Private Calanques tour from La Ciotat: St-Cyr to Cassis

A local guide takes you to the calanques tourists miss, then ends the day on the Route des Crêtes.

Private full-day tour of La Ciotat and Cassis with a local guide born in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, customized to your group's pace and interests. You swim in secluded coves, snorkel the Mugel marine reserve with provided masks, explore Mugel Natural Park, drive the dramatic Route des Crêtes, and finish in the harbor village of Cassis. Private transport, breakfast and bottled water included. The guide speaks English and French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Calanques and Cassis

• Visit Port d’Alon Calanques
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Relax at Mugel Natural Park
• Have lunch picnic or restaurant
• Swim and snorkel in Mugel Calanques
• Optional rock jumping
• Drive along Route des Crêtes
• Stop at viewpoints for photos
• Explore village of Cassis
• Stroll streets and enjoy harbor

The experience

The day starts at Port d'Alon Calanques, a secluded cove far from crowds where the water is clear enough to see starfish, crabs, colorful fish, sea urchins and sponges on the seabed. You get masks and snorkels from the guide, so you can explore the underwater life without arranging gear yourself. The stop is built around swimming and snorkeling in a spot most visitors never find.

After the water, you move to Mugel Natural Park for a break: either a picnic you bring or a restaurant meal in La Madrague or Bandol if you prefer something prepared. The park sits on the coast with shaded paths and sea views, and it is where the day shifts from pure swimming to a mix of relaxation and walking. The third stop takes you back into the Mugel Calanques themselves, where you can swim again, snorkel the starfish-filled rocks, or jump from the rocks into the water if you want the adrenaline. The guide shapes each stop around what your group wants to do.

The Route des Crêtes closes the day: a coastal road that runs above the Mediterranean with stops at viewpoints overlooking the cliffs and coves. The light changes the color of the water throughout the afternoon, and the road itself is the finale before you reach Cassis. The village sits between cliffs and turquoise water, with a colorful harbor, narrow streets and cafés on the waterfront. You have time to walk around, take photos and soak in the atmosphere before the day ends.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport throughout the day.
• breakfast.
• bottled water.
• snorkeling masks and snorkels at two stops.
• parking fees.
• a guide who speaks English and French and was born and raised in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Infant (1 to 9 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yannis

Is this one for you?Pickup is included, so you don't need a car or arrange a taxi to reach Port d'Alon or the other stops. The guide collects you and handles the route. If you're staying in La Ciotat or nearby without transport, this private tour solves the logistics and lets you focus on swimming, snorkeling and the views.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years); Infant (1 to 9 years).

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.

What exactly is Port d'Alon Calanques, and why start the day there?

Port d'Alon is a secluded cove in the La Ciotat calanques where the water is exceptionally clear and the cliffs keep crowds away. It is where you swim and snorkel first, spotting starfish, crabs and colorful fish on the seabed with the masks and snorkels the guide provides.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. The guide provides masks and snorkels at Port d'Alon and again at the Mugel Calanques, so you can explore the marine life without bringing your own equipment.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to arrange?

Private transport, breakfast, bottled water and parking fees are included. Lunch is not included. You either bring a picnic to Mugel Park or stop at a restaurant in La Madrague or Bandol. Bring hiking shoes for the walking sections.

Can I customize the stops and activities to what I want to do?

Yes. Every tour is customized to your group's pace and interests. Whether you want more time swimming, more time walking, or to skip certain stops, the guide adjusts the day around what suits you.

What is the Route des Crêtes, and why is it the finale?

The Route des Crêtes is a spectacular coastal road that overlooks the Mediterranean with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and changing water colors. You stop at viewpoints to photograph the scenery and take in the scale of the landscape before finishing in Cassis village.

Is this tour suitable if I don't have a car or I'm staying in a different town?

Yes. The guide picks you up as part of the private transport included in the price, so you don't need your own vehicle. Pickup is arranged based on where you're staying in the La Ciotat area.