Cruise / navigation in the Lerins Islands

The best part of this Cannes boat trip is its small, personal feel. Eric and Celia take you out on Ulysse, their 11-meter sailboat, then anchor between the Lerins Islands for swimming, sunbathing, and a slow meal on the water. You get the sea view of the Riviera without signing up for a packed excursion boat.

I like the generous time spent at anchor and the easy access to masks, snorkels, and a paddleboard. I also like the warm hosting, with rosé, soft drinks, water, and a charcuterie snack often included. The main consideration is that this is not guaranteed to be a sailing trip. With little wind, Ulysse runs under motor, and choppy water can trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Small boat setting: Ulysse is an 11-meter sailboat with space for up to six paying passengers.
• One scenic water stop: The cruise heads to the Lerins Islands and anchors between them for swimming and relaxation.
• Swimming gear included: Masks, snorkels, and paddling equipment are available on board.
• Personal hosts: Eric and Celia handle the boat and hosting, with safety and comfort as clear priorities.
• Food and drinks: Expect water, soft drinks, wine or rosé, and a charcuterie snack. Pizza, burgers, and ice cream may be available from nearby boats at extra cost.
• Weather matters: Wind can change the plan, and the cruise may be canceled for safety.

Leaving Cannes from the Vieux-Port

The meeting point is at IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, near Jetée Albert Edouard. This is a central spot, but allow extra time to find the exact portal. The pickup area can be confusing because there is no large tour sign, and the harbor has plenty of boats and people moving about.

Eric and Celia send meeting instructions, but it still helps to have the location open on your phone and arrive early. Look for the boat rather than expecting a tour desk. The activity ends back at the same harbor, so you do not need to arrange a separate return.

Once aboard, you may be asked to remove your shoes. That is normal on a private sailboat and helps keep the cabin and deck clean. Bring sunscreen and a bath towel. You should also wear clothes that can handle spray, especially if the sea is choppy on the way out.

Ulysse, an 11-meter boat with a family feel

Ulysse is not a large excursion vessel. It is an 11-meter sailboat used by Eric and Celia, who also live aboard or use it as their family boat. The cockpit has cushions, a table, and a bimini for shade. At the front, you can stretch out on the deck in the sun.

That layout gives you two very different places to sit. The cockpit is the better choice for shade, conversation, and eating. The front deck suits sunbathing and open views, though you should expect movement from the boat and take care when walking around.

The boat is advertised for a maximum of six paying passengers. That is a much more intimate arrangement than a large catamaran or sightseeing cruiser, but it also means personal space is limited. If every place is occupied, the experience can feel close and social rather than quiet and private.

Eric and Celia are a major part of the experience. They often talk with passengers, share stories about the islands and their own sailing plans, and try to make the boat feel welcoming. Some people will love this family atmosphere. If you want silent sailing with no music and little conversation, make that preference clear early.

The cruise to the Lerins Islands

The route takes you out from Cannes toward the Lerins Islands, a short but rewarding change of scene from the city waterfront. From the boat, Cannes looks different. The shoreline, hills, harbor, and resort buildings become part of a wide Riviera view rather than something you see from a street.

The exact sailing time depends on wind and conditions. Sometimes Ulysse sails under canvas, which gives you the quiet, gentle rhythm people hope for when booking a sailboat. At other times there is not enough wind, and the skipper uses the engine. Several outings have taken place almost entirely under motor for this reason.

That distinction matters. The activity is sold as a cruise and navigation experience on a sailboat, not as a guaranteed sail under wind power. If you specifically want to learn sailing or spend the whole trip under sail, this may disappoint you on a calm day. If your main goal is time on the Mediterranean, the motor portion still gets you to the islands and back safely.

The sea can also be uneven. One outing had rough water that made a passenger unwell, while other trips had calm conditions. If you get seasick, eat lightly before boarding, stay where you can see the horizon, and ask Celia where the most stable seating is. The boat is safe, but no small boat can remove the motion of open water.

Anchoring between the islands

The main stop is not a walking tour on either island. Ulysse anchors in the water between the Lerins Islands, usually for about two hours within the three-and-a-half-hour outing. This is the heart of the trip.

The water here is often clear and turquoise, with fish visible below the surface. You can swim directly from the boat, float beside it, or use the supplied masks and snorkels. The paddleboard gives you another way to move around the cove, though conditions can affect how easy it is to use.

This anchorage is scenic, but it is not secluded. Other boats gather in the same sheltered area, particularly on a good summer day. You may see pizza boats, burger boats, and ice cream boats serving vessels nearby. That adds a playful Riviera touch, but it also means you should not expect a silent, empty cove.

I like this stop because it gives you genuine free time. You are not being rushed from one photo point to another. You can swim, sit in the shade, stretch out on deck, or simply watch the water. The tradeoff is that the outing concentrates on one anchorage rather than visiting several coastal sites.

There is no promise of a shore visit, island walk, or organized snorkeling lesson. If you want to explore the monasteries, trails, or historic buildings of Île Sainte-Marguerite or Île Saint-Honorat, plan a separate visit by ferry. This excursion is about seeing the islands from the sea and enjoying the water.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time in the sun

Swimming is the most active part of the trip. The boat remains anchored while you enter the water, so you do not need to carry gear from a beach. Masks and snorkels are provided, and paddling equipment is available for those who want more than a quick swim.

The clarity of the water can be excellent, and fish are sometimes visible around the boat. Still, the Mediterranean is not a controlled swimming pool. Current, boat traffic, wind, and waves can change the conditions. Listen carefully to Eric’s instructions and use the ladder when getting back aboard.

You should bring your own towel and sunscreen. The bimini provides shade over the cockpit, but the front deck is open and can become hot. If someone in your party prefers shade, the seating arrangement may matter, particularly when the boat is full.

The swimming stop works well for mixed groups. Children can paddle and swim with supervision, while someone who does not want to enter the water can remain aboard, enjoy a drink, or watch the fish. One passenger preferred only to put their feet in the water, and the boat still offered plenty to do.

Rosé, charcuterie, and the optional pizza boat

The food is simple and suited to a half-day on the water. Eric and Celia provide a charcuterie snack, along with water, soft drinks, and wine or rosé. It is enough to make the outing feel cared for, but do not book this as a full lunch cruise.

Food offerings can vary. Pizza may be ordered from a nearby pizza boat, and burgers or ice cream may also be available from boats serving the anchorage. These purchases are separate from the advertised cruise, and delivery depends on the boats operating that day.

The charcuterie is especially useful after swimming, when a small savory snack tastes better than a formal meal. The cockpit table gives you a practical place to eat under the bimini. On calm days, the meal becomes part of the pleasure of simply sitting offshore with Cannes in the distance.

If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask about the food before departure. The supplied information does not promise vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special options. Bring anything essential rather than assuming the snack can be changed.

The pace and the people who will enjoy it

This is a good choice for couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed boat outing without paying for a private charter. The maximum of six paying passengers keeps the scale friendly, and Eric and Celia continue to operate the trip even when only one person has booked in some cases.

The experience suits you if you enjoy casual conversation, swimming, music, drinks, and an informal family atmosphere. It also works well as a first sailing experience because you can enjoy the boat without needing any sailing knowledge.

It may not suit you if you want a formal tour with a set commentary, a quiet deck, or a guaranteed sailing lesson. Music is played on board, and the atmosphere can become lively when friends or other boats join the scene. You can ask for the volume or style to be changed, but do not expect a silent retreat.

The small boat also means that comfort depends on the group. Six passengers plus the hosts can feel pleasantly social, but there is less room to escape the sun or find a private corner than on a larger catamaran. Check the weather forecast and think honestly about your tolerance for motion before booking.

Is $157.28 a fair price?

At $157.28 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Lerins Islands. You are paying for a three-and-a-half-hour outing, a small group, the skipper, the hostess, fuel, swimming gear, and refreshments. There are no extra charges for the basic boat operation, and the personal attention adds value that a large harbor cruise cannot easily provide.

The price looks strongest when several people share the boat and you care about the atmosphere. You get a host-led outing rather than a simple transfer, and you spend a substantial part of the time stopped in a beautiful swimming area. Compared with private charters, the cost can be reasonable, especially when the boat operates for a small booking.

The value is weaker if you expect a full sailing itinerary, several stops, or a gourmet meal. Calm conditions may mean motor travel, and the single anchorage can be crowded. A ferry and beach day may cost less, while a larger catamaran may give you more deck space.

I would compare this with your actual priority. If you want a relaxed half-day on the water with a personable crew, it is a fair spend. If you mainly want transportation to the islands or a serious sailing lesson, another option may fit better.

Weather, cancellations, and practical limits

The operator puts safety first when marine conditions look poor. The outing can be canceled for bad weather, with a different date or a full refund offered. That is sensible for a small sailboat, even if conditions later turn out calmer than forecast.

The booking can be canceled without penalty up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refundable, and changes are not accepted less than 24 hours before departure. The activity can also be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met, with another date, another activity, or a refund offered.

The weather policy deserves attention because wind forecasts are not always precise. A day that looks fine from the harbor may still involve uncomfortable conditions offshore. I prefer a cautious skipper who cancels rather than takes a small boat into unsafe seas, though late notice can be frustrating if you have arranged your day around the trip.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the listing does not give detailed information about wheelchair access or mobility limits. An 11-meter sailboat has narrow, active spaces, so contact the operator directly if anyone in your party needs specific assistance.

Should you book the Lerins Islands cruise?

Book this trip if you want a small, friendly boat day with swimming, clear water, simple food, and a personal connection with the hosts. Eric and Celia add warmth, and the two-hour anchorage gives you time to enjoy the sea instead of racing through a checklist.

Go in with the right expectations. Ulysse may sail, but it may also motor. The anchorage can be busy, music may be part of the mood, and rough water is possible. Bring sunscreen and a towel, arrive early at the Cannes harbor, and tell the hosts if you need shade, have seasickness concerns, or prefer less music.

For a relaxed look at Cannes from the water, the Lerins Islands cruise earns its strong reputation. For a quiet sailing lesson, an empty cove, or a shore-based island tour, choose something built around those goals instead.

FAQ

How long is the Lerins Islands cruise?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes at Jetée Albert Edouard, 06400 Cannes, France.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point in the Vieux-Port of Cannes.

How many people can join the boat?

The experience has a maximum of six paying passengers.

Is the trip guaranteed to sail under wind power?

No. Ulysse is a sailboat, but the skipper may use the engine when there is little or no wind.

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and paddling equipment are provided for use during the stop between the Lerins Islands.

Are food and drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, wine or rosé, and a charcuterie snack are included. Pizza, burgers, and ice cream from nearby boats are separate purchases when available.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.