La Ciotat is a perfect place for boat lovers. Its location on the South of France offers access to Calanques National Park, renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for a short morning escape or a longer afternoon adventure, the boat tours here deliver stunning scenery and memorable experiences. The Calanques Morning Boat Tour is a favorite for its quick, immersive escape into nature, while the Calanques Afternoon Tour appeals to those wanting more time and underwater exploration. Both tours are tailored for travelers eager to see the remarkable cliffs, swim in clear waters, and enjoy local coastline views.
For those who love snorkeling, both options include the chance to swim in the Calanques’ pristine waters, with equipment provided. They also share a common feature: limited group sizes (max 12 people), ensuring a more intimate experience. If you’re debating between a morning or afternoon trip, consider your schedule and whether you prefer sunrise tranquility or afternoon light that makes the scenery even more dramatic. Now, let’s explore these options in detail to help you choose the best fit.
1. La Ciotat: Calanques Morning Boat Tour with Snorkeling
At number 1 on our list is the Calanques Morning Boat Tour with Snorkeling. This 3-hour trip departs at 9:30 a.m. from La Ciotat’s port and offers a swift but comprehensive look at the stunning Calanques. The tour is led by a skipper who shares insights into the area’s geology and history, making the experience both educational and visually impressive. The highlight is the chance to snorkel in the clear waters of Anse de l’Arène, where you can see what lies beneath the surface.
What makes this tour stand out is its perfect timing for morning light and fewer crowds, providing a peaceful atmosphere for exploring limestone cliffs and hidden coves. The boat used is private, with a maximum of 12 passengers, which creates a relaxed environment. The itinerary includes visits to Île Verte, Figuerolles, and several Calanque sites like Port Pin, En-Vau, and l’Oule, each offering unique scenery and photo opportunities.
Given its shorter duration and intimate group size, it’s ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick, enriching experience. The reviews emphasize its friendly guide, beautiful scenery, and the chance to snorkel in calm waters. The cost is reasonable considering the personalized experience and professional guidance.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a concise, comfortable introduction to the Calanques, perfect if you’re short on time but want a quality nature escape in La Ciotat.
2. La Ciotat: Calanques Afternoon Boat Tour with Snorkeling
At number 2, the Calanques Afternoon Boat Tour extends your time on the water to four hours, beginning around 2 p.m. This trip is slightly longer and offers a more in-depth exploration of the Calanques. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to spend more time soaking in the scenery and enjoying multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, with equipment provided for underwater viewing.
During this tour, you’ll visit popular spots like Île Verte, Figuerolles, and additional Calanques including Sugiton and Morgiou. The tour includes several photo stops and swimming breaks in the Calanques’ famously clear waters. The skipper provides lively commentary, sharing stories and facts about the area’s geology, fauna, and history, making the trip both fun and informative. Plus, cold drinks are available, enhancing comfort during the summer months.
Many reviews praise the relaxed pace and the variety of stops, especially the opportunity to snorkel at multiple sites. The group remains small, fostering a more personalized experience. The tour’s longer duration makes it well-suited for travelers who want to see more of the coastline and incorporate snorkeling into their adventure.
Bottom Line: If you have extra time and want to explore more secret corners of the Calanques, this longer afternoon tour offers excellent value with multiple swimming stops and a lively guide.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding, consider your schedule, interests, and what kind of experience you want. The morning tour is excellent if you prefer an early start and a shorter, more relaxed outing. It’s perfect for those who want to combine the trip with other activities later in the day. Meanwhile, the afternoon tour is better suited for those who want a deeper dive into the Calanques and enjoy more swimming and snorkeling.
Both tours are limited to small groups, making them ideal for travelers seeking intimacy and personalized attention. If underwater exploration is your priority, both options supply snorkeling gear, but the longer tour offers more stops for underwater fun. Budget-wise, they are quite comparable considering the added value of the extra time and variety.
Booking early is recommended, especially during summer months when these tours fill quickly. For a memorable day on the water with stunning scenery and a friendly skipper, these boat trips are hard to beat.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour for You
Think about how much time you want to spend on the water—if your schedule is tight, the morning tour packs a lot into three hours. If you’re craving a more leisurely exploration, the afternoon tour lets you linger longer in the Calanques. Consider your comfort level with snorkeling; both tours provide gear, but the longer trip offers more stops for underwater adventures.
If you’re traveling with family or a small group, both tours cater to limited groups for a more personal experience. For those on a tight budget, these tours are fairly comparable, but the extra time on the water on the afternoon trip might justify a slightly higher price for more enjoyment.
In any case, book your spot early, especially in summer, and prepare for a day of striking views, swimming, and relaxing on the water in one of France’s most scenic natural parks.
In summary, La Ciotat offers two fantastic boat tour options—each with its own appeal. The morning Calanques tour excels for those wanting a quick yet rich experience, while the afternoon tour suits travelers looking for a fuller, more relaxed exploration with multiple swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Both tours promise memorable sights and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the clear waters of the Calanques. Whichever you choose, a day on these waters won’t disappoint, so be sure to book early and get ready for a truly spectacular adventure.
