Bormes-les-Mimosas: Hybrid boat trip to Porquerolles Island

This highly-rated tour offers a well-balanced mix of eco-conscious boat travel, fascinating coastline commentary, and plenty of free time on the beautiful island of Porquerolles. With a small group size and modern hybrid vessel, it promises a comfortable, intimate experience with a focus on authentic exploration.

One of the standout features we love is the quiet, smooth ride thanks to the latest hybrid technology—no noisy engines disrupting the peaceful scenery. Plus, the self-guided exploration on the island allows you to tailor your day, whether you want to relax on pristine beaches, cycle remote trails, or hike through lush forests.

A potential consideration is that the timing of the return may vary slightly depending on the season, and you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the port, which is something to plan for. This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, history, and a flexible day of discovery away from crowded tourist spots.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly hybrid boat offers a quieter, more comfortable crossing.
• Small group capacity (max 50 passengers) ensures an intimate experience.
• Authentic guided commentary with multilingual written translations.
• Flexible free time on Porquerolles for beaches, cycling, or hiking.
• Ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking genuine outdoor adventures.
• Priced at $57, offering a good balance of value for a full day of exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Boat Journey: Comfort Meets Sustainability

Starting from La Favière in Bormes-les-Mimosas, you’ll board a latest-generation hybrid boat designed for both comfort and environmental respect. With a maximum of 50 passengers, the vessel minimizes noise and vibration—meaning you’ll likely enjoy a serene crossing, even if the sea gets a bit choppy (some reviews mention a slightly “chahuté” return due to swell, but travelers still found the trip enjoyable).

The crossing duration varies from about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on the season and route (sometimes via Port-Cros). During this time, the crew provides live commentary in French, with a written translation available on your smartphone in several languages, including English, German, Dutch, and Italian. This feature is a real plus, especially for those who want to understand the coastline’s history and the secrets of the Hyères archipelago without missing out due to language barriers.

The boat’s design makes for a smooth, eco-friendly ride—a notable plus for environmentally conscious travelers. The silence of the hybrid engine enhances the sense of tranquility, letting you focus on the stunning coastline views and the informative narration.

The Scenic Coastal Route

As you sail along the coast, you’ll pass charming coves, hidden beaches, hilltop forts, and sweeping panoramas that are perfect for photo ops. Reviewers have appreciated the close-to-shore sailing, which offers better views of the landscape than larger, more crowded boats.

One guest mentioned how the crew’s anecdotes and lively commentary made the trip engaging, adding personality and local flavor to the experience. The narration helps you connect with the space beyond just looking at pretty scenery, revealing tidbits about the area’s history and natural features.

Arriving in Porquerolles: Freedom to Explore

Once on the island, you’ll have between 5 hours 25 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes (season-dependent) to enjoy Porquerolles at your own pace. This amount of time is generous for a full day’s adventure, giving you enough to sample the best spots without feeling rushed.

Porquerolles is truly a gem—its landscapes are a perfect blend of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, pine forests, vineyards, and dramatic cliffs. Travelers are encouraged to create their ideal itinerary, and many opt for the following activities:

• Swimming at Notre-Dame Beach, often voted Europe’s most beautiful, or relaxing at Argent or La Courtade beaches.
• Cycling around the island—bikes are available for hire on-site, and many reviews praise the remote trails and coves accessible by bike.
• Hiking through the forests and hills—marked trails provide varied options for all levels.
• Eating at local restaurants or picnicking—either in the village or a quiet spot, with picnic supplies available on the island.

One reviewer appreciated the ample free time, noting that they had “plenty of time to enjoy the island” and that the crew was friendly and approachable, making the experience even more enjoyable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details and Tips

This tour is designed for flexibility but requires some planning. You’ll need to arrange your transportation to the port of Bormes-les-Mimosas, as this isn’t included. When booking, you’ll receive the specific departure time, which is in the morning, and the return is scheduled for late afternoon or early evening.

Bring essentials like water, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and snorkeling gear if you wish to explore underwater (though fins, masks, and snorkels are not provided). Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking or cycling, and note that biking is not allowed on the boat.

The price of around $57 per person offers good value, considering the full day of activities, the environmentally friendly boat, and the guided narration. Additional expenses—such as meals, bike rentals, or paid activities—are not included but can be easily arranged on the island itself.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviews echo the overall satisfaction with the trip, with comments like “Very nice trip. We had plenty of time to enjoy the island” and “The boat crew was very friendly.” Another bright note mentioned how the captain’s anecdotes and the crew’s friendliness contributed to a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

Even with some mention of a slightly “chahuté” return, most found the crossing enjoyable and the experience well worth the price. Travelers also appreciated the small boat size, feeling it created a more intimate setting than larger tours.

This experience is excellent for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to enjoy a peaceful day in nature without the crowds. It’s perfect for those who value authentic encounters and flexible exploration—whether lounging on beaches, cycling remote paths, or hiking scenic trails.

If you’re environmentally conscious, you’ll love the hybrid boat that minimizes impact while maximizing comfort. Also, if you enjoy informative narration and scenic sailing, this trip ticks all the boxes.

However, travelers looking for a guided tour with scheduled activities or wanting to join organized excursions on the island may find this freeform approach less structured.

This hybrid boat trip to Porquerolles from Bormes-les-Mimosas offers an impressive balance of eco-conscious travel, scenic beauty, and personal freedom. The boat’s modern design and quiet operation make for a relaxing crossing, while the generous free time on the island opens up options for swimming, cycling, hiking, and picnicking.

Practical, well-organized, and scenic, this experience is ideal for those seeking a genuine, low-stress adventure in one of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking settings. The combination of stunning views, friendly crew, and flexible itinerary makes it a standout choice for anyone wanting to escape into nature and discover Porquerolles on their own terms.

FAQ

Is the hybrid boat comfortable?
Absolutely. The latest-generation hybrid propulsion ensures a smoother, quieter ride, making the crossing more pleasant and less disruptive to your sightseeing experience.

How long do I have on the island?
Depending on the season, you’ll get between 5 hours 25 minutes and 6 hours 30 minutes to explore Porquerolles at your own pace, enough to swim, cycle, hike, or relax.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Yes, if you plan to snorkel, you should bring your mask and snorkel, as fins and masks are not provided. Swimming gear and towels are recommended for beach visits.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the return trip on the hybrid boat, guided commentary (with written translation), and your free time on the island. Meals, bike rentals, and paid activities are not included.

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

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, the tour suits families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic boat crossings. Just ensure children are comfortable on the boat for the duration.

This trip to Porquerolles blends eco-awareness with authentic exploration, making it a memorable way to experience one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby