Private Boat Tour from Menton to Monaco: Skippered Coastal Cruise

Swim in coves only boats can reach, then lunch with your feet in the water.

A private skippered boat tour departing from Menton that cruises the French and Italian Riviera toward Monaco, with multiple swimming and snorkeling stops at preserved coastal sites accessible only by water. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, towels and non-alcoholic beverages. You choose between a 2-hour excursion, a 3-hour private tour, or a 5-hour option that adds a lunch break at an Italian restaurant built into the rocks. A skipper fluent in English, Italian or French navigates the route and manages the boat while you swim, snorkel and relax in turquoise water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour along French and Italian Riviera

• Embark boat in Menton
• Cruise along Baïa Benjamin coast
• Stop at Mirazur restaurant for lunch
• Swim and snorkel in natural setting
• View old town from sea
• Follow Italian coast
• Snorkel at Balzi Rossi
• Swim in Hanbury cove

The experience

The boat leaves Menton, a border town between France and Italy once called the "pearl of France," and heads toward the Italian coast. You'll pass steep cliffs and reach Baïa Benjamin, a preserved cove with crystal-clear water accessible only by boat, where you stop to swim and snorkel in shallow turquoise water. The route then follows the sumptuous Italian coast, passing Ventimiglia's old town as seen from the sea before reaching Balzi Rossi, a snorkeling spot known for its underwater scenery. A quiet cove near Hanbury offers another swimming break in shallow water, and depending on which option you book, the day either returns to Menton or includes a one-hour lunch stop at a typical Italian restaurant with tables overlooking the water and direct boat access.

Snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, beach towels and water toys are included. You bring nothing but a swimsuit. The boat is fully shaded in summer, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided throughout. A skipper manages the boat and the route, so you focus on the water and the coastline. Small children can come along, and the tour suits all fitness levels since you're swimming and relaxing, not hiking or climbing.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and lifejackets.
• beach towels and water toys.
• non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• use of a fully shaded boat with an outdoor enclosure in summer.
• skipper fluent in English, Italian or French.
• swimming stops at Baïa Benjamin, Balzi Rossi and Hanbury cove.
• optional lunch at an Italian waterfront restaurant (5-hour option only).

Options for this experience

3 options

Two-hour private tourGuide in English, French or Italian · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00Discover the French Riviera's treasures and the Italian Riviera's secret coves on a 2-hour private tour. Skipper and fuel cost €250, paid on site.

Three-hour private excursionGuide in English, French or Italian · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00Explore the French Riviera's treasures and the Italian Riviera's secret coves on a 3-hour private excursion. Skipper and fuel cost €350, paid on site.

Restaurant Break - 5-hour tourGuide in English, French or Italian · 09:00 and 10:00Restaurant break on the Italian Riviera, with a tour of the French Riviera and its secret coves, lasting 5 hours. Skipper and fuel cost €450, paid on site.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Italian

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Dream boat charter

Is this one for you?Choose the 2-hour tour if you want the core swimming and snorkeling stops without a long time commitment. Pick the 3-hour option for more time exploring the coast and additional stops. Book the 5-hour excursion if you want to include a leisurely lunch at a waterfront restaurant accessible only by boat, turning the day into a full meal experience on the Italian side.

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between the 2-hour, 3-hour and 5-hour options?

The 2-hour Private Tour covers the core route with swimming stops at Baïa Benjamin and Balzi Rossi. The 3-hour Private Excursion adds more time on the water and extra stops. The 5-hour Break Restaurant option includes all of that plus a one-hour lunch break at an Italian waterfront restaurant accessible only by boat.

Can I snorkel on this tour, or is it just swimming?

Snorkeling equipment is included and available at the preserved sites, particularly at Balzi Rossi and Baïa Benjamin, where the underwater scenery and shallow water make it ideal for observation. You can swim, snorkel or simply float depending on what you prefer at each stop.

What is Baïa Benjamin like as a swimming spot?

Baïa Benjamin is a preserved cove with steep cliffs rising from the water and crystal-clear, shallow turquoise water. It's accessible only by boat, which keeps it uncrowded, and the seabed is protected, making it a natural setting for both swimming and snorkeling.

What should I bring, and what's provided on the boat?

Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen. Everything else is provided. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, beach towels, water toys and non-alcoholic beverages. The boat is fully shaded in summer, and you'll have access to an outdoor enclosure for protection from the sun.