Nice-Monaco boat excursion: Swim & hidden coves

Swim in turquoise coves and drift past Monaco's yachts

A 3-hour boat excursion from Nice's port heads east along the Côte d'Azur to Monaco, stopping at five coastal villages and hidden bays. You swim and snorkel in crystalline waters off Cap-Ferrat and Mala Bay, pass beneath Èze's clifftop perch, and cruise Monaco's harbor to see the Prince's Palace and Port Hercule's superyachts. A captain guides the route aboard a comfortable Black Tender.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat excursion from Nice to Monaco

• Depart from Port of Nice
• Enjoy views of Nice coastline
• Stop 45 minutes in Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Pass by Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Pass by Beaulieu-sur-Mer
• Pass by Èze and Mala Bay
• Arrive and admire Monaco's landmarks
• Return to Port of Nice

The experience

You board at the Port of Nice, the waterfront extension of the Promenade des Anglais, and set out toward Monaco with the Nice coastline receding behind you. The boat makes a 45-minute stop in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a working fishing village where the waterfront still feels lived-in. You walk the narrow alleys and sit at the seafront cafés if you want. Cap-Ferrat comes next, a green peninsula of umbrella pines and hidden villas that only reveal themselves from the water. This is where the swimming and snorkeling stop happens, in coves so clear you see the bottom.

The route then passes Beaulieu-sur-Mer's sandy beaches and Mediterranean gardens before heading to Mala Bay, where the Èze cliffs rise straight from turquoise water and a small cave opens into the rock face. Monaco's harbor is the finale: you see the Prince's Palace, the modern skyline, and Port Hercule packed with yachts that dwarf the boat. The captain narrates in English or French throughout, pointing out the villas and explaining what you're passing. The whole excursion takes three hours from departure back to the Port of Nice.

Onboard you get bottled water, life jackets and snorkeling masks. The boat is built for comfort on open water, and the stops are timed so you're not rushed through any village or cove. There's no food service, so eat before you leave Nice or pack something light.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• snorkeling masks.
• life jackets and buoyancy aids.
• captain's live guidance in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (4 to 89 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Black Tenders events

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour with a fixed schedule and set stops, so you move with the group's pace and cannot linger longer at any village. It suits a first-time visitor to the Côte d'Azur who wants to see multiple coastal towns and swim in the sea without renting a boat or driving the corniche roads.

Traveler reviews

4.31★★★★★★★★★★

59 verified traveler reviews

5 ★41

4 ★7

3 ★4

2 ★2

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during this boat tour from Nice?

Yes, there's a dedicated swimming and snorkeling stop off Cap-Ferrat and another at Mala Bay near Èze, where the water is shallow and clear. Masks are provided. Bring your own snorkel or use the one supplied.

What is Villefranche-sur-Mer like when we stop there?

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small working fishing village with a natural harbor, colorful buildings lining the waterfront, and narrow alleys that open onto the seafront. The 45-minute stop gives you time to walk through the village, sit at a café, or simply watch the boats in the harbor.

Do we actually go into Monaco, or just see it from the water?

You see Monaco from the water: the boat cruises Port Hercule, where the yachts are moored, and you view the Prince's Palace, the gardens, and the harbor's modern architecture from the boat. You do not disembark in Monaco.

What should I bring or wear for this excursion?

Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to use the swimming stops. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The boat is open water with little shade. Water and masks are provided, but snorkels are optional. The boat supplies life jackets and buoyancy aids.

How long is the boat ride from Nice to Monaco?

The full excursion is three hours from departure at the Port of Nice to return. The boat spends 45 minutes in Villefranche-sur-Mer and makes swimming stops at Cap-Ferrat and Mala Bay. The remaining time is spent cruising and viewing Monaco's harbor.