Sailing Trips in the French Riviera: 14 to Choose Between

1.Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

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

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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2.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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3.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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4.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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5.Catamaran from Cannes

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 195 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $109

Meet at 20 Quai Saint-Pierre in Cannes for a relaxed catamaran cruise across the Bay of Cannes. Choose a half-day or full-day outing, with optional lunch. You can swim from the boat, use shared kayaks and paddleboards, and try the provided snorkeling gear. Half-day passengers may use a ferry between Cannes and Sainte-Marguerite Island.

“My husband and I did the full day boat tour and had fun. You board the boat, sail for a bit, anchor for a swim stop, pick up the afternoon folks, sail and anchor again, and then head back to the port. The lunch served was very good. The alcohol was reasonably priced. The overall vibe of the boat was very relaxed. Try to get on the boat first in the morning to get the best seats at the front!”

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6.Yacht Me Up – Private All-Inclusive Cannes Sailing Fever

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 175 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Captain Brice and his crew take up to six people from Cannes on a private Dufour 382 cruise. Expect Croisette views, Lérins Islands, clear-water swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a SeaBob, GoPro photos, snacks, drinks, and optional fireworks or custom dining.

“I don’t typically leave reviews, but this was one of the best times we’ve had while traveling. Captain Brice and Ansel are so much fun and were so kind our family. My kids loved the SeaBob and snorkeling. They were able to see the underwater sculptures and tons of fish. The spot we went to had the bluest, clearest water I have ever seen. It was incredibly relaxing and the boat has plenty of space for everyone. The food was fantastic and they filled up our wine and champagne all day. I would come back to Cannes just to do this again.”

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7.Full-Day Catamaran Cruise Departing from Cannes

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 120 reviews · 1 day · from $188

You’ll sail from Cannes’ old port aboard a catamaran, stopping at the Lérins Islands and the Esterel coast for swimming and snorkeling. The crew serves a cold buffet, rosé, and water. English and French guidance is provided, with kayaks and paddleboards available when weather allows.

“Very good, we are very grateful for the team. The food was good and they are very king. Unfortunately, they don’t explain much about the isles we stopped, that only point we can say more or less negative. Thank you very much. Best regards”

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8.Private Solar Catamaran Cruise in Antibes Juan les Pins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $89

Sail privately with up to six people from Juan-les-Pins on the silent solar catamaran Octopus. Your Côte d’Azur Ambassador guide, such as Mylène or Nicolas, points out coves, villas, yachts, Hotel Belles Rives, and Port de l’Olivette during a calm one-hour cruise.

“Our guide was wonderful. It was a perfect day for a boat ride. I recommend everybody take this tour.”

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9.Half-day sailboat trip to the Lerins Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews · 3h 30m · from $176

Sail from Cannes with Celia and Eric to the Lérins Islands on a six-person boat. Enjoy turquoise water, a 45-minute swim and snorkel stop, paddleboards, rosé, beer, sodas, and a cheese and charcuterie platter. The relaxed 3.5-hour trip includes the skipper, hostess, fuel, and return to Cannes.

“Celia and Eric are wonderful guides! Their boat was incredible and the excursion was so fun! Lovely to sail and jump in the ocean.”

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10.Saint Tropez: Evening Catamaran Party with Welcome Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews · 3 hours · from $53Best value

Join Caseneuve Maxi Catamaran at Quai Guepratte for a three-hour evening cruise around the Saint Tropez Gulf. You get a welcome drink, DJ music, open deck space, underwater lights, and views of beaches and shorelines from the water. Food and extra drinks cost more, and there is no swim stop.

“Bella esperienza al tramonto. Musica con dj e suggestivi panorami. Disponibili a bordo taglieri hot dog e drink. Consigliato”

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11.Private ride with sea bath in Solar Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $924

Set out from Port Gallice in Juan-les-Pins on a private solar catamaran with a skipper such as Nicolas or Alexandre. Sail slowly past Cap d’Antibes, prestigious villas, cliffs, and quiet coves, then stop for swimming and snorkeling. Bring water, a towel, and a swimsuit. The boat has no restroom.

“Nice tour, friendly guide and a nice swim. Beautiful scenery! Pity that we booked 2 hours and just got one and half.”

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12.Classic Yacht Sailing in Cannes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Sail Cannes aboard a private classic yacht for up to six people, with Alex, Josh, Francis, or Nico depending on the crew. Over four hours, you’ll cruise past the Esterel coast and Îles de Lérins, stop to swim and snorkel, use the paddleboard, and enjoy local food and drinks.

“Alex and Josh were beyond amazing. The yacht and the swimming location were beautiful. Will definitely do it again with them.”

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13.Private sailing excursion & Provencal picnic

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $138

Join skipper Maxime aboard Mambo 2 for a private 5 to 6 hour sailing trip from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite and the Lérins Islands. You can help sail, swim, snorkel with provided equipment, visit the underwater eco-museum, and enjoy fresh vegetables, homemade anchovy and tzatziki sauces, baguette, and rosé.

“This sailing experience with Max was incredible! It was our best day spent in the French Riviera. He was accommodating, fun, attentive, and so patient! We are two best friends on a girls trip and he taught us the basics of sailing and how to tie some knots! The lunch was delicious and the Max’s homemade anchovies dip & homemade tzatziki were out of this world! Do yourself a favor and book this excursion! He even treated us to an extra hour on board and offered to stop and get us some ice cream! He was a 10/10 captain!”

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14.Dinner at Sea on a Maxi Catamaran – Villefranche, Cap Ferrat

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 29 reviews · 3h 30m · from $116

Sail from Nice aboard the French-built Maxi Catamaran Mayba, watch the sunset over Villefranche or Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, then anchor for a buffet dinner, drinks, and optional swimming. The 210-minute evening includes a punch aperitif, Côtes de Provence wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. French and English are spoken.

“Très bon accueil, bonne ambiance et service impeccable, une experience unique !”

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