Cruise / navigation in the Lerins Islands

The best part of this Cannes outing is the chance to spend real time on the water between the Lerins Islands, not just look at them from shore. Eric and Celia take up to six people aboard Ulysse, their 11-meter sailboat, for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and an easygoing stop in a sheltered cove.

I like the small-group setting and the warm, personal hosting. I also like that the price includes the skipper, hostess, fuel, water activities, and refreshments, with no surprise onboard charges. The main thing to consider is that this is not guaranteed to be a sailing trip. With little wind, Ulysse travels under engine, and the sea can be choppy enough to bother anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Ulysse is an 11-meter sailboat: This is a family-run outing aboard the hosts’ own boat, not a large sightseeing vessel.
• The Lerins Islands are the main destination: Expect a cruise from Cannes, then time at anchor for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and sunbathing.
• The group is limited to six people: That keeps the outing more personal, though the boat can feel busy if the hosts’ family or friends are also aboard.
• Water equipment is provided: Paddleboards, masks, and snorkels are available, but bring your own towel and sunscreen.
• Food and drinks are part of the welcome: Rosé, soft drinks, water, and a charcuterie-style snack are commonly offered.
• Weather controls the plan: High winds can lead to cancellation, while calm conditions may mean motoring instead of sailing.

Leaving Cannes aboard Ulysse

Your outing begins at the IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, at Jetée Albert Edouard. The port is close to public transportation, but finding the exact boat may take patience. There is no prominent sign for the experience, so read the meeting instructions carefully and allow extra time to locate the right part of the pier.

Eric and Celia meet you at the agreed spot and guide you to Ulysse. One practical detail: you may be asked to remove your shoes before boarding. Wear something easy to slip off, and keep your belongings compact. A sailboat cockpit is comfortable, but it is not arranged like a coach or a big ferry.

Ulysse has a cockpit with cushions, a table, and a bimini for shade. The forward deck is open for sunbathing or stretching out. That layout gives you two useful choices during the trip: sit under cover while enjoying a drink and snack, or move forward for open views and sun.

The boat has crossed the Atlantic three times, according to Eric and Celia, and it is presented as a sturdy cruising sailboat rather than a speedboat. You will feel the difference. The pace is meant to be leisurely, with time to watch Cannes recede and the islands come into view.

The cruise from Cannes to the Lerins Islands

The route heads out from the port toward the Lerins Islands, a small group just offshore from Cannes. The ride gives you a different view of the French Riviera, with the city seen from the water instead of from a crowded promenade.

The sea may be glassy and calm, or it may have a noticeable chop. On a windy day, the hosts may be able to sail, which adds the quiet pleasure of moving under canvas. On a windless day, the engine does the work. That is worth understanding before you book: the outing is best thought of as a boat trip to the islands, with sailing when conditions allow.

Some people may find that distinction important. If your main goal is to learn sailing or spend several hours under sail, you might prefer a dedicated sailing lesson or a larger sailing cruise. If you mainly want a comfortable half-day at sea, with a stop for swimming and views of Cannes, the engine itself matters much less.

The ride can also be rough enough to cause seasickness. One person on a past outing became unwell, and another passenger noted that the water was choppy near the mooring. If you know you are sensitive to motion, take sensible precautions before boarding and choose a position where you feel comfortable.

What happens between the islands

The main stop is between the Lerins Islands, where Ulysse anchors for roughly two hours on some outings. This is the heart of the experience. Instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next, you get a long pause to use the water and enjoy the boat.

The water is often clear and turquoise, and several accounts describe swimming as the favorite part of the day. You can jump in from the boat, paddle, snorkel, or simply sit with your feet in the sea. Masks and snorkels are provided, as are paddles and a paddleboard, so you do not need to pack a full set of water gear.

The underwater life can be surprisingly pleasant around the boat. Fish have been spotted near the anchored sailboat, and the clear water makes even a short swim enjoyable. Still, this is not promoted as a formal snorkeling expedition. Conditions, visibility, boat traffic, and water temperature will shape what you see.

The anchorage can be popular. You may find many other boats gathered in the same area, especially on a fine summer day. That gives the cove a social, holiday feel, but it also means you should not expect a completely private corner of the Mediterranean.

If you prefer quiet nature and an empty bay, this setting may feel too busy. Music is played aboard Ulysse, and the sound can be adjusted if you ask. The hosts aim for a friendly, festive atmosphere, not silent meditation. Tell them early if you want lower music or a calmer place to sit.

A relaxed meal with rosé and local boat life

Eric and Celia usually add a simple food-and-drink welcome to the outing. Past outings have included rosé, beer, soft drinks, water, and a charcuterie board or similar snack. This turns the stop at anchor into a small picnic at sea.

The food is not a full meal, so plan accordingly. You may also see local pizza, burger, or ice cream boats delivering to vessels in the anchorage. These purchases are separate from the included experience, but they add an amusing glimpse of how popular the bay is during the day.

The timing of food matters. A pizza delivered by boat may be hot at first but cool quickly if you wait to eat it. The included snack is best viewed as a pleasant accompaniment to the cruise, not a reason to skip breakfast or lunch.

What makes the refreshments worthwhile is the setting. A piece of cheese, a glass of rosé, and a view across clear water feel more special from the cockpit of a small sailboat than they would at a café along the port. Celia also spends time talking with people about the islands and the couple’s plans to travel around the world, adding a personal touch to the outing.

This is a family-run boat. That can be a real strength if you enjoy meeting your hosts and hearing stories about their life afloat. It also means the atmosphere is less polished and standardized than a commercial cruise. On one occasion, the couple’s young child was aboard, and friends stopped by in another boat. If you want a strictly structured excursion with no social surprises, choose a larger operator.

The boat, comfort, and space

Ulysse carries a maximum of six paying participants, which is a good size for an intimate trip. You get more direct contact with Eric and Celia than you would on a vessel carrying dozens of people, and they can usually respond to individual needs.

Space is still limited. A sailboat cockpit, forward deck, and shaded area cannot offer the room of a catamaran. If everyone wants shade at once, seating may become tight. The boat is most comfortable when people share the space and move around during the cruise.

The bimini is useful in strong sun, especially during the stationary period at anchor. The open front deck suits sunbathing, but you should bring sunscreen and a towel because neither is supplied. A hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up also make sense for a three-and-a-half-hour outing.

The tour finishes back at the same Cannes meeting point. The total duration is approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including the outward cruise, time around the Lerins Islands, and the return ride.

What you pay, and what you get

The price is about $157.28 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach the Lerins Islands, but the comparison needs to be fair. You are paying for a small-group boat, a skipper, a hostess, fuel, the use of water equipment, and a hosted experience with drinks and a snack.

Similar private or semi-private boat outings can cost much more. Here, the six-person limit gives you some of the feel of a private charter without requiring you to hire the whole boat. The value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who care about the personal atmosphere and plan to swim.

The value is weaker if you are looking only for transportation to the islands or a guaranteed sail under wind power. You may spend much of the ride under engine, and the main stop is shared with other boats. In that case, a simple ferry or a different type of cruise could suit you better.

The fact that the hosts sometimes operate even when only one person has booked is another positive sign for flexible planning, although no departure should be assumed until it is confirmed. The advertised maximum is six, but the boat’s overall feel can change if a child or visiting friends are also present.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend Ulysse to you if you want a friendly, informal morning or afternoon on the Riviera. It is especially well suited to:

• Couples looking for a relaxed sea outing with wine and swimming
• Families whose children want to jump into the water or try a paddleboard
• Small groups that prefer a personal boat to a large cruise vessel
• People who want views of Cannes from offshore
• Anyone who likes meeting local hosts and hearing stories as part of the experience

You may want another option if you need guaranteed sailing, strict quiet, lots of personal space, or a fully programmed visit to several island sites. The experience is built around one main anchorage, not a packed sightseeing schedule.

It is also not a perfect choice for anyone who gets seasick easily. The water can be rough, and the boat’s gentle cruising style does not prevent motion. Calm weather helps, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Booking, weather, and practical details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so check the local time carefully.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a swimsuit. Keep your luggage small, since space aboard a sailboat is limited. If you want shade, claim a place beneath the bimini early, then move around during the cruise so everyone gets a comfortable turn.

At the port, look for the precise meeting point rather than assuming the boat will be obvious. The absence of a large sign has caused confusion, so the hosts’ directions matter. A mobile ticket is convenient, but it does not replace checking the pier location in advance.

Should you book the Lerins Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a personal, easygoing half-day at sea with swimming, a small group, and hosts who take an active interest in your comfort. The combination of turquoise water, Cannes views, paddleboarding, snorkeling, rosé, and a charcuterie snack offers good value for a relaxed Riviera day.

Skip it if your idea of a boat trip means guaranteed wind-powered sailing, complete quiet, or an empty cove. Ulysse may motor, music may play, and the popular anchorage can feel busy.

For most people who simply want to get offshore and enjoy the Lerins Islands without paying for a full private charter, Eric and Celia offer a warm and unusually personal way to do it. Just arrive ready for a family boat atmosphere, bring your towel and sunscreen, and keep your expectations focused on a pleasant sea outing rather than a formal sailing course.

FAQ

Where does the Lerins Islands cruise begin and end?

The experience begins at IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, Jetée Albert Edouard, 06400 Cannes, France. It returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum of six participants.

Is this guaranteed to be a sailing trip?

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

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Paddle equipment, masks, and snorkels are provided.

Are food and drinks included?

The experience includes refreshments such as water and drinks, along with a snack such as charcuterie. Additional food from pizza, burger, or ice cream boats is separate.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather makes the outing unsafe, you are offered a different date or a full refund.