Snorkeling on the French Riviera: Private Catamaran Cruise

A morning of sailing, then anchor in turquoise water for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and lunch.

A private catamaran cruise on the French Riviera carries up to 20 people through sparkling waters off Antibes for a full day of snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. The boat anchors between Fort Carré and Billionaires' Bay for a 1.5-hour swim stop in turquoise water. Lunch with salads, cold meats and fresh fruit is included, along with wine, soft drinks and all water equipment. A guide speaks English or French, and transport to and from the boat is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and swim stop

• Sail toward Cap d’Antibes and Fort Carré
• Anchor for swim stop at Billionaires’ Bay

The experience

The catamaran leaves from Antibes and sails for about 45 minutes toward Cap d'Antibes and Fort Carré, one of the region's most photographed sites. Once anchored in the turquoise water between the fort and Billionaires' Bay, you have 1.5 hours to snorkel, paddleboard or kayak. The boat carries two paddleboards, one kayak, fins and snorkels for everyone, so you don't need to bring your own gear or figure out what works.

Lunch happens on board (a spread of salads, cold meats, cheese, bread and fresh fruit) along with local wine, punch and soft drinks throughout the day. Coffee and tea are available too. The full day runs 5 to 8 hours depending on conditions and your group's pace. A half-day option includes a snack instead of the full meal. A guide in English or French is with you the whole time, and a van picks up your group at a meeting point, takes everyone to the boat and returns you at the end of the day.

The boat holds up to 20 people, so it stays small enough that the anchor spot doesn't feel crowded. Everything from transport to equipment to food is arranged in advance, which means the day unfolds without anyone hunting for a rental shop or figuring out logistics once you arrive.

What’s included

• Snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking equipment.
• lunch with salads, cold meats, cheese, bread and fresh fruit.
• local wine, punch, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
• van transport to and from the meeting point.
• English or French-speaking guide for the full day.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half day privateGuide in English or French · Available from 15 Apr 2027The three-hour trip spends 3 hours on board, with journeys of about 45 minutes. Snacks on board are pastries, pie, wine, homemade punch, soft drinks, water and coffee. Pickup is included.

Full dayGuide in English or French · Available from 15 Apr 2027The eight-hour outing includes lunch: salads, a cold cut platter, cold meats, cheese, bread, fresh fruit, pie and snacks. Drinks are homemade aperitif punch, soft drinks, water, coffee and wine. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Smartour Riviera

Is this one for you?Book the full day if you want the afternoon to unfold without stopping for lunch logistics. The half-day option works better if you're splitting time between land and water or traveling with young children who do better with a shorter outing.

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. No refund if you cancel.

What's the water like where we'll be snorkeling off Antibes?

The snorkeling happens in turquoise water anchored between Fort Carré and Billionaires' Bay, one of the most beautiful stretches on the French Riviera. You have 1.5 hours in the water, and the boat provides fins and snorkels.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or can I rent it?

Snorkels, fins, paddleboards and a kayak are all on board and included. Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Everything else is there.

Is lunch included, and what if I book the half-day option instead?

The full-day cruise includes a lunch of salads, cold meats, cheese, bread and fresh fruit, plus wine and soft drinks all day. The half-day option includes a snack on board instead of the full meal.

How does transport work? Do I need to get to the boat myself?

A van picks up your group at a meeting point, takes everyone to the catamaran, and returns you to the same spot at the end of the day. The pickup and drop-off are included.

Can we book this for a group, and how many people can fit?

The catamaran is private for your group and holds up to 20 people. A guide speaks English or French throughout the day.