Cannes: Private Boat Trip to Lerins Islands & Cap d’Antibes

The best part of this private Côte d’Azur boat trip is its freedom. Instead of following a fixed group route, you can ask Philippe to spend more time swimming near Saint-Marguerite, walking on Saint-Honorat, or simply sitting at anchor with a picnic and a view. I especially like the mix of sea time and local stories, plus the chance to see Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, Cap d’Antibes, and the Lerins Islands from the water.

I also like that snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, swim noodles, and drinking water are supplied. Philippe has earned strong praise for his calm manner with children, clear safety instructions, and detailed knowledge of the coast. The main thing to watch is the price structure: the advertised $342 covers the boat for a group of up to five, but the €200 skipper fee is paid separately, and food, drinks, and transport are extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Philippe shapes the route around you: Choose more swimming, island time, sightseeing, or a relaxed cruise.
• The Lerins Islands are the main reward: Saint-Marguerite offers a pleasant walk, while Saint-Honorat has a monastery and wine-making tradition.
• You can get in the water easily: Snorkels, a paddleboard, noodles, and a swimming platform are provided.
• The full six-hour option is the better value for most groups: A half-day gives you a taste, but extra time lets you combine several stops without rushing.
• The real cost is higher than the headline price: Add the €200 skipper fee, then budget for food, drinks, and getting to the marina.
• This is best for a small private group: The stated capacity is five passengers plus Philippe, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or children under three.

Why a private boat makes sense around Cannes

Cannes is easy to enjoy from land, but the best view of the Côte d’Azur often comes from offshore. From the boat, the resort towns spread along the shore, the hills rise behind them, and the famous capes and islands make better sense as part of one connected coast.

A private boat also changes the pace. You are not being hurried from one photo stop to the next. If the water looks inviting, you can stop for a swim. If everyone wants shade and a drink, you can stay aboard. If you are traveling with children, Philippe can adjust the plan and give clear instructions before anyone climbs into the water.

This flexibility is especially useful for families and couples with different priorities. One person can paddleboard, another can float with a noodle, and someone else can stay dry and enjoy the view. The boat has passenger seats, a table, storage, a fore-cabin, and a swimming platform. Reviews also describe it as clean, comfortable, and equipped with shade, making it more practical than a bare-bones speedboat.

Starting at Camille Rayon Marina

The trip begins at Camille Rayon Marina in Golfe-Juan, between Cannes and Antibes. You can reach the marina by car or public transport, but transportation is not included, so allow time to get there on your own.

Philippe contacts you before departure with the exact boat, meeting point, time, and weather details. Pay attention to those messages. The supplied information does not give one permanent meeting berth, so the final instructions matter.

Wear swimwear under weather-appropriate clothing and bring a towel. Flat, practical shoes are best, and high heels are not allowed. Bring cash for the skipper fee and any purchases. You may bring your own food and drinks, with room aboard for bags and provisions.

The separate €200 skipper charge is paid at the boat. Add this to the listed group price when comparing the experience with other charters. Since the boat price is for a private group, it can work out well for four or five people, but it is less attractive for a solo visitor or a couple paying all costs alone.

Cruising toward Cap d’Antibes

The route can begin with Cap d’Antibes, a strong opening because it gives you a broad view of one of the Riviera’s most famous stretches. From the sea, you see the coast without the traffic, parked cars, and summer crowds that can make land sightseeing feel crowded.

Philippe uses the cruise for more than navigation. He explains the towns and coastal landmarks, and his local stories add context to what you see. Several outings have included views toward Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, and the bay, with the route adjusted to the group’s interests.

This is a good time for photographs, but keep your camera ready rather than expecting a formal photo stop every few minutes. The appeal is the changing view as the boat moves. Philippe has also helped take photographs for groups, which is useful when everyone wants to be in the picture.

The boat is small enough to feel personal, but that also means you should not expect the space of a large yacht. Five passengers is the stated maximum, plus the skipper. The supplied information includes examples of larger parties, so if your group exceeds five passengers, confirm the arrangement before booking rather than assuming the boat can take everyone.

Crossing the bay to the Lerins Islands

From the Juan Gulf, the boat heads toward the Lerins Islands. The pair most likely to matter to you are Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat, each offering a different kind of stop.

Sainte-Marguerite is the livelier choice for a short walk. You can stretch your legs, explore part of the island, and return to the boat for a swim. It is a useful change of pace during a day that could otherwise become several hours of sitting, sun, and salt water.

Saint-Honorat is quieter and known for its monastery and wine production. A stroll here gives the trip a cultural pause, and the island’s monastic setting feels far removed from Cannes across the water. Time is limited on shorter trips, so you may need to choose between walking and a longer swim stop.

The route is not a rigid checklist. Philippe can tell you what fits your available time and the day’s conditions. On a three-hour outing, expect a compact experience with a couple of stops rather than a slow visit to every part of the coast. On a six-hour outing, you have enough room to cruise, swim, use the equipment, and walk on an island without treating each activity as a race.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The water activities are the heart of the trip. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, swim noodles, and a stand-up paddleboard are provided, and the boat’s swimming platform makes getting into and out of the water simpler.

The exact underwater view depends on weather, water conditions, and the anchorage chosen that day. Still, the setting around the islands gives you a clear reason to bring swimwear and a towel even if you are not a confident swimmer. You can stay close to the boat, use a noodle, or wear a life jacket.

Several outings have included snorkeling near the underwater museum off Sainte-Marguerite, where submerged head sculptures create an unusual point of interest. This is a memorable choice if conditions allow, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed wildlife or museum visit. Philippe selects stops based on the day and the group’s wishes.

The paddleboard adds another option for people who want more than floating. Philippe has shown beginners how to use it, and the equipment can make the water stop more social for families. Children can also use noodles and floatation aids, though adults remain responsible for watching them.

One practical point: sun and wind can feel stronger on the water than they do on shore. Bring suitable clothing and plan for changing conditions. The boat supplies drinking water, but you should bring any other drinks you want, along with food if you prefer a picnic.

Lunch, snacks, and the famous pizza boat

You are allowed to bring food and drinks aboard. That makes a market picnic a sensible choice, especially if you want to control the cost or have particular food needs. Charcuterie, bread, fruit, and cold drinks are easy to fit into a relaxed stop at anchor, though the supplied details do not promise a cooler or full catering service.

You can also use restaurants at the marina and on the islands. In the bay, delivery boats may bring pizza, ice cream, snacks, and drinks directly to your boat. This is one of the more fun details of the outing, but delivery options and timing can change, so do not plan the entire day around a specific order.

Food and drinks are not included in the price. If you want a polished special occasion, buying lunch or a drink delivery can add to the cost quickly. If value matters more, eat before departure and bring your own water and picnic supplies.

The table and cockpit make eating aboard possible, but this remains a boat day, not a restaurant cruise. Pack food that travels well and avoid anything that needs elaborate preparation. Keep bags tidy so the cockpit and swimming access remain clear.

How long should you book?

The available duration ranges from three to six hours. I would choose the full six hours if your schedule allows it, especially if your group wants both island walking and water activities.

A half-day trip works well for a first taste of the coast. You can cruise past Cap d’Antibes, reach the islands, swim or snorkel, and return without committing most of the day. It suits couples with a packed sightseeing schedule or families who are unsure how long children will enjoy being on a boat.

The longer trip feels less hurried. You can stop at more than one anchorage, spend time on the paddleboard, swim, walk on an island, and still enjoy the cruise itself. Many of the strongest experiences described in the supplied material came from full-day outings, particularly for families who wanted time to settle into the boat.

The weather and sea conditions always matter. The skipper provides weather information before the trip and may need to shape the route around the conditions. The itinerary is flexible, but flexibility means the final stops are not guaranteed in exactly the same order every day.

Philippe as skipper and local guide

Philippe is a major part of the experience. He handles the boat, explains safety rules, and shares stories about Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, the islands, and the Côte d’Azur. His style appears to be friendly and engaged without forcing a running commentary every second.

That balance matters. You get useful background on the coast, but you also have quiet time to swim or sit with your own group. Philippe has been praised for giving children calm instructions, helping nervous swimmers, and adapting the day to different ages and interests.

His local knowledge also helps with small choices. He can suggest where to anchor, when to walk on an island, and how to use the available time. If you want history, ask questions. If you want a quieter ride, say so at the start.

English and French are available. Communication before departure is part of the service, so check your messages for the final meeting details and any weather updates.

Price, group size, and overall value

The listed price is $342 per group of up to five, with a separate €200 skipper fee paid on the boat. The total cost is therefore not simply $342. You also need to cover transport to the marina and any food or drinks.

For five people, the boat can offer good value compared with buying several individual seats on a shared cruise. You get the boat to yourselves, a private skipper, flexible stops, and access to water equipment. For two people, the same fixed costs make it a more expensive choice, though the privacy and personal route may justify it for a special day.

The full-day option improves the value because you can use the boat as a base for several activities rather than paying for a short cruise and spending extra time arranging separate island visits. If your main goal is one swim and a few coastal views, the shorter option may be enough.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later through the booking arrangement. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or children under three. Families with older children can do well here, but adults must supervise children around the water.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples who want a private day on the Riviera, families who value a calm skipper, and small groups that want control over the pace. It also works for people who have already seen Cannes from land and want a different view of the coast.

You should be comfortable with a small boat, sun, salt water, and changing conditions. This is not the right choice if you want a large vessel with extensive onboard facilities, a guaranteed fixed route, or a fully catered lunch.

It is also a good fit for mixed groups. A strong swimmer can snorkel, a cautious child can use a noodle, and someone who prefers dry clothes can stay aboard. The private format lets you find a workable rhythm instead of following strangers’ preferences.

FAQ

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The stated capacity is up to five passengers plus the skipper. If your party is larger, confirm the arrangement before booking.

What is included in the price?

The boat, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, swim noodles, and drinking water are included. The €200 skipper fee, transport, food, and other drinks are not included.

Where does the trip start?

The trip starts at Camille Rayon Marina in Golfe-Juan, which can be reached by car or public transport from Cannes and Antibes. Philippe sends the exact boat, meeting location, time, and weather details before departure.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are permitted onboard, and there is storage space for bags. You can also use restaurants on the islands and at the marina, or look for delivery boats serving snacks, ice cream, drinks, and pizza.

How long does the boat trip last?

You can choose an outing lasting between three and six hours, depending on availability. A shorter trip gives you time for cruising and swimming, while six hours allows more room for island walks and several water stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under three are not permitted according to the activity information. Older children can join, and life jackets and swim noodles are provided, but adults should supervise them around the boat and in the water.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the French Riviera on your own terms rather than from a crowded group boat. Philippe’s local stories, patient approach with children, and ability to adjust the route add real value, while the swimming and paddleboard equipment gives the day more substance than a simple sightseeing cruise.

I would choose six hours for the best balance of cruising, swimming, snorkeling, and island time. Choose three hours if you mainly want a private taste of the coast and have other plans in Cannes or Antibes. Just calculate the full cost first, including the €200 skipper fee, and confirm the passenger limit. For the right small group, this is one of the most personal ways to experience the water between Cap d’Antibes and the Lerins Islands.