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

This is the kind of Cannes day that feels like you found a secret. You cruise out past the usual waterfront crowds, then spend time around the Lerins Islands and Cap d’Antibes with a skipper who adjusts the route to your pace. The snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding turn the trip into real time on the Mediterranean, not just sightseeing.

I especially love that it is truly private for a small group up to 5 passengers plus the skipper, so you can linger when the water is good. I also like that Philippe, the skipper many people rave about, treats the trip like a conversation, from local stories to clear instructions for first-time paddlers. The only real drawback to plan around is the sea and weather, plus you should budget for the skipper fee paid onboard.

Key Points That Make This Trip Worth Planning

• Camille Rayon Marina starting point makes it easy to meet from Cannes and Antibes
• Snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard are included for water time off Lerins and nearby coves
• A tailored route means you get stops to swim, snorkel, relax, and walk ashore if conditions allow
• Philippe adds local context and practical help, including calm guidance when kids are aboard
• Food and drinks are allowed onboard, with options for snacks delivered or meals from marina and island spots

Why Lerins Islands and Cap d’Antibes Look Better From the Sea

Cannes and Antibes are gorgeous from land. But the real wow comes when you shift your viewpoint to water level. From the boat you see Cap d’Antibes as a long ribbon of coastline, and the Lerins Islands as small, distinct shapes sitting in the bay, not just a name on a map.

This is also a smarter use of time than trying to cram beaches, viewpoints, and boat tours into one chaotic day. You get multiple “scenes” without the back-and-forth transit. And because it is private, you are not stuck in a rigid schedule when the best swimming spot is a few minutes away.

Meet at Camille Rayon Marina, Then Settle Into the Boat

The trip starts at Camille Rayon Marina. It is reachable by car or public transport from Cannes and Antibes, which matters because you do not want your day to begin with a stress marathon. Your skipper touches base shortly before departure with the meeting time and location and weather notes, so do check your messages.

Once you board, you quickly understand why people feel comfortable right away. This is a pilothouse boat with a large cockpit that has storage, passenger seating, and a table. There is also a fore-cabin and a swimming platform, which is handy for clean, low-effort water access.

A few practical touches show up in the reviews too: there is shade so you can cool off between swims, and the boat is kept clean and well maintained. If you are bringing a small picnic, the boat’s storage and the mini-fridge detail people mention can make the day feel even more “vacation-y.”

How the 3 to 6 Hour Window Shapes Your Plan

The tour runs from 3 to 6 hours. That range is not just a pricing detail, it changes the whole experience.

The shorter option (around 3 hours)

You get enough time for cruising and at least one meaningful water stop. This works well if you want the highlights, you are traveling with kids who have limited stamina, or you only have a half day in the area.

The full option (closer to 6 hours)

This is where the day feels unhurried. You have time for the longer rhythm: cruise to the area, anchor for snorkeling and paddleboarding, relax for a while, then add a short island stroll on one of the Lerins Islands before heading back.

Many people recommend going longer if you can. Not because you must, but because swim time plus a walk takes longer than you think when the water is calling.

Cap d’Antibes: Coast Views, Not Tourist Traffic

Cap d’Antibes is famous for views, but from a boat it becomes something else. You notice the shape of the coast, the coves where boats slip quietly, and the way the shoreline curves as it approaches the peninsula.

On this trip, Cap d’Antibes fits early in the route, before you cross over toward the Lerins Islands across the Juan Gulf. That ordering is useful. You get that open-coast cruise first, when everyone is freshest, then you shift into water time and island time afterward.

And since this is private, you can slow down for photos and pause when the light looks good. You are not forced to move on the minute you want to enjoy the view for ten more breaths.

Lerins Islands: Swim Stops, Snorkeling, and Time to Stroll

This is the heart of the day. The skipper navigates to the Lerins Islands area and then anchors in spots where the water is good for swimming. From there, you use the snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards at your pace.

Snorkeling that feels practical

The gear is included: snorkeling equipment plus life jackets. Swim noodles are also provided, which is great if you want an easier, calmer float while others snorkel.

Some snorkeling experiences in this area include sightings around an underwater sculpture setting, often described as an underwater museum with stone head statues. Your skipper can guide you toward what to look for based on where you are anchored and conditions that day.

Paddleboarding with real instruction

If you are not a natural on a board, you still have a fair shot. People describe Philippe giving clear instructions and even making paddleboarding feel doable for first-timers. For families, this matters because it turns “we brought the kids on a boat” into “the kids actually did something fun.”

Island walking when the timing works

Depending on the stop and how conditions feel, you may have time to stroll on one of the Lerins Islands. Many people focus on Saint-Honorat and Saint-Marguerite as options for a short walk paired with water time.

This is not a long hike day. Think of it as a chance to step onto the island for a break from the boat, stretch your legs, and soak in the island atmosphere for a short while.

What’s Included in the Water Fun, and What You Still Need

To keep the day effortless, the following are included:

• Snorkeling gear
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Life jackets
• Swim noodles
• Drinking water

That set is exactly what you want for a Mediterranean day: you are not scrambling to rent equipment or track down gear at the last minute.

What you should bring

Plan for basic swim-day needs:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Cash
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Cash matters because the skipper fee is paid onboard, and the tour data lists a €200 skipper fee. If you prefer card payments, you might want to bring cash anyway just in case.

What you do not need to stress

Food is not included, but food and drinks are allowed onboard. That means you can either:

• Eat at marina and island restaurants, or
• Bring your own snacks and drinks, then store them on the boat where possible.

You might also find that there are snack and drink delivery boats around the area during your day, including things like ice cream and drinks. Some people even describe a pizza delivery style in the wider area, which fits the overall vibe here: you can eat without turning the day into a restaurant hunt.

Philippe’s Skipper Style: Safety, Stories, and Tailoring the Route

If you read enough reviews of this trip, a pattern appears. Philippe is praised for communication and for making the day feel smooth from start to finish.

You see it in small details:

• He communicates clearly beforehand about what to expect, helping you feel ready when you meet.
• He adjusts stops so the experience matches what you want, whether that is more swimming time or a longer island walk.
• He is described as calm and patient with kids, including very young toddlers.
• He gives practical help for snorkeling and paddleboarding, not just a lecture from the boat.

There are also memorable safety moments. One review mentions a jellyfish sting and Philippe having white vinegar available to help calm it. That is not something you should expect on every trip, but it shows the kind of prepared, attentive skipper you are likely to get.

And yes, some people also mention photo help. If you want better pictures than the usual point-and-shoot from the deck, a hands-on skipper makes a difference.

Price and Value: The Real Cost for a Small Private Group

The published price is $342 per group up to 5 for this private boat trip. Then there is the skipper fee: €200 paid onboard.

So your all-in cost depends on how many people you bring:

• With 2 people, you pay more per person because the skipper fee is not split evenly across a bigger group.
• With 5 people, the per-person math improves a lot, which is why families and small groups often feel this is a bargain for what you get.

What makes it good value is not just the boat. You are getting the boat time plus the water gear and a skipper who tailors stops. If you tried to replicate this with separate rentals, a guided boat tour, and equipment for snorkeling and paddleboarding, the total usually climbs quickly.

Two other value notes:

• Transportation to and from the marina is not included, so factor in local transit or parking.
• Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own and use restaurants on shore, which helps you manage costs.

Practical Tips So You Enjoy Every Stop

This trip is simple, but a few details make a big difference.

Wear the right shoes. High-heeled shoes are not allowed. Flip-flops or water-friendly sandals are usually the sensible move for getting on and off the swim platform area safely.

Treat the weather as part of the plan. The route and swim stops depend on conditions. If the sea is rough, you might get fewer water activities, so bring weather-appropriate clothing and expect flexibility.

Plan for children thoughtfully. It is not suitable for children under 3 years. If you are traveling with young kids, this is a great option because reviews mention the skipper handling families with toddlers, but the minimum age limit is still important.

Bring your cash. The €200 skipper fee is paid at the boat.

Who Should Book This Private Boat Trip

Book this if you want a Cannes day that feels like Côte d’Azur living, not a checklist. It is a strong match for:

• Couples who want quiet water time and great views
• Families with kids who want swimming and paddleboarding, plus an island break
• Small groups up to 5 who can split the cost and enjoy the private attention

Skip it if:

• You are in a wheelchair, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You want a package where all meals are included and the schedule never changes at all
• You dislike boats or rougher water days, since the day depends on sea conditions

Should You Book a Private Boat to Lerins and Cap d’Antibes?

If you have even a half day free near Cannes or Antibes, I think this is one of the best ways to feel the Riviera without spending the whole day on land. The included snorkeling and paddleboarding make it active, not just scenic. And with Philippe at the helm, the trip gets better, because it is tailored and handled with clear instructions.

Book it when you can stay close to the water and you will actually use the gear. If you are going with a group of 3 to 5, the value gets noticeably stronger thanks to the private-group pricing plus the fixed skipper fee.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you have kids, and I’ll suggest whether to aim for the 3 hour option or push for the full-length day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The tour starts at Camille Rayon Marina.

How long is the experience?

It runs for 3 to 6 hours, depending on the starting time you choose.

What is the price?

The price is $342 per group for up to 5 passengers. A skipper fee of €200 is paid at the boat.

What is included in the water activities?

Snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, swim noodles, and drinking water are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are permitted onboard. You can also use restaurants at the marina and on the islands, and there are on-the-water delivery boats for snacks, ice cream, and drinks.

Is there a tour guide, and what languages are offered?

There is a live guide available in English and French.

How does meeting work on the day?

Your skipper will contact you shortly before the tour with meeting details, including the meeting location and time, plus weather conditions. Check your messages.

Is it suitable for young children or wheelchair users?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years old, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.