Cannes: Private Sailing Day to Lérins Islands & Underwater Museum

Summary

Private Cannes sailing trip with swimming, snorkeling and local flavors

You’ll take the helm (if you want) on a private yacht from Cannes, sail past famous sights toward quiet Lérins Islands coves, snorkel among underwater statues, snack on local treats or fresh pizza onboard, and maybe catch fireworks over the bay. It’s relaxed and personal — just you, your crew, and that wide blue horizon.

What’s the experience like?

“You wanna try steering?” That’s what our captain, Jean-Luc, asked as we left Cannes behind — I laughed because honestly, I’d never even touched a sailboat wheel before. But he just grinned and nudged me forward, so there I was, hands on the helm, squinting at the sunlight bouncing off the water. The Croisette looked tiny from out here. It’s weird how fast the city noise fades once you’re out in the bay — just wind and gulls and that faint salty smell.

We sailed towards the Lérins Islands (Jean-Luc called them “the lungs of Cannes” — not sure if that’s an official thing or just his way). He pointed out little coves where locals swim after work. At one spot he dropped anchor and handed us masks for snorkeling; underwater it was all shifting light and these massive statues from the Cannes Underwater Museum. I bumped my knee on a rock (classic me), but honestly didn’t care — floating there with fish darting around felt kind of unreal. The main keyword here is private sailing Cannes — and yeah, it really does feel private when it’s just your group bobbing in a turquoise cove.

Paddleboarding was next. My friend tried to show off but fell in right away; even Jean-Luc chuckled. We had snacks — olives, bread, cold drinks — sprawled across the deck while music played quietly from somewhere near the cabin (French pop, not my thing but somehow perfect). If you want more than snacks, you can order seafood or pizza delivered right to the boat. Never thought I’d eat wood-fired pizza in a swimsuit.

On summer nights they say you can watch fireworks from out here — we missed that this time but I can imagine how wild it must look from sea level. As we headed back to port I lay back on deck with wet hair sticking to my cheek and tried to memorize that sky over Cannes. Still think about it sometimes when things get loud at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private sailing cruise in Cannes Bay

• Embark on Dufour 382 sailboat
• Sail along Croisette and Palais des Festivals
• Explore wild and secret coves
• Swim and snorkel at Cannes Underwater Museum
• Use paddle and seabob on board
• Enjoy aperitif and appetizers
• Relax and sunbathe on deck
• Watch Festival Pyrotechnique fireworks at sea

Top questions

How many people can join this private sailing tour in Cannes?

The boat is privatized for up to 6 people per cruise.

What activities are included during the day trip from Cannes?

You can swim, snorkel at the Underwater Museum, paddleboard, use an underwater scooter (seabob), fish, relax with snacks and drinks onboard.

Are meals or drinks provided during this private yacht tour?

Your cruise includes appetizers, snacks, soft drinks and delivery of one wood-fired pizza; seafood platters or custom menus are optional extras.

Can children or infants join this sailing experience?

Yes—infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for families.

Is pickup included for this Cannes sailing tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the marina in Cannes for departure.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

No—it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Can I book this as a half-day or full-day trip?

You can choose between half-day, full-day or evening (fireworks) options when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes exclusive use of a 12-metre Dufour 382 sailboat with professional captain guiding you from Cannes to Lérins Islands and secret coves; all equipment for paddleboarding, snorkeling (including GoPro camera), seabob underwater scooter use; appetizers, snacks and delivery of one wood-fired pizza onboard; music throughout; fishing rods available; soft drinks provided so you can focus on relaxing at sea before returning to port together.