Cannes Lerins Islands: Private Boat Tour & Snorkeling with Skipper

Summary

Private Cannes boat ride to Lerins Islands with swimming and island strolls

You’ll step onto a private boat from Cannes with a local skipper who knows every cove of the Lerins Islands. Swim or snorkel in clear water, paddle board if you’re feeling brave, then stroll quiet paths on Saint-Honorat before heading back along the Riviera coast. It’s relaxed, unhurried—you might even forget how close you are to city life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour to Lerins Islands

• Meet skipper at Golfe-Juan marina
• Cruise along French Riviera coastline
• Visit Sainte-Marguerite Island
• Swim, snorkel, or paddle board
• Learn local history and fun facts
• Stroll on Saint-Honorat Island
• Discover man with iron mask story
• Admire Cannes landmarks from sea
• Optionally visit Cap d'Antibes or Billionaires Bay
• Relax and capture moments on boat
• Return to marina

Top questions

How many people can join this private boat tour?

The tour allows up to 5 passengers plus the skipper.

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour departs from Golfe-Juan marina, a few minutes from Cannes center.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for guests to use during the tour.

Can we stop on both Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat islands?

The itinerary includes time near both islands; you can stroll on Saint-Honorat during your stop.

Are paddle boards available on this Cannes Lerins Islands boat tour?

Yes, paddle boards are provided for guests who want to try them.

Is lunch included on this private boat tour?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided but meals are not part of the package.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

Who leads this private boat tour?

A local bilingual skipper guides your trip around Cannes and Lerins Islands.

Is there an extra fee for the skipper?

Yes, there is a 200 euro skipper fee payable directly at the boat.

What’s included

Your day comes with private use of a 28ft walk-around boat including gas, bottled water for everyone onboard, all snorkeling equipment and paddle boards ready to go whenever you want them—and your own local bilingual skipper guiding you between Cannes and both Lerins Islands before returning to port later in the afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

We slid out of Golfe-Juan marina just after noon, the air thick with sunscreen and that weird mix of pine and salt you only get on the Riviera. Our skipper—Pierre—waved at a fisherman he knew (I think everyone knows everyone here), then pointed us toward the Lerins Islands. The city faded behind us, all that festival glitz shrinking into blue haze. I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel once we got moving—just the engine’s hum, gulls arguing somewhere overhead, and my friend trying to balance her hat against the wind.

Pierre started telling stories before we even reached Sainte-Marguerite Island—something about the man in the iron mask, which I half-remembered from some movie. He switched between French and English so easily it made me wish I’d paid more attention in school. When we anchored near Saint-Honorat, he handed out snorkels and paddle boards like it was nothing. The water was so clear you could see tiny silver fish darting around our toes—felt almost rude to disturb them. I tried paddling for five minutes before giving up and just floating instead. Pierre laughed when I asked if monks really live on Saint-Honorat (they do), and said they make their own wine too, but sadly no tastings on this trip.

We had time to stroll on Saint-Honorat itself—a weirdly peaceful place, honestly, with old stone walls covered in sun-warmed lichen and a handful of locals nodding as we passed by. The light kept shifting through the pines. At one point I caught this smell—rosemary maybe? Or something sharper—and for a second it felt like being somewhere entirely new even though Cannes was just across the water. On the way back Pierre let us pick our route; he seemed happy to talk or just let us zone out and watch the coastline slide past. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.