Cagnes boat trip: snorkeling Cap d'Antibes Lérins Islands

Snorkel the Lérins Islands from a small boat, not from a crowded beach

A 3-hour boat trip from Cagnes-sur-Mer takes you to Sainte-Marguerite Island and along Cap d'Antibes with snorkeling gear provided and a live guide in English or French. The group stays under 12 people, so the guide can answer questions and point out what lives in the water. You swim and snorkel at a stop in clear Mediterranean waters, then cruise past the Riviera coastline on the way back to Cros de Cagnes Harbor.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip to Lérins Islands and snorkeling

• Depart from Cagnes-sur-Mer harbor
• Discover Lérins Islands and cruise turquoise waters
• Swim and snorkel in Mediterranean waters
• Cruise along Cap d’Antibes coastline
• Return to Cros de Cagnes Harbor

The Experience

Cagnes-sur-Mer sits on the French Riviera between Cannes and Nice, and the boat leaves from Cros de Cagnes Harbor for a route that reaches the Lérins Islands — a protected natural area accessible only by water. The first part of the trip cruises through turquoise water past hidden coves and preserved landscapes, with the guide pointing out the local ecosystem as you approach Sainte-Marguerite Island. Music plays on board, and a life jacket is provided for everyone.

At the snorkeling stop, you get a mask and snorkel and slip into crystal-clear Mediterranean water to see what is below. The water is calm enough for swimmers of all levels, though anyone unable to swim cannot enter the water for safety reasons. You have time to explore before the boat moves on, and the skipper watches from above.

The return leg follows the Cap d'Antibes coastline, where you see the iconic Riviera villas and coves from the water before heading back to the harbor. The whole trip runs 3 hours. Arrive 15 minutes early; late arrivals are not accepted. There is no restroom on board, so plan accordingly.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel).
• life jacket.
• a live guide in English or French.
• music on board.
• all fees and taxes.
• the skipper's expertise.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Nissa Croisières

Is this one for you?You snorkel yourself in the water at a calm stop, not watch it from the boat or the shore — the small group size means the guide can watch and answer questions while you explore. Book this one if you want to get in the Mediterranean and see what is there, and you prefer a guided boat route over renting gear and finding your own spot on a beach.

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Top questions

What is Sainte-Marguerite Island and what will I see there?

Sainte-Marguerite Island is part of the Lérins Islands, a protected natural area off the coast of Cannes. The boat cruises past hidden coves and preserved Mediterranean landscapes to reach it, and you snorkel in the clear water nearby rather than landing on the island itself.

Do I need to know how to snorkel before I go?

No. Snorkeling gear — masks and snorkels — is provided, and the water at the swimming stop is calm. You do need to be able to swim; anyone unable to swim cannot enter the water for safety reasons.

How many people will be on the boat?

The group is capped at 12 people, which keeps the experience intimate and gives the live guide time to answer questions and share details about the local ecosystem as you cruise.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and French, so you can choose which one works for you when you book.

What happens if I arrive late?

The boat departs on schedule, and passengers must arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Late arrivals are not accepted, and no refund is issued if you miss the departure time.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No restroom is available on board, so use facilities before you depart from Cros de Cagnes Harbor.