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

From the Camille Rayon Marina, Philippe takes you out across the Golfe-Juan toward Cap d’Antibes and the Lerins Islands, where the best part of the day is choosing your own pace. Swim from the boat, use the paddleboard, snorkel near the islands, or simply sit under cover and watch the Côte d’Azur slide by.

I like the small private group and Philippe’s easy mix of local stories, practical help, and calm boat handling. I also like that you can bring your own food and drinks, or arrange pizza and other treats delivered to the boat. The main thing to watch is the price: the advertised rate is $342 for up to five people, but the €200 skipper fee is paid separately on the boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Philippe makes the route personal: He can focus on swimming, island walks, local history, or a little of everything.
• The Lerins Islands offer more than a boat view: You can stroll on Saint-Honorat or Saint-Marguerite during a stop.
• Water gear is supplied: Snorkels, masks, a stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, swim noodles, and drinking water are included.
• The six-hour trip is the better choice for a relaxed day: A half-day works well, but swimming, paddling, sightseeing, and an island walk take time.
• Food is flexible: Bring a picnic, use marina and island restaurants, or order snacks, drinks, ice cream, and pizza from boats on the water.
• The boat suits a small private party: The stated limit is five passengers plus the skipper, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Leaving Camille Rayon Marina for the open water

Your outing begins at Camille Rayon Marina, a useful base between Cannes and Antibes. You can reach it by car or public transport, but transportation to the marina is not part of the tour. Before you set off, Philippe contacts you with the exact meeting details, boat information, time, and current weather conditions, so check your messages before leaving.

The boat is a pilothouse model with a large cockpit, passenger seating, a table, storage for bags, a fore-cabin, and a swimming platform. That layout matters. You are not squeezed onto a bare deck, and you have a place to sit in the sun or take a break under cover.

The swimming platform makes getting into the water easier, especially for children or anyone who feels unsure around boats. Life jackets and swim noodles are supplied, and Philippe explains the boat rules before you settle in. Parents have found his calm approach useful with children who were nervous about the sea.

The boat is designed for a maximum of five passengers plus Philippe. That makes this a good fit for a couple, a family, or a small group of friends. It is not a large party boat, and that is the point: you can talk with the skipper, change the rhythm of the day, and avoid following a fixed crowd.

Seeing Cap d’Antibes from the sea

One of the first rewards is the view back toward the coast. From the water, you see Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, and the Cap d’Antibes from an angle that walking tours cannot provide. The boat gives you a moving viewpoint, with time to pause near attractive coves and coastal stretches.

Cap d’Antibes is especially good for travelers who want scenery without spending the whole day on a beach. You can take photographs from the boat, listen to Philippe explain local places and stories, and enjoy the feeling of leaving the city behind for a while.

This part is scenic rather than activity-packed. If you want constant snorkeling or swimming, tell Philippe early. If you prefer a gentle start, the coastal cruise gives you time to settle in before the water stops.

Philippe’s local knowledge is a major part of the outing. He talks about Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, the islands, and the wider Côte d’Azur, adding historical details and personal anecdotes as you go. He is also happy to recommend places and adjust the route around your interests.

Crossing the Golfe-Juan to the Lerins Islands

The cruise then heads across the Golfe-Juan toward the Lerins Islands. The water is usually the star here: clear blue sea, rocky edges, anchored boats, and views back to the coast.

The two islands most often included in the day are Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. They offer different kinds of stops. Saint-Marguerite works well for a swim and a short walk, while Saint-Honorat gives you a quieter island stroll and the chance to see its monastery setting.

You should not expect a full guided island tour on a short outing. The available time is shared between the cruise, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and walking. On a half-day trip, you may need to choose one island walk and one or two water stops rather than trying to do everything.

The flexibility is useful here. Philippe can spend longer at a swim stop if that is what you want, or keep moving if you would rather see more of the coast. Give him a clear idea of your priorities at the start. Families may prefer fewer stops with more time in the water, while couples may want a scenic cruise and a quiet island walk.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding off the boat

The tour includes snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, and swim noodles. You do not have to pack your own water equipment, though you should bring swimwear and a towel.

The boat anchors at suitable spots near the islands, giving you time to swim directly from the platform. Several outings have included snorkeling stops and paddleboarding near an underwater eco-museum with large head sculptures. That is a particularly unusual feature of the day, and Philippe can help you get oriented in the water.

Do not expect a full scuba excursion or a formal marine biology program. This is casual sea time. You might see interesting underwater features and enjoy clear water, but visibility and conditions depend on the weather and the sea.

The paddleboard adds another option for people who do not want to swim the whole time. Swim noodles are handy for floating and relaxing, and the gear makes the experience work for mixed groups. Confident swimmers can explore more actively, while less confident participants can stay close to the boat.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing as well as swimwear. The sea may feel warm in the sun and cooler once you are wet, and a light layer is useful for the ride back. Cash is also listed among the recommended items, so do not rely only on a card.

Choosing between three hours and six hours

The experience lasts from three to six hours, depending on the option and availability. A three-hour trip can give you a pleasant cruise, one or two swim stops, and a look at the islands. It suits a couple with limited time or a family that wants a manageable outing.

The six-hour version makes more sense if this is meant to be a main day on the Riviera. You have time to cruise along the coast, stop for swimming and snorkeling, use the paddleboard, visit an island on foot, and pause for lunch without rushing from one activity to the next.

The practical difference is not only extra boat time. A longer outing gives you breathing room. You can enjoy lunch, let children play in the water, and still have time for Philippe’s stories and a quiet ride. Several people who chose a shorter trip wished they had booked the full day, so I would choose six hours if your schedule and budget allow.

The half-day option is still good value for the right plan. If you have museum visits, markets, or evening plans in Cannes or Antibes, three hours can break up a busy sightseeing schedule. It also gives you a taste of the coast without committing an entire day.

Bringing lunch, wine, or pizza to the boat

Food and drinks are allowed onboard, and there is storage space for bags. You can bring a picnic from the marina or a nearby market, along with water, wine, or other drinks.

The boat can also be part of the meal plan. Restaurants are available at the marina and on the islands, and delivery boats bring snacks, ice cream, drinks, and sometimes pizza directly to boats in the area. That is a fun Riviera touch, but availability can depend on timing and conditions, so do not treat delivery as guaranteed.

A picnic is the safest plan if you want a particular lunch. Pack food that is easy to handle on a moving boat, plus napkins and a container for rubbish. Drinking water is included, but other food and drinks are not.

A shaded cockpit and table make eating more comfortable than balancing a sandwich on a beach towel. Still, this is a boat day, not a restaurant meal. Keep your packing compact, secure loose items, and bring only what you can manage in the available storage.

What Philippe adds to the trip

The route is attractive on its own, but Philippe is what turns it from a simple boat rental into a guided outing. He speaks English and French and handles both the boat and the commentary.

His style is active without being pushy. He explains the safety rules, points out places along the coast, shares stories about the islands and nearby towns, and then gives you space to swim or walk. That balance matters on a private trip. Some people want a running commentary; others want a quiet hour on the water.

He is also comfortable with families. Parents have described him as patient with children and helpful when young swimmers need encouragement. He can adjust the pace, explain how to use the paddleboard, and help make the water feel less intimidating.

If you want photographs, ask. Philippe has helped with pictures during stops, which is useful when everyone in your group wants to be in the frame. Clear instructions about when to return to the boat also make island walks less stressful.

Price, group size, and the real value

The listed price is $342 per private group of up to five passengers. The €200 skipper fee is extra and paid at the boat. Food, drinks, and transport to and from the marina are also separate.

That means you should calculate the full cost before booking. For five people, the base price spreads well across the group, especially compared with booking several separate seats on a standard cruise. For only two people, the total per person is much higher, but you gain privacy, flexibility, and a skipper focused on your plans.

The strongest value comes from using the boat actively. If you only sit onboard for a short cruise, a shared sightseeing boat may cost less. If you swim, paddleboard, snorkel, walk on an island, bring lunch, and use Philippe’s local guidance, the private format makes more sense.

The high transport score and perfect overall rating point to a reliable part of the experience, but the extra skipper charge still deserves attention. I would treat the €200 as part of the real tour price, not as a minor add-on.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather affects any sea outing, so the ability to keep plans flexible is useful.

Who should book this private Riviera boat trip?

I would choose this for a couple wanting a relaxed day away from the city, especially if you like mixing scenery with swimming. It also works well for families with children over three, provided everyone is comfortable around water and the boat.

Small groups of friends can get good value from the private rate. You can bring a picnic, share the skipper fee, and set the day around your own interests instead of a fixed public schedule.

This is less suitable for wheelchair users, since the activity is on a boat with access through a marina and onto a swimming platform. Children under three are not accepted according to the stated restrictions.

You should also think about your sea-going comfort. The boat is comfortable and has seating and shade, but this is still an open-water trip. If you dislike boat movement or want a fully land-based island visit, choose a different outing.

Final call: book it for a flexible day on the Côte d’Azur

I recommend this tour if you want more than a fast photo cruise. The best version is the six-hour trip, with time for the Lerins Islands, a swim, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, and a short walk on Saint-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat.

Book the shorter trip if you have limited time or mainly want a swim and a coastal cruise. Before confirming, add the €200 skipper fee to your budget, check the meeting message from Philippe, and bring a towel, swimwear, weather-ready clothing, and cash.

If your group values privacy, local stories, and the freedom to stop when the water looks inviting, this is a strong choice. If your main goal is the lowest possible price or a fully scheduled sightseeing commentary, a shared cruise may suit you better.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip begin?

The trip begins at Camille Rayon Marina, which is accessible by car or public transport from Cannes and Antibes.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat accepts up to five passengers plus the skipper.

Is the skipper fee included in the listed price?

No. The €200 skipper fee must be paid at the boat.

How long does the activity last?

The available duration is between three and six hours, depending on the option and availability.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route can include Cap d’Antibes, the Golfe-Juan coast, and the Lerins Islands, including Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, swim noodles, and drinking water are included.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are allowed onboard, and there is storage for bags. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is available in English and French.

What should I bring, and who cannot join?

Bring swimwear, a towel, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing. High-heeled shoes are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for children under three or wheelchair users.