast, our tour guide was great and knowledgeable about the local area. Highlights were the opportunity to swim from the boat and the speed ride back to Nice. Would recommend this trip to anyone visiting Nice!”

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5.Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 445 reviews · 3 hours · from $98

Take the 2:00 PM ferry from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island, then board a modern catamaran for a scenic cruise along the Bay of Cannes. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard when the boat anchors. French and English crew, water, masks, and snorkels are included. Bring a towel and cash.

“Great boat, friendly crew, perfect short cruise. We enjoyed drinking beers on the back of the boat and a relaxing swim in a cute bay.”

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6.Nice: Sunset Boat Tour with Wine and Local Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 430 reviews · 1h 30m · from $64

Set out from Port Lympia in a small group of up to 12 with guides such as Leo and Jean-Baptiste. Cruise past Cap-Ferrat, stop to swim and snorkel in Villefranche Bay, enjoy wine and homemade Niçois snacks, then watch the sunset near Cap de Nice. The RIB can move fast, so bring a towel and expect an active ride.

“I loved all of it! But it could be even better with more than one kind of snack offered. I also think potential customers need warning that it's a RIB and goes very fast at times. I loved that but my friend wasn't too happy. Swimming was fab, but it's off the side of thd boat into deep water. Not for those who don't like getting out of their depth and you havd to climb up a ladder to get back in. That's hard work and I needed help. But I did love the whole experience.”

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7.French Riviera Swimming and Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 424 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Set out from Poseidon’s Nice office on a wooden boat, cruise along the Côte d’Azur, and stop for about 1.5 hours in Villefranche Bay near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You can snorkel, swim, or stay aboard and sunbathe. Equipment and wetsuits are provided when needed, but you must swim unassisted.

“The guides were excellent and very friendly. Was shocked at how much time we got to spend in the water (about an hour). Amazing view of the coastline. The safety briefing was very informative but relaxed so we had a very enjoyable time.”

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8.Côte d’Azur: Evening Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Spend two hours on a large catamaran near Saint-Tropez, Cavalaire, or Cogolin, watching the coast glow at sunset. Captain Vianney, Ryan, Clément, and other crew members may host the trip, with an aperitif, music, cushions, and a swimming stop. Bring your own meal or order the €18 lunchbox option from Cogolin 48 hours ahead.

“We had such a great time. The crew was exceptional and super fun. Gracias al casi-mexicano que nos hizo pasar una super trade :) Until next time!”

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9.Fréjus: Sea and Creeks Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 315 reviews · from $63

Join a French and English-speaking crew at Fréjus port for a 2.5-hour cruise along the Estérel coast. You’ll see sea caves, volcanic cliffs, Agay Bay, and secluded coves, then stop for swimming and snorkeling. Guides including Lauren and Jacques have been praised for friendly service and clear English.

“It was a fantastic trip that fulfilled our expectations completely: a very friendly atmosphere, a guide that really took care of us who were the only non-French speaking guests, a high-standard big boat, a lot of nice views, and enough time for snorkeling/swimming/Stand-Up-Paddling. Recommendable!”

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10.Côte d’Azur: Half-Day Coastline Catamaran Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 266 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Spend three hours aboard a spacious catamaran off St. Tropez, with an aperitif soon after boarding and a stop for swimming, kayaking, and paddling. Crews such as Alex, Clement, Gael, Ryan, and Leia have earned praise for their friendly help. A lunch box costs €18 and must be ordered 48 hours ahead from Marines de Cogolin.

“Really fun trip with opportunities to swim and use the kayaks, conditions were a little choppy but the crew made the best of it and adjusted. Super friendly crew and a wonderful experience.”

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11.Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 214 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Spend four hours sailing from Cannes to the Lérins Islands on a spacious catamaran. Swim and snorkel from the boat, use a kayak or paddleboard when weather allows, then enjoy a cold buffet and rosé. Your catamaran ticket includes the ferry from St. Marguerite Island back to Cannes.

“Nice and friendly staff. Great location. Loved it. 100% recommendable”

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12.Saint-Raphaël : Sunset Cruise Cape Dramont & Golden Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 179 reviews · 2 hours · from $81

Set out from Saint-Raphaël’s Old Port on a two-hour catamaran cruise toward Cap Dramont and Île d’Or. You’ll watch the Esterel’s red rocks change color, stop for an aperitif and soft drinks, and have access to paddleboards and water toys. French and English are spoken, though commentary may favor French.

“Ras Merci à toutes l’équipe Nous avons passé un super moment 🥰”

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13.Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 109 reviews · from $64

From Port du Béal, join a small group of up to 12 people aboard a black RIB with jockey seats. An English- or French-speaking captain such as Stephan or Charly guides you past Esterel caves, coves, red rocks, natural pools, and unusual coastal villas, with time for a refreshing swim.

“A really nice boat trip, beautiful scenery, good vibes, and a refreshing swim in the cove. Thanks to Charly for his explanations throughout the trip.”

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14.Cannes: Private Boat Trip to Lerins Islands & Cap d’Antibes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 3 - 6 hours Top rated

Set out from Camille Rayon Marina with Philippe, a friendly English- and French-speaking skipper. This private cruise takes up to five passengers toward Cap d’Antibes and the Lerins Islands, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, island walks, and food delivered to the boat. Choose a three-hour outing or make room for the six-hour version.

“Phillipe was an incredible guide. This was truly one of our favorite activities on our trip to the SOF. If you can I would absolutely do the full boat day. We will definitely be booking again next time we are back!”

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15.From Mandelieu: Corniche d’Or Sightseeing Cruise with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · 1h 15m · from $39

From Mandelieu-la-Napoule, you cruise to the Esterel Massif and follow the Corniche d’Or past red cliffs, coves, and small beaches. The 75-minute boat trip includes live commentary, though the onboard commentary is in French only. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours ahead.

“Une activité incontournable faite en famille. Découverte de la côte en bateau magnifique. Prévoir de la monnaie, proposition de boissons fraîches à bord, une bonne surprise !”

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