Lerin Islands Sailing Tour: Private Boat with Skipper

Take the helm or let the wind carry you across clear water

A private sailing excursion off the French Riviera takes you out to the Lerin Islands on a Sinbad 11.30m boat with skipper Cyril, a former merchant marine officer. The boat runs on sail alone when the wind allows, carrying snorkeling masks, a paddle, drinks and snacks; you can try steering under Cyril's guidance or spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing and listening to music on deck. Four departure options let you add a sunset with Prosecco, a fireworks show in Cannes, or extend the trip to a full day.

The Experience

Three and a half hours on the water starts at the port, where you board the Sinbad and head toward the Lerin Islands under sail. The boat carries snorkeling masks and a paddle, so you can slip into the water when you reach the islands or stay on deck to watch the coastline. Cyril handles the navigation, but if you want to try steering, he'll stand with you and walk you through it—no sailing experience needed. The atmosphere stays relaxed: there's music, an aperitif, a shower on board, and room to sunbathe between swims.

What makes this different from a motorboat is the quiet. When the wind cooperates, the engine stays off. You hear the water, the sails, Cyril talking about the sea and navigation—he's genuinely enthusiastic about it and shares that without the hard sell. The boat itself is built for this: a Hanse 370 designed to sail well in light wind, which matters on days when Aeolus (the wind god) is being stingy. If the wind drops completely, the motor gets you back on time, but the whole point is to feel the boat move under sail.

You choose your departure when you book: a standard half-day sail, sunset with Prosecco, the fireworks show over Cannes, or a full-day option that gives you more time at the islands. Fuel, the skipper, snacks and drinks come with every option. The boat holds a small group, and Cyril and Marie run it themselves—no corporate crew, no script. Return to port happens on schedule so you can plan the rest of your day.

What’s included

• Skipper Cyril and fuel.
• snorkeling masks and paddle.
• snacks and drinks including an aperitif.
• shower on board.
• option to steer the boat with instruction.

Good to know

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

Operated by Sailing trip to the Lerins Island

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to actually sail rather than ride a motorboat—the quiet and the feel of the wind matter to you. Choose the sunset option if you're staying on the Riviera a few days and want an evening on the water; go full day if you have the time and want to spend more hours swimming and exploring the islands without the clock pressing.

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Top questions

Can I actually steer the boat, or is that just something they say?

You can steer under Cyril's guidance—he's a former merchant marine officer and teaches amateurs safely. It's optional; plenty of people prefer to relax and let him handle it.

What are the Lerin Islands like when we get there?

The Lerin Islands sit off the French Riviera coast in clear water. You can snorkel around them with the masks on board, swim from the boat, or stay on deck and take in the view. There's a submarine museum nearby if that interests you.

What happens if there's no wind?

The boat has a motor as backup. Cyril will use it if needed to keep the schedule and get you back on time, but the goal is to sail—that's when the experience feels different from a regular boat tour.

Is there food and water on board?

Snacks and drinks are included with every departure. An aperitif comes on board, and there's a shower available if you want to rinse off after swimming.

Which departure option should I pick?

The half-day all-inclusive is the core experience. Add the sunset with Prosecco if you want to stay longer and watch the light change over the water. The fireworks show in Cannes works if you're timing it with the town's schedule. Full day gives you more time to explore the islands and swim without rushing back.

Do I need sailing experience or good fitness?

No sailing experience is required. The trip suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you're pregnant. Maximum weight per passenger is 130kg.