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

The best part of this private Cannes boat trip is the freedom to make the Mediterranean your day. Philippe takes you from Camille Rayon Marina toward Cap d’Antibes and the Lerins Islands, then adjusts the route around your interests, weather, and appetite for swimming or sightseeing. I like the chance to jump straight into clear water, and I like that the boat carries paddleboards, snorkel gear, noodles, and drinking water.

I also like the personal touch. Philippe shares local stories about Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and the islands without turning the ride into a lecture. The main consideration is the price: the advertised $342 covers the boat for a group of up to five, but you must pay an additional €200 skipper fee onboard, and food and transport are extra.

Key points at a glance

• Flexible route: Combine Cap d’Antibes, the Lerins Islands, swimming stops, island walks, or a quiet lunch afloat.
• Philippe at the helm: Expect a friendly local guide who explains the coast and adapts the trip to your group.
• Water gear included: Snorkels, paddleboards, life jackets, swim noodles, and drinking water are provided.
• Choose three to six hours: A half-day works well for swimming and one or two stops, while six hours allows a fuller outing.
• Private setting: You share the boat only with your own party, with a stated capacity of five passengers plus the skipper.
• Plan for extra costs: Add the €200 skipper fee, then bring or buy your own food and drinks.

Setting out from Camille Rayon Marina

Your trip begins at Camille Rayon Marina, between Cannes and Antibes. It is reachable by car or public transport from both cities, though transportation to the marina is not part of the experience.

The exact boat location and start time are confirmed by the skipper shortly before departure. Check your messages carefully, especially if your plans are tight. Philippe also provides weather information before the outing, which matters on the open water.

At the marina, you board a pilothouse boat with a large cockpit, passenger seating, a table, a fore-cabin, storage space, and a swimming platform. The design gives you a choice of places to sit. You can stay in the cockpit, use the shade offered by the boat, or move toward the rear platform when it is time to get in the water.

Leave high heels at the hotel. Bring swimwear, a towel, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash. Food and drinks are allowed onboard, and you have room for bags, but you are responsible for supplying them unless you buy something during the trip.

Cruising toward Cap d’Antibes

Once the boat leaves the marina, the coast looks different from the water. Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, and Cap d’Antibes line up as a series of viewpoints rather than streets and beaches.

Cap d’Antibes is an appealing early destination because it gives you a broad view of the Côte d’Azur and the grand waterfront around Antibes. Philippe explains what you are seeing and adds stories about the towns and coastline. His local knowledge is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic boat rental.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction, but it is not the only focus. You are not simply carried past the coast while an audio guide plays. Philippe can alter the pace, pause for photographs, or spend more time in the water if that is what your group prefers.

For couples, this can be a quiet start to the day. Families may appreciate the chance to settle into the boat before swimming. If you want constant movement and a packed sightseeing schedule, clarify your wishes early. The experience is designed around flexibility, not a rigid list of timed stops.

Crossing the Juan Gulf to the Lerins Islands

The boat then crosses the Juan Gulf toward the Lerins Islands. The two islands most often included in the experience are Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, each offering a different kind of stop.

Sainte-Marguerite is a good choice for combining a short walk with time in the water. The island gives you a chance to stretch your legs and see the coast from land before returning to the boat. You should not expect a long guided island tour within a three-hour booking. Time spent walking reduces time available for swimming and paddleboarding.

Saint-Honorat has a quieter, more reflective feel, with its monastery and vineyards. A short stroll here adds variety to the outing and lets you step away from the boat for a while. If your priority is water time, ask Philippe to keep the island walk brief. If you enjoy local culture and calm places, give this stop more room.

The islands are close enough to make a boat outing practical from Cannes or Antibes, yet they feel removed from the city. That change of pace is the real appeal. You can look back toward the Riviera from the sea, then return to a quiet cove for a swim.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The water stops are where this trip becomes more than a sightseeing cruise. Philippe chooses anchoring spots based on the conditions and your wishes, then you can use the supplied snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboard, swim noodles, and life jackets.

Snorkeling gives you a look below the surface, though conditions can vary with weather and water clarity. One stop mentioned by Philippe’s passengers is near an underwater museum with large head sculptures. That makes the area especially interesting for swimmers who want more to look at than open water.

The paddleboard is useful even if you are a beginner. You can kneel, sit, or paddle at an easy pace, while noodles offer a relaxed way to float beside the boat. Philippe also teaches people how to use the paddleboard, and his calm approach has helped children and nervous swimmers feel more at ease.

Safety is handled directly by the skipper. He explains the boat rules, gives clear instructions about returning to the boat, and keeps an eye on the group. Still, this is a water activity, not a supervised pool. Children need close adult attention, and children under three are not accepted.

A few practical points help. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, keep a towel close, and bring a light layer for the ride back. Water can feel cooler after you have been swimming, even on a sunny day.

Making a picnic or lunch work onboard

You can bring food and drinks onto the boat, which is one of the easiest ways to control the cost. A picnic from a market or local shop fits the relaxed nature of the trip, and the cockpit table gives you a place to eat.

You can also buy food at the marina or on the islands. On-the-water delivery boats may bring pizza, snacks, ice cream, and drinks, adding a distinctly Riviera touch to the day. Availability can depend on the location and conditions, so do not count on a particular delivery as your only meal plan.

Bring your own water even though drinking water is included, especially if you book six hours or have active swimmers in the group. Alcohol is not specifically prohibited, but sensible behavior matters on a small boat. Keep food secure, avoid glass near the swimming platform, and pack rubbish away.

The boat has storage for bags, but space is not unlimited. Bring only what you need for the water, a meal, towels, and sun protection. Large luggage has no place on this kind of outing.

Three hours or six hours?

The shorter option suits a couple or small family that wants a taste of the coast without giving up half a day. In three hours, you can cruise toward the islands, make a swim or snorkel stop, and still see part of the coastline. You may need to choose between an island walk and extended water time.

A four or five-hour trip gives the day more breathing room. You can spend time at Cap d’Antibes, cross to the Lerins Islands, stop for swimming, and add a short walk without checking the clock every few minutes.

The six-hour trip is the better choice if this is a major holiday outing. It gives you time to use the paddleboard, snorkel at more than one spot, eat onboard, and enjoy the islands at an unhurried pace. Several families wished they had booked the full day after choosing a half-day outing.

The longer booking is not automatically better for everyone. Small children may tire, and some people are happy after a couple of hours in the sun. Think about your group’s swimming interest, attention span, and tolerance for a full day aboard a boat.

What the private format is worth

A private boat changes the feel of the experience. You do not need to follow a stranger’s preferred pace, wait for a large group, or spend the whole trip at one anchorage. Couples can keep the day simple, while families can pause when children need a break.

The stated capacity is up to five passengers plus the skipper. That makes the cost more attractive when divided among a full group, but check the exact capacity before booking if your party is larger. Some past parties described groups of six, yet the current activity information states five passengers, so this is worth confirming directly.

The advertised price is $342 per group, but it is not the final all-in amount. Add the €200 skipper fee paid onboard, then account for transportation, meals, and drinks. Currency changes make an exact total difficult to state, but the skipper fee is large enough that you should include it in your holiday budget from the beginning.

Compared with booking separate boat seats for each person, the private arrangement can offer good value for a full group. You are paying for control, personal attention, and the equipment as well as the boat. For one or two people, the total cost feels higher, but the private setting may still be worthwhile for a special day.

Philippe’s guiding style

Philippe is central to the experience. He handles the boat, explains the coast, shares local history, and suggests stops based on what you want to do. His style is friendly and attentive rather than formal.

He is also used to mixed-age groups. Families describe him helping children understand the boat rules, get comfortable in the water, and use the floating equipment. Couples appreciate his ability to give information without taking over the day.

His stories cover Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, the Lerins Islands, and the Côte d’Azur. You get context for the places you pass instead of a series of unnamed views. If you care more about sun and swimming than history, tell him. The tour can be as chatty or as relaxed as your group prefers.

Communication before departure is another useful feature. Philippe sends practical details about the meeting point, boat, time, and weather. Keep your phone available before the trip so you do not miss those instructions.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this outing for a couple wanting a private day on the water, a family with older children, or a small group that wants to combine sightseeing with swimming. It works particularly well if you are staying in Cannes, Antibes, or nearby and want a break from walking through town.

It is also a good fit for people who dislike fixed group itineraries. You can spend more time at the places that interest you and less time at stops that do not.

This is less suitable for wheelchair users because the activity is not accessible for wheelchair users. Children under three are not accepted. Anyone with limited mobility should also consider the boarding process, swimming platform, and island walks before booking.

The tour is not a guaranteed wildlife or reef excursion. Snorkeling conditions change, and the main attraction is the combination of scenery, swimming, local stories, and freedom to choose your stops.

Practical booking advice

Book the six-hour option if you want a real day out rather than a quick cruise. The three-hour trip is enough for a swim and coastal sightseeing, but it leaves less time for both islands and water activities.

Message Philippe in advance with your priorities. Say if you want a quiet picnic, more history, paddleboarding, snorkeling, a short walk on Saint-Honorat, or extra time near Sainte-Marguerite. Clear preferences help him shape the route.

Bring your own picnic if you want predictable food and lower costs. You can also use marina restaurants, island restaurants, or delivery boats, but those choices add expense and may depend on timing.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather still matters, so read the skipper’s updates and keep your schedule flexible around the sea conditions.

Should you book the Lerins Islands boat trip?

Yes, if you want a personal view of the Côte d’Azur and expect to spend much of the outing swimming, paddling, or relaxing. Philippe’s local stories, patient help with children, and willingness to tailor the route add real value.

Book with care if your budget is tight. The $342 group price does not include the €200 skipper fee, transport, food, or drinks. For a full group of five, the private format makes more financial sense than for one or two people.

My strongest advice is to choose six hours if your schedule allows. The coast, islands, swim stops, paddleboard, picnic options, and island walks need time. A half-day can be excellent, but a full day gives you the unhurried Riviera experience this boat is built for.

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 long is the boat tour?

The available duration is between three and six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many passengers can join?

The stated capacity is up to five passengers plus the skipper. Contact the provider before booking if your group is larger.

Is the skipper included in the advertised price?

No. A €200 skipper fee must be paid onboard.

What equipment is provided?

The boat provides snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, swim noodles, and drinking water.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are allowed onboard, and the boat has storage for bags. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The route includes opportunities to anchor and swim in the waters around the Lerins Islands and the Cap d’Antibes.

Can I visit one of the Lerins Islands?

Yes. The tour can include time to stroll around one of the islands, depending on your chosen duration and route.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Is the tour suitable for young children or wheelchair users?

Children under three are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The boat is used by families with older children, with life jackets and flotation equipment provided.