From Marseille: Iconic Calanques Boat Tour with Swimming

Planning a trip to the South of France? A boat tour of the Calanques offers a fantastic way to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery around Marseille. This 3 to 4.5-hour adventure takes you along rugged limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters—complete with swimming, snorkeling, and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s the perfect escape for anyone craving authentic Mediterranean beauty, especially if you’re a fan of water activities and scenic coastlines.

What we especially love about this tour is how personalized it feels, thanks to small group sizes and expert guides who know the area intimately. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and a GoPro makes it great value—covering all the essentials for a memorable day on the water. That said, keep in mind that the tour’s success can depend heavily on weather conditions, especially if the sea is choppy. If you enjoy exploring nature from the water and want an active, immersive experience, this tour suits adventurous travelers best.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Small group size ensures a personalized and engaging tour with knowledgeable guides.
• Stunning Scenery: You’ll get close-up views of limestone calanques and underwater ecosystems.
• Water Activities: Swimming and snorkeling stops are plentiful, with gear and wetsuits provided.
• Photo Opportunities: Onboard GoPro helps capture your adventure.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops vary depending on weather and swimming conditions, offering some spontaneity.
• Great Value: All essentials included—snorkeling gear, drinks, wetsuits, and a guided experience—at around $92 per person.

An In-Depth Look at the Calanques Boat Tour

Starting Points and Accessibility

The tour departs from Port de la Pointe Rouge or the Vieux-Port in Marseille. Choosing the Pointe Rouge meeting point offers the significant advantage of saving about 40 minutes of travel time to the Calanques, which means you get more time enjoying the scenery. The meeting process is straightforward, but reviewers suggest arriving at least 15 minutes early—traffic and navigation in Marseille can be tricky, and the boat is shared among a small group of 12 travelers, fostering a cozy atmosphere.

Tour Duration and Flexibility

The tour lasts between 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on the day and weather conditions. This flexibility means you can opt for a slightly longer or shorter experience, but most reviews highlight that the balance of cruising, swimming, and sightseeing feels well-paced. The tour is designed to be a mix of relaxation and activity, so you won’t feel rushed, and guides are attentive to weather shifts, which can alter the stops.

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

The tour includes visits to a series of calanques and islands, with some stops depending on whether you’re on the morning or afternoon schedule.

• L’Archipel de Riou: This island cluster is a perfect starting point for photos and relaxing. Reviewers love the guided tours and the chance to swim at secluded spots here, with some commenting that the guide’s knowledge makes these stops even more interesting.
• Calanque de Sormiou: Known for its dramatic cliffs, this spot offers stunning views and a peaceful setting for photos. Reviewers appreciated the extra time given for sightseeing, with one mentioning, “Beautiful swimming stops, stunning views, interesting info from the guide.”
• Calanque de Morgiou & Sugiton: These calanques combine rugged beauty with excellent swimming opportunities. Expect some guided commentary, as well as chances to snorkel in calm waters full of marine life, including groupers and scorpionfish, as noted by snorkelers.
• Calanque d’En-Vau: Famous for its dramatic cliffs, this location is often called the jewel of the Calanques. Few visitors leave without a camera full of dramatic shots.
• Port Pin and Port-Miou: The last stops offer more scenic coves and, in the afternoon, additional swimming opportunities. The reviews mention that these stops are quieter and less crowded, perfect for a peaceful dip.

Water Activities and Equipment

Snorkeling gear, wetsuits (for colder water), and even a GoPro camera are all included. Several reviews highlight how this setup enhances the experience—one traveler said, “Wetsuits provided, and snorkeling gear helped us discover the underwater ecosystem, including seagrass meadows and colorful fish.” The availability of wetsuits enables swimming in cooler waters without discomfort, making this experience accessible even if the temperature drops.

Guides and Crew

The guides shine in reviews, often receiving high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to handle sometimes choppy waters. Guests repeatedly mention guides like Marie, Clementine, Julia, and Nicolas, describing them as fun, informative, and attentive. One review states, “Our skipper Marie knew all about Les Calanque and was super helpful, especially with my elderly mother in the water.” The guides’ local expertise ensures that you see the best spots and get interesting insights into the ecology and history of the area.

Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities

Thanks to the boat’s speed and the scenic stops, you’ll get plenty of chances for photos—both of the landscapes and underwater life. The onboard GoPro makes capturing these moments easier, and many reviews highlight how memorable the photos turned out. Expect wide vistas of the limestone cliffs, hidden caves like the blue cave, and underwater scenes teeming with fish.

The Experience of Swimming and Snorkeling

Multiple reviewers emphasize how much they enjoyed the swimming stops. The calm, clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, with some mentioning that marine life like scorpionfish and groupers were visible during their dives. A few reviewers noted that the water can be rough at times, so bringing a rain jacket or light layers is recommended, especially if the weather turns chilly or windy.

Food, Drinks, and Relaxation

Soft drinks are included, and many guests appreciate the refreshing drinks served during or after swimming. Some reviews mention extra perks like wine or snacks, making it a laid-back, social experience. After the tour, showers and changing rooms are available at the dock, which guests say is a nice touch after hours in the sun or water.

Value for Money

At around $92 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering all equipment, drinks, and the guide’s expertise. Reviewers frequently mention how the experience exceeds expectations, particularly in terms of personalized attention and the quality of the scenery. For travelers wanting an active, immersive day with the flexibility of swimming and sightseeing, it’s a solid investment.

Who is This Tour Perfect For?

This boat tour is ideal for those who love beautiful landscapes, water activities, and small-group experiences. It’s particularly suited for swimmers and snorkelers who enjoy exploring underwater ecosystems, and those who appreciate knowledgeable guides who share insights about the environment. It’s also great for travelers seeking a relaxed yet adventurous day without feeling rushed.

However, it’s not suitable for very young children under two years, pregnant women, or people with back problems. The tour’s active water stops and boat ride might be less enjoyable for those sensitive to seasickness or uncomfortable in choppy waters. If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, you’ll find the intimate setting and friendly guides especially welcoming.

Final Thoughts

This Calanques boat tour combines stunning scenery, engaging water activities, and expert guidance into a memorable half-day adventure. Whether you’re here for the underwater world, the dramatic coastlines, or simply to relax on a boat with a drink in hand, it delivers on all fronts.

You’ll love the personalized service, the chance to explore secluded coves, and the opportunity to take home fantastic photos. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and a GoPro adds significant value—especially considering the quality of the scenery and marine life you get to see.

On the flip side, the experience’s success can depend heavily on weather conditions, so a choppy sea might limit some stops. Still, the flexible itinerary and attentive guides help make the most of each day.

This tour is a hit with travelers seeking an authentic, active, and scenic experience in one of France’s most beautiful natural parks. It’s well worth the price for those who love water, nature, and small-group adventures.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
You can meet at either the Théâtre de La Criée, Bleu Evasion or the Le Golfe. Meeting at Port de la Pointe Rouge offers a 40-minute savings in travel time to the Calanques.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 3 and 4.5 hours, depending on weather conditions and the specific itinerary for the day.

Are snorkeling gear and wetsuits included?
Yes, both snorkeling gear and wetsuits (for colder water) are provided, making it easier to enjoy the underwater stops without extra costs.

Can I expect to swim during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour includes multiple swim stops, some lasting about 20-30 minutes. Reviewers mention how enjoyable these are, with opportunities to snorkel and explore marine life.

Is this suitable for children or pregnant women?
Not really. It’s not recommended for children under 2, pregnant women, or those with back problems, as it involves boat rides and swimming in open water.

What should I bring?
Bring your sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. A rain jacket or light layers might be helpful if the weather turns chilly or windy.

In essence, if you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and activity-filled day on the water, this Calanques boat tour offers a genuine look at one of France’s most stunning coastlines. Small-group size, excellent guides, and inclusive gear make it a standout choice for water lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.