Bandol is a fantastic base for exploring the South of France, thanks to its beautiful coastline, renowned vineyards, and proximity to iconic sites like the Calanques and Porquerolles Island. Travelers love the area for its mix of natural beauty and authentic local experiences. For example, a boat trip to visit the 13 Calanques of Cassis & Marseille offers stunning cliff-side views and a chance to see this UNESCO-listed natural heritage site from the water. If you’re into wine, you’ll appreciate tours led by Michelin 3-star sommeliers that take you through the vineyards of Bandol, tasting some of the finest wines in Provence. For wildlife enthusiasts, whale-watching trips promise an exciting encounter with dolphins and whales, offering a completely different perspective on this lively part of the Mediterranean.
What makes Bandol stand out for tours is the diversity—whether you’re seeking adventure at sea, a relaxing wine tasting, or a full-day island escape, there’s something for all. The variety of options includes boat excursions, wine tours, and wildlife encounters, with many tours rated highly for their quality and value. If you’re curious, you can explore some of these experiences in detail, such as the Visit the vineyards and discover Bandol wines, which offers a luxurious look into Provence’s wine culture.
Below, you’ll find a list of the best tours in Bandol, each with its own unique appeal—whether you want a quick sea cruise, a deep dive into local wines, or an adventurous island visit. Read on to find the perfect match for your travel interests.
1. From Bandol: Visit the 13 calanques of Cassis & Marseille (3 hours 15 minutes at sea)
Starting with one of the most popular activities, this sea trip to the Parc National des Calanques is a highlight for many visitors. Leaving from Bandol, you’ll set out on a guided tour of the stunning calanques—narrow, steep-walled inlets carved into limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean coast. The tour lasts about 3 hours and 15 minutes at sea, with an option for dogs to join, making it especially appealing for pet owners wanting to experience the natural beauty with their furry friends.
This tour is praised for its comprehensive commentary booklet available in English, German, and Spanish, providing insight into the geology, flora, and fauna of this protected area. The boat navigates close to towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and secluded beaches, offering plenty of photo opportunities. For those wanting a deeper experience, this trip is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a longer boat cruise with in-depth commentary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a scenic, guided boat ride with informative commentary that includes a visit to the famous calanques, with the flexibility of pet-friendly options.
2. From Bandol: Visit the 7 calanques of Cassis & Marseille (2.5 hours at sea)
For those with less time but still eager to see the calanques, this 2.5-hour guided boat trip offers a quick yet immersive experience. Departing from Bandol, the tour covers seven calanques within the same national park area. The shorter duration makes it ideal for travelers with busy schedules or those who want to combine a boat trip with other activities.
Rated very highly at 4.6/5 from over 200 reviews, this tour is praised for its friendly guides and the excellent commentary booklet in multiple languages. Dogs are welcome, which makes it a good choice if you’re traveling with a non-human companion. The route provides a great overview of the rugged coastline and the chance to see the famous limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
Bottom Line: A perfect option for a concise, high-quality calanque cruise, especially if you want a guided experience with multilingual commentary and pet-friendly policies.
3. Visit the vineyards and discover Bandol wines
If tasting world-class wines is more your speed, this tour delivers. Led by a Michelin 3-star head sommelier, you’ll visit a leading estate in the Bandol appellation. The tour includes pickup in a 4×4, a walk through the vineyard, and a dedicated tasting session, making it an educational and sensory-rich experience.
Rated 5/5 from 54 reviews, this tour stands out for its quality and depth. The itinerary includes a 30-minute jeep ride from pickup points like Toulon, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, or Sanary-sur-Mer, a visit to the estate, and a tasting of their exceptional wines. The highlight is the opportunity to learn about the unique terroir that makes Bandol wines so distinctive, especially the famed red and rosé varieties.
This tour suits serious wine lovers or those wanting a luxurious, behind-the-scenes look at Provence’s winemaking. The included lunch in a local Var restaurant adds to the value, rounding out a full, immersive day.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for connoisseurs and first-time wine travelers alike, combining scenic vineyard visits with expert guidance and great food.
4. Excursion to Porquerolles Island from Bandol
For a full day of relaxation and exploration, this Porquerolles Island excursion is a top pick. After a 1.5-hour cruise departing from Bandol, you’ll arrive at the largest of the Golden Isles, where a 6.5-hour stop allows plenty of time to soak in the island’s natural beauty.
The route is specially commented on, offering insights into local history and ecology. While on the island, visitors enjoy free time to walk, swim, or rent bikes to explore the stunning beaches, vineyards, and charming villages. The cruise itself provides a scenic view of the coast and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
Rated 4.7/5 with nearly 100 reviews, travelers appreciate the balance of relaxing cruise and ample island time. This trip is ideal for families or travelers wanting a mix of maritime travel and land-based leisure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a leisurely day trip with plenty of time on the island, especially if you love beaches, scenic cruising, and a relaxed pace.
5. Whale watching, dolphins, and whales departing from Bandol
For wildlife enthusiasts, this early-morning whale-watching tour is a truly memorable experience. Departing at 6:00 a.m., you’ll head out on a boat equipped with a hydrophone and camera gear, increasing chances of spotting dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
Rated 4.8/5 based on 37 reviews, this tour is highly regarded for its naturalist approach and the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. The tour includes photos, so you can relive the experience later, and the natural environment adds an authentic, adventurous feel.
This trip is best suited for early risers and those eager for an active, wildlife-focused day. The price reflects the unique experience, and the small group sizes mean more personalized attention from the crew.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for nature lovers and those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, especially if you’re comfortable with an early start.
6. Tour of the Bandol and Côtes de Provence vineyards + Lunch
For a comprehensive wine-tasting experience, this 4-hour tour combines visits to two top vineyard estates, with tastings and a delicious lunch in a local Var restaurant. Guided by a former three-Michelin-starred sommelier, you’ll learn about the nuances of Bandol and Côtes de Provence wines while enjoying the stunning landscape.
Rated perfectly at 5/5 from two reviews, this tour is a cut above for its expert guidance and the quality of wines tasted. The visits include a walk through the estates, a tasting of premium wines, and a sit-down lunch that complements the flavors. The tour is well-paced and offers a good balance of educational insight and relaxation.
Ideal for serious wine lovers and foodies, this tour is on the pricier side but offers excellent value considering the quality of the experience and the included meal.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a luxurious, educational wine adventure paired with a gourmet lunch—worth the splurge for connoisseurs.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Bandol
When selecting among these tours, consider your priorities: Are you after a scenic sea cruise? The Calanques trips or 7 calanques offer spectacular views and easygoing excursions. If wine tasting is your passion, the vineyard tour provides an immersive learning experience, especially for those wanting expert guidance. For wildlife lovers, the whale watching delivers an adrenaline-pumping, nature-filled adventure, perfect for early risers.
Decide based on your available time, budget, and interests. If you want a full day of island exploration, the Porquerolles trip is a great choice. For a blend of scenic beauty and relaxation, these tours offer excellent options—just book early, especially in high season.
In summary, whether you’re drawn to the dramatic coastlines, world-class wines, or marine wildlife, Bandol’s diverse tour offerings ensure you’ll find something memorable. For a leisurely introduction, the calanque cruises are hard to beat; for a more indulgent experience, the vineyard tours offer taste and teach; and for the adventurous, whale watching guarantees a day of discovery. Take your pick, and enjoy your time in this stunning corner of France.
