Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Cruise, Picnic, & Swimming

If you’re eyeing a day exploring the iconic Calanques along the South of France, a Calanques catamaran tour might be your best bet. While we haven’t sailed this specific trip ourselves, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of an experience that offers a perfect mix of stunning scenery, relaxing boat time, and authentic touches like good wine and local snacks.

What stands out immediately about this tour is the small group size—capped at just 24 people—which promises an intimate, less crowded vibe. The all-inclusive package is another win, featuring not only a picnic and rosé but also snorkeling gear and wetsuits for those chilly water dips. Finally, expert guides and skippers seem to make all the difference, sharing their knowledge and ensuring your safety during swimming stops.

A potential consideration? The tour’s duration varies from 5 to 7.5 hours, which might be a bit long for those with tight schedules or limited stamina. Also, since it’s a shared boat, punctuality is important—late arrivals won’t get a refund, and you’ll miss out on some of the fun.

This experience best suits travelers who love nature, comfort, and a relaxed pace. If you’re after adventure mixed with a touch of luxury, and enjoy learning from guides who truly know the area, this tour is worth considering.

Good To Know

• Intimate group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• All-inclusive offerings cover food, drinks, snorkeling, wetsuits, and GoPro footage.
• Unparalleled coastal views with stops at secret spots like Riou Island and the blue cave.
• Comfortable catamaran with modern amenities, including 4 toilets and spacious decks.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights and safety.
• Ideal for travelers seeking scenic beauty, swimming, and a taste of local French leisure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

This tour is a carefully crafted journey through the Calanques National Park, one of France’s most captivating coastal zones. It begins at the Port de la Pointe Rouge in Marseille, where you’ll meet your crew at Bleu Evasion. Expect a friendly check-in process, and be prepared to arrive 15 minutes early—lateness means missing the boat, and that’s no fun.

The Catamaran and Group Atmosphere

The vessel itself is a beautiful, modern catamaran named Grenadine. With a maximum of 24 guests, it feels more like a yacht than a large tour boat. Reviews highlight how spacious and comfortable it is, with plenty of room to lounge or sit back with a drink, enjoying the sea breeze. The crew, including two skippers, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, often making the trip more engaging with their commentary.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour’s itinerary showcases a mix of major Calanque sites and secret hideaways, making it ideal for those wanting both iconic and lesser-known spots:

• Riou Island: The journey kicks off with a photo stop and guided tour, plus time for swimming and snorkeling. Reviewers mention the crystal-clear waters and ecosystems with coral reefs and fish like groupers and scorpionfish, which you can observe with the provided gear.
• Calanque de Sormiou: Known for its stunning cliffs and calm waters, this stop is perfect for photos and short explorations. The scenery here is rugged, with a true feeling of being in a remote paradise.
• Secret Stop: As the name suggests, this point is less known and offers a chance to explore somewhere truly off the beaten path. Past guests loved the privacy and the opportunity to swim in quiet waters.
• Calanque de Morgiou & Sugiton: These spots offer more dramatic cliffs, with plenty of time for photos, swimming, and soaking in the views.
• En-Vau Beach: If weather allows, this is a highlight—an iconic, postcard-worthy cove with towering cliffs. Guests often describe it as a “dream” location.
• Port Pin & Port-Miou: The tour winds down with these picturesque calanques, where you can enjoy another swim or simply relax and take in the scenery.

Food, Drinks, and Equipment

The picnic is a highlight for many. Expect home-made sandwiches, fresh desserts, and unlimited rosé wine, soft drinks, and snacks. Reviewers frequently mention the delicious food and plentiful drinks, which add a touch of luxury to the day.

Snorkeling and wetsuits come included, which guests appreciate, especially when water temperatures are cooler. The GoPro cameras are on hand to capture your underwater adventures, a thoughtful touch for those wanting memories without the hassle of waterproof gear.

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The Scenic Beauty and Water Activities

The views from the boat are consistently described as breathtaking. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and the small coves invite you to jump in and swim. The water is notably clear, and the snorkeling gear allows you to explore marine life in its natural habitat.

Many guests have highlighted how the guides’ expertise makes a difference—they know the hidden spots and share interesting facts about the ecosystems, making the experience both fun and educational.

The Overall Vibe

From the reviews, the vibe on the boat is relaxed but lively. Guests mention how the crew adapts to the group’s energy, whether it’s the calm of a sunny afternoon or a more active exploration. The smaller group size and attentive crew foster a convivial environment—some guests even mention meeting fellow travelers and making friends along the way.

The Value of the Tour

At $104 per person, this tour offers a lot. You get a full day of scenic cruising, numerous swimming and snorkeling opportunities, a delicious picnic, local wines, and insider access to secret spots—all on a comfortable, well-equipped boat. The small group size means you won’t be crammed with strangers, and the knowledgeable guides ensure you make the most of every stop.

Compared to larger, more hurried excursions, this offers a more intimate, relaxed experience. The inclusion of wetsuits and GoPro footage also adds value, letting you enjoy the water comfortably and keep lasting memories.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience suits travelers who value comfort and authenticity, love being on the water, and want to explore the Calanques without rushing. It’s ideal for those interested in snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying a delicious picnic with local wines. It’s also a good choice for groups or couples who want a more personalized, less crowded outing.

However, if you’re looking for a quick, rushed tour or traveling with very young children or pregnant women, this might not be suitable due to the duration and physical activity involved. Also, those with back problems should note the boat’s movement and seating arrangements.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs between 5 and 7.5 hours, with the exact time depending on weather and the day’s itinerary.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses and a towel. The boat already provides snorkeling gear, wetsuits if cold, and GoPro cameras for capturing underwater moments.

Are children allowed?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years old. For older kids, it can be a memorable adventure, but consider their swimming ability and comfort with boat rides.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility features. Given the boat’s design and nature of stops, it’s best to contact the provider directly for special needs accommodations.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the skipper, petrol, calanque taxes, swimming and snorkeling gear, soft drinks, wetsuits (if needed), and GoPro footage. Food and wine are also part of the package.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

This Calanques catamaran experience offers a fantastic way to see some of France’s most beautiful coastal scenery in comfort and style. Small group sizes, knowledgeable guides, and all-inclusive amenities make it a standout choice for those wanting a laid-back yet memorable day on the water.

You’ll love the chance to snorkel in pristine waters, enjoy local wine with a picnic, and explore secret coves away from the crowds. The boat’s cozy vibe and the breathtaking scenery make it a perfect fit for couples, friends, or solo travelers who relish natural beauty and a touch of luxury.

While it’s a longer day, the variety of stops and the quality of experience justify the time investment. Just be sure to arrive on time, wear your sunglasses, and prepare for a day full of stunning views, fun water activities, and laid-back French elegance.

This tour is a superb value for travelers seeking an authentic, scenic, and comfortable exploration of the Calanques. It’s especially suited to those who want insider access, good food and drink, and memorable underwater moments—all with a relaxed, convivial vibe.

You can check if your dates are available here: