Marseille : Underwater Scooter Adventure

If you’re looking for a way to see Marseille’s stunning Calanques that’s a bit off the beaten path, this Underwater Scooter Adventure might just be what you need. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but after reviewing everything carefully, it’s clear that it offers a pretty special way to explore some of the most hidden corners of the Mediterranean coast. It’s perfect for travelers who love nature, value tranquility, and want to do something a little different from the usual boat trip or snorkel session.

What really draws us in are a couple of standout features: first, the limited departures and private transfers make it feel like a truly exclusive experience. And second, the electric underwater scooter turns the usual snorkeling into a smooth, silent glide through the water—an experience that’s as much about serenity as it is about adventure. That said, it’s not for everyone—if you’re not comfortable swimming or don’t like water activities, you might want to consider other options. But if you’re curious about marine life and enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

This tour is best suited for those seeking a peaceful, eco-friendly way to see the Calanques from beneath the surface, combined with the comfort of a small group and expert guides. It’s a good fit for adults and older children who are comfortable swimming, but definitely not for very young kids or pregnant women. Let’s dig into all the details so you can decide if this underwater scooter adventure is right for you.

Key Points

• Unique underwater exploration with silent electric scooters.
• Limited departure times and small groups for a more intimate experience.
• Exclusive access to beautiful, less crowded Calanques spots.
• Year-round activity thanks to wetsuits included for all seasons.
• Expert guides ensure safety while giving you freedom to explore.
• Breathtaking views and marine life encounters that are hard to find elsewhere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Underwater Scooter Adventure in Marseille?

This experience is not your typical day at the beach. Instead, it combines a private boat ride with a chance to glide effortlessly through calm waters on a high-quality electric underwater scooter. You’ll start your journey from the Esplanade J4, just behind the Mucem, and head out on a 30-minute speedboat ride to reach some of the Calanques’ most secluded spots.

Once there, you’ll put on a wetsuit—included for comfort year-round—and hop onto your scooter. The electric scooters are designed to be silent, safe, and eco-friendly, giving you a peaceful way to observe marine life and the underwater landscape. You’re not just snorkeling or floating; you’re actively moving through the water, with the ability to control your pace.

The tour lasts roughly three hours, and only two departures are available daily at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., ensuring a small, personalized experience. This setup is perfect if you value privacy and exclusivity. The entire trip is guided by a professional skipper who keeps you safe while allowing plenty of freedom to explore.

The Itinerary: What Does Your Day Look Like?

The adventure begins at the Esplanade J4, where you meet your guide and board a private speedboat. After a 30-minute ride, you arrive at the Frioul archipelago, a beautiful area with less tourist traffic than other parts of Marseille. Here, you’ll spend around an hour snorkeling and observing marine life, giving you a taste of what’s beneath the surface.

Following your first snorkeling session, you’ll have a break and free time—a chance to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery before heading back into the water. A second 30-minute snorkeling session allows you to deepen your exploration and get more chances to see schools of fish and maybe even some small marine creatures.

Throughout the day, your guide will be nearby, ensuring safety and helping with any questions. The trip concludes with a comfortable 30-minute speedboat ride back to the starting point, with the entire experience lasting about three hours.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Private Access to Unspoiled Areas

Unlike many boat trips that stick to popular, crowded spots, this experience takes you to rarely visited Calanques like Ratonneau, l’Éoube, and Morgiret. These locations are known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations, and they’re accessible only to specific tours like this one. This means fewer crowds and a more intimate connection with nature.

More Great Tours Nearby

Electric Underwater Scooter

The highlight here is the electric underwater scooter. It’s not just a fancy gadget; it’s the core of the adventure. It allows you to move silently and smoothly, giving a feeling of flying underwater. Reviewers rave about how easy it is to use and how close it gets you to marine wildlife. One traveler wrote, “From sunbathing on deck to zipping around laguna with underwater scooter, every moment was pure joy.”

All-Year Comfort with Wetsuits

A lot of water activities are limited by weather or season, but not this one. Wetsuits are included so you can comfortably enjoy the experience in cooler weather or even in winter. This flexibility makes it a great option regardless of when you visit Marseille.

Small Groups & Personalized Service

With only two departures daily and a cap of around 10 participants, this tour keeps things cozy. The guides are described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, which enhances the experience. As one review sums it up, “Guillaume was an amazing host,” highlighting the importance of good guiding.

What Are the Downsides or Considerations?

While this adventure offers a lot, there are a few things to keep in mind. The tour is not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or non-swimmers. You need to be comfortable in water and capable of swimming, so it’s not a casual boat ride.

Since the activity is weather-dependent, poor conditions might lead to rescheduling or cancellation. This is common with outdoor water-based excursions, so it’s worth checking the forecast close to your planned date. Also, the tour does not include hotel pickup or meals, so plan accordingly.

An aspect to consider is the cost—$116 per person. While this includes the boat transfer, wetsuits, and scooter, it’s a bit on the higher side compared to typical boat trips. However, the exclusivity and specialized equipment tend to justify it for travelers seeking something special.

What Do Past Travelers Say?

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many mention the stunning views and knowledgeable guides as a highlight. For instance, one traveler from France said, “Guigui and Laulau were awesome. Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, they made this rainy day happy and brightened our hearts,” showing that the guides can turn a grey day into a memorable one.

Another reviewer noted, “I had an absolutely amazing time—zipping around the lagoon on the underwater scooter and just soaking in the views of Marseille from the water. Every moment was perfect,” reflecting how engaging and memorable the experience can be.

And it’s clear that the marine wildlife is a real draw: “Incroyable, I realized my dream of swimming underwater and seeing beautiful schools of fish,” shared one traveler. This indicates that you’re likely to encounter interesting marine life if conditions are good.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy the water and are seeking a peaceful, immersive experience outside of the typical crowded tours. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group settings and want to explore Marseille’s hidden underwater beauty in comfort.

It’s especially suitable for nature lovers, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a memorable, intimate experience. If you’re comfortable swimming and looking for something more than just sightseeing from a boat deck, this tour will definitely deliver.

Final Thoughts

For anyone wanting a distinctive way to explore Marseille’s Calanques, this underwater scooter tour offers a compelling mix of exclusivity, adventure, and serenity. The guided trips to less-accessible spots mean you’re in for some of the best scenery and marine encounters the area has to offer. Plus, the inclusion of wetsuits makes it feasible year-round, so you don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy this.

While it’s not the cheapest activity around, the small group size, personal attention, and unique underwater perspective can make it worth the price. The experience is designed for those who want more than just a standard boat trip, offering a sense of freedom and connection with nature that’s hard to match elsewhere.

If you’re looking for a quiet, immersive, and memorable adventure in Marseille, this could be exactly what you’re after. Just remember, it’s best suited for confident swimmers and those open to water activities. For lovers of marine wildlife and peaceful exploration, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 4 years old or non-swimmers. Participants need to be comfortable in water and able to swim.

Can I do this tour in winter?
Yes, wetsuits are included, allowing you to enjoy the experience year-round, regardless of season.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water, and a jacket for comfort.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a small group of around 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are hotel transfers included?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included; you’ll need to reach the Esplanade J4 near the Mucem on your own.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds a bit of flexibility to your planning.

If you’re after a relaxed yet exciting way to see Marseille from a different angle, this underwater scooter adventure offers just that. It combines the thrill of exploring marine life with the comfort of small-group guiding—an experience that’s both serene and unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here: