Marseille: Catamaran rental by the day

When it comes to exploring Marseille, many travelers focus on its bustling Vieux Port, colorful streets, and lively markets. But for those seeking a truly memorable adventure, the luxury catamaran rental offers a different perspective—gliding along the coast, soaking in panoramic views, and enjoying the sun and sea at your own pace. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, a thorough look at its details suggests it’s an experience worth considering.

Three things really stand out: the full privatization, which means you have the boat entirely to yourself or your group; the opportunity to sail on a high-standard, licensed vessel, ensuring safety and comfort; and the chance for customized stops for swimming and relaxing. The one potential consideration is that food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan for bringing your own provisions. This tour is best suited for groups looking for a private, relaxed day on the water, especially those interested in personalized sailing experiences outside the typical crowded boat tours.

Good To Know

• Private Charter: Entire catamaran is yours, offering flexibility and exclusivity.
• Inclusive Sailing: Skipper is licensed, and the boat meets safety standards.
• Customizable Itinerary: You choose between sailing, swimming, and relaxing at anchor.
• Duration & Flexibility: 7-hour trip, with options to tailor stops and activities.
• Cost & Value: At $1,931 for up to 12 people, it offers a good value for a private day on the water.
• What’s Not Included: Food and beverages are separate, so bring your favorites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Experience

Imagine starting your day in Marseille’s famous Vieux Port, where you can watch local fishermen and busy cafes before stepping aboard your private catamaran. The vessel, described as a luxury cruising catamaran, is designed to offer comfort, safety, and simplicity in a stunning setting. With a licensed skipper onboard, you’re in good hands to enjoy a smooth, relaxing sail, whether you’re experienced or a newbie.

The journey’s highlight is sailing toward the Frioul Islands archipelago, a collection of small, rugged islands just off the coast. Depending on the weather—like the wind and sun—the skipper may adjust the route, but the focus remains on providing a flexible and personalized experience. Travelers report that sailing conditions can vary, making each trip unique, which adds a sense of adventure.

Once at the islands, you’ll have ample time for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing. Some reviews mention swimming stops as a favorite part, with the chance to cool off in clear waters amid scenic surroundings. For those interested in water activities, options like stand-up paddleboarding are available, adding an active element to your day.

After a stretch of swimming or relaxing, you might enjoy a delicious picnic onboard, provided you bring your own food and drinks, which is the only thing not included in the package. The 7-hour duration allows enough time for multiple swims, leisurely sailing, and soaking in the landscape, all without feeling rushed.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée

Your adventure begins at this central Marseille location, which is easy to reach from most city accommodations. The departure is flexible, with availability depending on your booking, but it typically lasts around 7 hours.

Sailing and Exploration: Frioul Archipelago

As the boat departs, you’ll feel the thrill of setting out on a luxury vessel designed for comfort and safety. The skipper, who holds the necessary licenses, will navigate the boat, allowing you to relax and take in the sights. Sailing conditions can vary—some reviews mentioned “depending on wind and sun,” so expect a different experience on each trip.

The Frioul Islands are the main destination, offering stunning scenery, secluded spots, and excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a scenic playground, with rugged coastlines and clear waters, perfect for a break from the hustle of Marseille.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Activities at the Islands

You can expect multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling, with some travelers noting marine life viewing as a highlight. If you prefer active pursuits, stand-up paddleboarding is available, giving you a fun way to explore the shoreline in a relaxed setting.

Return to Marseille

After several hours of enjoying the sea, your boat will head back toward the starting point, passing along the coast and offering stunning views of the cityscape and nearby islands. It’s common to spend the last part of the trip soaking in the scenery or simply relaxing onboard.

What’s Included and What You Need to Know

Included in the price:

• Full privatization of the vessel
• Use of a licensed skipper
• The boat to commercial and safety standards

Not included:

• Food and drinks—you should bring your own provisions for the trip, which allows for a personalized picnic experience on deck. This flexibility is appreciated by many because you can pack exactly what you like.

Additional tips:

• Bring essentials like passport or ID, hat, towel, camera, water, and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable clothes and beachwear suitable for swimming and sun exposure.
• Consider motion sickness prevention if you are sensitive to seasickness.

Pricing & Booking:
At $1,931 for up to 12 people, this experience offers good value, especially for groups. It’s a private experience, so the cost is split amongst your party, making it more economical than multiple individual tickets. The flexible booking policy—reserve now, pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Unlike crowded boat trips, this private catamaran offers a tailored experience—perfect for families, friends, or couples wanting exclusivity. The vessel’s standards mean safety isn’t a concern, and the option to customize your stops makes every trip unique. The emphasis on bringing your own food and drinks means you can enjoy a truly personalized picnic with stunning scenery as the backdrop.

This experience’s balanced combination of sailing, swimming, and relaxing is ideal for those who want a slower, more intimate exploration of Marseille’s coastline. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in marine activities, or simply want a luxurious, calm day on the water with intimate company.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is best suited for groups of friends or families looking for a private, flexible day out. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy water-based activities and want the freedom to plan their day without rigid schedules. Those seeking a luxurious yet casual experience will appreciate the vessel’s comfort and safety standards, making it suitable for all ages.

If you’re after a more personal, customizable experience away from the crowds, this private catamaran rental stands out as an excellent choice. However, remember that food and drinks are not included, so packing accordingly adds to the overall experience.

FAQ

Is the boat suitable for children?
The boat meets safety standards and is operated by a licensed skipper, making it suitable for families. However, children should be comfortable in a boat setting and be supervised during water activities.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, providing ample time for sailing, swimming, and relaxing at anchor.

What should I bring?
Bring a passport or ID, hat, towel, camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and food and drinks.

Are meals included?
No, food and beverages are not included; you need to bring your own. This allows for a personalized picnic onboard.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience weather-dependent?
Yes, sailing conditions depend on the wind and sun, so the route and activities might vary based on the weather.

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

Final Thoughts

A private, sail-focused day trip aboard a luxury catamaran in Marseille offers a rare blend of exclusivity and flexibility. You’ll enjoy stunning scenery, calm waters, and the freedom to customize your day—making it perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and craft a personalized experience.

Ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples seeking a special adventure, this tour combines comfort, safety, and authentic outdoor fun. While bringing your own food is a small extra step, it allows you to tailor your picnic and maximize your enjoyment. The experience promises a memorable way to see Marseille’s coast from a different angle—relaxed, private, and tailored just for you.

In summary, if you value a private, flexible day on the water with high safety standards, this catamaran rental checks all the boxes. Expect scenic sailing, refreshing swims, and a laid-back atmosphere—perfect for creating lasting memories in the South of France.

You can check if your dates are available here: