Cruise / navigation in the Lerins Islands

The best part of this Cannes outing is the two-hour stop between the Lerins Islands, where you can swim in clear Mediterranean water, paddle, snorkel, or simply stretch out under the sun. Eric and Celia host the trip from Ulysse, their 11-meter sailboat, so the mood feels personal rather than commercial.

I like the included snorkeling and paddle gear, and I like that fuel, the skipper, and the hostess are already covered in the price. The main consideration is weather: calm conditions can mean a motor-powered ride rather than sailing, and rough water may trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• An intimate boat outing: Ulysse carries a maximum of six paying passengers, creating a small-group setting with Eric and Celia.
• A long swim stop: Much of the appeal is time anchored between the Lerins Islands, not a packed island-hopping schedule.
• Swimming gear is provided: You can use the masks, snorkels, and paddleboard, but bring your own towel and sunscreen.
• Food and drinks are included: Rosé, beer, soft drinks, water, and a charcuterie snack have been provided on different outings.
• Sailing depends on the wind: If conditions are calm, the boat may use its engine for part or all of the route.
• A family-style experience: Eric and Celia live aboard Ulysse, and their young child may sometimes be on board.

Why this small Cannes boat trip works

Cannes is often viewed from the Croisette, a hotel balcony, or the deck of a large excursion boat. This outing gives you a different angle. From the water, you see the city recede behind you as Ulysse heads toward the Lerins Islands, a short distance from the mainland.

The boat is a real cruising sailboat, not a large party vessel. At 11 meters, it has room for a cushioned cockpit with a table and bimini shade, along with open space at the bow for sunbathing. You will take off your shoes before boarding, so wear something comfortable and easy to remove.

I like the small capacity here. With no more than six paying passengers, you have a better chance to speak with Eric and Celia, find a comfortable place to sit, and use the water equipment without a queue. The tradeoff is that a small sailboat can feel crowded if every place is occupied, especially when the hosts’ three-year-old child is also aboard.

Celia serves as hostess, while Eric handles the boat. Their approach is informal and friendly. They have shared stories about their plans to sail around the world, and Celia often explains some of the history of the islands along the way. This is not a formal lecture with a fixed script. It is closer to spending part of a day aboard a family boat with local hosts.

Leaving IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes

The meeting point is at IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, near Jetée Albert Edouard. This is the practical weak spot of the outing. The port is easy to reach by public transportation, but the exact boarding spot can be hard to identify because there may be no large sign announcing the tour.

Celia has sent detailed directions to some customers before the outing and meets the group at the stated point. Still, I would allow extra time and keep your phone ready for messages. Do not assume that the first sailboat you see is Ulysse.

Once aboard, you will remove your shoes. That is common on many private sailboats, but it is worth knowing before you arrive. Bring a small bag rather than bulky luggage, since deck space is limited and the boat is also the hosts’ home.

The outing lasts about three and a half hours. That gives you enough time for the journey out, a substantial stop near the islands, and the return to Cannes. It is a good fit if you want a half-day on the water without giving up an entire morning or afternoon.

The ride toward the Lerins Islands

The route is simple: leave Cannes, cruise toward the Lerins Islands, stop for time on the water, then return to the original port. You will not spend the entire trip moving from one island to another. The central event is reaching the attractive water between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat.

The ride out can be sailed when the wind cooperates. Several outings have had enough wind for Ulysse to travel under sail, which gives you the quiet, gentle motion many people hope for when booking a sailboat. On windless days, Eric uses the engine instead. That can be disappointing if sailing is your main reason for booking, but it is clearly a weather-dependent activity.

This is an important distinction. You are booking a boat trip aboard a sailboat, not a guarantee of several hours under sail. Some departures have been almost entirely motor-powered because the wind was too light. If you mainly want beautiful views, swimming, and a comfortable ride, that may not matter much. If you are an experienced sailor seeking a technical sailing session, it could be a dealbreaker.

The route also depends on sea conditions. The water can be choppy, even on a pleasant day, and one person on an outing became unwell. If you get seasick, sit where Eric or Celia recommends, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider the conditions before booking. The hosts have canceled when marine forecasts called for unsafe wind, even though the actual weather later proved milder. That caution is sensible for a small boat, but a late cancellation can disrupt your plans.

Anchoring between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat

The stop between the islands is where this experience earns its place on a Cannes itinerary. The water has appeared clear and turquoise, with fish visible around the boat. You can jump in for a swim, use the paddleboard, or try the provided mask and snorkel.

You can also stay aboard. The cockpit has cushions, a table, and a bimini for shade, while the forward deck gives sun lovers a place to stretch out. That mix matters because not everyone in a group wants the same thing. Children can play in the water, one person can snorkel, and someone else can remain dry in the shade.

The setting is beautiful, but it is not an empty private cove. At popular times, many other boats gather in the same area. You might see pizza, burger, and ice cream boats delivering to anchored vessels. That is a fun French Riviera detail, but it also means the atmosphere can be social and busy rather than silent and remote.

One unusual option is ordering food from one of these boats. Pizza has been brought directly to Ulysse, and some outings have included burgers or ice cream. Treat this as an optional extra rather than the main meal plan. The included food is generally a snack, not a full lunch.

Swimming time can make the outing feel longer than its three-and-a-half-hour schedule suggests. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to the next. The boat may remain anchored for about two hours, giving you a proper break from sightseeing.

Rosé, charcuterie, and the onboard mood

Food and drinks are part of the charm. Eric and Celia have served rosé, beer, water, soft drinks, and a charcuterie platter. The snack gives the stop a pleasant picnic feel, especially after swimming.

Do not expect a restaurant meal or a polished yacht service. This is hospitality in a personal setting. A pizza delivered hot can cool quickly if you wait to eat it, and the selection may vary. The focus is on sharing simple food while you sit around the cockpit or relax on deck.

Music is sometimes played on board, including Latin reggaeton. Many people enjoy that festive touch. If you want a quiet sail with only the sound of water and wind, tell the hosts early and politely ask them to lower or change the music. The atmosphere can shift depending on the group, the hosts’ friends, and the mood of the day.

That family quality is both the attraction and the limitation. Eric and Celia have welcomed solo customers even when no one else had booked, which is unusually generous for a small operation. They have also treated couples and families with care, offering drinks, food, conversation, and help for those worried about seasickness.

At full capacity, however, there is less personal space. A child may be aboard, friends may stop by, and the sound level may be livelier than expected. I would choose this trip for warmth and company, not for a private, silent sailing lesson.

What the $157.28 price means

At $157.28 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Cannes. The value comes from what is bundled into the three-and-a-half-hour outing: the boat, skipper, hostess, fuel, swimming equipment, and refreshments. You are also paying for a maximum of six paying passengers, rather than joining a large vessel with dozens of people.

Compared with other similar outings, this has been described as a strong value, especially for couples or small groups who want time to swim and relax without booking a full-day charter. A private boat rental would normally cost more once you add fuel and crew, while a large cruise may offer less space and personal attention.

The price makes the most sense if you use the whole experience. Swim, try the paddleboard, snorkel, enjoy the snack, and take in the views from the bow. If you only want a quick sightseeing cruise and do not plan to enter the water, a shorter harbor trip could be better value.

The best value also comes when the trip runs with a small group. One solo customer was taken out even without other bookings, but you should not assume every departure will operate with only one or two passengers. The stated maximum is six paying customers, and a full boat will feel more compact.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it to couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who want a relaxed break from city sightseeing. It suits people who like swimming, casual conversation, simple food, and a flexible day on the water.

Families may especially appreciate the paddleboard and the chance for children to jump into the sea, provided they are comfortable following boat safety rules. The hosts place clear importance on keeping people safe and hydrated.

This is also a good choice if you want to support a small family-run operation rather than book a large commercial cruise. Eric and Celia use their own boat, and the experience has the feel of being welcomed into their home.

I would hesitate if you require guaranteed sailing, dislike music, want a silent natural setting, or are very sensitive to motion. The water can be choppy, the stop can be crowded with other boats, and calm weather may turn the sailboat into a motorboat for the day.

Pack sunscreen and a bath towel. Bring a light cover-up for the ride back, and keep your belongings compact. Since you will remove your shoes, simple footwear is easier than anything complicated with straps.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The experience is often booked about 29 days ahead, so reserve early if your Cannes schedule is fixed. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity ends where it begins at the Cannes port.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The activity requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the hosts cancel for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Weather decisions deserve special attention. The hosts have chosen safety over convenience when strong winds were forecast. That is frustrating when plans change late, but it is the right call on a small sailboat.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, Jetée Albert Edouard, 06400 Cannes, France.

Where does the experience end?

It ends back at the original meeting point in the Cannes port.

How long does the outing last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join?

The activity has a maximum of six paying passengers.

Is this a guaranteed sailing trip?

No. Ulysse is an 11-meter sailboat, but the boat may use its engine when there is little or no wind.

Are masks and snorkels provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided, along with paddle equipment.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. You should bring your own bath towel and sunscreen.

Are food and drinks included?

Fuel, the skipper, and the hostess are included. Drinks such as water, soft drinks, beer, or wine, along with a charcuterie snack, have been provided. Additional food deliveries, such as pizza, may be available at extra cost.

Is the meeting point easy to find?

The port is near public transportation, but the exact boarding place may not have a clear sign. Allow extra time and follow the directions sent by the hosts.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Lerins Islands cruise?

Book this trip if you want a friendly, small-group half-day on the Mediterranean with time to swim, snack, and see Cannes from the water. The hosts, the modest group size, and the long stop between the islands make it more personal than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Go in with the right expectations. Sailing is not guaranteed, the anchorage may be crowded, and the onboard mood can be lively. For a relaxed outing with Eric and Celia, clear water, paddleboarding, snorkel gear, and included drinks, the $157.28 price is fair. For a quiet sailing lesson or a private, empty cove, choose a different kind of charter.