Cannes: Olympic Cruise in the French Riviera

Looking for a relaxing way to see some of the most beautiful parts of the French Riviera? This Cannes Olympic Cruise offers a laid-back, scenic sailing experience that combines stunning coastline views with a touch of Olympic spirit. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on reviews and the detailed description, it strikes us as a genuinely enjoyable outing for those who appreciate being on the water, good company, and a laid-back vibe.

What really catches our eye is the chance to sail around the island of Cannes and the Bay of Anse de l’Argent Faux or Mandelieu, with options depending on the weather. Plus, the addition of snacks, drinks, swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling makes it a well-rounded half-day activity. On the flip side, if you’re not into boats or prone to seasickness, this might not be your best fit. But for anyone looking to unwind while soaking up the views, this trip seems like a solid choice—especially if you enjoy a more intimate, private boat experience.

Key Points

• Scenic sailing around Cannes and the French Riviera coastline
• Olympic-themed experience aboard a former competition boat with a qualified skipper
• Opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling in clear waters
• Snacks and drinks provided onboard, with the option to purchase extra goodies
• Private group experience with a friendly, knowledgeable guide
• Weather-dependent activity, potentially rescheduled or canceled in bad conditions

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Cannes Olympic Cruise

This tour is designed for travelers who want to combine a dash of adventure with relaxation, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of the French Riviera. For about 3.5 hours, you’ll be on a private boat with a skipper who is also an ex-Olympic athlete, bringing a unique element of expertise and storytelling that many boat trips lack.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

The adventure kicks off at Vieux Port de Cannes, where you’ll meet your skipper—an Olympic athlete with a background in sailing, which adds a cool layer of authenticity. After a brief safety briefing and orientation, you’re off to set sail. Depending on the weather, you’ll cruise either around the Island of Cannes and the Bay of Anse de l’Argent Faux or Mandelieu.

The route is carefully planned to maximize your scenic views of the French Riviera’s coastline, a stretch of water that looks like it was designed for postcard shots. The experience of feeling the breeze tousling your hair as you sail is genuinely refreshing and one of the highlights.

After about an hour or so of sailing, you’ll find a tranquil spot to anchor—the perfect place for a dip. The reviews describe this part as a “very pretty bay” where you’ll enjoy swimming in clear waters, with options for paddleboarding and snorkeling thanks to the gear provided. These activities let you get close to the marine life, or just float around and enjoy the serenity.

What Happens on Board

Back on the boat, you’ll be treated to a snack and a drink, which many reviews describe as delicious and well-portioned. The guide often mentions local delicacies or simple snacks with good wine or rosé, making the experience feel quite indulgent yet laid-back.

The Olympic-themed aspect adds a fun twist—you’re sailing with an experienced skipper who qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games. This means you’re not just on a regular boat tour; you’re on a vessel helmed by someone with serious sailing chops, which adds confidence and a touch of inspiration.

The Experience That Travelers Love

Many reviews highlight how friendly and accommodating the guides are. One reviewer mentioned, “Jucyan was very accommodating and a great host!” and even called the trip “a lovely day.” The knowledgeable skipper adds a layer of interest—he shared stories about the local area and the islands, which many found engaging.

The delicious snacks and rosé are consistently praised, with travelers appreciating the value for money. At $585 per person, it may seem a bit steep at first glance, but considering the personalized experience, the expert guide, and the combination of sailing, swimming, and snacks, it’s generally viewed as a worthwhile splurge.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience will appeal to those who appreciate scenic boat trips with a touch of adventure and a focus on comfort. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a private, intimate outing. If you’re traveling with someone interested in Olympic sailing or just eager to enjoy beautiful coastal views with some swimming and light activities, this tour is a good fit.

However, if you’re non-swimmers or prone to seasickness, you’ll want to consider that this is a boat-based activity, and conditions can change with the weather. The reviews note that the rope ladder to get back onto the boat might be tricky for some, emphasizing the importance of being in good shape if you plan to jump in and out of the water frequently.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Experience

The Meeting Point and Timing

The tour starts at Place Pantiero in front of the Gate Marina, a convenient location for those staying in central Cannes. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, depending on your schedule. The duration is 3.5 hours, making it a nice half-day activity that doesn’t overcommit your day but still leaves plenty of time for other adventures.

The Sailing Route and Its Appeal

The route around the Island of Cannes offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding islands. The trip’s flexibility—dependent on weather—keeps it fresh and adaptable, but this also means it could be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are poor. That said, this unpredictability is common with sailing tours and not necessarily a downside if you’re flexible.

The highlight here is the contrast between sailing with the sails up and the peaceful bay for swimming. Many visitors mention how beautiful and serene the spots are, often with comments like “a very pretty bay between islands for swimming and snacks.”

Activities and Time on the Water

Jumping into the sea is a big part of the appeal. The snorkeling gear allows you to explore underwater life, while the paddleboarding is a fun way to stay active. Reviewers say the waters are clear, making swimming a real pleasure.

One traveler pointed out: “The only thing that was tricky was the ladder to get on and off the boat… a rope ladder rather than a fixed metal one,” highlighting the need for a bit of strength and agility if you plan to swim often.

Food and Drinks

The snacks onboard are described as tasty, with some reviewers mentioning local delicacies and rosé wine, which perfectly fits the relaxed vibe. Additional food and drinks are available if you want something extra, but most say the included offerings are sufficient for a pleasant experience.

The Guide and Personal Touch

The guide’s knowledge and friendliness are consistently praised. Having a former Olympic sailor onboard not only adds credibility but also sparks conversations about sailing, the local area, and some inspiring stories. This personal touch elevates the trip beyond a simple boat ride.

Price and Value

At $585 per person, this might seem expensive, but considering it’s a private group experience with an Olympic athlete as your skipper, the value is fair for those seeking a premium, personalized outing. The all-included snacks, drinks, and activities make it feel like a comprehensive half-day adventure rather than just a boat ride.

If you’re someone who values authentic experiences and beautiful scenery, you’ll find this to be a worthwhile splurge, especially if you enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers looking for a mix of sailing, swimming, and scenic beauty. It suits those who value expert guidance and a more personalized experience. While families with older kids might enjoy it, it’s probably not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness.

If you’re after a luxurious, low-stress way to explore the French Riviera from the water, plus enjoy some tasty bites and drinks, this cruise delivers a charming, well-reviewed option.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It might be best suited for older children or teenagers who are comfortable in the water and in a boat, as the trip involves swimming and climbing a rope ladder.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, snacks, and water. The tour provides snorkeling and paddleboarding gear, but it’s good to be prepared.

Can I buy additional food and drinks onboard?
Yes, extra food and beverages are available upon request, though reviews suggest the included snacks and drinks are sufficient.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are poor. The provider offers full refunds if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

How long is the trip?
The total duration is about 3.5 hours, including sailing, swimming, and relaxing onboard.

Where do we meet?
At Place Pantiero, right in front of the Gate Marina in Cannes.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, it’s offered as a private group, making it perfect for couples, friends, or small groups wanting an exclusive outing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic sailing adventure around Cannes with the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide and some fun water activities, this Olympic cruise could be a highlight of your trip. The mixture of expert sailing, stunning views, and casual socializing makes it a very appealing option for those who enjoy being on the water without too much formality.

It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a special experience that combines sport, leisure, and scenery. The positive reviews and the thoughtful itinerary suggest it’s a well-run operation that prioritizes guest comfort and fun.

While it’s not a cheap outing, the personalized, private feel and the unique Olympic connection make it a memorable way to see Cannes from a different perspective. Just remember to be prepared for the weather and physical activity involved, and you’ll likely have a fantastic time soaking up the Côte d’Azur from the deck of a sailing boat.

You can check availability for your dates here: