From Cannes: Private Sailing Cruise to the Lérins Islands

A Review of the Private Sailing Cruise to the Lérins Islands from Cannes

This private sailing experience offers a chance to escape the buzz of Cannes and explore the scenic beauty of the Lérins Islands aboard a luxurious, award-winning sailboat. With a duration of just under four hours, it combines leisure, adventure, and local indulgence in a way that appeals to families, friends, or couples seeking a relaxed day on the water.

One of the biggest draws is the 15-meter, state-of-the-art sailboat, Georgette, which was voted the best sailboat of the year in 2022. Its modern design and comfortable layout make for a smooth, stylish journey. Plus, the chance to dip into the crystal-clear waters for swimming or snorkeling while enjoying a Provençal aperitif makes this trip stand out.

The main consideration? At around $1,638 for up to 8 people, this experience is a premium option. It’s a worthwhile splurge if you value exclusivity, excellent service, and scenic beauty. If you’re after a more budget-friendly or group-focused outing, there are other options, but for those wanting a personalized, high-quality day on the water, this cruise hits the mark.

Ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort, stunning scenery, and a personalized touch, this cruise works well for small groups looking for an intimate, memorable experience in the South of France.

Key Points

Luxurious Private Experience: Perfect for small groups, offering exclusivity and tailored service.
Stunning Views & Authenticity: Sail along the picturesque coastline and around the Lérins Islands, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Active & Relaxing Mix: Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or lounge in the sun—whatever suits your mood.
Quality Food & Drinks: Enjoy a Provençal aperitif featuring rosé wine, tapenade, and local products, served right on the boat.
Professional Guides & Attentive Service: Guides like Hubert and his team are praised for their attentiveness and friendliness.
Flexible & Convenient: From a quick safety briefing to a relaxed drop-off back at the port, everything is designed for comfort and ease.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Departure

Your journey begins at Esplanade Pantiero, right in the heart of Cannes’s old port. This central location makes it easy to reach whether you’re staying in town or arriving by cruise ship. The meeting point is straightforward—just meet in front of the port entrance. Once aboard Georgette, a quick safety briefing and introduction are provided. This sets a relaxed tone while ensuring everyone feels confident and prepared for the trip ahead.

What impresses us here is the personalized attention. Guides like Hubert, who many reviewers mention by name, tend to focus on making sure everyone is comfortable and informed. One guest from the UK remarked that Hubert was “very attentive both for sea activities and food,” which hints at the level of service you should expect.

The Cruise to the Lérins Islands

The first leg of the journey is about an hour sailing along the coast of Cannes. Whether you choose to sail with the wind or opt for motorized cruising, the scenery is enough to captivate. You’ll pass by some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the French Riviera, with views of glamorous villas, lush hills, and shimmering waters.

This leg sets the tone—relaxing and scenic. Many reviews highlight the stunning views and the ease of being on a modern, well-maintained boat. The Georgette’s design, voted best sailboat of the year, is praised not only for its looks but also for its stability and comfort.

Time at the Lérins Islands

Once you arrive at the designated cove, the boat drops anchor for about four hours. Here, the real magic happens. The clear waters beckon for swimming, with snorkeling gear provided for exploring the vibrant marine life. Stand-up paddleboards are also available, allowing you to gently glide over the calm waters.

Reviewers rave about the crystal-clear waters and the chance to swim in one of the best spots on the Riviera. Baptiste from the UK noted that their family enjoyed “swimming in perfect turquoise waters,” emphasizing how inviting the environment is.

This is also the ideal time to unwind, sunbathe on deck, or take candid photos of the rugged coastlines and lush islands. The boat’s layout allows for both socializing and private moments, making it suitable for groups who want a mixture of shared fun and quiet relaxation.

The Food & Drink Experience

A highlight for many is the onboard Provençal aperitif. Served during the stop, it features chilled rosé, soft drinks, tapenade, and local delicacies. Guests mention the delicious tapenades and pastries, along with generous pours of rosé. Reviewers like Anna from Ukraine shared that Hubert and his team “gave us all the equipment we needed to swim,” and the fresh food was “seriously our favorite part.”

The drinks and snacks are carefully curated to reflect local flavors, and the overall experience of enjoying good wine in a beautiful setting elevates the trip from simple sightseeing to a true taste of the South of France.

The Return Journey

After your time on the islands, the boat departs for another hour sailing back toward Cannes. Depending on weather and preferences, guides may choose to sail along the coast or around nearby beaches for additional scenic views. The boat then returns to the starting point, making for a seamless and relaxing end to your adventure.

Practical Aspects & Value for Money

The tour covers fuel, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and food, which adds to its appeal considering the private nature of the experience. Some reviewers, like Steve from the UK, note how “nothing was too much trouble,” highlighting the personalized service.

At $1,638 per group (up to 8), the cost might seem high initially, but factoring in the exclusive sailing, personalized service, and the quality of the boat and amenities, it offers good value—especially for special occasions or small groups seeking a memorable day.

What to Bring & Considerations

Guests should come prepared with essentials like hat, sunscreen, beachwear, and change of clothes. The guide recommends biodegradable sunscreen, which is considerate of the marine environment. Shoes indoors are not allowed, and high heels are discouraged, as the focus is on relaxed comfort.

Note that the experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so accessibility could be a concern. Also, it’s a private experience, so no large group chaos—perfect for those wanting a peaceful, tailored outing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious, intimate experience on the water, with top-notch service and scenic views. It’s perfect for families, couples celebrating special occasions, or small groups of friends who want to enjoy the South of France in style.

If you value personalized attention, high-quality food and drinks, and stunning natural landscapes, this trip will not disappoint. It’s especially well-suited to travelers who appreciate a balance of activity (swimming, paddleboarding) and relaxation, with the bonus of knowledgeable guides making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

However, those on a tight budget or seeking a more active group outing might find other options more fitting, as this tour leans toward exclusivity and comfort.

FAQs

What is the duration of the cruise?
The total experience lasts about 3.5 hours, including sailing time, stops, and onboard activities.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, guests meet directly at Esplanade Pantiero in front of the port entrance.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, diving masks, rosé wine, soft drinks, tapenade, Pissaladière (local savory pastry), and fuel are included.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention family-friendly trips, but keep in mind the tour doesn’t cater to wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen (biodegradable recommended), beachwear, quick-dry clothes, and a change of clothes.

Are drinks and food available during the trip?
Yes, a Provençal aperitif with rosé, tapenade, and pastries is served on board. Soft drinks are also available.

Is the boat private?
Yes, this experience is designed for private groups of up to 8 people, providing a personalized, exclusive day on the water.

This private sailing cruise from Cannes to the Lérins Islands offers a blend of comfort, scenic beauty, and authentic experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a peaceful day away from the crowds, the combination of a modern sailboat, delicious local food, and stunning views makes it a worthwhile splurge for an unforgettable day in the South of France.