Cannes : private boat tour Mandelieu Théoule Iles de Lérins

Planning a day on the water along France’s Riviera sounds idyllic, but with so many options, it’s hard to know which tour truly offers value and authentic experiences. This private boat trip from Mandelieu-la-Napoule promises a tailored adventure, cruising along the Côte d’Azur with stops at the Lérins Islands or Théoule-sur-Mer.

We’re drawn to this experience for its combination of luxury and flexibility—a comfortable yacht, a knowledgeable skipper, and the potential to customize your itinerary. We also appreciate that it offers a mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and water activities.

Of course, a potential drawback is the additional cost of fuel and skipper fees, which can add up, especially if you choose the longer options. If you’re after a hassle-free, all-inclusive day, this might feel a bit unbalanced, but it’s a common practice in private charters.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or friends seeking a private, scenic escape with options for swimming and water fun. If you value personalized service and stunning coastal views, this experience could be a perfect fit.

Good To Know

• Exclusive experience: Private group for up to 7 people with a tailored itinerary.
• Flexible durations: Choose from 3, 6, or 8 hours depending on your interests.
• Scenic stops: Visit Théoule-sur-Mer or the Lérins Islands with opportunities for swimming and water activities.
• Comfortable vessel: Well-designed yacht with sunbathing, saloon, toilet, and shower.
• Additional expenses: Fuel and skipper fees are separate and payable at departure.
• Authentic insights: Guides provide local explanations, enhancing the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Overall Setup

The adventure begins at 441 Av. Marcel Pagnol in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. From here, your private boat awaits—a sleek, comfortable yacht designed to host up to 7 guests comfortably. The boat features a sunbathing area at the front, a covered saloon area with a table and benches at the back, plus onboard amenities like a refrigerator, shower, and indoor toilet. All these details mean you can relax in style, whether soaking up the sun or enjoying a meal in comfort.

The Journey Begins: Crossing the Siagne River

Your first stretch involves crossing the Siagne River—a quick 20-minute cruise that sets the tone for a relaxed day. The boat cruises at about 7 knots, offering smooth sailing and scenic views of the coastline, including Mandelieu and Cannes. The skipper, often French or English speaking, will share regional insights, adding context to your sightseeing.

The Itinerary Options: Customizable Adventures

Depending on your selected duration, your experience varies:

• 3-hour tour: Focuses mainly on Théoule-sur-Mer, exploring its wild coves and scenic spots. Ideal for a quick escape with a mix of cruising and swimming.
• 6-hour tour: Extends to the Les Îles de Lérins—a highlight for those wanting to explore the unspoiled islands opposite Cannes. Here, you get a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation.
• 8-hour tour: The full experience, including both Théoule and the islands, offers maximum flexibility and time to enjoy water activities or simply unwind.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Stops at Théoule-sur-Mer

Once in Théoule, you’ll find a landscape of rugged coves and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming or relaxing on the boat. The tour mentions optional activities like paddleboarding at Pointe de l’Aiguille, which is a favorite with those who want a bit of adventure.

One reviewer noted the boat’s comfort and appreciated the “beautiful views” during cruising, while another fondly recalled “the guide’s detailed explanations.” The calm waters and scenic surroundings make Théoule a rewarding stop, whether you’re soaking in the sun or exploring beneath the surface.

Visiting the Lérins Islands

The visit to the Îles de Lérins is often the tour’s highlight. These islands are well-loved for their natural beauty, including unspoiled beaches and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The tour offers “free time” to explore, take photos, or relax on the beaches.

However, one reviewer shared a less pleasant experience, mentioning that jellyfish presence prevented sea activities like snorkeling and the sea scooter, making the visit less lively. This highlights that water conditions can vary, so it’s worth being flexible.

Water Activities and Optional Add-ons

For an extra fee, you can rent gear for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or even ride a jet ski—reserved in advance. These options add a layer of excitement, especially for energetic groups or families with kids.

The boat is equipped for such fun, but note that jet skis are only available by reservation at €150/hour, and underwater scooters are €30 for 30 minutes. These costs should be considered when planning your day, but they do allow for a more dynamic experience if conditions permit.

Food and Drinks

Drinks are available onboard, with a drinks service operated by a server, but you can’t bring your own alcohol or drinks aboard. This policy is likely for safety reasons, but it’s good to be aware if you’re planning a celebratory toast or want to pack specific beverages.

Towels aren’t included but can be rented for around €5 per person, and the boat has a refrigerator for keeping drinks cool.

The Cost and Value

The basic price is approximately $527 per group for up to 7 guests, which is reasonable considering the private, tailored nature of the experience. However, there’s an additional €400 in fuel and skipper fees payable in cash at departure, which can make the total cost higher, especially for longer trips.

Compared to group tours, this private experience offers intimacy and customization, but the extra charges mean you should budget accordingly. With this in mind, the overall value depends on how much you prioritize privacy, flexibility, and personalized service.

Real Experiences: What Travelers Say

One guest from the UK described a disappointing day due to engine trouble, noting “the engine kept going slow and although the skipper was apologetic, we felt unsafe.” This reminds travelers that mechanical issues can happen, so flexibility and patience are essential.

On the positive side, a traveler from Cameroon praised their skipper Christophe, calling him “really great” and emphasizing the quality of the experience. Another guest from Argentina summed up their thoughts with, “Everything great! Thanks Christoff for your dedication.” These reviews highlight the importance of a skilled, attentive skipper to enhance the trip.

Authentic insights:

• Guides often share detailed regional explanations, enriching the experience.
• The boat’s comfort and design are well appreciated, especially by those planning a relaxing day.
• Water activity conditions can vary, so flexibility is necessary if the sea is jellyfish-infested or rough.
• The experience’s success hinges on the skipper’s English skills and attentiveness, which can make or break your day.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private boat tour offers a fantastic way to explore the stunning coast of the South of France with personalized touches. It’s particularly suited for families, couples, or friends who value privacy, comfort, and flexibility. The boat’s amenities support a relaxed day, whether you’re sunbathing, enjoying water activities, or snapping photos of the iconic coastline.

However, potential travelers should be mindful of the additional fuel and skipper costs, which can push the price higher, especially for longer trips. The experience’s quality really depends on the skipper’s professionalism and the water conditions on the day.

If you’re looking for an intimate, scenic cruise with the option to customize your stops and activities, this tour provides an authentic and enjoyable way to see the Côte d’Azur from the water. Just set your expectations for possible technical hiccups and variable sea conditions, and you’ll have a memorable day on the waves.

FAQ

Is the boat suitable for small groups?
Yes, the boat comfortably accommodates up to 7 passengers, making it ideal for small, private groups.

What is included in the basic price?
The boat rental, regional explanations by the skipper, music, a drinks service, swimming support, and safety instructions are included.

Are water activities available?
Yes, snorkeling, paddleboarding, underwater scooters, and jet skis (by reservation) are available for additional fees.

What extra costs should I budget for?
You need to pay an obligatory €400 in cash for fuel and skipper fees upon departure. Additional water activities also come at extra cost.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, drinks are not allowed to be brought onboard; however, a drinks service with alcohol or non-alcohol options is available for purchase.

How long is the tour?
Options range from 3 to 8 hours, depending on your chosen package.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for swimming and sunbathing, plus a towel if you wish to dry off after swimming.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, the guides speak French and English, ensuring clear communication.

What if the sea conditions aren’t ideal?
Water activities might be limited if jellyfish or rough seas are present, but the skipper will adapt the itinerary for safety and enjoyment.

This private boat tour from Mandelieu offers a lovely blend of scenery, relaxation, and water fun—perfect for those wanting a personalized experience along the French Riviera. Just be prepared for extra costs and variable water conditions, and you’re set for a memorable day on the Mediterranean.

You can check if your dates are available here: