Catamaran from Cannes

If you’re considering a day on the water while visiting Cannes, a catamaran cruise might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve gathered a lot of insights from reviews and descriptions to help you decide whether it’s a good fit for your trip. Think of this as chatting with a friend who’s done their homework.

What we do love about this experience is how it offers a chance to see the iconic Côte d’Azur from a different perspective, combined with relaxing on a luxurious vessel. Plus, the option to book a gourmet buffet lunch or just enjoy the sun and sea makes it flexible. On the flip side, a few reviews mention that some aspects like the food or the crowd size might not meet every expectation, so it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic outing with water sports thrown in, and who don’t mind the cash-only bar and limited onboard amenities. If you’re after a laid-back day with beautiful views and a bit of adventure, this trip could be just right.

Key Points

• Stunning vistas of the French Riviera and Bay of Cannes
• Flexible options including half- or full-day cruises and optional lunch
• Water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
• Good value for money with a mix of relaxation and fun
• Crowd levels vary, with some reviews mentioning it can get busy
• Food quality is generally good, but not gourmet; some reviews mention shortages or disappointment

What to Expect on the Catamaran Tour

This cruise departs from Cannes’s Port of Cannes, promising a luxurious experience on the water. It’s designed to give you a new angle on the French Riviera—whether that’s soaking up the sun or enjoying the sea breeze while gazing at the coastline.

The Itinerary Breakdown

You’ll start with a morning or afternoon departure, depending on your chosen option. The boat moors between the Lérins Islands—a favored spot for travelers wanting to combine scenic beauty with the chance to dip into the sea.

Half-Day Cruise: This option takes you toward the Lérins Islands, known for their natural beauty and laid-back vibe. You’ll enjoy sailing, swimming, and snorkeling, with plenty of time to stretch out in the sun. Several reviews praise the clean, spacious catamaran and the friendly crew that makes the experience enjoyable. Ashley mentions, “Crew was inviting and wonderful,” which sums up the overall vibe.

Half-Day with Lunch: This adds a gourmet buffet onboard, allowing you to enjoy a nice meal while soaking up the scenery. Many appreciate the quality of the food—the reviews often note that the lunch exceeds expectations, with plenty of food and good drinks.

Full-Day Cruise: This extends your time on the water, sailing further along the coast, past the Massif de l’Esterel mountains. You’ll get a more immersive experience, with more swimming, water sports, and scenic stops. The longer trip is perfect if you want to truly unwind and see more of the area.

Water Activities & Amenities

The tour includes snorkeling gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddles, weather permitting. Several reviews highlight the quality and availability of water equipment, with Kristen commenting, “There are lots of nice places to sit and stretch out in the sun or in the shade,” and everyone seems to enjoy jumping into the water during stops—some even loved taking turns on the paddleboards.

You can also purchase beverages (cash only) from the on-board bar. A few travelers, like Jeffrey, recommend stocking up on drinks if you want more than just water and juice, as options are limited and cash only.

The Food & Drinks

If you opt for the lunch upgrade, you’ll enjoy a gourmet buffet, which reviews often describe as better than expected—more than just snacks, but not a full fine dining experience. Ashley and Heidi agree that the lunch is more than adequate, with Heidi noting that she’d recommend the full-day trip if you want to maximize your meal and water time.

However, some reviews mention shortages or disappointment with the food availability, and others note that snacks and fruit ran out at times. Keep in mind that the bar operates on cash only, which surprised some travelers.

The Crowd & Group Size

Group sizes can go up to 80 travelers, but many reviews mention that the boat never feels overcrowded—especially if you board early. Bjarney says, “The boat wasn’t crowded, and the meals exceeded expectations,” which indicates that even during peak times, the trip remains comfortable.

A couple of reviews, however, note that more extended trips or full-day tours might be better if you prefer a less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere. William R. was disappointed, mentioning rudeness from staff and crowded spaces, so your experience might depend on the day and how many bookings are confirmed.

Timing & Logistics

The meeting point is at 20 Quai Saint-Pierre in Cannes, close to public transportation, making it accessible. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, but some reviews mention the total time can stretch over four hours, especially if you include time for water sports or lunch.

Considerations & Tips

• Bring cash for drinks and extras—credit cards aren’t accepted onboard.
• Dress casually in swimwear and sunscreen, especially if you plan to swim or paddle.
• Arrive early to secure a better spot, particularly if you want to avoid a crowded setup.
• Book in advance—most travelers do so about 4 weeks ahead, and popular dates fill quickly.
• Check the weather, as tours are weather-dependent and may be canceled for safety reasons.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Ashley G. sums it up beautifully: “Such a fun day on the water. Drinks with cash on board are affordable.” Conversely, Shadabi Z. warns that rough sea conditions and limited food can detract from the experience, making it less ideal during bad weather or if you’re expecting a gourmet meal.

Kristen R. highlights the relaxing vibe and ample opportunity for swimming and water sports, which many find appealing. On the other hand, William R.’s criticism about rudeness and lack of sailing time reminds us that service quality can vary, so managing expectations is key.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This catamaran cruise offers a nice balance of scenery, water activities, and relaxation, making it perfect if you’re looking for a low-key day on the water. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy sailing, swimming, and casual dining in a scenic setting. Those who appreciate friendly crews and good value will likely be pleased.

However, if you’re expecting an ultra-luxurious meal or a very quiet experience, you might find this tour somewhat underwhelming. The crowd levels can vary, so if peace and quiet are priorities, consider booking the full-day trip or arriving early.

This experience seems best for travellers wanting a fun, scenic outing without too many frills. It’s a good choice for water lovers, small groups, or anyone wanting to see the Côte d’Azur from the water in a relaxed setting.

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, the minimum age to drink alcohol on this tour is 18, but most travelers of all ages can enjoy the cruise itself.

What’s included in the tour?
You’ll get use of snorkeling equipment during daytime cruises, water sports gear like kayaks and paddleboards (weather permitting), and if you choose the lunch option, a gourmet buffet and drinks like wine, orange juice, or mineral water.

Are food and drinks included?
Food and drinks are only included if you select the lunch upgrade. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase beverages with cash from the onboard bar.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard, so it’s best to enjoy what’s available or upgrade for lunch.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s best to check the forecast and book with flexibility.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, but some reviews mention total time over four hours including stops and water activities.

Is the experience crowded?
Group sizes can be up to 80, but reviews suggest it’s typically comfortable, with some noting it can get busier during peak times.

What’s the meeting point?
The tour starts and ends at 20 Quai Saint-Pierre, Cannes—it’s near public transportation and easy to find.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 28 days ahead to secure their spot, especially in high season.

Can I customize my experience?
You can choose between half-day, half-day with lunch, or full-day options to suit your schedule and preferences.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day on the water with opportunities for swimming, water sports, and enjoying stunning views of Cannes and the surrounding coast, this catamaran cruise offers good value. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy casual dining and flexible schedules, with the added bonus of friendly staff and a spacious, well-maintained boat.

Keep in mind that food quality and crowd management can vary, so managing expectations and arriving early can make a big difference. The experience strikes a nice balance of adventure and leisure, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting a memorable day on the Mediterranean without paying for a luxury yacht.

This tour isn’t for those seeking high-end dining or complete tranquility, but if you’re happy with a fun, friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery, it’s likely to leave you with great memories of your time in Cannes.

Remember to check the weather forecast and book early, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods. Bring cash for extras, and enjoy soaking up the sun and the views on this classic French Riviera outing.