Best of · FRANCE ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
The 15 best france island hopping tours you can book today, with the per-head price, how long the day runs and how many landings you get. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Take a 15-minute Trans Côte d’Azur ferry from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island. Walk marked forest trails, visit Fort Royal and its Maritime Museum, watch migratory birds, or swim near the underwater eco museum. You choose how long to stay, with several departures and returns each day.
“Always friendly staff on the quick ferry to the island”
Join a French-speaking captain from Ajaccio or Porticcio for a 150-minute RIB trip to Mezzu Mare, the largest Sanguinaires Island. You get a lighthouse walk, sunset swim, Corsican charcuterie, rosé, and polyphonic music in a group capped at 12.
“Greg est super , nous avons apprécié ses commentaires et sa façon de pilotage. excursions a recommander.”
Set out from Porticcio for a 2-hour-45-minute sunset cruise to the Sanguinaires Islands. Your skipper, often Greg or Thomas, takes you by boat to Grande Sanguinaire for about an hour to visit the 1870 lighthouse, enjoy the view, swim, and share a Corsican aperitif before returning.
“Been there with my wife last summer, this was the highlight of our trip to Corsica, I just can't remember seeing anything nicer in France. Being on the speed boat is a phenomenal experience and exploring the island right before the sunset is uRead more”
Join a French- or English-speaking skipper for a two-hour semi-rigid boat trip from the Mucem. Cruise past Vallon des Auffes and Château d’If, swim with provided masks and snorkels, and enjoy a 20-minute stop at Port of Frioul. Guides such as Gilles and Tomas add local history and practical help.
“We spontaneously signed up for the tour with Gilles and honestly, it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip. He was so friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable about the area and happy to share all possible tips. We stopped around the side of Frioul to swim in a super secluded spot, had some time to walk around the island and then went back to the mainland, all while jamming to our own summer playlist on his speaker. Would recommend him & this trip to anyone I know going to Marseille! Merci encore, Gilles :-)”
Join Les Voiles de Bonifacio for a four-hour catamaran trip from Piantarella, with sailing instruction, two swim stops around Lavezzi and Cavallo, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards. Skippers such as Patrick, Silva, and François are praised for their friendly guidance, though the route depends on weather and sea conditions.
“look no further, this half day excursion to lavezzi isalnds is perfect. new catamaran, great staff, and amazing value compared to other providers charging upwards 200dollars during the height of the season.”
Set out from Saint-Raphaël’s Old Port on a four-hour catamaran cruise along the Estérel coast. You’ll pass Cap Dramont and Agay Bay, stop near Cap Roux for paddleboarding and swimming, then return via the Calanque des Contrebandiers and Île d’Or. French and English crew, drinks, snacks, and an aperitif are included.
Spend 3.5 hours aboard Le Don du Vent 1947, sailing from Marseille’s Old Port to a Frioul Islands cove. Enjoy a fresh buffet, organic white wine and rosé, snorkeling, paddle use, and sunset views. The crew speaks French and English, with Olivier and Samir among the friendly team members praised by name.
“Absolutely spectacular ! The weather helped too, clear calm and insufferably hot throughout the day, by the time we left the harbour at 7 pm it had cooled dramatically with warm Mediterranean breezes throughout the trip. An endless supply of light wines, soft drinks and ice water kept everyone hydrated with a nice nibble to start. We then dropped anchor just north of a rocky island and most of us then jumped in for a truly amazing swim in the cool clear water. Afterwards was a delightful buffet dinner and yet not wine, I snuck in one last swim with two other hardy souls before getting back on board for…”
Ride a comfortable ferry from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite in about 15 minutes, then explore at your own pace. Walk marked trails, visit Fort Royal, watch birds at Batéguier lake, or swim and snorkel before returning on a seasonal ferry.
“The app was easy to use, with good deals on offer. When I needed to change the date for my trip, I could do it without any fuss.”
Join Eric and Celia aboard their 11-meter sailboat, Ulysse, for a 3.5-hour cruise from Cannes to the Lerins Islands. You’ll anchor in clear water for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, with masks, paddles, refreshments, and a relaxed family-boat atmosphere included.
“My friends and I had a great time on Celia and Eric’s boat. We had perfect weather and thoroughly enjoyed every second in the water. We learned a little history of the islands and the charcuterie was great snack to end the trip. Would highly recommended this to anyone!”
Join Les Voiles de Bonifacio for a 150-minute sunset catamaran trip from Piantarella beach, or Bonifacio in low season. You will sail toward the Lavezzi Islands, stop to swim and snorkel, try a paddleboard, and learn sailing basics from a French- and English-speaking crew.
“Bonjour, la balade a été annulé par l’organisateur, en raison des conditions météorologiques nous proposant de décaler, étant notre dernier jour en corse je demande un remboursement. Et depuis samedi plus de nouvelles… pas très professionnel.”
Join a local Marseille captain for a three-hour boat trip from the Mucem to Vallon des Auffes, Degaby Island, Château d’If, and Frioul. You’ll have 90 minutes to explore, eat, walk, or swim, with masks, paddles, water, and a flexible route shaped by sea conditions.
“My daughter and I had a wonderful day on this trip. We were given lots of information on how to meet and find the boat which was great and the trip itself was wonderful. It was very relaxed and fun and we saw beautiful areas of marseille and the surrounding islands. The friole islands were beautiful, we had time there to eat and drink and swim. He was so nice and friendly to us all. Definitely worth every penny. Would highly recommend this trip. Merci 🇫🇷♥️”
Set sail from Porto Vecchio at 9 a.m. for the Cerbicales and Lavezzi Islands, with Bonifacio views, lunch and drinks onboard, two swim stops, and a return via Cavallo. Captain Vincent Chiocca brings four generations of Corsican fishing knowledge to the day.
“un succulent repas et bravo à toute l'équipe. je conseii”
Join a skipper such as Valentin or Valentino for a 3.5-hour sailing trip from Antibes to the Lérins Islands. You’ll learn basic sailing, hear the story of the Man in the Iron Mask, swim and snorkel near Fort Royal, and use the onboard paddleboard.
“Incredible experience with the perfect balance of sailing and swimming time. Would highly recommend!”
Join Philippe on a private boat from Camille Rayon Marina for 3 to 6 hours along the Côte d'Azur. Cruise past Cap d'Antibes and the Lerins Islands, then swim, snorkel, paddleboard, stroll Saint-Honorat, or relax aboard. The boat holds up to five passengers plus the skipper.
“The boat ride was comfortable, Philllipe was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and friendly.”
Join Valentin and a maximum of eight other passengers for a three-hour sunset sail from Antibes. Cruise past the Lérins Islands or Cap d’Antibes, swim and snorkel in clear water, share local snacks and wine, then watch the sun set from the boat.
“I had such a great experience on this sailing trip for my birthday! The captain was super kind and made everyone feel really welcome. He played amazing music the whole time, which made the vibe even better. It really set the mood for a perfect sunset watch on the water. The boat was really nice and comfortable, and we had some snacks and wine, which were delicious. The captain was also great at sailing, so we always felt safe and could just relax and enjoy. It was such a special day, and I’m really happy I got to celebrate my birthday like this!”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
