Marseille: Sunset Cruise Cocktail-Dinner in Frioul Islands

Imagine slipping away from the bustling Marseille Old Port onto a beautifully maintained sailing yacht as the sun begins to dip toward the horizon. This Sunset Cruise with dinner and drinks offers a relaxed, intimate way to see the city from the water while enjoying good food, organic wines, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a peaceful escape, this cruise promises a memorable evening.

What we love about this experience is the authentic sailing vibe—the chance to help hoist sails, feel the breeze, and share the boat with a friendly, passionate crew. The included delicious vegetarian buffet and organic wines make it both nourishing and indulgent. Meanwhile, the opportunity to snorkel, swim, and paddleboard allows for a splash of fun in the sunset glow.

A possible consideration is the group size — with a maximum of 12 guests, it’s very cozy, which is fantastic for personal attention but might not suit those seeking a larger, more bustling vibe. Also, since the sails may not always be deployed (noted by some reviewers due to wind conditions), you might not experience the full sailing magic every time.

This trip is ideal for couples craving romance, families wanting a relaxed adventure, or friends looking for a memorable evening. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and well-rounded outing on the water, this cruise hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience with a passionate crew
• Stunning sunset views over Marseille and the Frioul Islands
• Delicious vegetarian buffet featuring fresh, local produce
• Complementary organic wines and soft drinks included
• Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard opportunities during the evening
• Small group size (max 12) ensures intimacy and personalized attention

An In-Depth Look at the Marseille Sunset Cruise

Setting Sail from the Heart of Marseille

Starting at the Old Port of Marseille, specifically from pontoon no. 2 in front of the town hall, the embarkation process is straightforward. The meeting point is central and easy to access, which is a big plus. The crew, known for their friendliness and passion, welcomes guests warmly and provides a quick safety briefing—nothing overly formal, just enough to set everyone at ease.

The boat, Eleanor Mary, is described as a beautiful wooden sailing yacht that’s well-maintained and comfortable. Its classic look combined with modern touches makes for a picturesque setting. The boat’s capacity is limited to 12 guests, which fosters a cozy atmosphere where everyone feels included, especially when helping with the sails or chatting with the crew.

The Itinerary: A Perfect Balance of Relaxation and Adventure

The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours, starting around sunset—either from 6:30 pm or 7 pm depending on the time of year. As the sails are hoisted (if wind permits), you start with about a 30-minute sail towards the Frioul Archipelago.

During this sail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Marseille’s coastline, the city’s silhouette fading behind the horizon, and the setting sun casting a golden glow over everything. Some reviews mention that the view is spectacular, with many guests noting that this perspective of Marseille is quite different from land-based viewpoints.

Dropping Anchor and the Sunset Buffet

Once in the Frioul Islands, the boat drops anchor in a pretty cove—a tranquil spot that’s protected and ideal for swimming and relaxing. Here, guests can take advantage of snorkeling gear and paddleboards, or simply soak in the scenery while enjoying the vegetarian buffet dinner.

The meal, prepared fresh by the onboard chef, is highly praised for its simplicity and quality. It’s a vegetarian spread made with fresh, local ingredients—think salads, grilled vegetables, and tasty bites designed to satisfy without feeling heavy. Reviewers have highlighted that the food is delicious, with one mentioning the buffet as “varied and very good.”

To accompany the meal, organic white wine and rosé are generously poured, reflecting the emphasis on local, organic produce. Many guests appreciated the plenty of drinks available, with some mentioning they enjoyed multiple glasses without feeling rushed.

Swimming and Water Activities at Sunset

One of the most celebrated parts of the experience is the swimming stop. Guests can jump into the clear waters of the Frioul Islands for a refreshing dip, with snorkeling gear provided for those wanting to explore underwater life. Several reviews mention the enjoyment of a sunset swim—a perfect way to cool off after a hot day and add a splash of adventure to the evening.

Paddleboards are also available on a sharing basis, allowing guests to glide over the water while watching the sun continue its descent.

The Return Journey: Illuminated Marseille

As night falls, the yacht begins its return to the Old Port, guided by the famous lights of Marseille and the illuminated Notre-Dame de la Garde (“la Bonne Mère”). Guests often remark on how the city lights, combined with the starry sky, create an extraordinarily romantic scene.

The crew’s attentiveness, combined with the peaceful backdrop, makes this part of the cruise feel like the perfect conclusion to an enchanting evening.

What’s Included and Practical Tips

The experience includes a welcome snack—a glass of prosecco and an appetizer—as well as the vegetarian buffet, soft drinks, and generous pours of organic wines. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are provided, and guests are encouraged to bring swimwear, towels, and comfortable clothing.

A key practical note: no high heels, large bags, or pets are allowed. The crew emphasizes safety and comfort, and the boat’s limited capacity ensures personalized service.

What the Reviews Reveal About the Experience

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly crew, often mentioning how attentive and passionate they are. One review notes that the crew is “super smiling and welcoming,” making everyone feel at home.

The views are frequently described as “spectacular”—many guests mention that seeing Marseille from the water at sunset offers a completely different perspective. Several reviewers comment on how romantic the setting is, with some describing the mood as “cozy” and “intimate,” perfect for couples.

Food quality also scores highly, with many mentioning that the buffet was fresh, flavorful, and well-presented. The wines—both white and rosé—are praised for being organic and plentiful, adding to the relaxed, indulgent vibe.

Water activities get positive feedback, especially the swimming and snorkeling, with guests appreciating the opportunity to cool off after a hot day and enjoy the quiet beauty of the islands. The paddleboard, while shared and sometimes limited in availability, adds a playful element.

Some guests note that the sails may not always be deployed due to wind conditions, which slightly alters the sailing aspect but does not detract from the overall experience.

Highlights from Guest Reviews

• “The trip was amazing, fabulous wine and food, sunset was unbelievable.”
• “The vibe on the sailboat was super cozy, with the right light and music.”
• “We even helped unfurl the sails—such a fun, interactive experience.”
• “The setting was idyllic: a beautiful wooden sailboat, very well-maintained.”
• “A highlight of our trip—definitely recommend for a peaceful, scenic evening.”

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: 3.5 hours, starting at 6:30 pm or 7 pm depending on the season
• Price: $94 per person, which includes dinner, drinks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards
• Meeting Point: Pontoon No. 2, Old Port, Marseille
• Language: French and English spoken
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a jacket for the evening, and shoes without heels
• Restrictions: No pets, baby strollers, large luggage, or chewing gum allowed
• Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 2 days in advance
• Group Size: Small, max 12 guests for a more personal experience

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re seeking a relaxed yet engaging way to see Marseille from the water, this cruise hits the spot. It’s perfect for couples looking for romance, families wanting a laid-back adventure, or friends seeking a memorable evening. The intimate group size and friendly crew make it suitable for anyone comfortable with a boat ride and water activities.

Those who enjoy good food, organic wines, and gentle water splashes will find plenty to love. However, if you prefer large crowds or a high-energy party vibe, this might feel too quiet or intimate. Also, if sailing in rough seas isn’t your thing, it’s worth noting that the sails might not always be deployed.

Final Thoughts

This sunset cruise in the Frioul Islands offers a genuinely authentic way to experience Marseille’s maritime charm. The combination of sailing, scenic views, a delicious vegetarian buffet, and water activities creates a well-rounded, value-packed outing. The small-group setting ensures a personal touch, making it especially ideal for romantic evenings or peaceful family outings.

While it’s not a full-day adventure or a high-adrenaline trip, it excels in delivering a serene, scenic, and tasty escape from the city. The expert crew’s friendliness and the stunning backdrop make it a highlight of any Marseille visit—something you’ll likely remember long after the sun has set.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children who are comfortable on boats and enjoy swimming and water activities will likely love it. Just ensure they bring swimwear and towels.

Do I need to know sailing to enjoy the experience?
Not at all. The crew will handle all the sailing aspects, and guests are encouraged to help if they wish. It’s a relaxed atmosphere where you can simply enjoy the scenery.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable clothes suitable for the evening—think layers, as it can cool down after sunset—and shoes without heels. Swimwear and towels are also recommended for swimming stops.

Can I help with sailing or other tasks?
Yes, some guests enjoy helping to unfurl the sails or assist during parts of the cruise, which adds an interactive element.

Is there any time during the cruise when I can just relax and take photos?
Absolutely. The sail to the islands, the sunset, and the return journey all provide excellent opportunities for photos and quiet relaxation.

What is the food like?
The buffet is vegetarian, made with fresh, local ingredients. Many guests describe it as tasty and satisfying, perfect for a light yet fulfilling meal.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise is weather-dependent. If there’s heavy wind or rain, the crew may modify or cancel the trip. Check the weather forecast and cancellation policies in advance.

This sailing adventure in Marseille’s Frioul Islands offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, water fun, delicious food, and genuine sailing charm. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from a different angle and unwind as the day shifts into evening. If you’re after an authentic, intimate experience on the water, this cruise deserves a spot on your Marseille itinerary.