Marseille: Catamaran rental by the day

Imagine cruising the sparkling waters of the South of France aboard a luxurious catamaran, with the city’s skyline fading behind you and the open sea stretching out in front. That’s exactly what this private catamaran experience offers — a chance to see Marseille from a different perspective, away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a relaxing escape with friends or family, this tour promises a blend of sailing, leisure, and scenic beauty.

What we really like about this experience is how customizable it feels. You get a full privatization of the vessel, allowing you to set your own pace, whether that’s sailing, swimming, or just lounging. Plus, the presence of a licensed skipper ensures safety and local expertise, which is reassuring when you’re out on the water. On the flip side, a consideration worth noting is that food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want a picnic onboard. Still, this setup works well for those who prefer to bring their favorite snacks and beverages.

This experience is best suited for groups that want a flexible, intimate day out on the water — ideal for friends, families, or small celebrations. It’s not necessarily aimed at those looking for a guided tour with a set itinerary, but rather for people seeking a private, relaxed day with options to swim, sunbathe, or sail at their own pace.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience allowing you to shape your day on the water
• Luxury, well-maintained catamaran built to safety standards
• Includes sailing and anchoring at idyllic spots like the Frioul Islands
• Bring your own food and drinks to tailor your onboard experience
• Ideal for small groups up to 12 people seeking privacy and flexibility
• Seven-hour duration offers plenty of time to relax, swim, and enjoy

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Catamaran Rental

This tour is centered around giving you a personalized day on the sea. You’re starting in Marseille’s iconic Vieux Port, a lively hub packed with boats and local charm. From there, the catamaran sets sail for the Frioul Islands, a popular and scenic destination just off the coast. The route and timing depend heavily on the wind, sun, and your preferences, which means no two trips are exactly alike.

Once underway, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities, such as sailing through the waters, stopping to swim and snorkel, and maybe even stand-up paddleboarding if the group is feeling adventurous. The crew, led by a licensed skipper, will keep everything safe and smooth, but the focus is on creating a relaxed, flexible experience that suits your group’s rhythm.

The typical day includes time for boat sailing, swimming breaks, and opportunities to observe marine life, which adds a touch of excitement. You might find the scenery so stunning that you want to linger longer at certain spots, making this a leisurely experience rather than a tightly scheduled tour.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting point: Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée
This modern museum’s location in Marseille acts as a recognizable meeting point for your departure. From here, the boat will take off, and the real adventure begins. Being close to the city, it’s easy to join the trip without extra transport fuss.

Frioul archipelago
The main highlight of the day, this archipelago is known for its calm waters and scenic beauty. The boat cruise here offers chances to swim, snorkel, and spot marine life, which many previous travelers find particularly enjoyable. The waters are generally clear, and the islands’ dramatic cliffs add some dramatic scenery to your day.

Arriving back at the starting point after a full day of relaxation, sailing, and exploration, you’ll feel refreshed and with plenty of memories. The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, giving ample time to unwind without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The main selling point of this experience is the full privatization of the catamaran, meaning your group has the vessel all to yourselves. The skipper is licensed and knowledgeable, ensuring a safe and smooth trip.

What’s included:
– Full privatization of the catamaran
– Skipper services
– Standard safety equipment

What you need to bring:
– Food and drinks (since they’re not included)
– Sun protection like biodegradable sunscreen and hats
– Change of clothes, towels, and swimwear for swimming stops
– Camera and water for the day

Important notes:
– The tour is flexible — you decide how much time to spend sailing, swimming, or relaxing
– The price (around $1,931 for up to 12 people) reflects good value for a private day out, especially considering the vessel’s quality and exclusivity
– You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind to your booking

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Based on reviews and descriptions, many folks seem to appreciate the luxury and privacy this tour offers. They mention that the boat is well-maintained and adheres to safety standards, which makes a big difference when you’re on a boat in unfamiliar waters. The skipper is often described as friendly and accommodating, making it easy to customize the trip.

One traveler shared, “We loved the way the crew tailored the day to our wishes — swimming, sailing, lounging — it felt like a day with friends.” Another noted, “Bringing our own food and drinks was easy, and having the boat all to ourselves made it special.”

A key advantage is the scenic anchorage in idyllic spots, perfect for taking in the views or snapping photos of Marseille’s coastline. Since the trip is flexible, you won’t be stuck following a rigid schedule, which many find refreshing.

However, some mention that food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan ahead. Also, weather can influence the sailing route and overall experience, so it’s good to have flexible expectations.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re someone who enjoys private, relaxed days on the water with friends or family, this is a great pick. It suits travelers who prefer a personalized experience rather than a group tour. It’s especially appealing if you’re comfortable bringing your own snacks and drinks and want to avoid large crowds.

This tour is also perfect for those who love sailing and swimming and want to explore the Frioul Islands from a comfortable, luxurious vessel. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving some downtime in beautiful surroundings, it will likely meet your expectations.

That said, if you’re after a guided, educational tour or you’re traveling solo and want a more social or structured experience, this might not be the best fit. But for those seeking a peaceful, private escape, it’s hard to go wrong.

Final Thoughts

This Marseille catamaran rental offers a rare chance to enjoy the city and its surroundings from a peaceful, luxurious perspective. The full privatization means you have the freedom to craft your ideal day, whether that’s sailing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. The inclusion of a licensed skipper ensures safety and local expertise, making the trip comfortable and worry-free.

The experience’s main strength lies in its flexibility and the quality of the vessel. It’s ideal for groups who value privacy and personalized time on the water. While the cost may seem high, it’s a fair price for a thoroughly tailored day in such a scenic setting, especially if you’re splitting it among friends or family.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, customizable day out, and you’re prepared to bring your own food and drinks, this tour will likely hit the spot. Just keep an eye on the weather, plan ahead for what you’ll bring, and you’re set for a memorable maritime adventure in Marseille.

FAQ

Is food included in the tour? No, food and beverages are not included. You’ll need to bring your own snacks and drinks for the day.

Can I cancel this booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

How many people can the boat accommodate? The private catamaran can host up to 12 people, making it suitable for small groups.

What should I bring on the trip? Bring a passport or ID, hat, change of clothes, towel, camera, food and drinks, water, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and motion sickness prevention if needed.

Is this experience family-friendly? The tour is suitable for groups, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat trips and swimming. It’s not specifically marketed for families with young children, but older kids who enjoy water activities should be fine.

How long does the tour last? The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, giving plenty of time to relax, sail, and swim.

What kind of vessel is used? A luxury, safety-standard cruise catamaran is used, providing comfort and peace of mind.

Where does the tour start and end? It departs from and returns to Marseille’s Vieux Port, near the Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée.

If you’re dreaming of a tranquil day on the water with stunning scenery and a flexible pace, this private catamaran rental in Marseille could be just what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a celebration or a simple escape, it promises a memorable adventure tailored to your wishes.

You can check availability for your dates here: