From Marseille: Iconic Calanques Boat Tour with Swimming

If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and secret coves, then a boat tour through the Calanques National Park could be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, based on tons of reviews and details, it seems like an experience that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Perfect for those who love being on the water and want to see some of France’s most breathtaking coastline — and get a good dose of swimming and snorkeling, too.

What really catches our eye about this tour is how personalized and well-organized it sounds — with small groups, insightful guides, and the chance to explore multiple calanques. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and even a GoPro suggests you’re set up for fun and memorable photos. On the flip side, a couple of reviews mention that the boat ride can be a bit choppy and that the timing for swimming might be somewhat limited. So, if you’re someone sensitive to seasickness or really craving long beach days, you might want to consider these points.

This tour seems especially suited for water lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a well-rounded glimpse of the Calanques without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and somewhat flexible half-day adventure in the South of France, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Expect dramatic limestone cliffs and secret coves along the coast.
• Variety of Stops: Multiple calanques and islands, including Riou Island, Sormiou, Morgiou, and the Blue Cave.
• Included Snorkeling & Wetsuits: Gear provided to explore underwater ecosystems like coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 participants for a more personal and flexible tour.
• Flexible Duration & Departure Points: Tours last 3 to 4.5 hours, with options from different Marseille locations.
• Authentic Local Knowledge: Guides offer interesting insights into the area’s natural and ecological features.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

We think of this boat trip as a curated journey through some of France’s most scenic and lesser-known coastal spots. You’ll meet at one of three locations in Marseille — the Vieux-Port, Théâtre de La Criée, or Le Golfe — and then hop aboard a comfortable boat with a small group. As you set out, you’ll immediately notice the refreshing sea breeze and stunning views of the coast.

The itinerary includes visiting spots like Riou Island, famous for its wild beauty and photo ops, and the Blue Cave, which gets glowing in certain lights. These are great for photos, snorkeling, or just floating in the clear waters. The guide’s knowledge really shines here, as they point out hidden gems and share stories about the area’s ecology and history.

One of the highlights is the snorkeling segment. The tour provides gear, wetsuits if the water’s chilly, and advice on how to make the most of your underwater experience. Reviewers consistently mention how clear and inviting the waters are, with many noting they saw interesting fish like groupers and scorpionfish. It’s worth mentioning that the tour is flexible — it can be adjusted for weather and water conditions, which is helpful since sailing in choppy waters isn’t everyone’s preference.

Finally, the boat makes stops for swimming, relaxing, and taking photos — all with soft drinks and sometimes wine onboard. There’s also a GoPro camera to help capture the moments, and showers/changing facilities at the dock for after the tour.

The Itinerary Breakdown: Discovering the Calanques

Starting Point & Duration

Depending on which departure point you choose, your experience might slightly differ. The Port de la Pointe Rouge is said to save 40 minutes of sailing time, meaning you’ll spend more time exploring and swimming, while departures from Vieux-Port might have slightly less time for dips but more scenic cruising.

The whole trip lasts about 3 to 4.5 hours, which is a sweet spot for a relaxing yet adventure-filled half-day. The smaller group size of 12 people ensures you won’t feel crowded and you can ask your guide plenty of questions.

Riou Island & the Blue Cave

Your first stop is likely Riou Island — a wild, protected area with rocky terrain and secluded spots. Here, you can snap photos, explore, and if conditions are right, go for your first swim or snorkel. Many travelers rave about the chance to see underwater life, with reports of vibrant fish and pristine waters.

The Blue Cave is another fan-favorite, especially in the morning or early afternoon tours when the light hits the water just right, creating a glowing, magical effect. Some reviews mention quick dips here, so if swimming is a priority, arrive prepared.

More Great Tours Nearby

Calanque de Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton

Next, your boat heads to the famous limestone calanques — Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton — each with their own personality. Sormiou is known for its expansive, sheltered bay and rugged cliffs, perfect for taking photos or relaxing on the boat. Morgiou offers a more rugged, less crowded vibe with excellent snorkeling spots. Sugiton is a bit more secluded, ideal for quiet swimming and exploring.

Many reviews highlight how the guides make these stops special by sharing stories and pointing out features you might not notice on your own. Expect around 20 to 30 minutes at each place for swimming, photos, or a quick exploration.

En-Vau and Port Pin

In the afternoon, the tour may include En-Vau — a stunning, iconic calanque with towering cliffs and calm waters. It’s often praised as a must-see for its dramatic scenery. Port Pin and Port-Miou are also on the list, with Port-Miou being the smallest and often the last stop, where you can walk around or enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Flexibility & Weather Considerations

One of the biggest benefits is the flexibility — if the weather turns, the guide can modify the route or pause certain stops. This is important given that the water can be choppy at times, a point that several reviews acknowledge. A few travelers wish for more time to swim, but generally, the stops are timed well for a balance of sightseeing and relaxing.

Included Amenities & Practical Details

This tour packs a lot into its price point, which is around $92 per person. It includes snorkeling gear, wetsuits (helpful when the water is cold), soft drinks, and a GoPro camera — so you can focus on enjoying and capturing the experience without worrying about gear. The Calanques tax is also covered, meaning no hidden fees.

You’ll want to bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Given the open nature of the boat, a light jacket or raincoat might be wise on uncertain weather days, especially since some reviews mention bringing rain jackets for comfort.

The tour is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or anyone with back problems. No large luggage, strollers, or pets (except assistance animals) are allowed, so pack light and travel easy.

Meeting & Departure

Depending on your booked option, the meeting point varies. The main spots are the Port de la Pointe Rouge, Théâtre de La Criée, or Le Golfe. It’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early to handle check-in, especially since the boat is shared and punctuality is appreciated.

Group Size & Guides

The tour limits groups to 12 participants, which means a more intimate experience and better interaction with the guide. The guides are bilingual (English and French) and often praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

What Reviewers Love Most

The consistent praise from reviews revolves around the knowledgeable guides, who share interesting tidbits about the coast and marine life. Many mention how the guides go above and beyond to make sure everyone is comfortable and has fun.

The scenery is breathtaking, with multiple stops giving different perspectives of the calanques and the chance to swim in turquoise waters. Reviewers also love the small group size, which keeps the experience personal and relaxed.

Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are appreciated, as they allow everyone to comfortably enjoy the underwater world. The inclusion of a GoPro is a bonus, making it easy to relive the trip through photos.

The value for money is clear — considering the number of stops, the quality of the water, and the expertise of guides, many reviewers think it’s a solid deal.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for water lovers and nature enthusiasts. It’s well-suited for those who want a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing in a small group. If you enjoy boat rides with scenic vistas and underwater adventures, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, if seasickness is a concern or you’re looking for a long beach day with lots of sunbathing, this might not tick all the boxes. It’s a more active and exploratory experience, with a focus on the coast’s natural beauty and underwater life.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts between 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on the specific route and weather conditions.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at one of three options: Port de la Pointe Rouge, Théâtre de La Criée, or Le Golfe in Marseille. Arrive 15 minutes early.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, wetsuits (if needed), soft drinks, a GoPro camera, and the Calanques tax are included.

Are there swimming stops?
Yes, you’ll have multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel at various calanques and islands.

Is the boat suitable for everyone?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people with back issues. Large luggage, strollers, and pets are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and possibly a light jacket or raincoat.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 12 participants for a more personalized experience.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be modified depending on weather and water conditions to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour through Marseille’s Calanques offers a fantastic mix of scenery, adventure, and relaxation. With knowledgeable guides, a small group setting, and plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel, it seems like a well-rounded experience for travelers who love the outdoors and the water. The inclusion of gear, drinks, and photos makes it feel thoughtfully curated — a good value for a memorable half-day in the South of France.

If you’re comfortable on a boat and eager to explore some of France’s most stunning coastline, this trip could be a highlight of your trip. Just be prepared for a sometimes windy ride and limited swimming time if you want to maximize your chill-out hours. Overall, it looks like a reliable, enjoyable choice for anyone wanting to see and experience the Calanques in a fun, engaging way.

Enjoy your trip planning — the Calanques are truly a sight to see, and a boat tour like this can give you a taste of their wild, rugged beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: